Read Authentic Ratings for the Ostfriesland

On April 26, 2026, at around 2:00 p.m., a significant incident unfolded at the Borkum pier involving the ferry 'Ostfriesland'. During the boarding process, a technical failure caused the ramp to tilt, resulting in it sliding off the pier. This unfortunate malfunction left three women, all in their 70s, falling approximately 1.5 meters into the chilly 10-degree Celsius waters below. Thankfully, the crew acted swiftly, employing slings to rescue the passengers from the water. Two of the women, although unharmed, were taken to Emden Hospital for precautionary measures and were discharged later that same evening. The third passenger chose to continue her journey to Borkum. In response to the incident, the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the Transport Sector (BG Verkehr) mandated additional safety protocols, including enhanced securing of the ferry with extra ropes. The Emden Water Police Station has since initiated further investigations, with the ferry operator offering full support throughout the process.

On December 28, 2025, the 'Ostfriesland', a ferry with a capacity of 178 passengers, faced an unexpected engine failure while traversing the waters between Borkum and Emden. Thanks to the vessel's quick response, the crew managed to drop anchor outside the busy shipping channel, ensuring safety for everyone on board. Using onboard equipment, the team skillfully repaired the technical defect, allowing the ferry to resume its journey to Emden without any further issues. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among passengers, and the incident had no negative impact on the surrounding environment.

On the evening of September 27, 2019, the passenger ferry 'Ostfriesland,' carrying 156 individuals, experienced an unexpected engine failure while traveling from Borkum to Emden. The incident occurred at around 6:45 p.m. as the vessel was positioned near the Ems-Pier at the Geise Dam. Fortunately, the crew acted swiftly, restoring engine functionality within 15 minutes. The ferry then successfully proceeded to the Emden port under its own propulsion, reaching its destination around 7 p.m. Following the incident, the 'Ostfriesland' was temporarily detained for investigations but was subsequently released on September 28.

On June 6, 2017, at approximately 1:05 PM, the ferry 'Ostfriesland', arriving from Borkum, was involved in an allision with a loading bridge in the port of Emden. Strong gusts of wind unexpectedly altered the vessel's course while navigating through the basin, leading to the collision with the bridge. As a result of the impact, two bollards attached to the bridge were torn away. Following the incident, the loading bridge became inoperable. Fortunately, the ferry sustained only minor damages. In response to the situation, the water police in Emden initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the allision.

On May 9, 2017, the ferry 'Ostfriesland' experienced engine malfunctions, prompting her removal from the Borkum-Emden route. In her absence, the ferries 'Westfalen' and 'Groningerland' stepped in to maintain service continuity. Throughout the day, 'Ostfriesland' underwent operational trials in the Ems waters, ultimately docking at the Borkum Quay within Emden's outer port at approximately 8 p.m.