Reviews & Ratings for the River-Drone-4

An oil spill incident on the Albert Canal, situated near the lock complex in Olen, continues to show remnants of contamination as of August 24. Aerial photographs taken four days post-incident reveal the lingering oil film following the discharge of approximately 10 tons of oil from the vessel 'River Drone 4'. While a major cleanup operation involved absorbent materials and extraction systems, a film of oil remains visible on the canal's surface. Drones were utilized to assess the extent of the contamination, emphasizing the complexity of completely eliminating the spill. Experts note that while it is challenging to eradicate all traces of oil, the residual quantity is deemed minimal and is expected to evaporate naturally over time. Furthermore, scientists suggest that the persistent film could also be influenced by existing blue-green algae pollution in the area. The 'River Drone 4' was subsequently docked at Verrebroek Dock in Antwerp on August 25. For a detailed report and images, please visit: https://www.rtv.be/economisch-nieuws-actualiteit-en-nieuws/oliespoor-op-albertkanaal-olen-nog-goed-te-zien-niet.

On the evening of August 20, 2025, an unfortunate maritime incident occurred when the vessel 'River Drone 4', navigating from Antwerp to Limburg, suffered hull damage during its transit through the lock of the Albert Canal in Olen. A sizeable breach, approximately 15 centimeters in diameter, was detected near a fuel tank, leading to the release of around 10 tons of gas oil into the canal's waters. The spill quickly expanded, creating a visible slick that covered several kilometers, primarily affecting the west bank of the canal. Local fire department teams promptly responded to the crisis, managing to bring the situation under control despite the extent of the spill. A noticeable layer of oil was reported stretching from the Olen lock to the Olen-Hoogbuul bridge, affecting a distance of two to three kilometers. In response, the Brabo company was enlisted to assist in containment and removal efforts that began around midnight, successfully mitigating the risk of oil reaching the port of Antwerp. Containment measures established by Brabo involved vacuuming sludge from five designated zones. In conjunction, cleaning operations were conducted around the lock throughout the night. Meanwhile, shipping traffic was halted on the Albert Canal between Olen and the adjacent Ham, with the 'River Drone 8' (MMSI: 205568290) stationed at coordinates 51° 09' N 004° 53' E for the remaining oil extraction. Residents in nearby municipalities reported an odor nuisance, raising concerns about the potential impact on drinking water sourced from the Albert Canal by the Antwerp drinking water company, Waterlink. Fortunately, containment measures at the Olen lock effectively addressed the immediate threat posed to the water supply. By August 21, cleanup efforts were expected to continue, utilizing small boats and floating oil booms to remove the majority of the contaminants from upstream waters. As cleanup progressed, most of the heavily affected areas around the vessel were nearing completion, with the remaining oil being transported to the lock complex for easier extraction. Initial cleaning of one of the three locks, the push barge lock, was already underway overnight, while the northern and central locks awaited attention. Some residual oil was still noted along the riverbanks. In light of the incident, the maritime police have initiated an investigation, conducting interviews with the ship's captain to determine the cause of the accident. The situation remains closely monitored as all efforts are directed towards restoring the Albert Canal to its normal state. For detailed visual updates, view reports with images and videos at the following links: [HLN](https://www.hln.be/olen/vrachtschip-lekt-10-000-liter-olie-op-albertkanaal-in-olen-de-opruimingswerken-duren-vermoedelijk-nog-tot-vanavond~af1926c5/), [NOS](https://nos.nl/artikel/2579339-olie-gelekt-in-kanaal-belgie-mogelijk-gevaar-voor-drinkwater-antwerpen), [HBVL](https://www.hbvl.be/regio/antwerpen/kempen/lek-in-schip-veroorzaakt-kilometerslang-oliespoor-van-10.000-liter-in-albertkanaal-scheepvaartverkeer-blijft-gestremd/84944613.html), [Nieuwsblad](https://www.nieuwsblad.be/regio/antwerpen/kempen/olen/lek-in-schip-veroorzaakt-kilometerslang-oliespoor-van-10.000-liter-in-albertkanaal-scheepvaartverkeer-blijft-gestremd/84938507.html), [Flows](https://www.flows.be/binnenvaart/2025/08/binnenschip-lekt-10-000-liter-stookolie-in-albertkanaal/).

On August 21, 2023, at 2 p.m., commercial navigation on the Albert Canal resumed between Kwaadmechelen and Olen following the successful cleanup of an oil spill caused by the vessel 'River Drone 4'. The oil leak had been confined to five designated areas where crews performed vacuum operations to extract the sludge. Visible oil film stretched approximately two to three kilometers from the Olen lock to the Olen-Hoogbuul bridge, prompting immediate action from Brabo Maritime Services, who led the cleanup efforts. Specialized machinery filtered the contaminated water, successfully removing the oil. In a precautionary measure, Mars Food suspended production at its Olen factory due to the leak’s strong odor, which posed risks to their employees and products. The Olen facility is involved in the cleaning, precooking, and packaging of unprocessed, dry rice for the Ben's Original brand, with rice sourced primarily from Spain and Italy via barge. As of August 22, the 'River Drone 4' remained docked in Olen. For more detailed coverage and photos, visit the relevant reports here: [VRT News Report 1](https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/20/10-000-liter-stookolie-gelekt-in-albertkanaal-in-olen/) and [VRT News Report 2](https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2025/08/21/nederlands-schipperskoppel-ligt-al-vast-sinds-gisterenavond-aan/).