The Rix-Baltic: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On February 9, 2020, the 2,999 gross ton freighter 'Celtic Freedom' (IMO: 9250414) experienced a critical engine failure while navigating the Kiel-Holtenau roads while en route to the Kiel Canal locks from Klaipeda. In a desperate measure to stay afloat, the crew dropped anchor, but fierce gale force winds rendered their efforts ineffective, and the vessel began to drift. By 5 p.m., the 'Celtic Freedom' had drifted into a designated exclusion zone near Kiel-Friedrichsort, prompting the call for emergency support. The tugboat 'Bülk' promptly arrived on the scene and established a towing connection to maneuver the ship back to safer waters. Additional assistance was provided by the tug 'Falckenstein,' and by 6:20 p.m., the freighter was secured at Lindenau Yard in Kiel-Friedrichsort. The following morning, local authorities initiated an investigation aboard the vessel, interviewing the crew about the incident. After thorough inspections and necessary repairs, the 'Celtic Freedom' set sail again on February 10 at 4 p.m., heading towards Bromborough with an estimated arrival time of 5:30 p.m. on February 14. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there was any damage to the Navy's demagnetization system due to the incident. For further details, check the German report with images here: https://www.kn-online.de/Kiel/Wasserschutzpolizei-untersucht-Havaristen-Celtic-Freedom.

In the early hours of May 16, 2013, around 2 a.m., a significant maritime incident unfolded in the Kiel Canal, impacting the 'Arklow Rally'. The Liberian container ship 'Thetis D', traveling eastbound, was reported to have been moving at a high speed, leading to distressing repercussions for the nearby vessel. As the 'Thetis D' navigated the canal near the inner port of Brunsbuttel, its wake caused substantial movement of the 'Arklow Rally'. This resulted in the severing of four stanchions and the breakage of two lines, alongside damage to both a loading arm and a gangway at the Holcim company's quay facilities. The unforeseen shift led to a halt in the loading operations as the loading arm was forcibly detached from the ship. The container ship 'Thetis D' continued its journey towards Kiel without delay. In the aftermath, authorities launched an investigation into the actions of the 'Thetis D's captain, who was required to provide a safety guarantee upon the vessel's arrival at the Holtenau lock around 10 a.m. Meanwhile, the investigation conducted by the water police in Brunsbuttel proceeded to assess the extent of the violations. Later that same morning, the 'Arklow Rally' resumed its course, setting sail towards England despite the earlier disruptions caused by the speeding container ship.