Uilenspiegel Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

A significant engine room fire occurred aboard the hopper dredger 'Uilenspiegel' on June 2, 2016, at approximately 9 a.m., while the vessel was navigating the Wester Scheldt estuary near Westkapelle, roughly 10 miles off the North Sea coast. In quick response, the crew successfully activated onboard fire suppression systems, while maritime rescue services promptly deployed a Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG) team via the KNRM lifeboat 'Zeemannshoop' originating from Breskens. Additionally, the rescue unit 'Uly' from the Westkapelle station was also dispatched. The dedicated crew aboard the 'Uilenspiegel' efficiently extinguished the blaze by inundating the engine room with CO2, and thankfully, there were no reported injuries. Given the turbulent sea conditions, the decision was made not to transfer the MIRG team to the vessel. After the fire was quelled, ventilation efforts commenced to ensure safety aboard. The following day, June 3, the tug 'Odin' (IMO: 9572824) arrived on the scene and towed the 'Uilenspiegel' to Damen Shiprepair Yard in Flushing, with the operation concluding around 4:15 p.m. For more details, including photos and videos related to this incident, you can visit the following Dutch reports: [KNRM Breskens Rescue Station](https://www.knrm.nl/nieuws/knrm-reddingstation-breskens/brand-op-hopperzuiger) and [KNRM Westkapelle Rescue Station](https://www.knrm.nl/nieuws/knrm-reddingstation-westkapelle/uly-rukt-uit-voor-brand-in-baggerschip).