Discover the Vb-Seal: Ratings & Maritime News

On August 22, the Shipping Disciplinary Board handed down a €600 fine to the captain of the tugboat 'VB Seal' after a collision incident involving the oil tanker 'Gulholmen' (IMO: 9435703) that occurred on February 23. At the time of the incident, the 'VB Seal' was anchored near buoy Maas 5, awaiting the approach of the container vessel 'Maersk Iowa'. Unfortunately, due to thick fog, the tugboat drifted unknowingly, straying from its position and intersecting the path of the incoming 'Gulholmen'. The collision resulted in the tug taking on water and being pushed towards the shore by surrounding vessels, leading to a significant CO2 release that caused several onboard individuals to become ill. The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) criticized the captain for not adequately utilizing the radar system to monitor the vessel's position. The Disciplinary Board supported this perspective, indicating that while the radar was operational, the captain failed to verify whether the 'VB Seal' was holding its position, which could have averted the incident. The captain, who retired just three days post-incident, defended his actions by stating he exercised due diligence and had no prior issues with regulatory bodies. He also suggested that negligence may have been present among other individuals involved, particularly the pilot and crew of the 'Gulholmen', and requested leniency in the form of a mere warning. However, the Disciplinary Board dismissed this appeal, emphasizing that the potential risk to the crew’s safety was substantial and that the captain had significantly neglected his duty of care. The fine of €600 is required to be settled within a three-month period.

Early in the morning on February 23, 2025, a maritime incident occurred in the Caland Canal near the Europoort of Rotterdam involving the tugboat 'VB Seal' and a chemical tanker registered under the Marshall Islands flag. The collision led to a dangerous breach, causing water to enter the tug, which began to list significantly to its starboard side. In response to the emergency, the seagoing vessel, along with two other ships, worked quickly to push the distressed tug against the quay, stabilizing it temporarily. However, this rapid maneuvering resulted in a considerable acceleration of the tug’s engines, releasing a large volume of carbon dioxide exhaust fumes that infiltrated the vessel. As a consequence, six crew members aboard the 'VB Seal' experienced respiratory issues due to elevated CO2 levels. Four ambulances promptly arrived at the scene, transporting four of the affected individuals to nearby hospitals where they were reported to be in stable condition. The remaining two were treated on-site by medical personnel. Following the incident, the tug received proper ventilation to mitigate any further risks, and portable pumps were deployed to remove the excess water, aiding in the stabilization effort. Emergency services, including the Port Authority and HEBO Maritiemservice with the assistance of the tug 'Hebocat 7', were heavily involved in the response. Investigations into the cause of the collision are currently underway. By the next day, February 24, the 'VB Seal' was secured in position N 51° 58' N 004° 07' E with the tug 'VB Tiger' (IMO: 9454888) alongside for stabilization, subsequently supported by the 'VB Beagle' (IMO: 9816359). More details can be found in the following reports with accompanying images: https://mediatv.nl/nieuws/nieuws/28090/sleepboot-lek-na-aanvaring-6-mensen-onwel-bij-hulpverleningsactie-calandkanaal-europoort-rotterdam https://www.tugspotters.com/app/content/2025/02/vb-seal-vb-tiger-vb-beagle-hebo-cat-7/# https://www.dehavenloods.nl/nieuws/algemeen/57284/zes-personen-onwel-na-botsing-sleepboot-met-zeeschip-bij-euro

An investigation has commenced by the Dutch Safety Board following a significant maritime incident involving the tug 'VB Seal' and a chemical tanker that occurred in the New Waterway of Rotterdam on the early morning of February 23. The vessel, identified under the flag of the Marshall Islands, has prompted the investigation as the Marshall Islands' authorities act as a 'state with a significant interest' in this case. The collision unfolded in thick fog, resulting in the tug sustaining damage that led to a leak in its accommodation area. In an effort to prevent the vessel from sinking, the onboard crew activated the emergency fire pumps and, as a safety measure, other vessels assisted in navigating the 'VB Seal' onto a shallow area. Unfortunately, the emergency measures produced exhaust fumes that infiltrated the accommodation block, leading to six crew members feeling unwell. As a precaution, four individuals were transported to the hospital for further observation; they were later discharged to return home. The investigation is set to uncover further details surrounding this incident and its implications for maritime safety.