Discover the Vb-Seal: Ratings & Maritime News

The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) has released its findings following the collision between the harbour tug 'VB Seal' and the tanker 'Gulholmen' on the Nieuwe Waterweg. The incident, which occurred at 01:49 a.m. on February 23, 2025, was attributed to multiple factors such as limited visibility, inadequate reliance on radar and electronic charts, and misunderstandings concerning the tug's position and responsibilities. The investigative report highlighted the divergent perceptions among the involved parties—the tug crew, the tanker crew, and the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) regarding the evolving risks associated with the situation. On the night of the accident, the 'VB Seal' was positioned near buoy 'Maas 5', preparing to assist an inbound container vessel while waiting outside the shipping channel. Unfortunately, heavy fog resulted in severely limited visibility, which played a significant role in the tug drifting off its designated position due to external forces like ebb currents and wind. By the time the crew recognized their proximity to the 'Gulholmen', it was too late to avert the collision. Visibility metrics showed alarming deterioration, dropping to less than 2,000 meters just before the incident. The Port Authority had been issuing visibility alerts through its service, but conditions rapidly worsened—starting from a clear 14,100 meters when the tug left the port at 00:30 to just 490 meters by 01:30. Notably, the fog protocol, which calls for strict operational measures under such conditions, was only activated at 01:55 a.m., several minutes after the incident had already taken place. The tug's navigation heavily relied on radar, electronic charts, and the buoy’s flashing light due to the dense fog. Despite several crew members being present on the bridge, the lack of a defined protocol for monitoring navigation instruments left the captain with the full responsibility for situational awareness. Likewise, there was a short working history among the crew, implying they lacked a cohesive operational routine that could have benefited them during this critical situation. At approximately 01:46 a.m., the captain of the 'Gulholmen' became aware of the tug's presence on radar and queried the pilot regarding its purpose. Miscommunication led to an assumption that the tug was in a safe position, awaiting another vessel. As the situation unfolded, eight seconds before the collision, the pilot asked the tug for confirmation of its intentions, prompting the captain of 'VB Seal' to realize the grave miscalculation of their location. However, the window for evasive action had closed. The report urges several corrective measures: Boluda Towage is advised to enhance crew training regarding operations in low visibility conditions, which are not sufficiently covered in current training curriculums. Additionally, the Rotterdam Port Authority should implement framework agreements with pilots and tug operators to foster safer practices during limited visibility scenarios, potentially creating flexible procedures that adapt to changing environmental conditions. Lastly, the Dutch Pilots’ Organisation is encouraged to include discussions on appropriate speed and engine performance in their training briefings to guarantee a unified approach to navigational safety in foggy conditions.

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.