Working Conditions Aboard the Wagon-B

On June 9, 2026, the vessel 'Walton' was detained in the port of Varna due to a staggering total of 13 deficiencies, with eight categorized as serious violations warranting immediate detention. Key issues identified included the absence of a Continuous Synopsis Record, failure to pay crew wages, compromised fire safety measures including unsafe fire doors, and unapproved maintenance of fire protection systems. Furthermore, the ship lacked proper control over enclosed space entry and rescue drills, while its inflatable liferafts were found to be inadequately marked. There was also a deficiency related to the establishment of a shared language onboard, alongside missing documentation for the Ballast Water Record Book, raising significant concerns over pollution prevention practices. After addressing these critical issues, the 'Walton' was released from detention on June 11, 2026, and is currently anchored off the Varna port at coordinates 43° 09' N 028° 18' E.

On December 13, 2020, at 07:40 a.m., the vessel 'Brufjell,' while navigating from Mo i Rana to Gunness, experienced a steering gear malfunction approximately 12 miles northeast of the Farne Islands, specifically at coordinates 55°45'00" N and 001°26'00" W. Maintenance crews determined that the oil pump required replacement to resolve the issue. After completing the necessary repairs, the 'Brufjell' continued on its journey with an updated estimated time of arrival set for December 14 at 7:30 p.m.

On March 8, 2019, at 8 p.m., the cargo vessel "Brufjell" experienced a critical engine malfunction while sailing in the busy shipping lane between Terschelling and the German Bight, specifically at the coordinates 53 39 06.0 N, 5 24 12.0 E. The ship was en route from Eemshaven to Moerdijk in ballast when it became incapacitated, drifting under no command (NUC). Efforts by the crew to rectify the engine issues were unsuccessful, prompting the call for assistance from the emergency tug "Guardian." Amidst tumultuous weather conditions, the towage operation successfully progressed at a speed of 5.5 knots towards Eemshaven, reaching the port by 11:35 a.m. on March 9. Upon arrival, the tugs "Waterstroom" and "Waterstraat" took charge, facilitating a safe berth for the troubled vessel in Juliana Port. The emergency tug "Guardian" subsequently returned to its operational position at 4:25 p.m. For further details, Dutch reports with images can be found at: https://www.eemshavenonline.nl/scheepvaart/kustwachtsleper-guardian-sleept-schip-met-problemen-naar-de-eemshaven/