Wandelaar-Pilot Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On August 29, 2025, the vessel 'Wandelaar' made its way from Oostend to Antwerp, with the tug 'VB Kodiak' (IMO: 9397119) ready to assist as a precautionary measure. The ship is undergoing essential repairs, including the replacement of its damaged port side rudder and engine work, at the EDR Antwerp Shipyard. Although the repair operations are underway, completing the dry-docking before the initial deadline of October 10 poses a challenge due to the extent of the additional damage that has surfaced. The origins of the rudder damage are currently under investigation following the 'Wandelaar's' arrival in dry dock. This vessel plays a critical role at the Wandelaar pilot station, where pilots are guided onto seagoing ships navigating through the North Sea and the Scheldt estuary via four tender swaths. Presently, two of these swaths are operational, while one is set for dry docking at IDP Shipyard in Ostend and the other remains on standby as a backup. Last month, the MDK introduced a new tender, a step towards integrating four replacement vessels into their operations. For further updates, check out the detailed coverage at Schuttevaer.

On December 10, 2018, at 5 a.m., a pilot vessel speedboat, identified as the 'Wandelaar', capsized, resulting in a dramatic situation for the pilot and two crew members on board. The incident occurred near the 'Wandelaar', where the three individuals were luckily rescued from the chilly waters by fellow crew members. Following their retrieval, they were swiftly airlifted to AZ Sint-Jan hospital in Bruges for medical attention. The maritime operation involved the ship 'Sirius' along with several other vessels, which responded promptly in efforts to aid the distressed speedboat.

On January 11, 2018, at 12:45 PM local time, a maritime incident occurred approximately 11 miles off the coast of Ostend in the North Sea. The cargo vessel 'Elke W', which had departed from Southampton the previous day, collided with the pilot boat 'Wandelaar Pilot'. The mishap unfolded when the 'Wandelaar Pilot' executed a maneuver to disembark a pilot at sea. Fortunately, all six crew members aboard the 'Elke W' emerged unscathed, as did the crew of the 'Wandelaar Pilot'. Both vessels sustained damage above the waterline. Following an inspection in open water to assess the damage, the ships proceeded to their respective ports. The 'Wandelaar Pilot' arrived at Wandelaar Quay in Ostend for further evaluation at around 4 PM, while the 'Elke W' continued on to Flushing for a comprehensive assessment.