EuropeOperations
Norwegians wrestle control of the Eemslift Hendrika
Salvors and the local coast guard battled high winds and stormy conditions for most of yesterday, eventually averting disaster by securing a tow line to the Eemslift Hendrika, a Dutch general cargo ship that was listing and adrift after some of the boats it was transporting shifted on Monday, forcing all crew to evacuate.
“During the evening, there was a successful operation to put crew from the Dutch salvage company Smit Salvage, plus a rescuer on board the Eemslift Hendrika. They managed to connect the vessel to two tugboats — both at the bow and stern of the ship,” the Norwegian Coastal Administration said in a statement on its website.
I guess cargo did not shift. The problem was related with a hold flooded by sea water through leaking hatches. This tiny ship became unstable quick.
Hatch covers are often overlooked regarding safety.As a former MacGregor serv engineer ive seen many bad ones.