The Dutch Coast Guard stabilized and secured general cargo vessel Valday on 6 December as it was adrift in the North Sea.
The vessel, with seven crew members in ballast condition, experienced technical issues and was unable to navigate independently. The cargo ship was near the coast of Rotterdam when it faced hazardous weather conditions. Due to the deteriorating weather conditions, the vessel ended up going adrift after engine failure and losing its dropped anchors, the Dutch Coast Guard stated.
After several attempts, the emergency aid tug Multraship Commander managed to make a towing connection and tow the ship towards Rotterdam.
Furthermore, one injured individual was then airlifted to hospital by a Dutch Coast Guard helicopter for medical treatment as reported. Two more tug crewmembers sustained minor injuries in the rescue operation.
Unfortunately, three people were slightly injured in the rescue operation. I wish them a lot of strength with their recovery! It shows that working in the North Sea under these weather conditions is dangerous. I want to thank everyone who worked to prevent a bigger disaster!
…said Nicole Kuipers, Director, Dutch Coast Guard.
Two lifeboats from the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM), a police helicopter, the coast guard aircraft, the coast guard helicopters, salvage company Multraship and the tugs Multraship Commander and Fairplay-33 were involved in the rescue.
