The Netherlands Coastguard reported that a number of containers fell off a Handy containership in stormy seas 43 kilometers north of Ameland, one of the Dutch West Frisian Islands, on February 11.
Specifically, the containers fell from the 1,425 TEU OOCL Rauma, while the vessel was sailing from the Port of Kotka in Finland to the Port of Rotterdam.
The container ship had some trouble sailing due to the heavy weather conditions, which led to some containers falling into the sea.
The coastguard dispatched the tug AHTS Guardian and an aircraft to locate the containers. From the five containers that were lost, the three were containing included were paper and cardboard in three containers, while the authorities are investigating the remaining two containers.
Following the incident, the coast guard sent navigation warning to the shipping industry, containing the last known position of containers, given that the two containers remain at sea and pose a risk for other vessels navigating in the area.
Today, February 12, the Coast Guard reported that the seven containers, of which the last two are filled with milk powder, have been lost overboard.
Yet, the tug experienced technical issues and returned to the Port of Den Helder.
Concluding, the vessel remains lays down with the front in the wind and waits for the weather to calm down to continue its journey.
See also:
- Watch: The impact of lost containers at the environment
- Container ship loses over 200 containers in North Sea
