A total of 12 crew members onboard the Dutch general cargo ship EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA were safely evacuated, after the vessel developed a heavy list off Norway, Monday.
[smlsubform prepend=”GET THE SAFETY4SEA IN YOUR INBOX!” showname=false emailtxt=”” emailholder=”Enter your email address” showsubmit=true submittxt=”Submit” jsthanks=false thankyou=”Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list”]
The heavy-lift vessel was en route from Bremerhaven to Kolvereid, Norway, carrying a cargo of boats, when it issued a distress signal in the morning of 5 April, in Norwegian sea 60 nm west of Olesund, Norway. Reports say the ship suffered a cargo shift which led to its heavy list.
As a result, 8 crew out of 12 were evacuated by helicopter. Another 4 crew remained onboard attempting to prevent capsizing. The fishing vessel FV VESTSTEINEN also headed to the scene for help.
However, several hours later and amid heavy weather, the situation became more dangerous and the last four crew members also had to abandon the ship. They jumped into the water and were rescued by helicopter.
As of 0400 UTC Apr 6, the ship was drifting in southern direction. One person reportedly sustained injury and was transferred to hospital. The Norwegian Coastal Administration and the shipping company are reportedly working on a plan for the vessel.
