SPILLAGE
Maersk Losses Containers Overboard in North Sea with Debris Washing Ashore
There are widespread reports of debris washing up on beaches along the northern part of Denmark’s North Sea shoreline after a Maersk containership lost boxes overboard. The shipping line is confirming that it learned of the incident early on Friday, December 22, and will be investigating the extent of the damage.
The authorities in Denmark are warning ships that there are likely containers and debris floating in the North Sea. At the same time, the police are warning residents not to touch anything that comes ashore.
One of Maersk’s largest vessels, Mayview Maersk (18,270 TEU) departed Bremerhaven, Germany on Thursday, December 21, and encountered rough conditions from the storm called Pia that caused widespread flooding and damage in the North Sea region. It is the same storm that damaged the Hurtigruten cruise ship Maud.
Media in Denmark is saying that at least four containers have washed ashore with possibly 42 still in the North Sea. Pictures in the Danish media show refrigerators, medical items including needles, shoes, and other consumer goods on the beaches. The material appears to be scattered across nearly 10 miles of beaches. The containers appear to be 40-foot boxes.
Maersk confirms that at least 40 containers are believed to have been lost overboard from the 213,970 dwt vessel while it was in the North Sea. Built in 2014, the ship is 1,309 feet (399 meters) in length, making it one of the largest capacity vessels Maersk operates. The vessel which is owned by Maersk is registered in Denmark.
It is unclear how many boxes are aboard. Maersk said the vessel is due to reach Gdansk, Poland on December 24, and they will begin a full inspection in daylight. Unconfirmed reports are that there are additional damaged containers on the vessel.
Maersk told the local TV station in a statement that they had hired a company to locate the boxes that were lost overboard. They said no crew was injured during the incident and that the vessel is operating as normal at this time.
Top photo by Kees Torn of Mayview Maersk in 2017 - CC BY-SA 2.0 license
Damaged Cruise Ship Maud Arrives in Bremerhaven After North Sea Ordeal
The Norwegian cruise ship Maud, which had been damaged in a fierce North Sea storm, arrived in Bremerhaven, Germany, on Saturday, December 23, after a nearly 48-hour ordeal. The passengers praised the officers and crew of the vessel for their management of the situation and the fast response by rescue vessels, although for 20 minutes passengers feared the cruise ship might founder or capsize as they were tossed powerless in the North Sea.
With partial power back but no navigational systems or radar on the bridge, the Maud (16,151 gross tons) was able to reach Bremerhaven on Saturday afternoon. She was accompanied by the ocean-going supply ship Esvagt Server (2,400 dwt) on the trip from a position approximately 120 miles west of Denmark where she was disabled by a large wave on Thursday afternoon. Initially, several Esvagt vessels operating in the North Sea went to the aid of the cruise ship while rescue services in several countries were also alerted to the situation.
Reporting on the situation on social media passengers said the cruise ship was moving under its own power at 10 knots. Friday the Esvagt vessel attached a towline to assist the Maud in turning in the North Sea but the towline parted. Later a new towline was established, but it appears the vessel was able to make better speed without the tow permitting it to reach Germany today. Previously, they had not expected to arrive in port until sometime on Sunday.
The final drama of the trip came Saturday as the cruise ship reached the Weser. While the storm had abated, conditions were still rough so it was determined to fly the port pilot to the cruise ship by helicopter. Two port tugs attacked lines at the bow and stern to help the cruise ship reach the Columbus Cruise Terminal in Bremerhaven.
Earlier reports had said all the passengers were safe but the German media reports that three of the 266 passengers aboard were disembarked and taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Passengers reported scrapes, bruises, and possibly some broken bones from when the ship was moving violently in the North Sea. One passenger was seen walking from the ship to be taken to the hospital. The other passengers are remaining aboard overnight and will be taking flights from Germany on Sunday to the cruise’s planned final destination in the UK.
Pictures in the German media show two windows on the bridge of the cruise ship boarded over. No other external damage was visible, but onboard photos show overturned furniture and decorations. Life jackets and the survival suits passengers donned on Thursday afternoon are also piled around the ship.
Media reports said that inspectors and damage teams boarded the cruise ship shortly after it reached Bremerhaven. The Maud is expected to remain at the cruise terminal until December 27 and then be shifted to the Bredo Dry Docks in Bremerhaven to begin repairs. Online comments are that the cruise ship is not expected to return to service until February 2024.
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