Traditional sailing ship: The "Ethel of Brixham" breaks up during salvage
Lasse Johannsen
· 16.02.2026
According to the Elbe-Nordsee Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA), work began on Friday, during which the contracted company's workboats were brought into position as planned. In preparation, the masts of the "Ethel" had already been removed and loose parts of the ship secured.
Broken during recovery
As the tide rose, the actual salvage of the stricken vessel began the following day in the morning. The ship was lifted with the help of the grab of the floating crane. However, the hull broke into two parts in the process, which could be placed on a pontoon one after the other in a controlled manner. According to the WSA, the tanks remained undamaged during the entire operation, meaning that there was no water pollution.
All wreckage removed
Later, with the onset of low water, a final search was carried out for any remaining wreckage. The pontoon with the wreckage of the traditional sailing ship was then transported to Cuxhaven. This completed the salvage operation.
Danger averted
From the point of view of the Elbe-North Sea Waterways and Shipping Authority, the measure was carried out professionally and successfully by the contractor. The danger to shipping and the environment posed by the damaged vessel has been completely eliminated.
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Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
Born in Kiel, grew up on the water and on board, trained as a sailor in the club and sailing on the North and Baltic Seas. After school, navy and legal training, he worked as a trainee at YACHT from 2007-2009 in the Panorama department, which he now heads. He is also responsible for the special edition of YACHT classic, has published several books with Delius-Klasing and is deputy editor-in-chief of YACHT. Johannsen is an enthusiastic cruising sailor on his own keel and an active supporter of the German classic boat scene.
