The accident occurred on Tuesday afternoon around four nautical miles off the Frisian IJsselmeer coast near Stavorens. With wind force 6 from the west, there were apparently so many waves that the Belgian barge, which was 110 metres long, finally sank.
As the IJsselmeer is only a few metres deep at the scene of the accident, the ship quickly grounded. The wheelhouse and the neighbouring flat of the skipper's family at the stern of the freighter remained above the waterline. Around 100 metres away, the signal mast at the bow of the ship also protruded lonesomely out of the water.
The crew of three was rescued unharmed by the Dutch sea rescue organisation shortly after the accident. As there are two cars on the superstructure at the stern of the freighter, it now looks from a distance as if two cars are parked in the middle of the IJsselmeer.
Shipping should navigate carefully in the affected area off Stavoren and keep well clear of the stricken vessel. No information is yet available as to when it will be towed free or salvaged.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
