Tragic Incident as Tanker-Barge Nieuwe Maas Runs Aground in the Waal

On the night of November 9, a serious incident took place when the 110-meter-long self-propelled tanker barge, Nieuwe Maas (MMSI: 244316022), ran aground in the Waal River while it was heading toward Rotterdam, Netherlands. The accident occurred after the vessel’s captain experienced a medical emergency, causing it to become stuck on a crib near Vuren, a small town in the Netherlands.

The Nieuwe Maas suffered significant damage to its hull, particularly the bow, after crashing into the crib. Local emergency services, including the fire brigade, quickly responded to the scene. When they reached the tanker barge, they found the captain unresponsive. Despite their efforts to revive him, the fire fighters were unable to save him. Authorities later confirmed that the captain had passed away from natural causes.

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The vessel remained stuck on the crib overnight, but the following morning, it was successfully pulled off and refloated. No pollution or oil spills were reported as a result of the incident. The Nieuwe Maas was then taken to a nearby shipyard for necessary repairs.

This incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those working in the maritime industry. Although the loss of the captain was a tragedy, the quick response by local emergency teams helped ensure that the situation did not escalate further. The authorities have now completed their investigation and continue to monitor the condition of the vessel.