The Malta-flagged cargo Kaie encountered a considerable calamity off Brunsbüttel. The 89 meter long, 4161 dwt freighter Kaie, while enroute Antwerp-Frederiksvaerk, attempted to anchor on the NW-anchorage and collided on January 3 with the 114 meter long, 4300 dwt Alteland which was underway from Ceuta to Sundsvall.
The current of the incoming tide pushed the stern against the bow of the Alteland, breaching the hull. The anchor chain of the Alteland had to be cut off since it fouled the propeller of the Kaie.
The Alteland berthed in Brunsbüttel for surveys by German Lloyd prior to being allowed to proceed to Kiel for repairs at Lindenau Yard. A hole of 30×30 centimeters, 2,5 meters above the waterline, has to be welded and the lost anchor has to be replaced. The ship berthed at Lindenau Yard. The Kaie remained caught in the port side anchor of the “Alteland” close to the Elbe ferry pt. The attempts to free the vessel were postponed due to poor weather and will be resumed today.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, January 4, 2012;