Gallery: Bulker Aground in German Bight

Image Courtesy: Central Command for Maritime Emergencies Germany

A Panamax bulk carrier ran aground in the German Bight, North Sea, in the morning hours of October 29 and all attempts to refloat the vessel have been unsuccessful so far, Central Command for Maritime Emergencies Germany (Havariekommando) informed. 

The 77,200 dwt Glory Amsterdam is aground some 2.2 km off the island Langeoog.

As explained, the grounding was caused by inclement weather.

A number of refloating attempts were undertaken on October 29. However, all of them failed due to strong winds and waves of up to seven meters, according to CCME. In addition, the waters have been too shallow for the bulker to be towed.

Greece-based Erasmus Shipinvest, the vessel’s operator, launched a further recovery operation, in coordination with CCME. Such operation must be aligned with the weather conditions, CCME said on October 30.

Currently, the technical state of the 2006-built vessel is being determined in an effort to create a new recovery plan.

CCME added that Glory Amsterdam was not loaded and sailed in ballast. At the time of the incident, 22 people were on board the ship. No injuries were reported.

World Maritime News Staff