MSC Rachele Runs Aground

MSC’s containership Rachele has run aground on a sandbank in Western Scheldt (Westerschelde) estuary off Terneuzen, a city in the southwestern Netherlands, the Zeeland Veilig website reported.

The Panamanian-flagged vessel was en route toward Antwerp when it got stranded, according to Marine Traffic data.

The ship’s last visited port was Valencia, the data shows.

Shipping to large vessels toward Antwerp via the route has been obstructed due to the grounding.

Six tugs have been dispatched to the scene to assist the vessel break free.

According to the most recent update by Zeeland Veilig, the ship is being towed slowly to an anchorage area in Terneuzen, where the vessel will be inspected for damages.

The cause of the grounding is unknown.

Information on the safety of the crew and state of the cargo have not been disclosed yet.

World Maritime News Staff