Two crew members fall overboard after collision between two ships on the Scheldt (Antwerp)
On the Westerschelde, just across the Dutch border, a collision was made on Friday between two ships. Two crew members of inland vessel Beringzee ended up in the water, but according to the Dutch coast guard could be saved.
The accident happened around 2.45 pm on the Westerschelde near the drowned land of Saeftinghe. Beringzee Binningzee collided with container ships Nord from CMA CGM. « The Beringzee had three crew members on board, two of them ended up in the water, » says Edwin Granneman of the Dutch Coast Guard.
Various rescue ships from Antwerp and the Netherlands rushed on the spot. The Coast Guard also used a helicopter. « Everyone was brought to safety, the two crew members could now be saved from the water. A person was slightly injured, » said Granneman.
The inland navigation vessel, which was en route from Antwerp to Vlissingen, was damaged. It is now supported by two other ships. Different tugs are on site. The container ship, which had left for Dunkirk from Antwerp, will anchor. Further research must show how the collision could happen.
