Divers stabilise leaking research vessel in Eemshaven
Divers sealed an underwater leak on a 70-metre research vessel in Eemshaven on Monday evening, preventing the ship from sinking.
Divers sealed an underwater leak on a 70-metre research vessel in Eemshaven on Monday evening, preventing the ship from sinking.
Driving the news: Veiligheidsregio Groningen (Groningen safety region) announced shortly after 20:00 that the Nautilus had lost electrical power and was taking on water in Julianahaven.
The response:
- A private organisation pumped water out to keep the vessel afloat while two tugboats held it stable.
- Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch public works agency) deployed oil barriers to prevent any fuel from leaking into the harbour.
- Divers inspected the hull underwater and managed to seal the breach.
State of play: Authorities confirmed the ship was out of danger just after 23:00, noting that everyone on board evacuated without injury. Regional broadcaster RTV Oost reported a burning odour around the vessel, though it remained unconfirmed whether a fire had broken out.
