Inland Cargo Vessel Collides With Yacht On Prinses Margrietkanaal, Leaving 1 Dead

A deadly collision between the inland cargo vessel Spes-Vera and a German-registered pleasure yacht occurred on September 22 on the Prinses Margrietkanaal near Warten, leaving one person dead and another injured.

The incident prompted a major emergency response and temporarily closed a section of the canal. At approximately 2:30 p.m., the Friesland police were alerted to a collision near the Fonejachtbrug bridge, south of Leeuwarden.

The Spes-Vera, an 86-meter inland cargo barge built in 2001 and travelling from Groningen to Lelystad, collided with the yacht. The impact reportedly struck the stern of the yacht, causing it to capsize and throw both occupants into the canal.

Emergency services quickly responded, with fire brigades from multiple towns including Grou, Burgum, Oudega, Sneek, Leeuwarden, and Langweer, supported by divers, fireboats, KNRM rescue teams, police boats, and a trauma helicopter.

Firefighters and divers carried out an hour-long rescue operation. Both occupants were recovered from the water and taken to hospital. Sadly, a 69-year-old woman was declared dead, while a 76-year-old man was injured and hospitalised.

No injuries were reported among the crew of the barge. The collision caused the Spes-Vera to lie crosswise across the canal at kilometre 75, forcing Rijkswaterstaat to close the waterway to all traffic.

A rope was secured between the barge and the capsized yacht to stabilise the vessel until recovery operations were completed.

By late afternoon, the Spes-Vera was moved to a quay, reopening the canal for shipping. At the time of the accident, three vessels, including the cement tanker Admiralengracht and push boat Bo Chris Jr., were waiting due to the closure.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the collision. The captain of the Spes-Vera has been questioned, though the cause of the accident remains unknown.

The local emergency services classified the situation as “GRIP 1,” indicating a serious incident requiring coordinated action.

The Prinses Margrietkanaal is a key shipping route in Friesland, and the accident caused significant disruption. Rijkswaterstaat confirmed the duration of the closure will depend on the progress of the investigation.

References: nltimes, schuttevaer

Source: Maritime Shipping News