Dutch Coast Guard Rescues Crew from Cargo Ship Amid North Sea Storm

The Dutch Coast Guard recently faced challenges in the North Sea due to a severe storm, the fourth named storm of the season. Among their rescue operations was assisting a small cargo ship that lost its rudder and was drifting towards the shore near Rotterdam. The vessel, named Valday, had a crew of seven and was 14 miles off the coast when the emergency call was received on December 7. Despite difficult weather conditions with high waves and strong winds, the Coast Guard managed to airlift an injured crewmember to safety and secure a towline to prevent the ship from grounding.

The emergency tug, Multraship Commander, made multiple attempts to secure the drifting Valday but faced challenges, including crew injuries. Another tug, Fairplay-33, also tried but was unsuccessful in securing a towline. However, as weather conditions improved in the afternoon, the Coast Guard and other vessels continued their efforts to stabilize the situation. By late afternoon, a towline was successfully secured, and the Valday was on its way to the port of Rotterdam.

In addition to the Valday rescue operation, the Dutch Coast Guard also assisted other vessels experiencing engine problems or difficulties anchoring in the storm. Reports indicate that shipping in the Irish Sea, North Sea, and English Channel were all affected by the severe weather conditions. The Coast Guard’s prompt response and coordination with other vessels were crucial in ensuring the safety of those at sea during the storm.

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