Freighter HC Eva-Marie Seeks Shelter in Vigo Due to Storm and Cargo Risks

A freighter carrying artillery shells from Jordan to Germany sought refuge at the port of Vigo, Galicia after a cargo shift during Storm Eowyn made further navigation hazardous. The tweendecker HC Eva-Marie had 96 boxes aboard, with nine breaking loose and sustaining exterior container damage. With another storm, Herminia, approaching, the ship docked at Vigo for safety reasons. The Vigo Port Authority stated that the poor sea conditions made it too risky for the ship to continue sailing, potentially leading to cargo loss.

Due to the nature of the cargo, the HC Eva-Marie was assigned a berth at the dangerous goods pier in Vigo. The port’s own police force and the Guardia Civil were tasked with guarding the ship. An explosive cargo expert team was deployed to inspect the damage and improve cargo securing arrangements. The containers were not moved onto the pier but shifted from one hold to another for easier access and re-lashing. The artillery shells, disassembled for safe transport, were securely packed in boxes within the containers.

The coordinated response to the situation began on February 1, and as of February 5, the HC Eva-Marie remained at the pier in Vigo. The 11,000 dwt freighter, built in 2007 and owned by a German company, is flagged in Antigua. The Vigo Port Authority ensured that all necessary risk analyses were conducted, and docking conditions were set in compliance with regulations to guarantee the safety of individuals, infrastructure, and the ship itself.

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