Injured Crew Members Rescued Amid Fierce Storm in the North Sea
Dutch and German rescue agencies responded to a Mayday call from the heavy-lift vessel UHL Freedom during severe storms in the North Sea last weekend. Winds reached sustained speeds of 50 to 60 mph, with gusts up to 80 mph, causing significant damage and contributing to incidents, including a cruise ship colliding with two containerships in Bremerhaven. The UHL Freedom, a 150-meter vessel registered in Portugal, was reportedly carrying materials for offshore wind farms and had a crew of 25.
On October 25, while approximately 18 miles off the Dutch coast near Schiermonnikoog, the vessel attempted to weigh anchor and navigate into the waves. According to United Heavy Lift, the ship rolled violently as it faced the seas, leading to injuries for the master and second officer, who lost their footing. The company refuted claims from the Dutch rescue service regarding engine problems, asserting that the vessel did not experience any machinery failure.
The chief officer issued the Mayday call amid reports of 5-meter waves. Dutch lifeboats and a rescue tug were dispatched, alongside a German rescue tug en route. A Dutch rescue helicopter successfully evacuated the master and second officer, with the latter being treated and released from the hospital. Initially, five crew members were reported injured, but this number was later revised to three, with one not requiring evacuation.
The crew managed to stabilize the vessel and complete the anchor-weighing process before heading to the port of Emden, where the UHL Freedom has since docked. The Dutch rescue tug Guardian remained in the area during the operation.
