In the morning of Monday 5th April, 2021 the 2015 built the multipurpose ship (MPP) EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA issued distress call in Norwegian sea 60 nm west of Olesund, Norway. Reportedly, the ship developed a heavy list after cargo shift. According to local media, 8 crew out of 12 were already evacuated, understood by helicopter. Salvage ships or tugs under way. 4 crew remained on board attempting to salvage the ship.
Late afternoon the ship continued to hold on against strong wind and seas, moving in northwest direction, with 4 crew still on board, heroically doing what they can to save her from capsizing. The ship with deck cargo of boats was underway from Rotterdam, Netherlands after she arrived from Bremerhaven to Kolvereid Norway. It seems that the cargo in the holds shifted and caused heavy list. Nearest vessels to assist was the 1998 built 47 metres fishing vessel VESTSTEINEN of which she was on standby in assisting or rescue the remaining 4 crew, if things went worst.
The 2010 built 94 metre Norwegian Coastguard (KYSTVAKT) KV SORTLAND W 342 is in her position.
Later on the last 4 crew had to abandon the ship because remaining on board was too dangerous and probably, engine had to be stopped due to developing list. They jumped into water and were rescued by helicopter. By the time of writing at 1230 hrs (1030 UTC), the ship was adrift with operative AIS, drifting in southern direction.
On another note last time EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA was at the Grand Harbour, Malta discharging/loading boats was back to 30th May, 2020. She was seen 3 times in 2017; 2 times in 2018 and last one back to last year in 2020.
EEMSLIFT HENDRIKA is operated by StarClass Yacht Transport and her manager is AMASUS Shipping BV, The Netherlands.
StarClass Yacht Operations are represented in Malta by O&S Shipping – www.oands.com.mt
Watermarked Photos are by Capt. Lawrence Dalli otherwise stated. NO PHOTOS can be used or manipulated without our permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Tuesday 6th April, 2021.
