Squalls: Ferry collides with ships
A passenger ferry with 143 passengers on board collided with other ships in the port of Harlesiel (Wittmund district) during gale-force winds. No one was injured. The ferry from Wangerooge had arrived in the harbor on Tuesday, according to the water police. At the berth, the captain wanted to turn the ship, but was unable to do so due to the strong westerly wind. The attempt to turn the ship in the more sheltered harbor basin also failed. The ferry was pushed against a quay and collided slightly with the bow of a small fast ferry. Shortly afterwards, the passenger ferry collided with a jetty and another ship moored there.
According to the police, the bow and stern of the ferry only suffered paint abrasion. The other ships must now be inspected for damage. The waterway police in Wilhelmshaven have taken up the investigation.
Despite the weather conditions being challenging, the shipping authority decided to continue with the shipping schedules. Unfortunately, another shipping accident occurred when the ferry collided with several ships and a jetty, causing minor damages to the involved vessels.
Source: www.dpa.com
