Video: Dutch Coast Guard Rescues Drifting Cargo Ship in North Sea Storm [Video]

The Dutch Coast Guard reports that shipping is being interrupted in the North Sea by a fierce storm, the fourth storm of the season to have been given a name. They have assisted several vessels including stopping a small cargo ship that was drifting toward the shore near Rotterdam after losing its rudder.

The emergency call was received mid-morning on December 7 from the Valday (2,500 dwt) a short-sea dry cargo vessel registered in Antigua and Barbuda and managed from Latvia. The ship had a crew of seven aboard and was approximately 14 miles off the coast near Rotterdam. The Dutch Coast Guard reports the vessel had no cargo aboard but had lost its rudder and was drifting after losing its anchors.

Weather conditions were making a rescue attempt difficult with waves of 13 feet (4 meters) and winds gusting between 34 and 54 knots. The emergency tug Multraship Commandermade several attempts …