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Quick Action Stops OSV From Sinking at Dock in the Netherlands

OSV
The Spanish-flagged OSV reported it was taking on water as it docked in the Netherlands (ACSM Ships)

Published Oct 6, 2026 9:12 PM by The Maritime Executive

The harbor master and local emergency services are reporting that a quick, coordinated action on Monday evening prevented a Spanish-flagged offshore support vessel from sinking at the dock in Eemshaven in the Netherlands. The vessel Nautilus reported that it was taking on water as it was returning to the Dutch port around 18:30 on October 5.

The local emergency service, Veiligheidsregio Groningen, scaled the incident to a Level 1 emergency, reporting the vessel was clearly sinking with the forward section sitting lower in the water. It believed the ship was in danger of going under at its dock. The police and fire departments responded, with the harbor master organizing a rescue.

 

 

Built in 2001, the Nautilus is a 73-meter (239-foot) OSV used to support the offshore wind energy industry. Dutch broadcaster RTV Nord quoted the local authorities saying the water was entering the ship through the engine room. They believed it was a leak from a valve. 

It did not specify how much water had entered the ship or the rate of flooding. However, the ship was ordered evacuated, and two crewmembers were checked by an ambulance for minor injuries. The Dutch national waterways authority responded, placing an oil containment barrier around the vessel as a precaution in case it sank at the pier.

Within less than an hour after the first report, a follow-up said an emergency team from a private salvage company was aboard the vessel. In addition, two tugs were positioned alongside to further secure the vessel. 

Unconfirmed reports said the vessel lost power, further complicating the salvage efforts, but the salvage crew was able to pack off the leak and stop the entry of water. By 23:00, the harbor master was reporting the water ingress had been stopped. Pumping was underway, and the report said the vessel was rising.

The port authority was planning an additional investigation into the leak on Tuesday.