The incident took place near Buoy 54 in the main channel. When the two people on board saw that water was pouring into the bow, the skipper immediately steered towards shallower water and called for help. The Dutch Coastguard alerted the volunteers at the KNRM Hansweert rescue station.
Rescue pumps in action following a water ingress incident
At that moment, another boat passed by and ferried a rescuer across. The crew of the ‘Riet en Jan van Wijk’ brought two pumps on board to help the shipwrecked vessel. They then came alongside the stricken vessel. In Walsoorden, the harbour master helped to secure the vessel safely. Those on board suspected a collision with an unknown obstacle.
Call for help early in the event of a maritime emergency
Regardless of the as yet unknown cause, the following applies in the event of a water ingress: the crew must know who is to call for help, who is to bail out the water and who is to locate the point of ingress. The BOOTE guide with Checklists for emergencies on board Among other things, he mentions bilge pumps, readily accessible leak plugs and the inspection of through-hull fittings and stuffing boxes. Individual emergency procedures should be tailored to one’s own boat and crew.
For Dutch waters, the KNRM also explains how to alert the coastguard in an emergency: using a VHF radio, you can contact them on channel 16 under the call sign ‘Den Helder Rescue’. If you do not have a radio or app, you can also use the emergency number 112. The sea rescue service recommends wearing life jackets and remaining contactable in case of any queries.
Book recommendations
New to the team? covers basic procedures and how to behave in emergency situations on sailing and motor boats. The guide is aimed at new crew members as well as water sports enthusiasts who wish to refresh their knowledge. In addition to manoeuvres, line handling and anchoring, the content covers man-overboard procedures and emergencies. On the subject of distress at sea, it therefore provides a general foundation for crew preparation, rather than a specific guide to damage control. (shop.delius-klasing.de)
SRC and UBI VHF radio licences enhances communication at sea and behaviour in the event of a maritime emergency. Klaus Schlösser’s textbook explains the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) as well as the role of VHF-DSC, AIS and EPIRB. Clear examples, including those in English for maritime radio communications, aid understanding of radio procedures. Available as an e-book, this title is designed to aid exam preparation and serves as a reference work for everyday life on board. (shop.delius-klasing.de)
Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
