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A dredger suffered a heavily damaged starboard side and a crushed bow after it struck a barrier of the Neeltje Jans artificial island in the province of Zeeland on Monday, November 5.
Strong currents pushed the 56-metre Eemshorn against the Oostershcelde dam while it was on its way to the Roompot lock at around 05:00 local time.
The KNRM sea rescue organisation evacuated three of Eemshorn's crew. The master had opted to remain onboard.
The onset of high tide at around 07:15 allowed Eemshorn to manoeuvre under its own power and proceed to the inner port of Neeltje Jans, all the while under guidance by tugs. The dredger berthed safely at 07:40.
The incident is currently under investigation by the local police and the Rijkswaterstaat public works and water management directorate.
