Offshore Supply Vessel Collides with Offshore Wind Turbine Foundation, Injuring Crew
Glomar Offshore’s offshore supply vessel, Glomar Venture, was involved in a collision with the foundation of an offshore wind turbine in the Dutch North Sea, resulting in injuries to two crew members. The incident occurred on April 20, prompting a distress call for medical evacuation from Glomar Offshore to the Royal Dutch Sea Rescue Society (KNRM) at approximately 7.00 am local time.
KNRM swiftly responded by dispatching its lifeboat, Irene & Henk, along with the vessel Koen Oberman (Callantsoog) to provide assistance to the injured crew members aboard Glomar Venture. Reports from Dutch media indicate that the collision took place at an unspecified offshore wind farm in the North Sea.
Following the assessment of the crew members’ medical condition, the two injured individuals were evacuated to Den Helder using the Joke Dijkstra rescue boat. An official investigation into the incident is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Occurrences like these serve as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by maritime operators in the offshore industry. Safety measures and protocols are crucial in ensuring the well-being of crew members and the prevention of accidents at sea.
As the offshore wind sector continues to expand, with more installations being deployed in various regions, it is essential for vessel operators to maintain vigilance and adherence to safety regulations to mitigate the potential for incidents such as collisions with offshore structures.
Glomar Offshore and other industry stakeholders are expected to cooperate fully with the investigation to identify the causes of the collision and implement any necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Our thoughts are with the injured crew members for a speedy recovery, and we emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety and diligence in all maritime operations to safeguard lives and protect the marine environment.