The captain of Glory Amsterdam, a bulker which grounded in the German Bight on October 29, is in the center of a criminal investigation for obstructing the first refloating attempts, German water police (Wasserschutzpolizei) informed.
The first findings of the investigation and witness reports have resulted in a suspicion against the ship’s command, the statement reads.
Namely, the lack of cooperation of the ship’s command with the salvage crews of emergency tugs dispatched to the scene foiled the latter’s efforts of preventing the ship getting into further trouble. This led to the ship’s stranding near the island Langeoog.
Criminal charges against the 48-year-old captain, a Chinese national, are based on the fact that his actions endangered the vessel traffic.
To secure the criminal proceedings, a deposit of EUR 9,000 (around USD 10,400) will be collected after consultation with a relevant public prosecutor.
Following numerous unsuccessful refloating attempts, the Panamax bulk carrier was refloated on November 2 and towed to the Port of Wilhelmshaven the same day.
There has been no visible damage to the ship and no pollution could be detected. At the time of the incident, 22 persons were on board the 77,200 dwt bulker.
World Maritime News Staff