World · Europe · 12 hrs ago
UHL Freedom regains power after drifting in North Sea storm
The cargo ship UHL Freedom drifted nearly out of control in a North Sea storm after its anchor failed and engine problems reduced its power.
The ship was north of the Dutch island of Schiermonnikoog, and three of its 25 crew members were injured.
Two injured crew members were flown to a hospital in Groningen, while medical staff also went aboard by helicopter.
Rescue boats and aircraft were sent to help, and two emergency tugs were called in.
The ship began sailing on its own again with limited engine power later that day, and the rescue boats returned.
The Dutch coast guard said the ship's owner would decide where it went next, while a Dutch tug remained nearby in case help was needed.
The vessel was carrying heavy cargo, including wind turbine blades, and had been bound for the port of Emden in Germany.
The cargo ship UHL Freedom regained the ability to sail on its own after losing steering in the North Sea.
It resumed sailing at 18:35 with limited engine power, according to the Dutch Coast Guard.
The ship had lost its anchor’s hold and then developed engine problems.
Three of its 25 crew members were injured, and two were flown to a hospital in Groningen.
Rescue boats returned after the ship began moving again, while the Dutch tug Guardian remained nearby.
- Who
- The cargo ship UHL Freedom and its 25 crew members.
- What
- The ship lost steering after its anchor failed and engine problems followed, then resumed sailing with limited engine power. Three crew members were injured.
- When
- October 25, 2026. It became nearly uncontrollable around 13:30 and sailed independently again from 18:35.
- Where
- The North Sea, north of Schiermonnikoog. Bild reported the incident about 30 kilometres west of Borkum.
- Why
- The anchor lost its hold on the seabed, and engine problems limited the ship’s power.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The UHL Freedom became nearly uncontrollable after its anchor lost its hold and engine problems followed.
German sea rescuers were informed of the incident by the Dutch Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
The ship began sailing independently again with limited engine power.
Rescue boats returned, while the Dutch tug Guardian remained nearby in a standby position.
- Ship
- UHL Freedom, a cargo ship under the Portuguese flag
- Crew
- 25 members; three were injured
- Length
- Nearly 150 metres
- Sailing resumed
- 18:35 on October 25, 2026
- Location
- North Sea, north of Schiermonnikoog
4 sources
What people are saying
Where the ship is sailing now is up to the ship’s shipping company
The casualty vessel was drifting with the wind and current. Due to engine problems, only limited engine power was also available.