Megamax Container Ship Singapore Express Collides with Fishing Vessel Stella Polaris off Terschelling

The 24,000 TEU megamax container ship Singapore Express collided with the Dutch-flagged fishing vessel Stella Polaris (IMO 8700802) at approximately 0100 GMT on May 21 in a crossing situation north of Terschelling in the Dutch traffic separation scheme. One crew member aboard the fishing vessel sustained minor injuries.

Singapore Express was making seven to eight knots eastbound, departing Rotterdam for Hamburg, when it struck the Stella Polaris, which was making nine knots southbound at the time of impact. The collision crushed the fishing vessel's wheelhouse down by several feet and caused significant damage to the bow. Despite the severity of the damage, Stella Polaris remained afloat.

The stricken fishing vessel was initially escorted by her sister vessel UK-24 before being taken under tow by a salvage tug. Stella Polaris arrived at Harlingen at 2100 on May 21. Singapore Express sustained no reported damage and continued to Hamburg.

Dutch maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the collision.