Accident report on the sinking at Esbjerg

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The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board has prepared a report on the sinking of the small tug boat Diver Master, which sunk on August 4th 2014. The tugboat capsized and sank near Esbjerg, as it was towing the large Russian training ship Kruzenstern out of the harbor

The school ship Kruzenstern was to depart early from The Tall Ships Races 2014 in Esbjerg August 4th at 17:30 p.m. The event did not end until the next day, but Kruzenstern had to attend a different arrangement. Because of a fireworks show that night, the port was set to close at 18:00 p.m.

The tug boats Svitzer Helios and Svitzer Trym were supposed to assist Kruzenstern on departure. As the departure time approached, it was uncertain whether Svitzer Trym could make it on time as it was completing another task. It was then agreed that the smaller tug boat the Diver Master would take its place.

The driver of Master Diver lost control of the boat, which ended up being pulled by its own towline.

The tug boat hit the side of Kruzenstern where it capsized and sank due to flooding.

The Diver Master was rescued after the accident, but has not been put into operation again. The owner and operator, at the time of the accident, is no longer the owner of the company.

Source: The Danish Maritime Accident Investigation Board