- A training sailboat was caught in turbulent wake while entering a lock in Germany.
- The vessel collided with a secured tanker, breaking its mast and injuring the skipper.
- Emergency responders freed the skipper, who is now recovering.
- All training activities were paused pending repairs and safety review.
A training sailboat was involved in a serious incident at the entrance of the Kiel Canal lock in Brunsbüttel on the evening of May 24, when it was caught in the powerful wake of a secured tanker already inside the lock, reports Marine Insight.
The strong current, created by the tanker’s propeller wash—commonly referred to as “screwwater”—pushed the sailboat off course. The vessel struck the tanker’s aft side, causing the mast to snap and trapping the skipper under the rigging.
Emergency Response and Injury Update
Local emergency services responded promptly. Firefighters used specialized equipment to carefully free the injured skipper, who had been pinned against the railing. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital with a broken rib and bruising but no life-threatening injuries. She has since been discharged and is recovering at home.
Inspection, Repairs, and Operational Pause
The following morning, maritime safety authorities inspected the damaged vessel and cleared it for navigation. It has since returned to its home port under a new skipper. However, all training sessions scheduled for the week were cancelled to allow for repairs and a safety reassessment.
Safety Review and Preventive Action
According to the operating school, situations involving strong wake within lock chambers are not uncommon, though usually without significant consequences. In this case, the impact was mitigated by large fender tires on the tanker, preventing major hull damage.
While no formal investigation is being launched by federal authorities, the operator has conducted an internal review and concluded that the skipper acted appropriately under the circumstances. When a vessel loses control and has no room to maneuver inside a lock, advancing through the chamber may be the safest remaining option, they noted.
Discussions are now underway with federal waterway officials to explore preventive measures for similar incidents. Until then, the operator has issued new guidance: do not enter a lock unless the interior conditions are clearly safe.
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Source: Marine Insight
