Cargo ship near Schiermonnikoog again has limited engine power
The UHL Freedom again has limited engine capacity; the number of injured people has been established at three.
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The cargo ship UHL Freedom has again been operating with limited engine capacity north of Schiermonnikoog. The coastguard earlier reported that the ship had become almost unmaneouvrable after its anchor lost its hold. The number of injured people has been revised from five to three.
The UHL Freedom ran into trouble on Sunday afternoon approximately 29 kilometres north of Schiermonnikoog. According to the same broadcaster, the ship, which sails under the Portuguese flag, had 25 crew members on board and was in an anchorage when the anchor began to drag.
Because of the strong wind and high waves, the ship drifted from its position. The coastguard deployed a helicopter, an aircraft, lifeboats and tugboats. Two injured people were flown by helicopter to Groningen Airport Eelde and then taken to hospital. Their condition is unknown.
The initial reports spoke of five injured people. The coastguard later revised that number to three. According to the later information, the ship again has limited engine capacity, giving the emergency services more options for keeping the vessel under control.
The UHL Freedom is a heavy-lift vessel for project cargo. According to reports, it may be carrying components for wind farms. The coastguard has not reported any release of hazardous substances or that the ship struck a coast or shipping route.
The incident took place in stormy weather on the North Sea. The rescue operation shows why ships in bad weather cannot rely solely on their anchors: if an anchor begins to drag, a large ship can quickly move beyond its safe position. The precise cause of the engine problems and the ship’s onward route are not yet known.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- A cargo ship ran into trouble on 25 October 2026 on the North Sea north of Schiermonnikoog.
- Three crew members were injured; two were taken to hospital.
- The ship later regained limited engine capacity.
- The coastguard and rescue services carried out an operation in stormy weather.
Left
Arguments Generally emphasises stricter safety standards, better availability of rescue services and greater responsibility for shipowners towards their crew and the surrounding area.
Values Public safety, worker protection and corporate responsibility.
Consequences Considers additional oversight and investment necessary, even if this makes shipping more expensive.
Centre
Arguments Wants the circumstances to be investigated carefully and existing procedures assessed before new rules are introduced.
Values Proportionality, expertise and practicality.
Consequences Expects targeted improvements to emergency procedures, without immediately imposing broad obligations.
Right
Arguments Emphasises the continuity of the maritime sector and warns that an accumulation of rules could make Dutch ports and shipowners less competitive.
Values Economic freedom, sector responsibility and limited government intervention.
Consequences Primarily wants existing safety rules enforced and specific shortcomings addressed.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core facts were confirmed by NOS and an ANP report. Unknown details about the injuries and the subsequent handling have been explicitly presented as unknown.
- confirmed The UHL Freedom became almost unmaneouvrable north of Schiermonnikoog. — Reported by NOS and the coastguard. source
- confirmed The number of injured people was revised from five to three. — ANP report based on information from the coastguard. source
- confirmed The ship regained limited engine capacity. — Reported in the ANP report. source
Editor's note
The new development is the limited return of engine power and the correction to the number of injured people. The severity of the injuries and the ship’s final destination are unknown.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „noordzee schiermonnikoog”
- Het Parool — „noordzee schiermonnikoog”
- Trouw — „noordzee schiermonnikoog”