Grimaldi ship capsizes at Antwerp

Grimaldi ship capsizes at Antwerp

The Grimaldi Lines ro-ro vessel REPUBBLICA DI GENOVA is reported to have capsized during loading today (Thursday) in the port of Antwerp

The cause of the incident is not yet clear but a port spokeman said the ship had rolled onto its starboard side in dock and had taken in water before the crew were ordered to evacuate.

The vessel carries containers and cars and is also used for freighter cruises and has accommodation for passengers.

Karel Verbeke of Grimaldi Belgium told VRT radio network that about 100 containers and cars had fallen overboard.

According to VRT the ship had just finished loading in Verrebroek dock when containers on the vessel slipped. Port traffic in the dock has been stopped and Mr Verbeke said that the authorities would be working hard to normalise the situation.

"We're doing our utmost to bring things back to normal and to clear the dock as soon as possible" he said.

The ship is currently lying on its side in the dock.

The 42,567 grt ship was built in 1988 by Fincantieri-Cantieri

Shipping Times would like to thank Remco de Zeeuw, International Marine Consultancy for the above picture. More dramatic photos can be seen at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/imcbrokers/sets/72157594576884608/show/

Picture copyright 2007: International Marine Consultancy