Police investigators entered the "Norfolk Express" on Apr 18 after it
was docked back at the Strom Quay in Bremerhaven to interrogate the crew and the pilots of the ship in order to find out whether human error or
technical failure caused the seven-hour-grounding on the Weser.
Norfolk Express salvaged by four tugs
On Apr 18 at 4.45 p.m. the "Norfolk Express" was refloated with the rising tide, about two hours before the flood, in the first attempt. The tugs "Ems", "Elbe", "Geeste" and "Bugsier 6" pulled the ship off which was then being towed to Bremerhaven for surveys.
The ship has suffered bow damage in the grounding, also the dam was damaged by the impact. The anti pollution vessel "Neuwerk" escorted the convoy back to port.
The ship was safely docked back at the Strom Quay in Bremerhaven at 7.30 p.m., and the tugs were released.
On board the ship to the water police officials have given an overview of the damage. Assessor may be appointed. In addition, crew members will be questioned about the accident - but also pilots who were on board during the accident trip.
Ship not seaworthyThe cargo ship ran aground on a rock dam in the Weser estuary and sat seven hour limit. Tractors have finally gotten him off. The front part of the ship - the bow - was severely dented by the impact. These damage the cargo must not again put to sea, according to police. He is expected to be repaired at a shipyard in Bremerhaven.
The "Norfolk Express" was on the way from Bremerhaven to the French town of Le Havre.
The ship has suffered significant bow damage when running onto the stone dam at the edge of the fairway head-on, and will probably repaired on a yard in Bremerhaven. Actually the ship remains docked at the Strom Quay.Norfolk Express salvaged by four tugs
On Apr 18 at 4.45 p.m. the "Norfolk Express" was refloated with the rising tide, about two hours before the flood, in the first attempt. The tugs "Ems", "Elbe", "Geeste" and "Bugsier 6" pulled the ship off which was then being towed to Bremerhaven for surveys.
The ship has suffered bow damage in the grounding, also the dam was damaged by the impact. The anti pollution vessel "Neuwerk" escorted the convoy back to port.
The ship was safely docked back at the Strom Quay in Bremerhaven at 7.30 p.m., and the tugs were released.