Tanker "Sapphire" twice in accidents due to rudder failures
On Dec 12, 2014, the "Sapphire" ran aground on the Weser while approaching the port of Brake due to a rudder failure.
After the tanker veered off its course, it headed towards the property of the Water and Shipping Authority Klippkanne.
Only with a full astern-manoever the ship could be kept from running into it, but it got stuck for a time.
After the ship, which had come from Belem with a cargo of 9500 tons palm oil, was free again, it allided with a piling at the refinery in Brake which was severely damaged. The cause was another rudder failure. Only with the assistance of tugs the ship could be moored.
It was detained by the water police after the two accidents and was subject of investigations.
The master was obliged to repair the damage at the bulwark in the next port and was then allowed to sail again. The ship left Brake again on Dec 15 at 10 a.m. and headed for Rotterdam with an ETA of Dec 16.