In a dramatic incident this morning, a cargo vessel collided with the Willemsbrug in Rotterdam, resulting in five containers being shed into the river Maas. The collision occurred around 8:45 AM, and while there were no injuries reported, the incident has led to a significant investigation into the damage and the circumstances surrounding it.

According to a spokesperson for the harbor operator Havenbedrijf Rotterdam, the collision caused five containers to fall into the Maas. As of now, three of the containers have been successfully retrieved, while two have sunk and efforts are underway to locate and recover them. The spokesman confirmed that the ship involved in the incident is currently moored at Noordereiland. The captain is being questioned, with preliminary indications suggesting a possible misjudgment of the bridge’s height as a potential cause of the collision.

Eyewitnesses reported a loud bang as the ship struck the underside of the Willemsbrug. One observer described hearing a “massive noise” and a “long scraping sound,” adding, “The ship didn’t even stop. It’s impossible he didn’t notice the impact.” This account highlights the severity of the collision and raises questions about the ship’s crew’s awareness during the incident.

The Willemsbrug has sustained some damage, although the extent of this damage is still being assessed. The bridge is a crucial part of Rotterdam’s infrastructure, and the collision’s impact on its structural integrity could have implications for traffic and transport in the area.

This collision marks the second time this year that a container ship has struck the Willemsbrug. In March, a similar incident occurred when a vessel became trapped under the bridge, causing two containers to fall into the river. Such recurring incidents underscore ongoing concerns about navigational safety and the need for improved measures to prevent future collisions.

The Rotterdam Port Authority is conducting a thorough investigation into this latest incident to determine the full scope of the damage and to identify any potential lapses in safety protocols. The investigation will also focus on whether the captain’s actions were in line with standard operating procedures and if additional safeguards are needed to protect critical infrastructure.

As the situation develops, authorities are working to clear the remaining containers from the river and assess the broader impact of the collision on the local maritime and transport infrastructure.