Cargo Vessels Collide Off Denmark, No Injuries Reported

A maritime accident took place on the night of August 4th in the Samsø Bælt near the Hatter Barn reef in Danish waters, involving the Singapore-registered container ship Maersk Gironde and the Liberia-flagged car carrier SFL Composer. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or environmental pollution.

Both ships sustained visible structural damage above the waterline. The SFL Composer, measuring 199 meters in length, was struck on its port side near the stern, leaving a large indentation and a long gash stretching nearly halfway down the hull. The 292-meter Maersk Gironde also suffered hull damage, though less extensive in comparison.

Despite the collision, both vessels remained seaworthy. The Maersk Gironde diverted to Fyns Hoved for safety checks, while the SFL Composer anchored off Sejerø.

Danish maritime authorities detained both vessels for detailed inspections, including underwater surveys conducted by divers to verify whether any of the damage extended below the waterline. Following the assessments, the SFL Composer was taken under tow by two Svitzer tugs, Edda and Trym, to a shipyard for further evaluation and possible repairs.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.