Two Killed in Steel Unloading Tragedy in Rotterdam Port

A tragic accident took place on June 19th aboard the inland cargo vessel Ronny-O, docked at Waalhaven in the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Around 7:45 a.m. local time, the fatal incident occurred inside the ship’s cargo hold during the unloading of steel plates by workers from Steinweg, a transshipment firm based in Rotterdam. The operation was underway at Terminal C of the Steinweg-Handelsveem site. The accident claimed the lives of two workers and left two others with serious injuries.

Emergency responders were quickly on the scene. A skipper from a nearby vessel reportedly gave immediate first aid, while fire services, police, and a trauma helicopter followed shortly after. Resuscitation was attempted, and the injured individuals were lifted from the hold using a crane.

Preliminary information suggests the victims may have been trapped beneath the heavy steel plates during the discharge procedure.

The specific cause of the accident has yet to be determined. The Dutch Labour Inspectorate is now conducting an official investigation. Authorities have declared the area a crime scene to assist with the inquiry, and operations at Waalhaven 6 have been halted until further notice.