KVITSAND

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Freighter ran into embankment of Kiel Canal

Enroute from Gdansk to Dunkerque the "Belterwiede“ ran into the western embankment of the Kiel Canal in the early morning of May 14, 2017. It veered off course transiting the waterway westward at canal km 23,5 and got stuck at 2.15 a.m. Five minutes later she was able to back off with own power and proceeded to Brunsbüttel where she berthed at 5.15 a.m. where it was detained for investigations and renewal of class certificates. She was allowed to continue at 4 p.m., ETA Dunkerque May 16, 1 a.m. It was found out that the grounding was caused by an unauthorized use of the automatic steering system. Only when other ships approached, the pilot switched to manual steering. After one of these manoevers the rudder was turned too much to starboard so that the ship turned to the right side. The first officer and the pilot had to reckon with an administrative offense. The officer also had to provide a security payment of 500 Euros.