EIKBORG - Very serious maritime casualty
Vessel: EIKBORG
GAMA reference: 2026-039
Data da ocorrência acidental: 26-01-2026
Circulated on: 20-07-2026
Published on: 21-08-2026
Summary
On 26 January 2026, the Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel EIKBORG departed the Port of Figueira da Foz, Portugal, bound for Brake, Germany. Shortly after passing the harbour entrance, and after the pilot had disembarked to the pilot boat while continuing to provide navigational advice by VHF, the Master reported an impact. Multiple alarms activated and the vessel subsequently lost steering capability, while propulsion remained available. EIKBORG used its propulsion and bow thruster to increase and maintain its distance from the coast while suitable maritime assistance was sought. A towing connection was established on 29 January 2026, after which the vessel was towed to Vilagarcía de Arousa, Spain. The occurrence resulted in damage to the rudder and steering arrangements and rendered the vessel unfit to continue its intended voyage. No injuries, fatalities or pollution were reported.
Safety recommendations
• SR 2026-039.1
To the Figueira da Foz Port Administration Assess the operational arrangements used to determine, document and communicate confidence in hydrographic information following significant meteorological events that may affect seabed morphology at the entrance to the Port of Figueira da Foz, including the criteria used to establish or confirm operational draught limits. Response received: Yes. The Figueira da Foz Port Administration stated: (free translation) “In response to Safety Recommendation
SR 2026-039.1, it is considered that, to enhance navigational safety and support shared situational awareness among the Port Administration, Pilots and Masters, an operational procedure should be adopted establishing that: “Following a significant meteorological event, whenever changes in wave behaviour at the harbour entrance or other indications likely to demonstrate alterations to seabed morphology are observed, a hydrographic survey shall be conducted prior to the establishment or confirmation of the maximum pilotage draught for the Port of Figueira da Foz.”
• SR 2026-039.2
To the Portuguese Directorate-General for natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM) Assess the extent to which the operational principles contained in IMO resolution A.960(23), particularly those concerning Master-Pilot Information Exchange, communications, monitoring, contingency arrangements and remotely assisted pilotage following pilot disembarkation, are reflected in the regulatory and oversight arrangements applicable to pilotage services in Portugal. At the date of publication of this marine safety investigation report, GAMA had not received a response from DGRM to safety recommendation
• SR 2026-039.3
To the Portuguese National Maritime Authority (AMN) Assess the level of risk associated with the identification and mobilisation of suitable maritime assistance for vessels experiencing loss of manoeuvrability in adverse weather conditions in waters under Portuguese jurisdiction, taking into account geographical coverage, asset capability and availability, mobilisation time, weather limitations, towing equipment compatibility, the allocation of responsibilities and the effectiveness of coordination between the organisations involved. At the date of publication of this marine safety investigation report, GAMA had not received a response from AMN to safety recommendation 2026-039.3
Lessons learned
Operations in dynamic and exposed port approaches depend on the explicit communication and management of hydrographic uncertainty, clearly understood arrangements for the continuation of navigational advice following pilot disembarkation, and prior consideration of the availability and operational limitations of maritime assistance should a vessel lose manoeuvrability.