A Dutch cargo vessel, the H&S Wisdom, stranded in the Humber Estuary, facing a lengthy wait for the next spring tide to attempt refloating. After three unsuccessful attempts to free the ship, authorities have indicated that it may remain aground until early April.
- The H&S Wisdom ran aground on March 2 while en route to Gunness Wharf Port.
- Three attempts to refloat the vessel have failed due to unfavorable tide conditions.
- The next opportunity to refloat the ship is expected during the spring tides in early April.
Incident Overview
The H&S Wisdom, a general cargo ship registered in the Netherlands, was on its way to Gunness Wharf Port near Scunthorpe when it ran aground due to a navigational error. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, March 2, 2025, at approximately 21:08 GMT. The vessel, measuring 82 meters (269 feet) in length and designed for shallow waters, became stuck in the mud of the estuary, which is known for its challenging tidal conditions.
Rescue Attempts
Local authorities and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency have been actively involved in efforts to refloat the vessel. Here’s a summary of the attempts made:
- First Attempt: An initial rescue operation was launched shortly after the vessel ran aground, but it was unsuccessful.
- Second Attempt: A second attempt was made the following morning, utilizing three tugboats, but again, the vessel remained stuck.
- Third Attempt: A third effort was conducted later that same day, but it also failed to free the H&S Wisdom.
Current Status
As of now, the crew of the H&S Wisdom is expected to remain onboard while waiting for the next spring tide, which is anticipated to provide the necessary conditions for a successful refloat. David Roberts, chairman of Humber Rescue, stated that the tides in the estuary are currently dropping, necessitating a wait for the larger spring tides expected in early April.
Implications of the Incident
The grounding of the H&S Wisdom highlights the navigational challenges posed by the Humber Estuary, a vital maritime route that connects the North Sea to key industrial ports. The estuary’s tidal nature can complicate shipping operations, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful navigation in such environments.
The H&S Wisdom remains aground in the Humber Estuary, with authorities planning to make another attempt to refloat the vessel during the upcoming spring tides. Until then, the crew will continue to monitor the situation from aboard the ship, as local officials work on strategies to resolve the incident.
Sources
- Ship stuck in England waits for April spring tide to move, Splash247.
- Photos: Cargo Vessel “Stuck in the Mud” in UK’s Humber Estuary, The Maritime Executive.
- Cargo ship will be stuck in mud of Humber estuary ‘for a month’, BBC.
- Three Attempts Fail To Free Aground Dutch Cargo Ship Stuck In Mud, Marine Insight.
