Amsterdam, Netherlands — October 27, 2025
A tragic maritime accident unfolded in Amsterdam’s bustling harbor on Sunday evening when a small harbor launch collided with a tanker, resulting in the sinking of the vessel and the loss of life.
The vessel involved, a launch boat named KP 17, was operated by De Koperen Ploeg (“The Copper Plow”), a century-old company specializing in ship tendering and line-handling services throughout the Port of Amsterdam. The KP 17 had just departed from a tanker terminal in Ruigoord, located on the western edge of the port, and was heading north toward the Noordzeekanaal when the collision occurred.
Collision and Immediate Aftermath
According to local reports, the KP 17 was struck by a tanker near the junction with the busy waterway. The impact was severe enough to drag the smaller vessel before it sank at an undetermined location. Both crew members aboard the KP 17—employees of De Koperen Ploeg—were reported missing immediately following the incident.
A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched, involving local police divers and the National Underwater Search Team. Despite extensive efforts, the search was scaled back around 10:00 PM due to the elapsed time and diminishing chances of survival.
Recovery and Investigation
On Monday, search teams recovered one body from the water around 5:00 PM. Authorities are working to confirm the identity of the deceased, while the second crew member remains missing. Plans are underway to raise the wreck of the KP 17, although officials believe no additional bodies are inside the sunken vessel and are focusing search efforts elsewhere.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and maritime authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of navigational data and vessel operations leading up to the incident.
Community Impact
The incident has caused significant concern within the local maritime community, especially among those employed in harbor services. De Koperen Ploeg, recognized for its long-standing contribution to Amsterdam’s port, has yet to release a public statement.
As the investigation continues, maritime safety advocates are calling for renewed attention to harbor traffic management and vessel communication protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
