Inland Passenger Ship Festijn Runs Aground in Western Scheldt

The Netherlands-flagged Inland passenger ship Festijn ran aground on a sandbank in the Western Scheldt near Breskens, Netherlands on the afternoon of 6 October. All 72 passengers were reported safe.

Vessel FESTIJN, image credit: Alex Van Herrewege

The Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) responded to the request for assistance from the vessel. KNRM deployed three lifeboats and a Coast Guard helicopter to assist the distressed vessel.

All the passengers were rescued and brought ashore at Breskens, while three crewmembers remained onboard to refloat the vessel at high tide.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.