Tanker Grounds in Western Scheldt Due to Dense Fog

Terneuzen, Netherlands – March 7, 2026 – The tanker Coccinella ran aground in the Western Scheldt near Terneuzen this morning due to dense fog. The incident occurred shortly after the vessel departed the port, at approximately 8:00 a.m., while en route to Antwerp.

Incident Details

The 81-meter long, 10-meter wide inland vessel became stuck during the outgoing tide. Port and towing services were dispatched to assess the situation, but initial attempts to refloat the ship were unsuccessful due to low water levels. Refloating efforts will resume when the tide rises later this afternoon, according to Schuttevaer.

No Immediate Damage or Pollution

As of now, there have been no reports of damage to the Coccinella or any signs of pollution. The ship sails under the flag of Luxembourg. The shipowner has not yet released a statement regarding the incident.

A Temporary Tourist Attraction

The grounding has drawn onlookers to the Scheldeboulevard in Terneuzen. The Westbeer brasserie reported increased activity as people gather to view the vessel, which is currently positioned directly in front of the restaurant.

About the Western Scheldt

The Western Scheldt, located in the province of Zeeland in the southwestern Netherlands, is a crucial estuary of the Scheldt river and a vital shipping route to the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. According to Wikipedia, unlike the Eastern Scheldt, the Western Scheldt could not be closed off by a dam as part of the Delta Works, necessitating heightened and reinforced dykes.