DELPHINE
Latest ports
Latest Waypoints
Latest news
Dockworker died trapped by shifting containers during loading operations
A dock worker from Blankenberge, Georges Van Troostenberghe (54), died on June 16, 2026, at aroudn 6 p.m. in a workplace accident in the port of Zeebrugge. The dockworker got trapped between the wall and a stack of containers while loading the 'Delphine' at the quay in Zeebrugge. The vessel had to be loaded with semi-trailers and containers to be shipped abroad. Georges Van Troostenberghe was working on board the ship as a signalman, and at one point became trapped between the wall of the vessel and a stack of containers. Initial findings of the the Labour Inspectorate indicated that a towing vehicle on board the ship made contact with a stack of containers. As a result, the stack shifted, leading to the victim becoming trapped. The man died at the scene. A criminal investigation has been opened. The ship was seized for a period of time but has since been released. It remained stationary in port as of June 18. The maritime police arrived at the scene to question the witnesses and review the camera footage. A forensic doctor and a labour inspector also made the necessary observations on the ship. Further investigations must determine how the accident could have happened and whether there were violations of regulations regarding employee welfare and occupational safety.
Fire finally out, deck ventilated
The fire aboard the 'Delphine' has been finally extinguished. Although the fire was brought under control fairly quickly on the day itself, there was still a risk of re-emergence in recent days. This was partly because there were also electric cars on board. The Bruges fire brigade was able to open and ventilate the hold with the burnt-out cars without any problems on April 18. This had to be done carefully, because otherwise there was a chance that the fire would flare up again. First the fire fighters opened the ship's hatches. Then the vessels's ventilation system was gradually activated, which all went off without incident. There was no longer any danger of the fire flaring up again. The deck is accessible again.It is not yet clear when the burned-out cars will be removed from the ship. It is estimated that at least 100 cars have been destroyed.
Around 100 cars damaged in fire
Around 100 cars were damaged in the fire on the 'Delphine' in the port of Zeebrugge. This was reported by the fire brigade after they entered the area with fire-resistant suits and oxygen bottles. There were 140 vehicles on the affected car deck, of which at least 100 have burned out. Among them many electric cars. Most batteries have burned out completely.The space was still between 60 and 100 degrees warm, which meant that the fire would flare up again if we were to open a hatch and allow oxygen in. Around midnight, nitrogen was supplied to extinguish the fire in that space. On the morning there was another consultation and it was decided not to open the space. The ship was equipped with CO2 tanks and with that the first part of the fire was fought. It will take a long time before the cars are removed from the space. The deck above was full of trailers and they also have to be removed from the ship. A ventilation operation with high-pressure fans started on April 18 at 10:00 a.m. and lasted until the evening. Due to the landward wind direction, there was a risk of smoke and odour nuisance in the area. Fire boats continued to actively cool the hull for fear of a re-emergence.
Upload News