VITO
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Inland vessel stuck near Weert for months after allision of Zuidenwind
The skipper Willem Kulka of the 'Vito' has been stuck on the Zuid-Willemsvaart Canal near Weert for three weeks now and has until the end of January 2026 to go. He was just unloading a cargo of rye when, a little further along, the inland vessel 'Zuidenwind' (MMSI: 244700003), allided with a bridge on Nov 5. While the 'Vito' was unloading a day earlier than planned, the 'Zuidenwind' hit the drawbridge, causing it to tilt. The damage to the drawbridge's cables and pulleys was so extensive that it cannot be repaired quickly. Parts have to be ordered, and the holidays are causing additional delays.The 'Vito' is just ten meters too long to sail on the other side of the canal. This makes him the only skipper who has to wait until at least the end of January before he can cast off again. Kulka now spends most of his time on maintenance and cleaning. Kulka himself lives in Maasbree, but stayed on board, as he did not want to leave the ship unmanned. Rijkswaterstaat kempt him informed with direct updates, and the municipality of Weert ensured his drinking water level remained at the required level. Report with photos: https://www.l1nieuws.nl/nieuws/3037244/schipper-maandenlang-vast-bij-weert-vervelend-maar-ik-kan-er-toch-niks-aan-veranderen
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