112-year-old tall ship, Bark EUROPA, falls on its side at Waterfront, Cape Town
The operator of the historic tall ship Bark EUROPA has confirmed that the vessel sustained damage after capsizing in dry dock during an attempt to put her back in the water.
The incident occurred last week in Cape Town, South Africa, and left a crew member with minor injuries.
In a statement, the operator said the full extent of the ship’s damage is currently being assessed, making it difficult to determine when shipping operations can resume. The crew is actively working to address and resolve the situation, and necessary steps moving forward are still being considered.
The next scheduled sailing of the EUROPA, scheduled for June, may be affected by the accident.
The ship, known for its winter expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula, has a long history dating back to its construction in 1911 at the Stülcken quay in Hamburg, Germany. Originally named ‘Senator Brockes’, she was commissioned by the State of Hamburg as a light ship for the German river Elbe.
Over time, EUROPA underwent important changes and transformations. In 1986, she was transported to the Netherlands, where she underwent an extensive eight-year renovation and refitting process. The ship’s interior was refitted, including the cabins, galley and common areas, while the exterior also received a makeover, with the ship re-rigged in a three-masted barque configuration.
Currently based in Scheveningen, The Hague, The Netherlands, EUROPA accommodates 48 trainees and 16 crew members. As an official sailing training ship, she offers students the opportunity to actively participate in deck activities and instruction on how to navigate the ship.
As the operator continues to assess the damage and determine any necessary repairs, the future voyages and adventures of the Bark EUROPA remain uncertain.
“Rest assured that we are dedicated to returning our Lady Bark EUROPA to full operational capacity as soon as possible,” Bark EUROPA said in his statement.
