Philippine cargo ship stranded off Dutch coast

THE HAGUE—A Philippine-registered cargo ship run aground on the western Dutch coast Friday with maritime rescue workers waiting for high-tide to see whether it could be freed, a rescue spokesman said.

“The ship ran aground off the coast at Wijk-aan-Zee,” Royal Dutch Marine Rescue (KNMR) services’ Robert van Boven told AFP, adding “there is no danger at the moment.”

The 150-meter Aztec Maiden, which had no cargo on board, run aground around 6:00 am (0500 GMT) Friday along the coast about 30 kilometers (18 miles) northwest of Amsterdam, after its anchor apparently failed.

The Dutch coast guard suggested its 21 crew be evacuated, but its captain refused permission, Van Boven said.

“As long as there is no emergency, the captain remains the master on board,” said the spokesman, adding several Dutch navy and rescue services ships as well as a helicopter were standing by near the stranded vessel.

“We are waiting for the high-tide, hoping it will be able to be freed” from its current resting place, about 200 meters (656 feet) off the coast van Boven said.

He added there was no danger of any fuel leakage.