20.06.2025

Fatal load incident in Rotterdam

Two men died and two others were seriously injured yesterday during the unloading of a ship in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

The incident occurred aboard a Belgian registered vessel the Ronny-O at Pier 6 of Rotterdam’s Waalhaven port.

The four, all employees of transhipment and logistics company C. Steinweg Handelsveem, were unloading steel plates, when according to a local source, the plates dropped and landed on the four men. Two were instantly killed, while the other two suffered very serious injuries, they are now reported to be off the critical list in hospital. The police and the Dutch Labour Inspectorate and investigating the cause of the incident.

C. Steinweg has issued a statement which said: “It is with great sadness that we must inform you that a serious incident occurred this morning at our Pier 6 location in Rotterdam. According to initial reports, there are two fatalities among our colleagues and two seriously injured colleagues that were working in the hold of a vessel, discharging steel plates.”

“Our first concern is for those involved and their families. We are doing everything we can to support the affected families and employees and are providing assistance wherever needed. We are deeply saddened, and our thoughts are with them. Out of respect for those affected, we will not be making any further statements at this time.”

The Port of Rotterdam Authority added: "This was a terrible and sad incident. We sympathise with the victims, their loved ones and the employees of the company involved. An investigation will reveal the exact cause of the accident. The area of the Waalhaven where the incident took place will remain closed to shipping traffic until the emergency services have completed their work."