Coast guard says freighter aground off Dutch coast
Jan 20, 2012, 9:34 AM
AMSTERDAM (AP) – A Philippine-registered freighter ran aground off a Dutch beach early Friday after its anchor slipped in an overnight storm, the Coast Guard said.
The 500-foot (155-meter) Aztec Maiden was carrying no cargo when it drifted onto sand off the North Sea coastal town of Wijk aan Zee, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) west of Amsterdam, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The 21 crew members did not abandon the ship.
Tug boats will attempt to pull the vessel free at high tide around 1 p.m. (1200 GMT).
There were no immediate signs it was leaking fuel. Spokesman Peter Verburg told national broadcaster NOS the Coast Guard is closely monitoring the ship for any leaks.
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