Join our crew and become one of the 104,746 members that receive our newsletter.

Esvagt Mercator ‘Hijacked’ in Anti-Terrorism Drill in Belgium

Esvagt Mercator ‘Hijacked’ in Anti-Terrorism Drill in Belgium

GCaptain
Total Views: 24
October 9, 2018

Photo: Esvagt

The Danish offshore wind service vessel Esvagt Mercator is typically found at the Belgian offshore wind farms, Nobelwind and Belwind in the North Sea, where purpose-built vessel provides support for the operation of approximately one hundred wind turbines.

Last week, however, the vessel left the job to participate in an anti-terrorism drill with Belgian authorities in which it played the role of a hijacked vessel.

During the exercise, Esvagt Mercator was hijacked outside the Port of Ostend and later stormed by soldiers with the Belgian anti-terror police, who freed the hostages and neutralized the terrorists.

“It was very exciting to be part of the action. A veritable sea of hands was raised when we were asked whether we would like to be hostages,” says Rasmus Carlsen, Captain of Esvagt Mercator. Carlsen was one of four people who remained on board during the exercise, along with the chief officer, engineer, and MHI Vestas’ supervisor.

“A few people didn’t participate and there were areas of the vessel that were cordoned off, but otherwise the rest of the vessel was available for the exercise,” said Carlsen.

Tags:

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,746 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,746 members that receive our newsletter.