Maritime Accident Report: April 13, 2026 — Three Rescued After Midnight Potomac River Boat Crash, Antwerp Port Shut Down by Major Oil Spill, Sweden Detains Shadow Fleet Bulk Carrier
This daily report covers notable maritime incidents and offshore casualties from publicly available sources. These summaries are provided for informational awareness and do not constitute legal advice.
Three Rescued After Midnight Boat Crash on Potomac River
Three people were rescued early Saturday morning, April 12, after their Jon boat struck a tree on the Potomac River near Ten Foot Island in the Riley’s Lock area of Montgomery County, Maryland. The crash occurred around 12:30 a.m., throwing all three occupants into the water. Rescuers from Montgomery County, Loudoun County, and Fairfax County fire and rescue departments located the trio clinging to a tree and transported them to the Algonkian Boat Ramp for medical evaluation. At least one person was reported injured. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Source: WTOP News
Major Oil Spill Shuts Down Port of Antwerp
A significant oil spill disrupted shipping traffic at Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges after a bunkering operation went wrong aboard the container ship MSC Denmark VI at Deurganck Dock on the night of April 9. A hull crack linked to corrosion caused fuel oil to leak into the Scheldt River, spreading over at least three kilometers and completely blocking the access route from the port to the North Sea. The port, which handles approximately 100 to 200 vessel movements per day, was temporarily closed to all traffic. The Scheldt reopened on April 10 after cleanup operations began, but Deurganck Dock remained closed until further notice.
Source: The Maritime Executive
Sweden Detains Panama-Flagged Bulk Carrier in Baltic Sea
Swedish authorities detained the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Hui Yuan on April 12 after a coast guard surveillance plane observed the crew washing coal residue overboard while departing the Russian port of Ust-Luga. The vessel was escorted into Swedish waters near Ystad on suspicion of violating environmental regulations. The ship’s captain admitted to the violation and paid a fine, after which the vessel was released to continue its voyage to Las Palmas, Spain. This marks the fourth shadow fleet vessel Sweden has detained since March 6, 2026, as authorities continue to crack down on environmental violations by vessels transporting Russian cargo through the Baltic Sea.
Source: Pravda Sweden
If you or a loved one has been affected by a maritime accident, consulting a qualified maritime attorney can help you understand your legal rights under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.
