On Monday morning, an accident occurred at the C. Steinweg terminal in the Botlek area of the Port of Rotdam, resulting in the death of a 21-year-old man. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, including the police, ambulance personnel, a trauma rescue helicopter and specialist fire brigade, the victim could not be saved.

The accident happened in the hold of a ship that was moored at the terminal. According to the police the victim was crushed by a metal plate during the unloading operation. Due to the deep hold, the rescue work was 'extremely complex', and the man was pronounced dead the scene.

The vessel involved is believed to be the 'Huangyan Spirit', a bulk carrier flying the flag of Liberia, which arrived in Rotterdam few days ago. Three ships were moored at the terminal on Monday morning.

The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has launched an investigation. A spokesperson stated that the ship will remainored at the terminal throughout the investigation. No further details have been released.

Following the accident, the terminal operator C. Steinweg issued a statement saying: "We deeply saddened by the fatal accident that occurred this morning at the C. Steinweg terminal in Rotterdam Botlek. A member of staff unfortunately died while carrying out work the hold of a ship together with other colleagues. Despite the rapid response of the emergency services, it was unfortunately not possible to save his life. We too would like to know how terrible accident could have happened."

The Port of Rotterdam also expressed its condolences, describing it as a "dreadful and tragic accident".

This is not the first fatal accident at C. Steinweg this year. In June, two workers died at the company's terminal on the Zaltbommelstraat Since 2017, C. Steinweg has recorded eight fatal accidents.

The Labour Inspectorate has confirmed that it has taken note of this series of accidents and investigating the company's connection to Monday's accident.