CORRECTION: The early news reports translated roughly from Dutch to English reported that the sailing vessel Ecolution was “sunk by demolitions.” We interpreted that to mean explosives. It appears however that no structural damage was done to the hull itself and that the vessel has been pumped out and is afloat, which would suggest that we were wrong in our interpretation of the phrase “sunk by demolitions.” The error was entirely ours. Thanks to Martin Römer of the Tres Hombres Packet Company for alerting us to the mistake.
_________________________________________
Last night, the sailing yacht Ecolution sank at the No Limits Shipyard in Groningen by parties unknown. Ecolution is an innovative sailing yacht owned by Dr. Wubbo Ockels, Dutch physicist and former ESA astronaut. A reward is being offered for the tip that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator or perpetrators.
Vandals destroy expensive sailboat in Groningen
Ecolution is a 25 meter steel schooner designed to be “the most sustainable yacht in the world.” The schooner is equipped with hydroelectric power generation and carbon fiber masts.
Wubbo Ockels realizes his dream in Groningen – the most sustainable yacht in the world
Ecolution feestelijk gedoopt in Zuiderhaven
Thanks to Dick Bal for passing the news along.
Blowing up and sinking a private yacht of that size seems a long way to go as an act of vandalism. I suppose there is some evidence to support that claim? Could it be an accident at the shipyard (welding equipment setting off fuel, something like that?) How about the owners sinking it for the insurance after losing most of their capital in the recession? The linked article is in Dutch and the automatic translation is clumsy but understandable. It doesn’t include enough facts to establish what really happened.
which link is that, I cant find it. the ship was compartimented that makes it strange that it sank due to bad welding or frozen pipes.
According to news reports the sinking was due to some sort of explosive charges being set.
Here is one link.
Vandals destroy expensive sailboat in Groningen
It is a very strange case.
This ocurring in The Netherlands leads one to immediately think of eco-terrorists. Perhaps something in Dr. Ockels background or interests. This has the appearance of an act of revenge or punishment for some perceived behaviour. Translating from Dutch to English is usually pretty heavy handed so that was not helpful.
Good Watch.
What is so odd about this event is that Ockels is an environmentalist himself and the boat that was bombed is intended to be very “green.” If the boat was a target of “eco-terrorists” it seems like a very odd choice.
It is very odd indeed that’s why I think it may a “punishment” act. Eco “I’m more green than your green”, perhaps jealosy – who knows maybe it will come out. “Wockels” was payload specialist on STS61-A October 30 to November 06, 1985. Actually he is the true first Dutch astronaut.
Good Watch
Pingback: Update: Wubbo Ockles Ecolution Sailing Again : Old Salt Blog – a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea