On Saturday evening at around 20.25:XNUMX PM, a collision occurred between a water taxi and a water bus on the Nieuwe Maas near the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.
The water taxi, which departed from Leuvehaven, collided with a passing water bus while manoeuvring. The captain and two passengers of the water taxi suffered minor injuries in the incident. Ambulance personnel provided medical assistance on the spot. The Seaport Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision.
This accident is not the first incident on the busy waterway in the heart of Rotterdam. In July 2022, a serious collision occurred at almost the same location, in which a water taxi and a tour boat collided. That accident had greater consequences: the water taxi capsized, and six passengers, including a child, ended up in the water. Thanks to rapid assistance, the victims were saved in time.
safety issues
The traffic on the Nieuwe Maas has been a topic of discussion for some time now. The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) stated in a report following the incident in 2022 that there is a lack of clear direction over traffic flows on Rotterdam's waterways. According to the OVV, small, fast motorboats such as water taxis are subject to insufficiently strict requirements. "Passengers in water taxis are insufficiently protected," was the council's conclusion.
The report called for stricter regulations and better enforcement to prevent accidents. However, this advice appears to have been followed only in part. In early 2024, an analysis of sailing data by NOS and broadcaster Rijnmond showed that water taxis in Rotterdam regularly sail against the current and thus do not adhere to sailing regulations. This behavior increases the risk of dangerous situations, especially at busy points such as the Erasmus Bridge.
The collision on Saturday evening underscores the need for improved measures to ensure safety on Rotterdam's waterways. A spokesperson for the Seaport Police stated that the investigation into the circumstances of the accident will take several weeks. "We are looking at multiple factors, including speed, visibility and compliance with navigation regulations by both parties," the police said in a response to NOS.
Local experts point out that the combination of increasing water traffic and the lack of central coordination contributes to the risks. Hundreds of ships, water taxis, tour boats and freight ships use the Nieuwe Maas every day. The risk of collisions is particularly high at the Erasmus Bridge, a junction for water traffic.
new rules
The municipality of Rotterdam has already taken several measures in response to previous incidents, including the introduction of extra patrols on the river and stricter checks on the navigation regulations. Nevertheless, incidents continue to occur. The parties involved, including shipping companies and the port authorities, are calling for a broader approach. "It is time that we do not only look at individual accidents, but at the system as a whole," according to a spokesperson for the OVV.
The results of the investigation by the Seaport Police are eagerly awaited. They are expected to contribute to determining additional preventive measures to improve sailing safety. For the time being, however, it remains a matter of increased vigilance and strict compliance with the existing rules.
