river. the Scheldt," says Leendert Muller, director of Multraship. response of Multraship's salvage team, a major casualty was avoided. Scheldt at 17.30 local time on Friday 21 February 2003. with 60,000 tonnes of coking coal. immediately to the location which was in the vicinity of buoy 49. communication vessel Patrol. the bank at 18.40 local time. The vessel was then safely anchored. was released after a dive inspection team revealed no damage. vessel quickly enough," says Muller. vessel grounded. The incident had the potential to cause many problems.