A westbound Traffic Group 5 convoy approached from behind. This comprised the
ships NATIONAL GLORY, STEN IDUN, and CHARLOTTA B. Therefore, at 0920 they
proceeded towards the Segelschiffsdalben at between slow-ahead and stop so as to
wait there for entry into the lock. However, it was not possible to attach a line to the
dolphins because of the draught. According to the radar observations on the HERM
KIEPE, the CREMONA and the EMPIRE were made fast in the Große Nordschleuse
at about 1000. Shortly after, a message indicating that Lock Gate 1 could not be
closed and an indefinite wait had to be reckoned with was received from the VTS.
Therefore, they attempted to remain parallel to the row of dolphins, at a distance of
about 30 m, using engine and bow thruster manoeuvres in the ensuing period.
At about 1037, it was seen on the radar screen that the CREMONA was already