Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Portugal, Jan. 26, 2026 (Lusa) - A cargo ship is adrift off the coast of Figueira da Foz in central Portugal, and is at risk of sinking after losing its rudder, allegedly due to hitting the seabed due to sand accumulation, according to a port source.

Speaking to the Lusa news agency at 10:50 a.m. on Monday morning, Paulo Mariano, vice-president of the Figueira da Foz port community, explained that the Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Eikborg is without controls, without a rudder and adrift, sailing only to stay afloat, in reverse, while waiting for tugboats that will have to travel from the port of Leixões, as there are none in Figueira da Foz or Aveiro.

"The ship is without a rudder. At the moment, it is adrift. It is trying to maintain some course, sailing backwards, which is counterproductive, but it is the only solution he [the captain] has to try to control the ship until someone comes to the rescue," said Paulo Mariano.

He described the situation as "the storm of storms," warning of the danger of the 89-metre cargo ship sinking, with the expected worsening of sea conditions: "Because if it starts taking on water in the engine room, it is likely to sink. We are on the verge, and I am not exaggerating, of a tragedy," he warned.

JLS/AYLS // AYLS

Lusa