 On September 26, 2004 the "Van Gogh", while outbound from Gibraltar to Tangier, collided with the tanker "Spetses" outside Gibraltar in heavy fog.The "Van Gogh" received heavy damage to her bow, but there were no injuries on either ship and the "Van Gogh" could return to Gibraltar for repairs under her own power.Later investigations revealed the "Van Gogh" had been traveling at , a speed considered unsafe under the weather conditions.