The 70 meter long self-propelled barge Obelix went aground on the Danube River at Ruckasing, Germany. The crew on the Obelix had made a navigation error and had run onto a gravel bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Traffic on the Danube has not impacted as the vessel remains outside the fairway.
The 89 meter long, 3798 dwt freighter RMS Rotterdam became disabled in a storm off Skåne, Sweden. The RMS Rotterdam had suffered engine failure while en route to Frederikstad from Liepaja and high winds were pushing the vessel towards the shore. The crew was able to drop anchor preventing the vessel from going aground. The Swedish Coast Guard has a vessel on standby to assist the RMS Rotterdam if needed. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 100 meter long, 4380 dwt freighter Siderfly collided in the early morning hours with the 116 meter long, 6875 dwt LPG tanker Coral Ivory on the southern end of the Kiel Canal near Brunsbüttel, Germany. The Coral Ivory had just departed from its berth and was proceeding out into the Canal when it crossed into the path of the Siderfly. Before the two vessels could alter course, the bow of the Coral Ivory slashed into the front port quarter of the Siderfly. The Siderfly hull was breached and began and its cargo hold began to flood. To avoid sinking, the vessel was run aground on the nearby embankment. The Siderfly hull had two large holes and developed a 45 degree list. The Siderfly’s cargo of urea along with some diesel fuel was released into the canal. Authorities dispatched three tugs to the scene and booms were placed across the canal to contain the pollution.
The traffic through the locks at Kiel and Brunsbüttel was halted. Reports state the locks will remain closed until a floating crane can arrive on scene. The salvage effort is expected to last several days.
The Coral Ivory suffered less damage and was able to proceed under her own power to Brunsbüttel where it moored. There it was detained while authorities investigate into the collision. The Coral Ivory was en route to Finland while the Siderfly was headed to Antwerp. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
