Collision shuts down Kiel Canal
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.
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- Kiel-Canal Closed Due to Collision (jcsmarinenews.wordpress.com)
- Germany’s Kiel Canal Shuts as Fertilizer-Hauling Ships Collide – Bloomberg (bloomberg.com)
