The 85 meter long self-propelled barge MMC Christiane ran aground on the Danube near Hermannsdorf, Germany.  The Christiane was heading downstream from Regensburg when the starboard portion of the stern struck bottom.  The barge blocked traffic on the Danube as it was still inside the fairway.  Another barge and a workboat from Regensburg were able to pull the Christiane free later the same day. The vessels proceeded to Straubing for further inspection.  The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.