The 88 meter long, 2755 dwt cargo vessel Rasha 1 collided with the 114 meter long cargo vessel Volgo Balt 239 on the Volga River at Astrakhan, Russia. The two vessels were moored at the anchorage off Astrakhan when the anchor of the Rasha 1 began to drag. The Rasha 1 drifted until it struck the Volgo Balt 239. Both vessels sustained minor damage to their railings and dents in the hulls. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities detained the vessels while conducting an investigation into the incident.
The 162 meter long, 21871 dwt tanker Rhonestern allided on the Kiel Canal with the lock gate at Brunsbüttel, Germany. The tanker was headed to Rostock when it struck the gate sustaining bow hull damage. The lock gate sustained damage to be estimated around 100,000 Euros. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The Rhonestern remained detained at Brunsbüttel before it was allowed to proceed on its voyage to Rostock where it will unload its cargo before undergoing repairs.
On March 29, the 95 meter long, 3175 cargo vessel Jan Caribe collided with a small passenger vessel Captain D on the Escondido River near El Rama, Nicaragua. The Jan Caribe was headed to El Rama from El Bluff when it approached the Captain D. The Captain D had departed from El Rama bound for the Bluefields with 29 passengers and 11 crew. As the two vessel approached, the Captain D passed in front of the Jan Caribe right before the vessels collided.
The Captain D sustained severe damage and uncontrolled water ingress. Both vessels proceeded to the nearby river bank and began evacuating all 40 passengers and crew. Some on board the Captain D had to jump into the river and swim ashore. Reports state everyone was able to safely abandon ship and make it ashore safely. Authorities were alerted and dispatched two rescue vessels to the scene to assist in rescue efforts. No reports of injuries.
The Captain D later sank a few hours later. No reports of damage or injuries on the Jan Caribe. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
