Douce France
On August 20, the 110 meter long river passenger vessel Douce France ran aground on the Rhine off Cologne, Germany. The Douce France was on a voyage from Koblenz to Amsterdam with 97 passengers and 28 crew when it approached Cologne. As the cruise ship was attempting to berth, it grounded at the bow. Unable to free itself, the crew requested assistance with the self-propelled barge Millennium responding. Authorities blocked traffic on the Rhine while the Millennium pulled the Douce France free.
No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the cause of the grounding was due to the low water levels.