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Month: January 2019

Collision on the Rhine

Collision on the Rhine

 

Maintal
Photo: dw.com

On January 28, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Maintal collided with the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Allegro on the Rhine near Zons, Germany. The Maintal was loaded with a cargo of gas oil from Spay when it struck head-on with the Allegro which had 1500 tons of soy on board.  The Maintal sustained hull damage including a rupture to one of its cargo tanks. Some 2000 litres of gas oil was released into the river. The master of the Maintal also sustained minor injuries. The Allegro also sustained significant damage to its bow, but no reports of injuries.

Authorities allowed the vessels to proceed to nearby berths. The Allegro berthed in Cologne and the Maintal berthed at Duisburg.  Authorities placed booms around the Maintal to contain any further pollution released.  The pollution released in the Rhine could not be contained due to the strong currents.  Authorities closed several entrances to ports and canals along the Rhine due to the pollution.

Oak

Oak

Oak
Photo: sverigesradio.se

On January 27, the 85 meter long, 2401 dwt cargo vessel Oak ran aground on the Göta River near Lilla Edet, Sweden. The Oak was en route to Hällekis from Liepaja with a cargo of wheat when it suffered a technical fault with its rudder and went aground. The bow of the Oak sustained damage. The hull had cracked allowing water ingress.

Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene. Dewatering pumps were brought on board the Oak to control the flooding and the cargo vessel was refloated. The Oak proceeded to a nearby pier where inspectors could survey the vessel.  Divers made temporary repairs to the bow allowing the Oak to continue on its voyage.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Seven Runaway Vessels

Seven Runaway Vessels

Captain JP III
Photo: wnyt.com

On January 25, seven vessels broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. Five barges, one tugboat and the 140 foot long passenger ship Captain JP III broke free after rains and warming weather caused the water level on the river to rise and released several ice jams.  Pulled downstream, the Captain JP III drifted until it struck the railroad bridge.  The passenger ship was too tall to pass under the bridge and became wedged under the span.  Many of the other vessels were able to pass under the bridge without mishap, but several did strike the bridge.

Multiple tugs were dispatched and were able to free the Captain JP III and recover the other unmanned tugboats and barges.  No reports of injuries.

Authorities report the bridge did sustain some minor damage, but the bridge should remain in operation.  The Captain JP III sustained significant hull damage to its stern.