On the afternoon of March 31, a 30 meter long barge capsized in Bay of Plenty at the marina of Tauranga, New Zealand. The barge was operating in the marina when it lost stability and tipped over onto its side. The onboard crane fell into in the water and 10 litres of diesel fuel was released into the water. Authorities placed booms around the vessel and used absorbent pads to collect the pollution. Reports state there were no injuries. Reports state the barge will be salvaged. Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.
On March 29, the 18 meter long tugboat TB Toranes (IMO: 257103600) became disabled in the North Sea off Årabrotholmane, Norway. The TB Toranes was towing a barge when it suffered engine problems and had to drop anchor off Årabrotholmane. The tug requested assistance with the NSSR dispatching the lifeboats Horn Rescue (MMSI: 257641000) and RC Bergesen (MMSI: 257965590). The Horn Rescue took the TB Toranes under tow and proceeded to Haugesund. The RC Bergesen aided by the patrol boat KV Tor (IMO: 9353369) took the barge under tow to Haugesund. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the night of March 29, the 90 meter long self-propelled passenger ship De Zonnebloem (IMO: 8407644) collided with the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Servia (MMSI: 244185189) on the Rhine near Voerde, Germany. The Servia‘s bow struck head-on with the De Zonnebloem resulting in heavy damage to the passenger ship. The De Zonnebloem sustained a 20 meter² hole in the bow above the waterline while the Servia‘s bow sustained a significant dent. Fortunately there were no injuries to the 134 passengers and 15 crew on the De Zonnebloem and no injuries on the Servia. There were no reports of pollution released.
Authorities dispatched both fire and police boats to escort the De Zonnebloem to Wesel where it was met by emergency personnel. Authorities detained the Servia and had it’s master under go a blood test for alcohol. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings while the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Reports state the De Zonnebloem will be taken out of service for several months to undergo repairs.
