On the morning of March 20, a barge sank on a gravel lake in Northeim, Germany. The barge was operating on a gravel lake when it sustained damage and lost buoyancy. The barge partially sank with just part of the hull still above water. Reports state there was no pollution released as the vessel had no engine and no oil stored onboard. The barge owner states damage may be as high as 10.000€. Owners did state they plan to salvage the barge.
On March 22, the 42 meter long, 360 gt research vessel Fugro Mercator (IMO: 9299977) ran aground in the Tyrrhenian Sea near Portoferraio, Italy. The Fugro Mercator was seeking shelter from bad weather and ventured to close to the island of Elba. The vessel struck a reef just offshore from the rocky cliff shoreline. The vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress. Attempts to contain the flooding by the crew resulted in damaging the vessel’s engine and a total power blackout onboard.
Authorities deployed a patrol boat from Portoferraio which was able to rescue all the personnel and crew from the Fugro Mercator. There were no reports of injuries.
The Italian Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the cause of the grounding may be due to issues with the propulsion system or by the strong winds at the time of the incident. The owners have contracted a company to inspect the vessel and provide a salvage plan. The Coast Guard continues to monitor the incident for any signs of pollution released from the vessel.
On the morning of March 19, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Lavoro (MMSI: 244850073) became disabled on the Western Scheldt east of Terneuzen, Netherlands. Reports state the Lavoro suffered engine problems and went adrift. The 135 meter long self-propelled container barge Salamanca (MMSI: 244821242) was nearby and secured the Lavoro. The 32.5 meter long tugboat Multratug 28 (IMO: 9727962) arrived a short time later and took the Lavoro under tow to Hansweert. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
