On the morning of Aug 29, the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Septimo collided with the 107 meter long self-propelled barge Orfeo (MMSI: 244150430) and barge VHG 99 on the Waal River near Winssen, Netherlands.  The Septimo had departed from Rotterdam with 3,200 tons of rapeseed when it collided head-on with the Orfeo sailing from Schwelgern to Rotterdam. The collision resulted with the barge VHG 99 pushed up onto the bow of the Septimo wedging it on one of Septimo‘s bollards.

Authorities partially closed river traffic on the Waal while efforts were made to separate the barges. After several hours, the bollard was welded off the Septimo and the two barges floated free. Traffic was restored allowing some 85 vessels to continue on their voyage. Reports stated the Septimo was able to proceed to Werkendam where it discharged its cargo to another vessel before proceeding into a shipyard for repairs. The Orfeo was able to proceed on to Rotterdam. No further details provided on the outcome for the barge VHG 99.