On the early morning of January 9, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Vista Mare (MMSI: 244670495) ran aground on the Rhine River at Cologne, Germany. The Vista Mare departed from Koblenz bound for Dunkirk when it grounded near the 687 kilometer mark. The vessel attempted to free itself, but was unsuccessful. The Vista Mare would remain aground for nearly 8 hours until the self-propelled barge Sardius (MMSI: 244387115) pull it free. The Vista Mare was towed to Rheinauhafen where it was detained until water levels rise on the River.

The water police temporarily halted traffic in the area near the grounding site resulting in 7 vessels being delayed.  After the Vista Mare was freed and a survey of the river bottom was completed, traffic resumed on the river. The water police fined the Visa Mare‘s master for being overloaded. The incident is under investigation. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Vista Mare had a prior incident. In December 2024, the vessel nearly sank in Zutphen.