The self-propelled barges 1949 dwt Alsace and 1250 dwt Hollande went aground on the Rhine nearKarlsruhe, Germany. Loaded with 109 containers, the two vessels ran over two groynes before going hard aground. The cause of the accident was that the master of the vessel had fallen asleep at the wheel. Part of the cargo was damaged estimated at 100.000 (100,000) €. Salvage attempts have started.
The 17324 dwt freighter Ainu Princess was disabled off the Dry Tortugas after it’s engine failed and lost propultion. The Ainu Princess was loaded with 8800 tons of dry grain from New Orleans bound for Mariel, Cuba. The vessel contacted the Coast Guard for assistance that it was at risk of going aground. The Coast Guard was on scene, but the Owners of the Ainu Princess had arranged the tug Resolve Pioneer to tow the vessel to Mariel. The tug will release its tow just outside the harbor as it cannot enter Cuban territorial water.
The 7852 dwt freighter Abou Karim collided with the fishing vessel Pianhiang 137 in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Cape Verde Islands (09 55 N 034 30 W). Reports state the freighter sent out distress signals. No further details reported.