The 8702 dwt cargo vessel Finnkraft went aground on the Trave River near Schlutup, Germany after having engine problems resulting in a power lost. The Finnkraft was able to refloat itself and with the assistance of the workboat Pirol and tug Axel, the vessel reached back to a berth. None of the 16 crew on board were injured. An investigation into the grounding will be conducted by authority.
The 85 meter long self-propelled barge Janine had a small fire in the engine room while in the outer port of Hansweert, Netherlands. Two tugs towed the Janine to a mooring where the fire was quickly extinguished. No reports of injuries or the extent of damage on the Janine.
Four barges broke free and sank on the Mississippi River near Winfield, Missouri. The motor vessel Julie White was pushing the barges, loaded with gravel, downstream as it approached the locks at Dam 25. The current pulled the barges free and pulled them onto the piers at the dam. The water rushed over the barges which quickly swamped and sank pinned against the piers. The current near the lock was strong as the dam was operating as ?open river?. An ?open river? means that all the dam?s gates were open to accomidate the high water level. Salvage plans are being made with the Corps of Engineers. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the accident.