On January 9, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Miniu (MMSI: 261186172) ran aground in Lake Jungfernsee near Potsdam, Germany. The Miniu was loaded with 744 tons of gravel when it ran aground on a shoal. The barge was unable to free itself and requested assistance.
Due to the icy conditions, 3 icebreakers would be called out to help free the Miniu. The ice breakers wouldn’t reach the barge until 3 days later. The icebreakers attempted to pull the barge free, but failed. At this point, the Miniu had slid closer to the shoreline and was firmly on a sandbank.
The water police stated that no further attempts would be made until the ice melts and the Miniu can be lightered of the cargo of gravel. Reports state that weather forecasts suggest that attempts to refloat the barge will be the following week at the earliest. Authorities state the crew on the Miniu plan to remain aboard the vessel and were well provisioned.
The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
