Padma River Traffic Jam

Five ferries went aground on shoals along the Padma River near Daulatdia Ghat, Bangladesh causing a long traffic jam at Daulatdia.  The ro-ro ferry Shah Jalal was first to become stuck on the shoal.   The ferry Shah Mokhdum also became stuck as it attempted to free the Shah Jalal.   Both vessels were freed later the same day.   The ferry Birshrestha Hamidur was next to become stuck on the shoal .  The Hamidur remained on the shoal for two hours before it was freed.  The ro-ro ferries Shah Poran and Shah Ali had left Daulatdia bound for Paturia when they also became stuck on the shoal.   Rescue vessels were able to free both vessels an hour later.  Authorities have stated that they have begun to remove sand with the help of two dredgers to keep the channel open.   Reports state the ferries require 8 feet of clearance while the area around the shoal is only 7 feet deep.

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PIZ Shkhara Fire

The 80 meter long tanker PIZ Shkhara suffered an engine room fire while on the Rhine River near Kaiserswerth, Germany with a cargo of edible oils.  The fire started when an oil hose broke on the hot exhaust allowing oil to spill out.   There was some damage and the engine is not in operation.   The owners will tow the vessel to Mainz.    No one was injured and no reports of pollution being released.

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Paddlewheel Steamer Fire

The 83 meter long paddlewheel steamer Goethe suffered an engine room fire while off Oberwesel, Germany.   The fire started when an oil pressure hose broke loose in the engine room.  Damage to the engine room was slight, but there was heavy smoke.   On board were 174 passengers who had to disembark due to the smoke.    No one on board was injured.    The Goethe was built in 1913 and was the largest paddle wheel steamer until it’s steam engine was replaced with a diesel in 2008.  It is the only paddlewheel  steamer still in operation on the Rhine River.

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