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.
Photo: rbb24.de
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.
On January 13, the 138 meter long, 4515 dwt cargo vessel Fener (IMO: 8888862) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea approximately 5 miles west of the northern entrance to the Suez Canal. The Fener departed from Turkey bound for East Port Said to load a cargo of salt. When the vessel approached Port Said weather conditions were poor so the Fener requested to wait in the anchorage area until weather improves.
Photo: haberdenizde.com
Authorities would later receive an alert from the Fener that the vessel had suffered a breach in a hold with water ingress. Fearing the vessel would sink, the Fener headed to the shallows where it was intentionally grounded.
Photo: soulta4.net
Canal authorities state the Fener grounding has no impact to traffic on the Suez Canal. The situation is being monitored. No further details reported.
On the evening of January 12, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Inceptum (MMSI: 244129543) sprung a leak on the Mittelland Canal near Bülstringen, Germany. The Inceptum was maneuver to a berth when an alarm sounded from the engine room. The barge had suffered water ingress and the vessel’s pumps engaged to control the flooding. The crew alerted the local authorities who dispatched firefighters from Bülstringen and Haldensleben to assist. Firefighters found the Inceptum had a leak below the waterline and were able to make temporary repairs.
The water police along with other authorities have launched an investigation. Authorities stated that fuel and other pollutions were released into the canal. Reports state that ice may have caused the hull damage allowing for the water ingress. No reports of injuries.
