Monte Wymper
On the night of September 23, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Vierwaldstättersee (MMSI: 211806570) allided with the 82 meter long self-propelled barge Monte Wymper (MMSI: 270362000) in the Albert Canal near Viversel, Belgium. The Monte Wymper had been moored along a quay when it broke free and drifted into the canal. The Monte Wymper was nearly purpindicular to the canal as the Vierwaldstättersee approached with 900 tons of aluminum hydroxide bound for Maastricht. The Vierwaldstättersee was unable to stop and struck the Monte Wymper. The Monte Wymper sustained two cracks in the hull near the cabin and loading area while the Vierwaldstättersee only suffered minor damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The local fire brigade arrived on scene and found the situation under control with both vessels were moored along a quay. However, a few hours later the fire brigade was back on scene as the Monte Wymper had water ingress and was threatening to sink. Dewatering pumps were installed to keep the flooding under control while divers inspected the hull for damage below the waterline. Reports state the fire brigade finished its work several hours later and a salvage team was on site.
