Volharding 17

On the morning of November 7, the 86 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Volharding 17 (MMSI: 244602504) allided on the Van Starkenborgh Canal near Dorkwerd, Netherlands. The Volharding 17 was headed to Waalhaven from Delfzijl when it struck the Drokwerder bridge. Both the bow of the tanker-barge and the bridge span was damaged. Authorities have closed the bridge to road traffic. The Volharding 17 was able proceed to a nearby mooring. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

Authorities have stated that weather conditions may have been a factor in the incident. The area had been enveloped in dense fog prior to the allision. Reports stated the bridge was also only partially open at the time. Local news state that bridge strikes are quite common as there have been 40 strikes over the last 25 years.









