On the morning of September 23, the 15 meter long, 37 ton towboat Phoenix (ENI: 02314304) with the 88 meter long, 3718 ton barge Antverpia 104 struck the Pont des Arches bridge over the Meuse River at Liège, Belgium. The Antverpia 104 bow struck a pier of the bridge sustaining a significant dent in the hull. Traffic on the bridge was halted for several hours to inspect the bridge for damage. After the inspection, authorities allowed limited traffic on the bridge to resume with one lane closed.
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
Photo: facebook
The cause for the allision is under investigation. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
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.
Photo: heusden-zolder.eu
Photo: heusden-zolder.eu
Photo: heusden-zolder.eu
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.
On September 19, the 150 meter long, 12,380 dwt container ship Sky Light (IMO: 9118513) allided with undisclosed two cargo vessels moored in Constanta, Romania. The Sky Light loaded with containers had lost control as it entered the port and struck one vessel’s stern and another vessel on its port side. Authorities state there was major hull damage, but there were no reports of injuries or pollution released.
Local reports state the Sky Light had a pilot on board and there was a tug assisting the boxship at the time of the incident.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
