The 110 meter long self-propelled car tranport vessel Kelheim became disabled on the Danube River near Vienna, Austria. The Kelheim had suffered an engine failure while proceeding upstream and had to drop anchor to avoid going adrift. The Kelheim, with 100 small cars on board, blocked traffic on the river until another vessel later pulled the Kelheim into the harbour at Racklau. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution being released.
The 27 meter long tug Aries went aground on the Danube River near Luberegg, Austria. The Aries was pushing two tanker barges holding 750 tons of diesel fuel when the tug sprang a leak. The tug disconnected from the barges and headed towards a nearby sandbar to avoid sinking. The vessel suffered severe water ingress with the engine room completed flooded causing a total power outage. The local fire rescue were requested which brought out pumps and placed oil booms around the tug. Divers were sent to patch the leak while the pumps were able to dewater the vessel. No reports of injuries or damage. Pollution released was contained and was not released into the river.
The 100 meter long self-propelled barge Duernstein grounded onto a sunken wreck on the Danube River near Regelsbrunn, Austria. The Duernstein with an attached barge struck a vessel than sank in November 2010. Authorities have stated the wreck was to be dismantled in January 2012 as it poses a risk to navigation. Initially, the sunken vessel was to be raised, but it will be cut into several sections. The Duernstein will be salvaged when the river level rises to allow the vessel to pull free without risk of puncturing the hull. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The location of the wreck is in the Danube-Auen National Park.
