The 85 meter long self-propelled barge Arsianco allided with the Charleroi-Brussels canal lock at Pont-à-Celle, Belgium. The Arsianco had proceeded to early to pass into the lock and struck the lock gate. The gate suffered significant damage requiring it to be removed. Cranes were requested to lift the damage gate halting traffic on the canal. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 66 meter long self-propelled barge Penhoet sank on the Schelde River near Bornem, Belgium. The Penhoet was headed to Valencienne Weert from Ghent when it veered out of the navigation channel and struck a bridge pillar. The barge sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress in the bow. Unable to stop the flooding, the master of the Penhoet drove the barge onto a sandbank before it partially sank.
Local authorities were alerted and rescued three persons off the Penhoet. No reports of injuries. Authorities attempted to refloat the Penhoet, but the flooding could not be stopped. The Penhoet completed sank beneath the water on the rising tide. Reports state the vessel shall be salvaged on the next low tide. No reports of pollution released.
On October 20, the 183 meter long, 9772 dwt car carrier Silver Sky caught fire while berthed in Antwerp, Belgium. The Silver Sky was being loaded with previously owned vehicles when one of the vehicles caught fire on one of the cargo decks. The fire quickly spread to other vehicles and the blaze engulfed the deck. Local authorities were alerted and multiple fire brigades and fire fighting tugs were dispatched to the scene. While tugs sprayed water to cool the hull, fire fighters were able to contain the blaze using carbon dioxide. No reports of injuries to the 24 crew and there was no water pollution released. Authorities stated on October 23 that several decks were still too hot to inspect the vessel and fire fighting efforts may still be required.
