Emsmoon
The 112 meter long, 6334 dwt cargo vessel Emsmoon allided with the bridge over the Ems river at Weener, Germany. The Emsmoon had departed from Papenburg when it struck 335 meter long bascule railway bridge. The bow of the Emsmoon struck the closed center span and almost completely destroyed the span. The Emsmoon sustained dents and scratches, but there was no injuries or pollution released. The Emsmoon returned to Papenburg for inspection. Authorities reported that the cause of the allision was not due to a technical fault.
A floating crane will be used to remove the destroyed span. Traffic will be limited to self-propelled barges until the span can be removed. Cargo vessels upstream of the bridge will be unable leave as well. Reports state repairing the bridge may take years to complete.