Collision on the Rhine

On the night of March 29, the 90 meter long self-propelled passenger ship De Zonnebloem (IMO: 8407644) collided with the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Servia (MMSI: 244185189) on the Rhine near Voerde, Germany. The Servia‘s bow struck head-on with the De Zonnebloem resulting in heavy damage to the passenger ship. The De Zonnebloem sustained a 20 meter² hole in the bow above the waterline while the Servia‘s bow sustained a significant dent. Fortunately there were no injuries to the 134 passengers and 15 crew on the De Zonnebloem and no injuries on the Servia. There were no reports of pollution released.
Authorities dispatched both fire and police boats to escort the De Zonnebloem to Wesel where it was met by emergency personnel. Authorities detained the Servia and had it’s master under go a blood test for alcohol. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings while the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Reports state the De Zonnebloem will be taken out of service for several months to undergo repairs.