On March 20, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Delos collided with the 65 meter long self-propelled barge Ventura on the Rhine near Xanten, Germany. The Delos struck the Ventura resulting in destroying the wheelhouse of the Ventura. The master and his wife on the Ventura sustained serious injuries and were taken to hospital. Reports state the cause of the collision was not clear.The water police has launched an investigation.
The 79 meter long, 3095 dwt cargo vessel Việt Thuận 68 collided and sank off Nam Dinh, Vietnam. The Việt Thuận 68 had collided with the coastal vessel Phuong Linh 16 sustaining hull damage including water ingress. The crew of the Phuong Linh 16 transferred a pump over to the Việt Thuận 68 while it took it under tow back to port. Two other vessels arrived on scene to help escort the crippled Việt Thuận 68 being towed by the Phuong Linh 16. Before the vessels reached the safety of port, the pumps failed to stop the flooding. Before the Việt Thuận 68 sank, all nine crew were safely rescued. No reports of injuries.
On March 3, the 270 meter long, 74375 dwt MSC Madrid collided with the 199 meter long, 14012 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Primula Seaways off Flushing, Netherlands. The MSC Madrid had made a turn which caused it to strike into the port side of the Primula Seaways. Both vessels sustained significant damage above the waterline and were detained until surveys could be completed. The Primula Seaways was found seaworthy and allowed to proceed on its voyage to Ghent later the same day. The MSC Madrid was also allowed to continue on its voyage from Hamburg to Antwerp. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
