On September 23, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Ilaria ran aground on the Danube near Mülham, Germany. The Ilaria was headed to Straubing from Vilshofen with 811 tons of quartz sand when it veered off course after a navigation mistake. The barge struck hard aground at the bow. No reports of injuries. An initial attempt by a pusher tug to refloat the Ilaria failed. A few days later the self-propelled barge Raphaela arrived on scene and lightered part of the cargo of quartz sand. No reports of pollution released.
On August 2, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Kevin ran aground on the Danube near Pfelling, Germany. The Kevin was headed to Enns and Straubing with a cargo of 1758 tons of steel when it suffered rudder failure. The crew attempted to do an emergency anchorage, but the barge ran aground along the river bank. Traffic on the river was halted near Pfelling until a salvage ship was able to refloat the Kevin. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the Kevin was able to resume its voyage later the same day.
On June 18, the 40 meter long passenger ship Austria Princess collided with the 73 meter long passenger ship Schönbrunn on the Danube near Dürnstein, Austria. The Schönbrunn was on a cruise from Krems to Dürnstein and back when it suffered rudder failure near Dürnstein. The vessel dropped anchor, but the current cause the anchor to drag allowing the Schönbrunn to gradually drift downstream. The Schönbrunn send out warning alerts to other vessels, but the Austria Princess proceeded towards the disabled Schönbrunn. The Austria Princess continued its approach from astern when it struck on its starboard side into the stern of the Schönbrunn. The Schönbrunn sustained damage to its bulwark and deck while more damage including shattered windows on the Austria Princess. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The Austria Princess proceeded to Krems where it was able to berth with some difficulty before continuing on to Linz for repairs. The Schönbrunn remained in Dürnstein to be inspected. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
