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.
The 135 meter long river passenger ship Viking Tor allided with the bridge in Poikam, Germany. The Viking Tor was entering the lock canal Bad Abbach on the Danube when it struck one of the bridge’s pillars. Pulled by the current, the Viking Tor then spun perpendicular to the river and wedged up against the bridge. Local fire brigade and water police arrived on scene and safety evacuated the passengers using boats and aerial ladders. None of the 186 passengers or 51 crew on board were injured. A towboat arrived on scene later the same day and was able to pull the Viking Tor free. Reports state the passenger ship did sustain some damage in the allision and was being taken to Regensburg for repairs.
