The 86 meter long self-propelled barge Rubiships VIII became disabled on the Danube near Deggendorf, Germany. The Rubiships VIII was en route to Deggendorf from Straubing when the vessel’s rudder broke. The crew was able to make an emergency anchoring. The Rubiships VIII was taken under tow to Deggendorf and will be later towed to Linz for repairs.
On March 17, the 225 meter long bulk carrier Paraskevi went aground on the Paraná river near the 407 kilometer mark. The Paraskevi was heading down the river with 45,000 tons of soybeans when it suffered a power blackout. The Panamax vessel drifted until it grounded blocking traffic on the river. Three tugs were dispatched attempting to free the bulk carrier, but the Paraskevi remained stuck. After several days, the some 80 vessels were queued below the Paraskevi waiting for the vessel to be refloated. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 180 meter long, 42263 dwt bulk carrier John 1 went aground off Rose Blanche, Newfoundland, Canada. The John 1 was en route from Spain to Montreal in ballast when it suffered power outage. The vessel requested a tug, but ice conditions delayed it. The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Earl Grey also responded and reached the John 1. The Earl Grey tried several times to connect a towline, but these attempts were unsuccessful. The John 1 continue to drift until it grounded just 600 feet off shore. Authorities dispatched a helicopter to the scene which airlifted all 23 crew on board the bulk carrier. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
