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Collision on the Elbe

Collision on the Elbe

Övelgönne
Photo: mopo.de

On the morning of January 25, the 30 meter long passenger ferry Övelgönne (MMSI: 211151080) was in collision in poor visibility with a barge being pushed by the self-propelled container-barge Hanse (MMSI: 211760410) on the Elbe River at Hamburg, Germany.  The Övelgönne was headed to the Dockland pier with 25 passengers from Finkenwerder when it approached the Hanse which had departed from Braunschweig with a convoy of barges.  As the vessels approached the Dockland pier in dense fog, the Övelgönne was struck on the starboard hull by a lead barge.  The ferry’s hull was partially crushed above the waterline with multiple windows smashed.  Passengers were struck by flying debris and sprayed by water resulting in multiple injuries. One passenger was knock unconscious and was reported as in critical condition with a brain injury. Ten others on board were slightly injured with many suffering from hypothermia. The Övelgönne was able to berth where it was met by local authorities and emergency personnel. All the injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.

The Hanse was able to continue and proceeded to Waltershof where it berthed and met by local authorities. The water police launched an investigation into incident. Both the captains of the Övelgönne and Hanse were given a breathalyzer test which were negative. Authorities have reported that dense fog may have been a major factor in the collision. Initial investigation stated the Övelgönne was equipped with radar and it was manned with an experienced master. The investigation most likely will focus on why the radar wasn’t being monitored when visibility was limited at the time of the incident.

Hecht

Hecht

Hecht
Photo: landeszeitung.de

On the evening of October 21, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Hecht (MSSI: 211496960) caught fire on the Elbe off Lauenburg, Germany. The Hecht was on a voyage from Hildensheim to Hamburg when fire broke out in the living quarters. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure in meters high flames and spewing out dense black smoke.  Multiple fire brigades were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Their combined effort were able to extinguish the fire in about an hour. The crew of the Hecht were uninjured, but the vessel sustained around 100,000 euros in damage to the barge. Reports state the cargo of  wheat grain was unimpacted by the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details on how the fire broke out on the vessel.

Edda

Edda

Edda
Photo: mz-web.de

The 26 meter long pushboat/towboat Edda with the 86 meter long tanker-barge CT 1803 ran aground on the Elbe River near Klöden, Germany. The vessels were proceeding on the Elbe bound for Magdeburg when the Edda struck an underwater obstruction causing rudder failure.  The CT 1803 spun until it was perpendicular to the river blocking traffic on the Elbe.  Authorities dispatched a workboat to the scene to the pull the CT 1803 free.  The first attempt by the workboat failed and it was determined a more powerful vessel was required. A second pushboat was dispatched from Torgau and arrived on scene.  These vessels were able to pull the CT 1803 free later that day.  No reports of injuries or pollution released on either vessel.