Belleza

On the evening of September 19, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Belleza (MMSI: 211265330) ran aground on the Elbe River near Hamburg, Germany. The Belleza, loaded with 100 tons of scrap metal, had run aground just as it tried to depart from the harbor and suffered water ingress. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched a response team to the scene. The local fire brigade found the vessel in a nearly sinking condition with its engine room flooded. Pumps were used to dewater the Belleza while 2 tugs pulled the vessel into deeper water.

Authorities stated the cause of the water ingress was not caused by a leak and the Belleza was allowed to continue on its voyage. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident. There were no reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board and no pollution was released.