The 104 meter long heavy lift carrier Papenburg became disabled on the Ems River. The Papenburg had suffered engine failure while en route to Papenburg from Rostock. The vessel was able to make an emergency anchoring to avoid going aground. Two tugs were dispatched and towed the Papenburg to Emden. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 112 meter long, 6334 dwt cargo vessel Emsmoon allided with the bridge over the Ems river at Weener, Germany. The Emsmoon had departed from Papenburg when it struck 335 meter long bascule railway bridge. The bow of the Emsmoon struck the closed center span and almost completely destroyed the span. The Emsmoon sustained dents and scratches, but there was no injuries or pollution released. The Emsmoon returned to Papenburg for inspection. Authorities reported that the cause of the allision was not due to a technical fault.
A floating crane will be used to remove the destroyed span. Traffic will be limited to self-propelled barges until the span can be removed. Cargo vessels upstream of the bridge will be unable leave as well. Reports state repairing the bridge may take years to complete.
The 110 meter long self-propelled barge Lorena suffered a fire on the Ems River while berthed at Emden, Germany. The Lorena was moored at the power plant when a fire started in the cargo hold containing 1000 tons of wood pellets. The crew requested assistance from the local fire brigade. A crane was used to remove some of the cargo and place it on the pier where fire fighters doused it with water. For several hours, the fire fighting efforts kept the cargo wet until the smoldering fire could be extinguished. No reports of injuries. Reports state the crew later pumped the water out of the hold the following day.