Stadt Heilbronn

On the afternoon of January 20, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Stadt Heilbronn (MMSI: 211495540) allided on the Neckar River near Heilbronn-Horkheim, Germany. The Stadt Heilbronn was headed to Ludwigshafen from Gundelsheim when it struck an open floodgate as it attempted to pass underneath it. While the gate and vessel sustained only minor damage, the vessel’s vehicle was damaged. The vehicle had been secured on aft deck which sat too high and unable to pass under the gate. The vehicle was nearly pushed off the stern of the Stadt Heilbronn. Fortunately the crew was able to secure it before it went overboard.

The vessel contacted authorities who arrived on scene after the incident. The water police launched an investigation and found the vessel had not sufficient ballast to allow it to pass under the gate. Reports state the master of the Stadt Heilbronn received a warning and may have been issued a fine for the incident.

