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Tag: Germany

Collision on the Rhine

Collision on the Rhine

De Zonnebloem
Photo: Presseportal.de

On the night of March 29, the 90 meter long self-propelled passenger ship De Zonnebloem (IMO: 8407644) collided with the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Servia (MMSI: 244185189) on the Rhine near Voerde, Germany.  The Servia‘s bow struck head-on with the De Zonnebloem resulting in heavy damage to the passenger ship.  The De Zonnebloem sustained a 20 meter² hole in the bow above the waterline while the Servia‘s bow sustained a significant dent.  Fortunately there were no injuries to the 134 passengers and 15 crew on the De Zonnebloem and no injuries on the Servia. There were no reports of pollution released.

Authorities dispatched both fire and police boats to escort the De Zonnebloem to Wesel where it was met by emergency personnel. Authorities detained the Servia and had it’s master under go a blood test for alcohol. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.  Reports state the De Zonnebloem will be taken out of service for several months to undergo repairs.

Frederik

Frederik

Frederik
Photo: shz.de

On March 27, the 154.5 meter long, 18457 dwt container ship Frederik (IMO: 9328637) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Fischerhütte, Germany. The Frederik departed from Hamburg bound for Klaipeda when it encountered a fault resulting in engine failure near Fischerhütte. The boxship was unable to steer and drifted aground on the embankment.  Authorities ordered all shipping traffic in the area to be halted and dispatched two tugs to assist. The tug Fairplay 54 (IMO: 9021112) and Fairplay 57 (IMO: 9036246) arrived on site and able to pull the Frederik free. The vessel was later towed to a landing where it was moored. Reports state there were no injuries and no pollution released.

Scenic Crystal

Scenic Crystal

Scenic Crystal

On the morning of March 15, the 136 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Scenic Crystal (MMSI: 229065000) allided with a bridge over the Main-Danube Canal near Berching, Germany. The vessel was en route to Nuremberg when it struck the bridge having its wheelhouse roof torn off. Fortunately, no one was in the wheelhouse at the time of the allision. The Scenic Crystal was able to proceed to the Berching lock where it berthed. Traffic was halted for several hours until the bridge could be inspected which found no damage on the structure.

No reports of injuries to the 56 crew and 133 passengers on board. Reports state passengers were transferred to bus to continue on to their destination. Reports state the damage to the wheelhouse may be in excess of  200.000 €.  Authorities did state the cause of the incident was due to the master of the vessel not lowering the wheelhouse before approaching the bridge.