On August 21, the 12 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry St. Michael (MMSI:211664940) became disabled on the Rhine at Hitdorf, Germany. The St. Michael suffered a mechanical breakdown with the failure of the vessel’s gearbox. The ferry was taken out of service until repairs can be completed. Reports state the St. Michael should be inspected and back in service within a few days. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of August 17, the 62 meter long ferry Helene (MMSI: 211276280) collided with a tanker on the Rhine near Gernsheim, Germany. The Helene was making a crossing between Gernsheim and Eich with three vehicles and six people on board when it struck an empty self-propelled tanker barge. Both vessels sustained hull damage, but were able to stay afloat. Reports state the Helene had allowed to vessels to pass upstream, but failed to spot the downstream tanker. The Helene was taken out of service for inspection and repair. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On August 16, the 16 meter long towboat Hannelore (MMSI: 211746400) ran aground and sank on the Danube near Passau, Germany. The Hannelore was pushing a dredger when it went aground off the Lindau Oil terminal. The towboat suffered uncontrolled water ingress from a defective valve and partially sank in 2.5 meters of water. The Grubweg fire brigade placed booms around the Hannelore to contain pollution. An attempt to raise the towboat failed and a floating crane will be brought onsite to salvage the vessel. Reports state damage to the Hannelore around 10000 euros.