Germany - Shipwreck Log

Thurgau Gold

December 16, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of December 16, the 135 meter long passenger ship Thurgau Gold (MMSI: 269057854) caught fire while on the Rhine near Speyer, Germany. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room spewing out smoke. The Thurgau Gold requested assistance with the local fire brigade met the vessel near Speyer. Fire boats assisted the passenger ship to berth allowing fire fighters on board. Fire fighters were able to get the blaze under control within a few hours, but it would take many more hours before the fire was extinguished. Reports state the heat from the fire required the hull to be cooled from water sprayed against the hull.

The 149 passengers and 42 crew were safely evacuated off the vessel to a restaurant in Speyer. Later the same day the passengers were transferred to buses for their return journey. There were no reports of injuries.

Reports state the Thurgau Gold engine room was gutted by the fire with the main engines damaged. The passenger ship would be towed to a shipyard where it will undergo inspection and repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Nautila

December 11, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of December 10, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Nautila (MMSI: 211179370) ran aground on the Main River near Karlstadt, Germany. The Nautila wad departing from port with 2000 tons of cement clinker and was proceeding into the river shipping channel when it touched bottom. The barge then swung perpendicular to the river as it was being pulled by the current. The vessel drifted until it became stuck aground. The Nautila sustained some damage to its rudder, but no reports of injuries or pollution released.

The Nautila remained stuck on the river and need assistance to be freed. Both a tug and icebreaker were able to finally move the Nautila the following day on their fifth attempt. Reports state traffic remains halted until the area can be checked for obstructions.

Regina K

December 11, 2024 Paul Hancock

On December 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Regina K (MMSI: 211414050) allided on the Moselle River within the Müden lock. The Regina K, fully loaded with scrap, prematurely entered the Müden lock before the lock gates were fully open. This resulted in the lock gates being torn away and leaving them severely damaged along with the anchors and equipment used to control the gates. Hydraulic lines were cut and pollution was released into the river. Local fire brigade placed a boom to contain any additional pollution. The Regina K sustained significant bow damage, but did not suffer any water ingress. There were no reports of injuries.

Reports state the incident may have been caused by a technical fault on the vessel. Authorities have closed traffic indefinitely at the lock until repairs can be done. Early estimates state the lock may not be back into service until March 2025. Reports state that much of the lock gate parts need to be replaced and the replacement gate would require additional upgrades before it could be put into service.

Some 70 vessels were reported stuck above the lock as there is just a single lock at Müden. With the route blocked, river traffic was backing up as far as the French border. Authorities were determining what action can be done. Some discussion was to use the dam gate plates to allow vessels to proceed downstream. However, this would require the use of divers and would be a time-intensive effort. Until a solution is implemented, vessels have been asked to stay at their berths upstream of the lock.