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Tag: Germany

Hecht

Hecht

Hecht
Photo: landeszeitung.de

On the evening of October 21, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Hecht (MSSI: 211496960) caught fire on the Elbe off Lauenburg, Germany. The Hecht was on a voyage from Hildensheim to Hamburg when fire broke out in the living quarters. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure in meters high flames and spewing out dense black smoke.  Multiple fire brigades were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Their combined effort were able to extinguish the fire in about an hour. The crew of the Hecht were uninjured, but the vessel sustained around 100,000 euros in damage to the barge. Reports state the cargo of  wheat grain was unimpacted by the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details on how the fire broke out on the vessel.

Ultra Infinity

Ultra Infinity

Ultra Infinity
Photo: kn-online.de

On the morning of October 23, the 200 meter long, 61,188 dwt bulk carrier Ultra Infinity (IMO: 9767481) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Kiel, Germany. The Ultra Infinity was bound for the Baltic Sea when it veered off course in dense fog.  Conditions had visibility down to just 100 meters when the bulk carrier struck the canal’s north embankment. The vessel was able to free itself and proceeded to Kiel.  The vessel sustained no injuries, water ingress and no pollution was released.  Authorities halted traffic for a short period until the visibility improved. The bulk carrier proceeded on to Holtenau for further inspection. The incident is under investigation by the water police.

Sjouwer

Sjouwer

Sjouwer
Photo: swr.de

On the evening of October 16, the 190 meter long self-propelled barge Sjouwer (MMSI: 244650954) struck the Diffené Bridge over the Bonadieshafen in the industrial port Mannheim, Germany. The Sjouwer was attempting to pass under the bridge when it allided. The wheelhouse was crushed and fell into the river. Additionally, the two vehicles onboard the Sjouwer ended up in the river as well. Fortunately, the master of the Sjouwer was able to escape beforehand and was uninjured.  The Diffené Bridge was inspected and found it had no significant damage with just a few scratches requiring some paint.

On October 17, divers were able to attach ropes and the vehicles were recovered from the river. Damage to the Sjouwer was estimated at 200,000 euros. Reports state the incident was due to a misjudgment of the height of the vessel.  The incident is under investigation.

Sjouwer