On the afternoon of December 18, the 86 meter long self-propelled barge Linah (MMSI: 211476540) caught fire while moored on the Elbe River at Köhlfleet, Germany. The Linah had been at moored at a jetty with 1000 tons of gypsum when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room. The local fire brigade arrived on scene and found the Linah engine room ablaze. Reports state multiple vessels along with 70 fire fighters were involved in extinguishing the fire. There were no injuries reported. Extent of damage to the vessel was not disclosed.
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.
Photo: rheinpfalz.de
Photo: rheinpfalz.de
Photo: swr.de
Photo: swr.de
Photo: rnf.de
Photo: rnf.de
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.
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.
Photo: n-tv.de
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.
