On the evening July 18, a cargo vessel allided with a moored self-propelled barge on the Rhine near Friemersheim, Germany. The cargo vessel struck the stern and tore a meter gash above the waterline into the hull of the barge. No one was injured in the incident. The water police has launched an investigation. The self-propelled barge was allowed to proceed to a shipyard for repairs. The cargo vessel was allowed to proceed on its journey on the Rhine.
On the afternoon of July 14, the 18 meter long self-propelled passenger ship Willi Abicht (MMSI: 211184720) allided on the Elbe River with the 400 meter long, 197087 dwt container ship Cosco Shipping Capricorn (IMO: 9783514) in the port of Hamburg, Germany. The Willi Abicht was proceeding through the container terminal when it suffered rudder failure and drifted into the moored container ship.
The water police stated the Willi Abicht had sustained some damage, but was in no danger of sinking and no pollution was released. Two passengers were slightly injured during the incident. The Cosco Shipping Capricorn only sustained minor paint scrapes from the incident. The passenger ship was taken under tow to a nearby shipyard for repairs.
On the afternoon of July 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Helga (MMSI: 211670730) allided on the Weser River near Dörverden, Germany. The master of the Helga had lost control of the vessel which struck a dolphin along the riverbank. The Helga sustained significant damage to the starboard foreship that has been estimated to be in the five-figure range. An investigation by the water policy found the master of the Helga was suffering from health problems which may have contributed to the incident. Authorities stated that alcohol was not a factor. The water police have detained the Helga from proceeding and the vessel was taken to a nearby mooring. No reports of pollution released.
