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Tag: Germany

Collision on the Elbe

Collision on the Elbe

Övelgönne
Photo: mopo.de

On the morning of January 25, the 30 meter long passenger ferry Övelgönne (MMSI: 211151080) was in collision in poor visibility with a barge being pushed by the self-propelled container-barge Hanse (MMSI: 211760410) on the Elbe River at Hamburg, Germany.  The Övelgönne was headed to the Dockland pier with 25 passengers from Finkenwerder when it approached the Hanse which had departed from Braunschweig with a convoy of barges.  As the vessels approached the Dockland pier in dense fog, the Övelgönne was struck on the starboard hull by a lead barge.  The ferry’s hull was partially crushed above the waterline with multiple windows smashed.  Passengers were struck by flying debris and sprayed by water resulting in multiple injuries. One passenger was knock unconscious and was reported as in critical condition with a brain injury. Ten others on board were slightly injured with many suffering from hypothermia. The Övelgönne was able to berth where it was met by local authorities and emergency personnel. All the injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment.

The Hanse was able to continue and proceeded to Waltershof where it berthed and met by local authorities. The water police launched an investigation into incident. Both the captains of the Övelgönne and Hanse were given a breathalyzer test which were negative. Authorities have reported that dense fog may have been a major factor in the collision. Initial investigation stated the Övelgönne was equipped with radar and it was manned with an experienced master. The investigation most likely will focus on why the radar wasn’t being monitored when visibility was limited at the time of the incident.

Kulle Christoph SK30

Kulle Christoph SK30

Kulle Christoph SK30
Photo: ff-heikendorf.de

On January 2, the 12 meter long, 19 gt fishing vessel Kulle Christoph SK30 sank in the Baltic Sea at Heikendorf, Germany. The fishing vessel had been in a bad state for some time before it sprung a leak and sunk at its berth. Reports state the vessel was owned by a local authority which was looking for a way to scrap/dispose of the vessel. There were no crew on board at the time it sank. Authorities have placed booms around the Kulle Christoph SK30 to contain the pollution. A salvage company will remove the vessel after all the necessary paperwork is completed.

Kerstin

Kerstin

Käthe Krieger
Photo: main-echo.de

On the morning of January 12, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Kerstin (MMSI: 244038327) lost control of steering on the Main River near Aschaffenburg, Germany. The Kerstin was proceeding downstream with a cargo of wheel when the vessel lost control of steering at the entrance to the Obernauer Lock. Fortunately, the Kerstin was able to avoid alliding with the moored passenger ship Amadeus Silver II (MMSI: 211682367), but the result the vessel was wedged at a 45 degree angle blocking the lock entrance.

Unable to free itself, the Kerstin requested assistance. The self-propelled barges Käthe Krieger (MMSI: 211476920) and Henneburg (MMSI: 211511390) helped pull the Kerstin free.  No reports of damage to the vessels or the lock. One person was slightly injured while freeing the Kerstin.