On April 30, the 64 meter long self-propelled barge Stern allided and ran aground on a quay in Gorinchem, Netherlands. The Stern was headed to North Brabant from Merwede when it stranded on the quay. The Stern couldn’t be refloated by itself as the bow was stuck on shore. Another barge arrived a short time later the same day and pulled the Stern free. The stern proceeded to Maasbracht. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 85 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Idris caught fire on the Merwede Canal while berthed at Gorinchem, Netherlands. The fire started in the living quarters of the vessel. Smoke was spotted and the local fire brigade responded to the scene. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze. Fire damage was limited to the living quarters. No injuries as no one was on board the Idris at the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.