On August 21, the 80 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Elan ran aground on the Elbe near Hamburg, Germany. The Elan was proceeding on the Elbe with 1200 tons of heating oil and heavy fuel when it grounded near a dike off Hamburg. Authorities were alerted and dispatched vessels to the scene to monitor the situation. An hour later with the rising tide, the Elan was able to refloat itself. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On May 25, a fire broke out on the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Admiral while moored on the Elbe River at Roßdamm, Germany. The Admiral had been moored at Roßdamm a few days when a fire broke out in the vessel’s galley. Nearby witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing out from the vessel and alerted authorities. Local fire brigade arrived on scene and found the bow cabin engulfed in flames. Firefighters were able later to contain the fire and soon after extinguish it.
The sole person on board the vessel perished in the fire. Authorities state the person may not been able to escape before succumbing to the smoke. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 80 meter long self-propelled barge Nawa 9 broke-in-two and sank on the Elbe at Hamburg, Germany. The Nawa 9 was loading a cargo of iron silicate near the Norder Elbe Bridge when the vessel suffered structural failure in the cargo hold.
The hull cracked and quickly flooded forcing the three crew to jump overboard. The Nawa 9 partially sank with only part of the bow and wheelhouse above water. No reports of injuries.
The local fire brigade was alerted. The brigade placed booms around the wreck to contain any pollution released. Reports state the water police halted traffic around the wreck.