Elbe Canal Collision
The 67 meter long self-propelled barge Hanna collided with the 82 meter long self-propelled barge Weser on the Elbe-Side Canal near Bad Bevensen, Germany. The Weser loaded with 1300 tons of wheat struck head-on with the coal laden Hanna. The Hanna sustained bow damage with a 1.5 meter long hole. The Hanna was unable to control the flooding and the bow submerged, but the entire vessel was in no danger of sinking. The Weser also sustained damage to its bow with a hole above the waterline. No reports of injuries. The fire brigade at Bad Bevensen responded to the scene. They placed booms around the vessels as some small amount of oil was released.
Reports state a dredger was requested to help refloat the Hanna. Some 800 tons of coal will have to be lightered before the bow can be pumped-out. The Hanna is to be towed to a nearby berth 1.5 kilometers away so a temporary patch can be completed before the Hanna proceeds on to a shipyard.
