The 133 meter long, 10000 dwt heavy-lift vessel Palabora struck the lock wall in the Kiel Canal near Holtenau, Germany. The Palabora had suffered engine failure before alliding with the lock. The Palabora was inspected and was allowed to proceed to Hamburg. The lock was closed for an hour to assess any damage. No reports of injuries or pollution being released.
The 81 meter long, 2300 dwt freighter Kovera collided with the 82 meter long, 2019 dwt freighter Ida in dense fog off Holtenau, Germany. Both vessels were approaching the locks to the Kiel Canal when the Kovera struck the Ida. Both vessels sustained significant damage. The Ida proceeded to Heikendorf for anchorage while the Kovera remained at Holtenau for inspection. Both vessels are expected to make repairs at the shipyard in Kiel. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The water police are conducting an investigation. The exact cause of the collision was not reported.
At the Holtenau locks of the Kiel Canal, the 17,861 dwt boxship Heinrich Ehler collided with the 4550 dwt freighter Stroombank. The Heinrich Ehler was heading toward’s the open lock gate. The Ehler’s master had been warned to wait before proceeding into the lock, but ignored the warnings. When the Ehler entered the lock, it was going too quickly and there was no room for it to stop. Thus, the boxship struck the stern of the Stroombank causing considerable damage to the Stroombank. The master of the Heinrich Ehler was removed and handed over to authorities. The Stoombank was detained to determine if the vessel was safe to proceed. The Stoombank was scheduled to Bandirma, Turkey from Holtenauer. The Heinrich Ehler was allowed to proceed to Rotterdam. Authorities have asked a medical examination of the Heinrich Ehler to see if Alcohol was a factor.
