The 70 meter long self-propelled barge Janna caught fire on the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Lingen, Germany. The fire started in the forward cargo hold when an exhaust pipe ignited the cargo of sugar beet pellets. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze when the local fire brigade arrived. With twenty men, the fire fighters were able to contain the fire and removed any smoldering cargo. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 1125 ts inland tanker Alpsray exploded while berthed at the BP refinery at Lingen, Germany. The Alpsray was being loaded with premium fuel when a fire broke out. The fire quickly enveloped the Alpsray and there were several explosions. The five crew members on board the Alpsray were safely rescued. One crewman had to be treated for minor injuries. Local firefighters were able to get the fire under control using an extinguishing foam. Reports state traffic on the Dortmund-Ems Canal had to be stopped due to this incident. Initial estimates state the damage will be in the millions. Pollution has been released. The cause of the explosion is not known, but negligent arson is suspected.
