The 77 meter long self-propelled barge Fulda allided with the lock on the Mittelland Canal at Sülfeld, Germany. The Fulda, loaded with 756 tonnes of feed, had proceeded into the lock when the vessel accidentally moved too far forward and struck the barrier over the lock. The Fulda sustained significant bow damage and was detained by authorities. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The water police launched an investigation into the incident.
The 80 meter long self-propelled barge Karola allided with a bridge on the Mittelland Canal near Bramsche, Germany. The Karola had broken free of its moorings and drifted down the canal until it struck the bridge. The vessel’s wheelhouse was smashed and the bridge sustained damaged. No reports of injuries as there were no crew on board at the time of the incident. Two barges arrived soon after the incident and pushed the Karola back to its berth. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
On October 28, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Rothensee sank after colliding with another vessel on the Mittelland Canal near Oebisfelde, Germany. The Rothensee quickly sank in 4.5 feet of water with its cargo of 800 tons or iron bars. No reports of injuries. Salvage teams quickly responded as the sunken Rothensee was blocking traffic on the canal. The salvage team was able to recover the 800 tons of iron off the vessel and began lifting efforts with a floating crane. As the stern was pulled above the water, the hull cracked just behind the stern wheelhouse. The 1.5 meter long crack halted operations. Steel plates were welded to stabilize the Rothensee to allow salvage operations to continued. After refloated, the Rothensee will be taken to a nearby berth where it can be scrapped.
