On the morning of November 7, the 17 meter long towboat Catharina 5 (MMSI: 244650935) caught fire while berthed on the Eemskanaal in Farmsum, Netherlands. The local fire brigade arrived on scene and found the smoke emitting from the vessel. The responders inspected the vessel and ventilated the towboat of smoke. No reports of injuries and damage to the Catharina 5 was minimal. No reports of pollution released.
On the early morning of November 6, the 36 meter long passenger ferry Gorinchem VIII (MMSI: 244750275) caught fire on the Merwede River while berthed at a quay in Gorkum, Netherlands. Just before its first voyage of the day, the ferry crew found smoke coming out of the front hatch of the vessel. The local fire brigade arrived on scene with three fire engines. Firefighters were quickly able to extinguish the fire and help ventilate the smoke afterwards. Reports state the fire was started by a short circuit in one of the vessel’s battery chargers.
Another ferry was brought into service while the Gorinchem VIII could be cleaned. The ferry was expected to be back into service later the same day. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the morning of October 24, the 90 meter long self-propelled container barge Alphenaar (MMSI: 244059204) allided with the railway bridge over the Gouwe River near Gouda, Netherlands. The Alphenaar became wedged under the bridge as it attempted to pass underneath. The Alphenaar was able to free itself and added some additional ballast water to help lower the barge in the water. The vessel then proceeded safely under the bridge. Authorities detained the Alphenaar when it reach the lock to the Hollandsche Ijssel. Train traffic was halted near Gouda until engineers could investigate the damage to the bridge.
Reports state traffic resumed on the bridge a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released on the Alphenaar.