Netherlands - Shipwreck Log

On the morning of December 7, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Wiljaco-F (MMSI: 244001214) had its attached barge sink on the Maas River near Maastricht, Netherlands. The vessels were headed to Stein from Maastricht with a cargo of limestone when the barge broke loose near the entrance to the Julianakanaal. Strong currents pulled the barge free and it drifted until it ran aground and partially sank. Part of the limestone cargo did spill overboard into the waterway. No one was injured from the incident.

Authorities halted traffic between Ternaaien to Limmel. The 65 meter long workboat Prins 6 (MMSI:244090404) arrived on scene and begun salvage operations. The Prins 6 removed the 1400 tons of cargo of limestone and used pumps to refloat the barge later the same day. Reports state the water level was higher and there was a stronger current during the incident.

Aries

January 1, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of December 28, the 95 meter long towboat Aries (MMSI: 244730412) allided with the Spannenburg Bridge over the Prinses Margrietkanaal in Spannenburg, Netherlands. The towboat was attempting to pass under the bridge when it struck the bridge damaging both the vessel and bridge. The Aries wheelhouse was demolished from the allision preventing the vessel to proceed under its own power.

The bridge also sustained damage to its nets and lighting. Authorities stopped canal traffic near the bridge while emergency repairs could be completed. Reports state the Aries wheelhouse may not have been lowered enough to pass under the bridge. No details reported if there were any injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Maassluis Collision

December 7, 2024 Paul Hancock

On the early morning of December 5, the 106 meter long, 3850 tonnes self-propelled container-barge River Drone 5 (MMSI: 205565590) collided with the 155 meter long, 13101 dwt container ship Containerships VIII (IMO: 9336244) on the Scheur River near Rotterdam at Maassluis, Netherlands. Reports state witnesses heard a loud bang as the two vessel struck and 4 empty containers fell overboard into the water and washed up on the riverbank. There were no details to know which vessel lost the containers. The salvage vessel Hebo Cat 7 was able to recover the lost containers from the river and along the bank.

Both the River Drone 5 and Containerships VIII remained afloat after the incident. No details were released on the extent of damage, or if there were any injuries or pollution released. Reports do state the River Drone 5 did have the bridge manned with a qualified captain at the time of the incident.