The 86 meter long self-propelled barge Tokaj 2 allided with a bridge over the lock in Groningen, Netherlands. The vessel struck the bridge deck resulting in several thousands of euros in damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Traffic was halted on the canal and on the roadway bridge. Authorities spent several hours inspecting the bridge and were able to lift the bridge spans to allow cranes to do repairs.
The 110 meter long self-propelled barge Julien allided with the bridge over the Waal River at Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Julien was en route to Germany with a cargo of coal when it lost its rudder and went adrift. The barge drifted until it crashed into one of the pillars of the bridge. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state that river traffic was not blocked and train traffic over the bridge was allowed, but only at a reduced speed. Authorities have launched a search for the rudder and have started an investigation into the incident.
The 86 meter long self-propelled barge Stranger ran aground on the Wester Scheldt near Hoofdplaat, Netherlands. The Stranger had its anchor drag and drifted onto a sandbar by the stern. A lighter vessel was requested and the barge Carla assisted in lighter the cargo off the Stranger. Both barges remained aground until the next high tide when a tug pulled the Stranger free. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the Stranger was allowed to proceed under its own power to Antwerp.
