The 110 meter long self-propelled barge La Mattanza went aground under the Ijssel Bridge at Zutphen, Netherlands. The barge was proceeding under the bridge with a heavy load of stones when it grounded. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The La Mattanza was later refloated later the same day aided by another barge. Reports state the cause of the grounding was due to the low water level at the time.
The 143 meter long passenger cruise ship L’Austral allided with the floodgate entering the IJmuiden. The L’Austral was entering the lock from the North Sea when it struck the middle lock gate. The gate sustained some damage, but was still operational. The L’Austral sustained scratches and dents on the bow. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The passenger ship was allowed to proceed on to Hamburg under its own power.
The 85 meter long self-propelled barge Confid broke-in-two on the Maas River near Lomm, Netherlands. The Confid was loading 1400 tons of gravel when the vessel’s hull failed and broke-in-tow. The bow section remained above water while the stern sank. The four crewmen on board were able to escape by jumping into the water before the stern sank. Oil was spotted and authorities requested an anti-pollution vessel while booms were placed around the vessel. Reports states that some 7 tons of diesel fuel was on the Confid. A vehicle on board the Confid at the time of the sinking was later recovered. Divers surveyed the wreck, but no details reported to why the hull failed. Salvage of the Confid is expected to take a week as the gravel must be removed first.
