Passenger Ship – Shipwreck Log

On January 25, seven vessels broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. Five barges, one tugboat and the 140 foot long passenger ship Captain JP III broke free after rains and warming weather caused the water level on the river to rise and released several ice jams. Pulled downstream, the Captain JP III drifted until it struck the railroad bridge. The passenger ship was too tall to pass under the bridge and became wedged under the span. Many of the other vessels were able to pass under the bridge without mishap, but several did strike the bridge.

Multiple tugs were dispatched and were able to free the Captain JP III and recover the other unmanned tugboats and barges. No reports of injuries.

Authorities report the bridge did sustain some minor damage, but the bridge should remain in operation. The Captain JP III sustained significant hull damage to its stern.

Pure Liner 2

December 26, 2018 Paul Hancock

On December 25, the 63 meter long passenger vessel Pure Liner 2 sank on the Rhine at Cologne, Germany. The Pure Liner 2 had been moored along a quay when it became stuck when the water level rose on the river. The vessel sustained water ingress and partially sank leaving only part of its upper deck above water. No reports of injuries.

Reports state the Pure Liner 2 will be raised and salvage costs could exceed 100,000 €.

Viking Tialfi

September 11, 2018 Paul Hancock

The 135 meter long passenger vessel Viking Tialfi ran aground on the Rhine near Mannheim, Germany. The river cruise ship was en route to Amsterdam from Basel with 185 passengers when it attempted to berth at Mannheim. During the maneuver the Viking Tialfi ran aground on a sand bar. The passenger ship was unable to free itself and requested assistance. The passenger ship Viking Fir arrived and was able to transfer all the passengers off the Viking Tialfi safely. Later the self-propelled barge Johanna was able to pull the Viking Tialfi free.

The Viking Tialfi berthed in Mannheim before proceeding on to Rüdesheim. Reports state the grounding was due to the low water levels on the Rhine. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.