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Collision on the Rhine

Collision on the Rhine

De Zonnebloem
Photo: Presseportal.de

On the night of March 29, the 90 meter long self-propelled passenger ship De Zonnebloem (IMO: 8407644) collided with the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Servia (MMSI: 244185189) on the Rhine near Voerde, Germany.  The Servia‘s bow struck head-on with the De Zonnebloem resulting in heavy damage to the passenger ship.  The De Zonnebloem sustained a 20 meter² hole in the bow above the waterline while the Servia‘s bow sustained a significant dent.  Fortunately there were no injuries to the 134 passengers and 15 crew on the De Zonnebloem and no injuries on the Servia. There were no reports of pollution released.

Authorities dispatched both fire and police boats to escort the De Zonnebloem to Wesel where it was met by emergency personnel. Authorities detained the Servia and had it’s master under go a blood test for alcohol. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings while the investigation into the incident is ongoing.  Reports state the De Zonnebloem will be taken out of service for several months to undergo repairs.

Thurgau Gold

Thurgau Gold

Thurgau Gold
Photo: rnf.de

On the early morning of December 16, the 135 meter long passenger ship Thurgau Gold (MMSI: 269057854) caught fire while on the Rhine near Speyer, Germany. The fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room spewing out smoke. The Thurgau Gold requested assistance with the local fire brigade met the vessel near Speyer. Fire boats assisted the passenger ship to berth allowing fire fighters on board. Fire fighters were able to get the blaze under control within a few hours, but it would take many more hours before the fire was extinguished. Reports state the heat from the fire required the hull to be cooled from water sprayed against the hull.

The 149 passengers and 42 crew were safely evacuated off the vessel to a restaurant in Speyer. Later the same day the passengers were transferred to buses for their return journey. There were no reports of injuries.

Reports state the Thurgau Gold engine room was gutted by the fire with the main engines damaged. The passenger ship would be towed to a shipyard where it will undergo inspection and repairs. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

RheinPoesie

RheinPoesie

RheinPoesie
Photo: nrz.de

On the morning of November 25, the 53 meter long passenger ship RheinPoesie (MMSI:221507850) caught fire on the Rhine near Düsseldorf, Germany. The RheinPoesie was proceeding on the Rhine when a mixture of steam and smoke was spotted coming out of the engine room. The vessel proceeded to a nearby jetty where it was met by the local fire brigade. Fire fighters were quickly able to extinguish the fire using a small device.  The entire operation was completed within two hours. No reports of injuries.

RheinPoesie
Photo: tonight.de

One report stated there was sound of an explosion prior to the fire. Damage to the engine room was not disclosed nor the direct cause of the fire. No reports if the water police will conduct an investigation into the incident.