Rhine - Shipwreck Log

The 63 meter long self-propelled barge Undine 2 allided against a pier off Emmerich, Germany. The Undine 2 was proceeding on the Rhine from Tolkamer with a cargo of 700 tons of sand when it suffered engine failure. The crew attempted to keep the barge from going adrift by dropping the vessel’s anchor, but the current caused the Undine 2 to swing around and struck a floating pier. The Undine 2 suffered only minor scratches, but the pier was significantly damaged. The pier’s pontoon suffered water ingress and the gangway was twisted. No reports of injuries. Reports state estimated damage to the pier to be around 120,000 euros.

Giessenstroom

January 24, 2015 Paul Hancock

The 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Giessenstroom ran aground on the Rhine at Brisfelden, Switzerland. The tanker had become stranded after a navigational error. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. A second tanker arrived on scene and lightered some of the 2,500 tons of diesel fuel off the Giessenstroom. The Giessenstroom refloated free a short time later. Traffic on the Rhine was halted 10 hours between Dreirosenbrücke and Birsfelden until the tanker could be freed.

Allision on the Rhine

January 15, 2015 Paul Hancock

The 135 meter long self-propelled barge Aarburg allided with the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Formosa on the Rhine near St. Goard-Fellen, Germany. The Aarburg was proceeding downstream when it veered and struck the moored Formosa. The Aarburg continued until it ran aground by the stern along the shorline. The Formosa hull was punctured and the vessel suffered water ingress while the Aarburg sustained bow damage. No reports of injuries on either vessel. Reports stated the water police tested the crew and found the master of the Aarburg was intoxicated at the time of the incident. His license was revoked.