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Tag: Rhine

Piz Ela

Piz Ela

Piz Ela
Photo: wormser-zeitung.de

The 86 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Piz Ela collided a barge on the Rhine near Eich, Germany.  The Piz Ela wsa proceeding from Mainz with a cargo of caustic soda when it struck a barge loaded with gravel. The gravel barge sustained heavy damage and suffered water ingress at the bow. The Piz Ela sustained hull damage, but no release of the cargo.  The local fire brigades were alerted and arrived on scene to find the gravel barge partially sunk.  Dewatering pumps were deployed and kept the gravel barge afloat. Rescuers found the master of the Piz Ela was slightly injured by the collision and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Authorities were able to place temporary patches on both vessels. Another barge arrived to help lighter the gravel cargo.  Reports state the master of the Piz Ela had no license and lack the necessary number of crew on board to operate. The tanker-barge was detained until a licensed master could take over the voyage. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.

 

Collision on the Rhine

Collision on the Rhine

 

Maintal
Photo: dw.com

On January 28, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Maintal collided with the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Allegro on the Rhine near Zons, Germany. The Maintal was loaded with a cargo of gas oil from Spay when it struck head-on with the Allegro which had 1500 tons of soy on board.  The Maintal sustained hull damage including a rupture to one of its cargo tanks. Some 2000 litres of gas oil was released into the river. The master of the Maintal also sustained minor injuries. The Allegro also sustained significant damage to its bow, but no reports of injuries.

Authorities allowed the vessels to proceed to nearby berths. The Allegro berthed in Cologne and the Maintal berthed at Duisburg.  Authorities placed booms around the Maintal to contain any further pollution released.  The pollution released in the Rhine could not be contained due to the strong currents.  Authorities closed several entrances to ports and canals along the Rhine due to the pollution.

Pure Liner 2

Pure Liner 2

Pure Liner 2
Photo: rp-online.de

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 €.