Rhine - Shipwreck Log

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

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.

https://youtu.be/o46a0jbH2lQ

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.