On August 21, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Somtrans XV ran aground on the Rhine near Millingen, Netherlands. The Somtrans XV was en route to Pernis from Tolkamer when the tanker-barge ran up on the left bank. The Somtrans XV remained aground for several hours until it could be refloated late the same day. Authorities inspected the vessel and found there was no damage or pollution released. The Somtrans XV was allowed to proceed on its voyage on to Pernis.
On August 20, the 110 meter long river passenger vessel Douce France ran aground on the Rhine off Cologne, Germany. The Douce France was on a voyage from Koblenz to Amsterdam with 97 passengers and 28 crew when it approached Cologne. As the cruise ship was attempting to berth, it grounded at the bow. Unable to free itself, the crew requested assistance with the self-propelled barge Millennium responding. Authorities blocked traffic on the Rhine while the Millennium pulled the Douce France free.
No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the cause of the grounding was due to the low water levels.
The 135 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Somtrans XXVI ran aground on the Rhine near Dormagen, Germany. The tanker was underway with 1800 tons of chemicals on board when it struck a sandbank while close to the riverbank. The tanker-barge damaged its bow thruster, but the hull remained intact and no pollution was released. A sister ship to the Somtrans XXVI was nearby and pulled the Somtrans XXVI free. Reports state the vessel made repairs in Dormagen and proceeded on its voyage to Amsterdam.