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Tag: Rhine

Douce France

Douce France

Douce France
Photo: rundschau-online.de

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.

 

Somtrans XXVI

Somtrans XXVI

Somtrans XXVI
photo: wz.de

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.  

Christiane Deymann I

Christiane Deymann I

Christiane Deymann I
Photo: rundschau-online.de

On July 10, the 112 meter long self-propelled barge Christiane Deymann I and the barge Christiane Deymann II  ran aground on the Rhine near Diehl, Germany. The vessels were en route to Mülheim from Kehl with a cargo of steel coils.  Near Diehl, the vessels moved out the fairway to allow another vessel to pass and went aground in shallow water.  The water police was alerted and alerted nearby ship traffic to reduce speed.  Initial attempts to refloat the Christiane Deymann I and II were unsuccessful.  The following day another barge arrived on scene and lightered the Christiane Deymann II which was refloated.  On July 12, the Christiane Deymann I was refloated after 600 tons of steel coils were lightered.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.