The 105 meter long self-propelled barge Anthrazit ran aground on the Rhine near Ruhrort, Germany. The Anthrazit was proceeding in ballast only when it ran aground near the confluence with the Ruhr. The water police were contacted and has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. Reports state the Anthrazit is not blocking traffic and is no danger to other vessels. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 193 meter long towboat Veerhaven II suffered water ingress while enroute to Schwegern with four empty barges on the Rhine River. The water ingress was discovered in the bow of the towboat caused by the vessel’s anchor had been twisted allowing the anchor to pierce the hull. The Veerhaven II was escorted by three fire boats to Ruhrort for repairs. At the shipyard, the Veerhaven II suffered another leak releasing some 3,000 liters of diesel fuel into the harbor. Local firefighters deployed booms to contain the spill. Divers were able to make repairs to prevent any further fuel from escaping from the towboat. Authorities dispatched a special vessel that will be able to pump and contain the contaminated water. No reports of injuries.
View video on the cleanup efforts
