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Tag: Self-Propelled Barge

Helga

Helga

Helga
Photo: dieharke.de

On the afternoon of July 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Helga (MMSI: 211670730) allided on the Weser River near Dörverden, Germany. The master of the Helga had lost control of the vessel which struck  a dolphin along the riverbank. The Helga sustained significant damage to the starboard foreship that has been estimated to be in the five-figure range. An investigation by the water policy found the master of the Helga was suffering from health problems which may have contributed to the incident. Authorities stated that alcohol was not a factor.  The water police have detained the Helga from proceeding and the vessel was taken to a nearby mooring. No reports of pollution released.

Helga

Fairplay

Fairplay

 

Fairplay
Photo: tvaktuell.com

On the morning of June 11, the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Fairplay (MMSI: 211234090) ran aground on the Danube River near Regensburg, Germany. The Fairplay was headed to Linz from Nürnberg with a cargo of iron ore when it ran aground during a turning maneuver trying to enter the port at Regensburg.  The Fairplay was stuck lying at an angle partially blocking navigation traffic.

Attempts to refloat the Fairplay the following day failed. A pusher tug had arrived on site and was unable to free the barge.  After several failed salvage attempts with the pusher over the following days,  a dredger was dispatched from Rotterdam to lighter part of the cargo of iron ore. Authorities have stated the water level should rise, but may not be enough to aid in refloating the Fairplay. The water police have stated the stranded barge is secured and there is enough room to allow vessel traffic to resume.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.

 

Emte

Emte

Emte
Photo: Water Police

On the afternoon of May 24, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Emte (MMSI: 211451030) collided with an undisclosed self-propelled barge on the Elbe-Seiten Canal near Stüde, Germany. The Emte was headed to Ludwigshafen from Bützfleth when there was a navigation error. One of the vessels had steered too close to the starboard bank causing the bow to veer into the path of the oncoming vessel.  The two self-propelled barges struck head-on with both vessels sustaining significant hull damage and water ingress. There were no injuries.

The water police launched an investigation into the incident.  Authorities halted traffic on the Elbe-Seiten Canal while the incident was being investigated.  News reports state the damage to both vessels was estimated at approximately 150.000 €. The water police did not disclosed which vessel made the navigation error resulting in the collision.