On the early morning of November 9, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Lobenstein (MMSI: 211497070) went adrift on the Elbe River off Geesthacht, Germany. Authorities at the Geesthacht lock spotted the Lobenstein adrift and unmanned. An investigation found the Lobenstein had been intentionally been untied from its berth by unknown persons. The same persons concealed their crime by also destroying the nearby surveillance cameras. Authorities state the vessel had been victim to vandalism in the past. The Geesthacht police has launched an investigation and the owner of the Lobenstein has offered 1,000 euros reward for information leading to an arrest.
Reports state the vessel was safely recovered. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the morning of October 12, the 67 meter long self-propelled barge Humadivi (MMSI: 205419480) sank on the Meuse off Borgharen, Belgium. The Humadivi had departed from Bosscherveld with a cargo of white sand when it run into issues on the Meuse. The barge was caught by strong currents and was pulled into an open gate on the Borgharen weir. The stern of the Humadivi became wedge in the opening allowing the river to quickly flood into the vessel’s holds and later sinking the barge. The two crew on board were safely rescued and were unharmed.
Photo: swzmaritime.nl
An initial salvage with towlines was attempted, but it failed to budge the Humadivi from the bottom. Another attempt dredged around the barge, removed the cargo hatches and lightered the remaining cargo of sand, but the Humadivi could not be lifted. Several days later additional pumps and a winch cable system were able to free the vessel from the weir. The Humadivi was pulled away where it was towed to Beatrixhaven. There the vessel was completely pumped free of water so a crane could lift and place it atop another barge so it can be taken to a shipyard for repairs. Reports state most of the cargo of white sand had been washed away during the incident.
An inspection of the weir found it sustained little to no damage and the opening was closed allowing the water level to rise on the Meuse. Reports state vessel traffic could be resumed on October 19.
On the morning of October 11, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Mordicus (MMSI: 244740107) allided with a railway bridge over the Gouwe River near the Alpherium Terminal in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands. The Mordicus attempted to pass under the partially open swing bridge when its bow struck the bridge and became stuck. Rail traffic and shipping traffic on the Gouwe was temporary suspended for a day until the barge could be freed.
Reports state damage to the Mordicus‘s bow was minor. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The incident is under investigation.
Photo: sleutelstad.nl
Photo: nos.nl
Photo: 112hm.nl
Photo: 112hm.nl
Photo: 112hm.nl
Photo: 112hm.nl
Damage to the bridge was also limited, but an inspection found the bridge no longer met safety and technical standards. The inspection revealed the swing bridge had deteriorated where it could become permanently stuck at any time. Authorities state the bridge will need to be replaced in the near future blocking traffic on the rail and river for over 9 months.
