Self-Propelled Barge - Shipwreck Log

River Drone 2

September 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of September 23, the 106 meter long self-propelled barge River Drone 2 (MMSI: 205563290) ran aground on the Waal near Tiel, Netherlands. The River Drone 2 departed from IJmuiden bound for Antwerp when it ran aground on a sandbank near where the Waal meets the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The barge was firmly stuck on the sandbank blocking traffic on the waterway. No reports of injuries.

Initial attempts to pull the free were unsuccessful. The following day the self-propelled barge River Drone 3 (IMO: 9973561) arrived on site and some of the cargo was lightered off. Reports state the River Drone 2 was pulled free and was allowed to proceed on its voyage. No reports of damage or pollution released.

Belleza

September 22, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the evening of September 19, the 80 meter long self-propelled barge Belleza (MMSI: 211265330) ran aground on the Elbe River near Hamburg, Germany. The Belleza, loaded with 100 tons of scrap metal, had run aground just as it tried to depart from the harbor and suffered water ingress. The crew alerted authorities who dispatched a response team to the scene. The local fire brigade found the vessel in a nearly sinking condition with its engine room flooded. Pumps were used to dewater the Belleza while 2 tugs pulled the vessel into deeper water.

Authorities stated the cause of the water ingress was not caused by a leak and the Belleza was allowed to continue on its voyage. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident. There were no reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board and no pollution was released.

Collision on the Waal

August 31, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of Aug 29, the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Septimo collided with the 107 meter long self-propelled barge Orfeo (MMSI: 244150430) and barge VHG 99 on the Waal River near Winssen, Netherlands. The Septimo had departed from Rotterdam with 3,200 tons of rapeseed when it collided head-on with the Orfeo sailing from Schwelgern to Rotterdam. The collision resulted with the barge VHG 99 pushed up onto the bow of the Septimo wedging it on one of Septimo‘s bollards.

Authorities partially closed river traffic on the Waal while efforts were made to separate the barges. After several hours, the bollard was welded off the Septimo and the two barges floated free. Traffic was restored allowing some 85 vessels to continue on their voyage. Reports stated the Septimo was able to proceed to Werkendam where it discharged its cargo to another vessel before proceeding into a shipyard for repairs. The Orfeo was able to proceed on to Rotterdam. No further details provided on the outcome for the barge VHG 99.