The 82 meter long self-propelled barge Saeftinge allided with a bridge over the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Altenrheine, Germany. The unloaded Saeftinge was en route to Bergeshövede from Spelle when it’s wheelhouse struck the bridge. The wheelhouse was destroyed, but the bridge was undamaged. No reports of injuries to the two crew on board. The Saeftinge proceeded to a nearby quay for temporary repairs.
The 86 meter long self-propelled barge Tokaj 2 allided with a railroad bridge over IJssel River near Zutphen, Netherlands. The wheelhouse of the Tokaj 2 was torn off, but no one was injured in the incident. Rail traffic was halted while the bridge until it was inspected. No reports of damage to the bridge or pollution released.
On February 29, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Stör allided with a railway bridge over the Stör River in Itzehoe, Germany. The Stör was attempting to berth just before the bridge when it suffered engine failure and could not slow its approach. The barge slammed into the bridge crushing the barge’s wheelhouse. The two crew narrowly escaped by jumping out of the wheelhouse and were uninjured. The Stör remained wedged under the bridge until the tide dropped. Rail traffic resumed a few hours later. The Stör was pulled free and berthed nearby. No reports of pollution released.
