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Tag: Self-Propelled Barge

Mordicus

Mordicus

Mordicus
Photo: sleutelstad.nl

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.

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.

 

Hecht

Hecht

Hecht
Photo: landeszeitung.de

On the evening of October 21, the 70 meter long self-propelled barge Hecht (MSSI: 211496960) caught fire on the Elbe off Lauenburg, Germany. The Hecht was on a voyage from Hildensheim to Hamburg when fire broke out in the living quarters. The fire quickly engulfed the superstructure in meters high flames and spewing out dense black smoke.  Multiple fire brigades were dispatched to the scene to battle the blaze. Their combined effort were able to extinguish the fire in about an hour. The crew of the Hecht were uninjured, but the vessel sustained around 100,000 euros in damage to the barge. Reports state the cargo of  wheat grain was unimpacted by the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. No details on how the fire broke out on the vessel.

Sjouwer

Sjouwer

Sjouwer
Photo: swr.de

On the evening of October 16, the 190 meter long self-propelled barge Sjouwer (MMSI: 244650954) struck the Diffené Bridge over the Bonadieshafen in the industrial port Mannheim, Germany. The Sjouwer was attempting to pass under the bridge when it allided. The wheelhouse was crushed and fell into the river. Additionally, the two vehicles onboard the Sjouwer ended up in the river as well. Fortunately, the master of the Sjouwer was able to escape beforehand and was uninjured.  The Diffené Bridge was inspected and found it had no significant damage with just a few scratches requiring some paint.

On October 17, divers were able to attach ropes and the vehicles were recovered from the river. Damage to the Sjouwer was estimated at 200,000 euros. Reports state the incident was due to a misjudgment of the height of the vessel.  The incident is under investigation.

Sjouwer