The 105 meter long self-propelled barge Walhalla ran aground on the River Main near Würzburg, Germany. The Walhalla was en route to Neuss from Würzburg when the vessel made a navigation error while passing under a bridge. Taking the wrong path, the Walhalla ran aground in shallow water. Authorities were alerted and found the Walhalla had sustained no damage. A workboat was requested and was able to release the Walhalla later the same day. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On January 28, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Maintal collided with the 105 meter long self-propelled barge Allegro on the Rhine near Zons, Germany. The Maintal was loaded with a cargo of gas oil from Spay when it struck head-on with the Allegro which had 1500 tons of soy on board. The Maintal sustained hull damage including a rupture to one of its cargo tanks. Some 2000 litres of gas oil was released into the river. The master of the Maintal also sustained minor injuries. The Allegro also sustained significant damage to its bow, but no reports of injuries.
Authorities allowed the vessels to proceed to nearby berths. The Allegro berthed in Cologne and the Maintal berthed at Duisburg. Authorities placed booms around the Maintal to contain any further pollution released. The pollution released in the Rhine could not be contained due to the strong currents. Authorities closed several entrances to ports and canals along the Rhine due to the pollution.
On January 17, the 80 meter long self–propelled barge Maranta allided with the Humbeek-Sas bridge over the Brussels-Scheldt Canal near Grimbergen, Belgium. The Maranta was following a vessel passing under the bridge when the bridge began lowering the deck. The Maranta struck with enough force to knock the deck and shift bridge pillars.
Photo: hln.be
Local authorities were alerted and stopped all traffic on the bridge. The Maranta berthed nearby and was surveyed for damage to its bow. No reports of injuries. Reports state the bridge will require a new road deck which may take several weeks.
