On January 14, the 90 meter long self-propelled barge Isabel caught fire after an explosion while berthed at Dordrecht, Netherlands. The vessel was to undergo an inspection when an explosion occurred in a technical space resulting in a fire. The local fire brigade was alerted and were able to quickly bring the fire under control. No reports of injuries.
On October 26, the 38 meter long self-propelled barge Mac Gyver, loaded with 350 tons of sand, collided with the combination of the 39 meter long self-propelled barge Hijete and barge Yamoto on the Canal du Nord near Eterpigny, France. Both vessels were unable to establish communications before they collided head-on. The Yamoto sustained damage and water ingress at the bow. Unable to contain the flooding, the local fire brigade was alerted. They arrived on scene and deployed 3 dewatering pumps trying to keep the barge afloat. The flooding was too much for the pumps and the Yamoto sank by the bow. The pumps were pulled off the Yamoto and the entire vessel sank to the bottom of the canal leaving only part of the wheelhouse visible. Authorities laid out booms to contain oil pollution released. Reports state the Yamoto will be later raised and repaired.
The Mac Gyver and Hijete both sustained some damage, but were in no danger of sinking.
The 110 meter long self-propelled barge Euroshipping One and the 176 meter long self-propelled barge Panta Rhei 2 ran aground on the Danube near Irlbach, Germany. Both barges were proceeding from Linz bound for Regensburg each with a cargo of sand. When off Irlbach, the barges got stuck on a gravel bar.
The Panta Rhei 2 was unable to free itself and will require lightered and a rise of the water level to be released. Authorities state that low water level on the river was a leading cause for the grounding. No reports of injuries or pollution released.