The 85 meter long self-propelled barge MMC Christiane ran aground on the Danube near Hermannsdorf, Germany. The Christiane was heading downstream from Regensburg when the starboard portion of the stern struck bottom. The barge blocked traffic on the Danube as it was still inside the fairway. Another barge and a workboat from Regensburg were able to pull the Christiane free later the same day. The vessels proceeded to Straubing for further inspection. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 70 meter long self-propelled barge Noorderlicht sank on the Rhine River near a lock between Amerongen and Laurik, Netherlands. An exhaust pipe had broken in the engine room allowing water to flood into the vessel. The stern of the Noorderlicht partially sank while the bow remained above water. A patch was placed over the leak and the pumps were to dewater the vessel before it can be towed to a nearby shipyard. No reports of injuries.
The 52 meter long self-propelled dreger-barge Merlin capsized on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland near the port of Kleinhüningen. The Merlin was loaded with gravel when it became destabilized and capsized. The 4 crew on board were able to abandon ship before the vessel overturn with its keel out of the water. The crew were rescued by firefighters and water police.
The Merlin, pulled by the strong current, drifted into the side of the passing passenger ship Olympia. The Olympia had attempted to steer clear of the Merlin, but was struck on the port side. In this attempt, the Olympia then struck into the side of the moored passenger ship Lafayette. Both vessels sustained some hull damage and the Olympia later reported a leak and some water ingress. The 50 passengers on board the Olympia and the 100 passengers on the Lafayette were taken ashore while both vessels were inspected. No reports of injuries.
Authorities were able to secure the overturn Merlin and secure it to the shoreline. Reports state there was some pollution released into the river as some diesel fuel spilled from the Merlin. No reports of injuries.
