The 85 meter long self-propelled barge Pankgraf allided on the Hannover-Linden Canal with a bridge at Seelze, Germany. The Pankgraf was coming from the Mittelland canal in ballast when it struck the bridge. The Pankgraf’s wheelhouse was completely destroyed and the vessel continued to drift until it struck two other boats in the nearby marina. Reports state damage to be at least 150,000 euros.
The 63 meter long self-propelled barge Helena went aground on a sandbar at Haringvliet, Netherlands. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Initial attempts to refloat the Helena failed. Another vessel came to the Helena’s aid, but it also was unable to pull the Helena free. A lighter with a crane arrived the following day and began removing cargo off the Helena so that it could be refloated. Reports state the vessel went aground due to the master of the Helena had fallen asleep. No further details reported.
The 40 meter long passenger vessel Willi Ostermann collided with the 95 meter long self-propelled barge Brizo on the Rhine near Cologne, Germany. The Willi Ostermann was on a wedding party excursion with 150 passengers when it struck the stern of the Brizo. The bow on the Willi Ostermann was damaged and eight passengers suffered minor injuries. No reports of pollution released. The Willi Ostermann proceeded to a shipyard for repairs while the Brizo, undamaged, was allowed to continue to Antwerp with its cargo of salt. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
