On February 6, the 110 meter long self-propelled barge Aurelio ran aground in the Black Sea at the port of Constanta, Romania. The Aurelio had been at its berth when strong winds cause it to break the mooring lines. The Aurelio was blown across the port until it ran aground on a sandbank near the remains of an old shipwreck. No reports of injuries.
Authorities dispatched two vessels to help refloat the Aurelio. No reports of damage or pollution released.
The 93 meter long, 3517 dwt tanker Atlantis Armona allided with 3 self-propelled barges along with the 6980 dwt, 135 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Chamisa-D at Botlek, Rotterdam, Netherlands. The Atlantis Armona had arrived in ballast at Botlek and was maneuvering to berth at a quay when a signal confusion to the engine room put the tanker astern rather than ahead. The tanker struck 3 self-propelled barges which sustained minor hull damage. The Chamisa-D broke its mooring lines and was pushed into the quay. The Chamisa-D sustained hull damage and will remain in port until repairs can be completed. No reports of injuries or pollution released. All the vessels involved in the incident were inspected for damage. Reports state the Atlantis Armona will make repairs and continue on its way to load a cargo of linseed oil.
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.