On April 9, the 67 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Rodort 8 allided with a railway bridge over the Rhine-Herne Canal in Herne, Germany. The wheelhouse of the Rodort 8 struck the underside of the bridge and was destroyed. The master of the Rodort 8 was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The Rodort 8 was towed to a nearby quay. Reports state damage to the Rodort 8 was over 100,000 €. The water police has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 100 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Eiltank 24 went aground on the Rhine near Birsfelden, Switzerland. The Eiltank 24 was proceeding on the Rhine with 1800 tons of heavy oil when it struck bottom after locking through Birsfelden. The tanker-barge had sustained damage to its outer hull and proceeded to secure itself along the riverbank until authorities could arrive. Traffic was halted on the Rhine in the Basel area until the Eiltank 24 could be fully inspected.
Reports state the inner hull of the Eiltank 24 had not been damaged and no pollution had been released. No reports of injuries. Authorities have stated an investigation has been launched into the incident.
On February 6, the 73 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Talo ran aground on the Elbe River near Coswig, Germany. The Talo was proceeding with 1000 tons of urea when it’s rudder became fouled. Unable to steer the Talo ran aground near the riverbank.
Authorities were alerted and surveyed the barge for damage. A lighter was dispatched to the scene. The Talo was unloaded and refloated the following day. Reports state the Talo was towed to a shipyard in Aken for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released.