On August 21, the 80 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Elan ran aground on the Elbe near Hamburg, Germany. The Elan was proceeding on the Elbe with 1200 tons of heating oil and heavy fuel when it grounded near a dike off Hamburg. Authorities were alerted and dispatched vessels to the scene to monitor the situation. An hour later with the rising tide, the Elan was able to refloat itself. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On August 21, the 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Somtrans XV ran aground on the Rhine near Millingen, Netherlands. The Somtrans XV was en route to Pernis from Tolkamer when the tanker-barge ran up on the left bank. The Somtrans XV remained aground for several hours until it could be refloated late the same day. Authorities inspected the vessel and found there was no damage or pollution released. The Somtrans XV was allowed to proceed on its voyage on to Pernis.
The 135 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Somtrans XXVI ran aground on the Rhine near Dormagen, Germany. The tanker was underway with 1800 tons of chemicals on board when it struck a sandbank while close to the riverbank. The tanker-barge damaged its bow thruster, but the hull remained intact and no pollution was released. A sister ship to the Somtrans XXVI was nearby and pulled the Somtrans XXVI free. Reports state the vessel made repairs in Dormagen and proceeded on its voyage to Amsterdam.