The 85 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Idris caught fire on the Merwede Canal while berthed at Gorinchem, Netherlands. The fire started in the living quarters of the vessel. Smoke was spotted and the local fire brigade responded to the scene. Fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze. Fire damage was limited to the living quarters. No injuries as no one was on board the Idris at the time. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The 32 meter long passenger vessel Pannenkoekenboot 3 collided with a tanker-barge on the Waal River off Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Pannenkoekenboot 3 was on a river cruise loaded with 50 passengers when it suffered engine failure. The vessel became unmanageable and was headed to collide into a passing tanker-barge loaded with gas. The master of the Pannenkoekenboot 3 reacted quickly and used the vessel’s bow thruster to avoid a serious collision . The passenger ship did graze against the tanker-barge, but no reports of injuries on either vessel. Reports state hull damage was minor on both vessels. The tanker-barge was able to proceed on its voyage. The Pannenkoekenboot 3 was later towed to Nijmegen. No pollution was released.
The 110 meter long self-propelled tanker-barge Excalibur ran aground on the Rhine near Cologne, Germany. The Excalibur was doing a turn when it’s bow thruster failed and the barge ran aground against the river bank. Another barge was able to pull the Excalibur free a few hours later. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Excalibur was taken to Mülheim for inspection.