Synthese 3

July 5, 2012 Paul Hancock

The 98 meter long self-propelled tanker Synthese 3 went aground on the Rhine River near Oberwesel, Germany. The tanker was carrying 1300 tons of sulphuric acid from Ludwigshafen bound for Antwerp, Belgium when the tanker went off course and ran aground. No reports of injuries, but traffic on the river near the scene was suspended. The Synthese 3 had a double-hull and no pollution or cargo was released. The tanker Synthese 15 was brought to the scene and unloaded some 240 tons off the Synthese 3 before it could be refloated. The vessel was refloated a few hours later and proceeded to Duisburg for inspection. The water police are conducting an investigation into the incident.