Waal River - Shipwreck Log

Silvia

November 10, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of November 8, the 187 meter long self-propelled barge Silvia (MMSI: 211383020) caught fire on the Waal River at Snelbinder near Nijmegen, Netherlands. The Silvia departed from Ochten bound for Mainz with a cargo of sand and soybeans when a fire broke out in the engine room. Authorities were alerted with the local fire brigade responding. A fireboat transported firefighters onto the Silvia who quickly extinguish the blaze within an hour.

Authorities stated the fire started in the insulation material near the exhaust system. There were no reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board the vessel. The extent of damage from the fire was not disclosed.

River Drone 2

September 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the afternoon of September 23, the 106 meter long self-propelled barge River Drone 2 (MMSI: 205563290) ran aground on the Waal near Tiel, Netherlands. The River Drone 2 departed from IJmuiden bound for Antwerp when it ran aground on a sandbank near where the Waal meets the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The barge was firmly stuck on the sandbank blocking traffic on the waterway. No reports of injuries.

Initial attempts to pull the free were unsuccessful. The following day the self-propelled barge River Drone 3 (IMO: 9973561) arrived on site and some of the cargo was lightered off. Reports state the River Drone 2 was pulled free and was allowed to proceed on its voyage. No reports of damage or pollution released.

Collision on the Waal

August 31, 2025 Paul Hancock

On the morning of Aug 29, the 135 meter long self-propelled barge Septimo collided with the 107 meter long self-propelled barge Orfeo (MMSI: 244150430) and barge VHG 99 on the Waal River near Winssen, Netherlands. The Septimo had departed from Rotterdam with 3,200 tons of rapeseed when it collided head-on with the Orfeo sailing from Schwelgern to Rotterdam. The collision resulted with the barge VHG 99 pushed up onto the bow of the Septimo wedging it on one of Septimo‘s bollards.

Authorities partially closed river traffic on the Waal while efforts were made to separate the barges. After several hours, the bollard was welded off the Septimo and the two barges floated free. Traffic was restored allowing some 85 vessels to continue on their voyage. Reports stated the Septimo was able to proceed to Werkendam where it discharged its cargo to another vessel before proceeding into a shipyard for repairs. The Orfeo was able to proceed on to Rotterdam. No further details provided on the outcome for the barge VHG 99.