On May 16, the barge B 309 ran aground on the Weser River near Porta Westfalica, Germany. Reports state the barge had stranded near the entrance to a gravel pit resulting in the barge blocking river traffic in the area. A special excavator was brought to the scene and unloaded the barge of its cargo of sand. The B 309 was later refloated with no reports of damage. Reports state the navigation channel was also dredged after the incident. See the video of the incident here.
On October 2, the 82 meter long, 2316 dwt cargo vessel Nordica Hav (IMO: 8324684) allided with a dolphin on the Weser River at Bremen, Germany. The Nordica Hav was proceeding just outside of Oslebshauser lock to the entrance of the Kiel Canal when it ram a dolphin. The cargo vessel sustained a several meter long gash in the port hull above the waterline. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Authorities detained the vessel and launched an investigation. The water police found the master of the Nordica Hav was under the influence of alcohol after a breathalyzer and blood sample was taken. An initial inspection found the cargo vessel sustained an estimated 120,000 euros in damage. Later reports stated the vessel would go under repairs in Bremen.
On the afternoon of September 24, the 80 meter long self-propelled dredger-barge Cycloop (MMSI: 244670800) became stuck on the Weser at Hoya, Germany. The Cycloop had been berthed at a quay loaded with gravel when its mooring lines broke free. With the vessel’s two crew away at the time, the unmanned Cycloop was pulled free by the current and drifted until it was perpendicular to the river. Witnesses contacted the master of the Cycloop over the telephone that his vessel was adrift. Authorities were also alerted who issued a traffic ban on the river.
The crew arrived an hour later and were able to board the Cycloop. They started the engines and were able to secure the vessel back to its moorings. No reports of injuries or damage. Authorities lifted the traffic ban. Reports state the water police have initiated proceeding surrounding the incident.