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Tag: Weser River

Tug Orca Sunk

Tug Orca Sunk

Orca
Photo: butenunbinnen.de

On the evening of July 24, the 27 meter long tugboat Orca (MMSI: 211513200) sank on the Weser River at Bremen, Germany. The Orca was supposed to push a barge with a drilling crane to a construction site when suddenly the crane toppled over.  The crane struck the tugboat with enough force that it severely damage the hull allowing uncontrolled water ingress. The crew was able to escape to safety before the Orca sank to the bottom of the harbour. One person suffered minor injuries and received treatment.

Authorities responded to the scene and found diesel fuel sheen around the sunken tug.  Booms were deployed around the sunken Orca to prevent the pollution from spreading further into the river. A salvage company was contacted to recover the tugboat and the crane from the water. A few days later a crane was used to lift the Orca from the bottom.  The cause for the crane to collapse had not yet been determined.

 

Hein

Hein

Hein
Photo: tixio.de

On the afternoon of July 25, the 107 meter long, 2205 dwt suction dredger Hein (IMO: 7911856) allided on the Weser River at the port of Brake, Germany. Accordingly to the Water Police, the Hein had veered from its course and struck a quay in the port before coming to rest at the edge of the riverbank. The dredger sustained significant bow damage with the hull holed in multiple places, but no reports of injuries from the incident. During the incident, the dredger had struck on the cranes on the quay causing it to topple over onto the vessel. Reports state the crane was smashed onto the deck and tore several hydraulic lines. Authorities confirmed that some hydraulic oil entered the Weser, but the amount was minimal and would evaporate quickly.

The  incident is under investigation.  There was no initial reports to why the Hein changed course.  A salvage company has been contacted to plan how the dredger will be recovered.

Helga

Helga

Helga
Photo: dieharke.de

On the afternoon of July 8, the 85 meter long self-propelled barge Helga (MMSI: 211670730) allided on the Weser River near Dörverden, Germany. The master of the Helga had lost control of the vessel which struck  a dolphin along the riverbank. The Helga sustained significant damage to the starboard foreship that has been estimated to be in the five-figure range. An investigation by the water policy found the master of the Helga was suffering from health problems which may have contributed to the incident. Authorities stated that alcohol was not a factor.  The water police have detained the Helga from proceeding and the vessel was taken to a nearby mooring. No reports of pollution released.

Helga