Scheldt-Rhine Canal Collision

Scheldt-Rhine Canal Collision

Isala
Photo: nos.nl

On October 2, the 110 meter long passenger ship Amelia collided with the 80 meter long, 1121 ton self-propelled barge Isala on the Scheldt-Rhine Canal near Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands. The Isala, loaded with 1050 ton cargo of salt, had become disabled on the Scheldt-Rhine Canal after suffering a technical fault. The crew of the Isala could not control the barge which went perpendicular to the fairway. The Amelia was unable to slow down in time before it struck the Isala amidships. The Isala sustained water ingress and sank within 10 minutes. The two crew from the Isala were rescued from the water by the Amelia. Traffic on the Scheldt-Rhine Canal was diverted to alternate routes as the sunken Isala blocked the canal. Authorities placed booms around the wreck as diesel fuel sheen was visible.  Reports state the Isala will be salvaged.


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