Shipwreck Log

Photo: braunschweiger-zeitung.de

The 80 meter long self-propelled barge St. Michael collided with the 86 meter long self-propelled Inga R. on the Mittelland Canal near Braunschweig, Germany.  The two vessels struck head-on and both suffered significant damage.  The bow of the St. Michael was crushed and a small amount of oil was released.   Authorities were able to place booms around the St. Michael to contain any pollution released.  No reports of injuries on either vessel.   Reports state traffic was halted for several hours on the canal.   The water police has detained both vessel while conducting an investigation into the incident.   Damage to both vessels was estimated to be around 80 000 Euros.

The 179 meter long, 18855 dwt freighter Transwood went aground on the Kiel Canal near Rendsburg, Germany.  The vessel was proceeding westbound when it grounded on to an embankment.   A tug was requested and was able to refloat the Transwood later the same day.   The vessels proceeded to Brunsbüttel where it was inspected.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.  Reports state the grounding was due to a navigation mistake caused by limited visibility  at the time.

The 142 meter long, 9965 dwt tanker Kemira Gas went aground in the Kiel Canal near Schwartenbek, Germany.  The Kemira Gas was in ballast when strong wind gusts pushed the vessel into pilings as it was waiting to allow another vessel pass.   The crew attempted to prevent the grounding by an emergency anchoring, but the vessel veered perpendicular to the canal and went aground onto the embankment.  No reports of injuries.   The Kemira Gas was refloated a short time later and proceeded to Brunsbüttel for inspection.  The Kemira Gas was en route to London from Rostock.

Link to video of the grounding

Photo: water police – presseportal.de

Divers were able to weld on a temporary patch to the 172 meter long Statengracht at Rostock.   The patch was able to stock the water ingress allowing the vessel’s pump to clear out the cargo hold.  Reports state the vessel’s cargo of wood pellets (cellulose) had to be unloaded with the majority undamaged.  The water police had stated that a navigational error may have the caused the collision to occur.