On December 25, the 63 meter long passenger vessel Pure Liner 2 sank on the Rhine at Cologne, Germany. The Pure Liner 2 had been moored along a quay when it became stuck when the water level rose on the river. The vessel sustained water ingress and partially sank leaving only part of its upper deck above water. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Pure Liner 2 will be raised and salvage costs could exceed 100,000 €.
The 135 meter long passenger vessel Viking Tialfi ran aground on the Rhine near Mannheim, Germany. The river cruise ship was en route to Amsterdam from Basel with 185 passengers when it attempted to berth at Mannheim. During the maneuver the Viking Tialfi ran aground on a sand bar. The passenger ship was unable to free itself and requested assistance. The passenger ship Viking Fir arrived and was able to transfer all the passengers off the Viking Tialfi safely. Later the self-propelled barge Johanna was able to pull the Viking Tialfi free.
The Viking Tialfi berthed in Mannheim before proceeding on to Rüdesheim. Reports state the grounding was due to the low water levels on the Rhine. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On August 31, the 90 meter long passenger vessel Rheinenergie ran aground on the Rhine near Cologne, Germany. The vessel was maneuvering when it touched bottom. Several passengers on board were thrown off their feet or landed awkwardly on the deck. Six were taken to hospital for injuries. Reports state the low water levels on the Rhine were the cause of the grounding. Authorities inspected the vessel the following day and went back into service. No reports of damage or pollution released.