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Tug drifted into embankment of Kiel Canal after lines broke

On Feb 1, 2025, at 8.15 p.m. when a Norwegian cargo ship, transiting the Kiel Canal eastbound, and passed a moored push convoy with the tug 'Helmut' and a barge, the lines securing them to the dolphins broke due to the small distance between the cargo ship and the convoy, which was used in the area of ​​a canal construction site. The tug was driven into the adjacent embankment in pos. 53° 54' N 009° 09' E as a result. The cargo ship was sailing at the maximum speed permitted for the Kiel Canal. The pontoon loaded with a construction site crane remained undamaged. Only thanks to the intervention of the crane operator did a construction site ferry and an office container remain undamaged by the swinging crane boom. The suction and waves from the cargo ship threatened to break the line connection to the construction site ferry. Using the main engine prevented the lines from breaking and thus prevented further damage. The Brunsbüttel water police initiated criminal proceedings against the captain of the cargo ship for endangering ship traffic.