MAX

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Barge grounded on the Weser

The 'Max', 1005 ts (EU-No.: 02312636), suffered a rudder failure on the Weser on March 14, 2020, at 7.30 p.m. The vessel which was loaded with 670 tons of barley, was caught by the strong current and pressed against a pier. To prevent a further drift on the Weser, the crew dropped anchor. There was a very strong current due to the intake of a hydroelectric power station, and the engines worked at full power against it. The ship was resting on the breakwater between the power station and a lock. Around 100 forces from the fire brigade, the technical relief agency THW, the German Life Saving Socitey (DLRG), rescue service, water police and the waterway and shipping office were busy with the salvage work until the next morning. The Weser remained completely closed during the salvage operation. The THW erectedlarge light masts and secured the site with two boats if someone fell into the water. The DLRG and the fire brigade provided more boats with divers and other emergency workers. Around midnight, the work ship 'Mittelweser' from the Weser waterway and shipping office arrived. After an assessment of the situation, it moored alongside the barge and carefully pull it back from the pier into the fairway. At 1:30 a.m., the 'Max' was brought to an anchorage and the forces could be stood down. The Nienburg water police started an investigation and checked whether fatigue or alcohol might have contributed to the accident. German reports with photos: https://www.nonstopnews.de/meldung/32379 https://www.kreiszeitung.de/lokales/verden/doerverden-ort52440/weser-havarie-schiff-mole-aufgelaufen-stundenlange-bergung-13599344.html