Working Conditions Aboard the Auriga

On May 13, 2014, a sizable swell from the tanker 'Auriga' led to significant damage to a ferry in Kaub, located on the iconic Rhine river. The incident occurred around 1:10 p.m. as the tanker, en route from Mannheim to Krefeld, overtook the barge 'Anroma' at river kilometer 546. The rapid movement of the empty tanker generated a forceful swell that ultimately pushed the ferry onto the riverside embankment, resulting in a broken Schottel propulsion system. This unfortunate event caused a disruption in ferry services, with operations halted until 5:30 p.m. when the propulsion unit was successfully replaced. The total cost of the damages is estimated to be in the five-digit euro range. For further details, you can view the original report along with photographs here: http://www.rhein-zeitung.de/region/lokales/hunsrueck_artikel,-Faehre-stundenlang-lahmgelegt-Ex-Waldhof-loest-Minitsunami-aus-_arid,1151738.html.

After undergoing significant repairs, the vessel formerly known as the acid tanker "Waldhof" has reemerged on the Rhine River under its new name, "Auriga". This transition marks a notable comeback for the tanker, which capsized near St. Goar on January 13, 2011. Having returned to service three weeks ago, the Auriga is set to transport chemicals and other liquids along the Rhine, following the same route it navigated prior to its unfortunate sinking. The circumstances surrounding the initial accident remain ambiguous, with investigations suggesting that the Waldhof may have been overloaded, potentially compromising its stability. For more detailed coverage, check out the German report complete with a photo: http://www.rhein-zeitung.de/regionales_artikel,-Ein-Jahr-danach-%E2%80%9EWaldhof%E2%80%9C-ist-jetzt-als-%E2%80%9EAuriga%E2%80%9C-unterwegs-_arid,399143.html.