Bjanka Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On the evening of December 22, 2013, a significant maritime incident occurred on the Rhine when the tank barge 'Mezzoforte' collided with the ferry 'Sankta Maria', which operates between Bad Breisig and Bad Hönningen. The incident took place at approximately 6:20 p.m., when the 'Mezzoforte', traveling downstream, struck the stern of the ferry, resulting in substantial damage. In the aftermath of the collision, the 'Sankta Maria' managed to drift to the riverbank and secured her position at the Bad Hönningen side, although she was sidelined and will need repairs. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the crew of both vessels. Following the incident, local police and fire rescue teams responded promptly, deploying five rescue boats and ambulances to the scene to ensure safety. The 'Mezzoforte' subsequently turned around and anchored at Bad Hönningen, awaiting further instructions. The police in Andernach have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. For further details, including images from the scene, please refer to the German report available at http://www.rhein-zeitung.de/region_artikel,-Bad-Breisig-Tanker-und-Autofaehre-kollidieren-%5BUpdate%5D-_arid,1085049.html.

On November 14, 2011, an unfortunate maritime incident unfolded when two tankers, the 'Galileo' and 'Zuidzee', were involved in a significant collision just north of the Kreekrak Lock. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. under conditions of poor visibility. The loaded tanker 'Galileo' was navigating towards the locks of Rotterdam when it encountered the empty 'Zuidzee', resulting in a head-on crash that inflicted serious damage to both vessels' port sides. In an attempt to avoid further disaster, a third tanker, the 'Mezzoforte', which was transporting ethylbenzene, veered onto the bank. Fortunately, by the afternoon, the 'Mezzoforte' was successfully refloated after inspection of its underwater hull and was allowed to continue its journey. Meanwhile, the 'Galileo' and 'Zuidzee' faced detention by Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat for further investigation regarding this collision.