Discover the Obsediaan: Ratings & Maritime News

On October 16, 2018, at 06:25 a.m., the tank barge 'Toermalijn', weighing 3,065 gross tons (EU-No.: 02324023), encountered difficulties as it ran aground on the Rhine River near Mechtersheim. The vessel was en route from Rotterdam to Birsfelden, carrying a cargo of 715 tons of gas oil. Stranded at river kilometer 388.900 along the left bank, the barge disrupted traffic flow, causing delays for seven other vessels waiting to pass. Authorities, including the water police and river authority, secured the site during the incident. A first salvage effort commenced at 12:30 p.m., but it had to be halted by 1:10 p.m. due to insufficient progress. Subsequently, a more powerful container barge was brought in to assist with the salvage operation. Finally, on the fourth attempt at 3:30 p.m., both vessels successfully freed the 'Toermalijn'. After a thorough inspection, the barge was cleared to continue its journey, with an estimated arrival time in Birsfelden set for October 17 at 2:00 p.m. Contributing factors to the grounding included the low water levels of the river and the waves generated by a passing ship. For a detailed report, including photos and videos, visit the German article here: https://www.rheinpfalz.de/lokal/artikel/mechtersheim-tankschiff-auf-sandbank-im-rhein-festgefahren-video-bildergalerie/