The German prosecutor’s office has released details of its investigation into the cause of an accident that severely disrupted shipping traffic for nearly two months, reports Luxembourg Times.
Detailed Investigation
The investigation into the collision of a cargo ship with a locked gate on the Moselle River in December has revealed that the vessel was on autopilot at the time of the incident.
The ship was traveling at a speed of 12.2 km/h when it collided with the Müden lock, causing significant damage and disrupting river traffic for nearly two months.
While using autopilot is permitted on the Moselle River, the captain is responsible for maintaining constant oversight and the ability to intervene at any time. The investigation is currently focused on determining why the captain failed to intervene in this instance.
No evidence of alcohol or drug use by the captain has been found, and inspections have revealed no damage to the ship’s engine or controls. Video footage indicates that the ship continued on its course without attempting to brake before the collision.
The incident resulted in the stranding of approximately 70 ships, highlighting the significant disruption caused by the damage to the lock.
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Source: Luxembourg Times
