A self-propelled cargo barge sank after allision with a pillar.
What happened?
A self-propelled cargo barge Penhoet sank after allision with a pillar of the Schelde-Bornem Bridge in Belgium. The vessel was en route from Ghent to Valencienne Weert, but deviated from the shipping way and crashed with the bridge construction.
Following the collision, the barge started getting water ingress in fore section and skipped its altered course to the shore and intentionally grounded into a sandbank.
The accident was reported to the local authorities and the Master, his pregnant wife, and a child were evacuated from the breached cargo barge Penhoet.
Failed to refloat:
The coast guard and local fire department tried to refloat the ship but failed to control the water ingress and the vessel completely submerged at the time of the high tide.
The ship traffic in the area was not affected, but ships are allowed to pass the site with caution. The bridge did not suffer any damages from the accident and traffic was allowed to continue.
Investigation underway:
The local authorities initiated an investigation for the root cause of the accident. The area is under monitoring for leaks, but currently, there is no report for water pollution. The attempt for re-floating will be done again on low tide.
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Source: SeaNews Turkey
