The Dutch inland cargo vessel Metanoia collided with the car ferry HBG 034 on Germany’s Neckar River.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. on September 29 between Neckarsteinach and Hirschhorn. The Dutch-flagged cargo vessel struck the side of the ferry near the Baden-Württemberg riverbank.
The impact pushed HBG 034 approximately 100 metres downstream. It also buckled the masts supporting the steel cable that holds the ferry on its route and prevents it from drifting freely with the current.
Navigation through the affected section of the Neckar was temporarily suspended. The restriction affected one other vessel travelling along the river and was lifted at approximately 2:45 p.m.
Both vessels involved in the collision remained afloat. No injuries were reported.
A small quantity of transmission oil leaked into the river following the accident. Firefighters from Neckargemünd and Neckarsteinach deployed an oil containment boom and brought the pollution under control.
The preliminary cost of the damage was estimated at approximately €100,000. Ferry services between Neckarhäuser Hof and Neckarhausen were suspended until further notice.
Heidelberg water police have launched an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the collision. At the time of the latest report, the official cause had not been established.
