The 135-metre river passenger vessel Viva One was involved in an accident on the Moselle River near Traben-Trarbach, Germany, during the night of September 4.
The vessel, MMSI 269057799, was attempting to pass beneath Wolfer Brücke when its wheelhouse struck the bridge.
The bridge itself was reportedly not damaged, but Viva One sustained significant damage to its wheelhouse. The roof of the bridge was torn away and several windows were broken in the impact.
The captain was injured during the collision and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Around 150 passengers were on board at the time of the incident, and no passenger injuries were reported.
Following the collision, Viva One remained near Traben-Trarbach while authorities and technical specialists assessed the condition of the vessel.
The water police launched an investigation into the circumstances of the accident. One of the main questions being examined is why the vessel’s wheelhouse had apparently not been lowered before passing beneath the bridge.
River cruise vessels operating on European inland waterways are often equipped with retractable or height-adjustable wheelhouses, allowing them to pass beneath bridges with limited clearance.
After the accident, Viva One underwent a technical inspection while remaining stationary in the area.
It was initially unclear whether the vessel would be able to continue its voyage. Some passengers chose to leave the vessel, while others remained on board as the situation was assessed.
The incident is being investigated by the relevant authorities, with attention focused on the vessel’s bridge clearance and the operational decisions made before the attempted passage under Wolfer Brücke.
