Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Grounded Moselle Freighter Stabilized Near Koblenz as Repairs Shift to Next Week

Salvage crews will lighten the ship next week to raise the breach for temporary repair.

Overview

  • The vessel ran aground while turning Saturday morning near Koblenz, causing an estimated 20-centimeter hull breach with water ingress.
  • Firefighters installed submersible pumps to keep water levels stable, and the freighter remains secured to the riverbank with no risk of sinking.
  • Divers performed only a damage assessment as strong currents forced the abandonment of an underwater repair plan.
  • Authorities plan to transship 980 tonnes of talc onto another vessel with an excavator next week to lighten the ship and bring the leak above water.
  • The Moselle, briefly closed to navigation after the incident, has reopened, and officials report no injuries or hazardous releases.