Ship Pilot on Trial After Crash Causes €2 Million Damage to Rhine Lock

The pilot of the cargo ship 'La Primavera' faces charges of endangering river traffic after allegedly steering into a closed lock gate while intoxicated.

• The crash occurred in November 2023 at the Iffezheim lock on the Rhine, causing significant damage to the lock gate, which requires full replacement.
• The 50-year-old pilot admitted to drinking wine on the day of the incident and had a blood alcohol level of at least 1.13 promille at the time of the crash.
• She testified that she was unconscious during the collision and later drank more wine to calm herself after the accident.
• The incident caused no injuries but resulted in an estimated €2 million in damages to the lock, which is one of Europe's largest twin-chamber locks.
• If convicted of negligent endangerment of river traffic, the pilot could face up to two years in prison or a fine, though no verdict has yet been announced.

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