Storm Darragh Causes 122-Meter Barge to Run Aground in Northern France

The unmanned barge, detached from its tugboat due to severe weather, poses no pollution risk and remains under close monitoring.

A 122-meter-long barge, AMT Challenger, ran aground on a beach in Sotteville-sur-Mer, Seine-Maritime, after drifting through the English Channel during Storm Darragh.
The barge, which was empty and unmanned, detached from its tugboat, Boka Glacier, in British waters on Friday and drifted into French waters late Saturday night.
Efforts by Belgian and French tugboats to secure the barge were hindered by extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas.
Authorities confirm there is no risk of pollution, as the barge remains intact and stable on a sandy seabed approximately 300 meters from the cliffs.
A salvage plan is being developed, but operations to reconnect the barge to its tugboat will only proceed when weather conditions improve.