Cargo Ship Experiences Water Ingress in Andernach Harbour
On February 23, 2026, at approximately 11:50 a.m., the Koblenz Integrated Control Center alerted the Andernach Water Police Station about a cargo ship, the ‘Mon Desir’, that had developed a leak while docked at the Andernach harbour basin. The ship, which was transporting road salt, suffered damage to its aft cargo hold during unloading operations. Water began to enter the hold, prompting immediate action from local authorities.
Emergency Response and Containment Efforts
In response to the incident, fire departments from the surrounding area quickly arrived at the scene to assist with the situation. Additionally, the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) and the German Red Cross were on standby as a precautionary measure. Divers were also deployed to address the leak directly. To prevent the ship from sinking, an urgent operation was conducted to pump the water-salt mixture out of the hold. This mixture was collected in a controlled manner and transferred into containers for safe disposal.
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A representative from the lower water authority was present to oversee the incident and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Despite the leak, port operations continued with only minor restrictions, allowing other vessels to navigate the area without significant disruption. The swift actions of the emergency teams helped to mitigate potential risks associated with the leak, ensuring the safety of both the vessel and the harbour environment.
Background and Further Information
The ‘Mon Desir’ is a cargo ship primarily engaged in transporting road salt, a crucial resource for winter road maintenance. Incidents involving water ingress can pose serious risks to vessels, including potential sinking and environmental hazards. Thus, immediate and effective response measures are essential in such situations. The collaboration among various emergency response teams showcases the preparedness and efficiency of local authorities in handling maritime emergencies.
