![\"Cargo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Cargo-Ship-5-300x157.jpg?resize=300%2C157&ssl=1\")
<\/div>\n![\"Cargo](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Cargo-Ship-5.jpg?resize=1200%2C628\")
An inland cargo vessel sustained serious damage after colliding with a sheet pile wall near the Ellinghauser Stra\u00dfe bridge in Dortmund, Germany, prompting an emergency response that prevented the vessel from sinking.<\/p>\n
The Netherlands-flagged inland cargo vessel Anja 1 was carrying scrap metal when the incident occurred on Monday evening, 15 December, at approximately 6:24 pm local time. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported and no pollution occurred after the collision.<\/p>\n
Emergency services indicated that the impact caused significant damage to the vessel\u2019s bow, creating a crack in the hull through which water entered the forward section.<\/p>\n
Despite the damage and flooding, the vessel was able to continue under its own power and proceed to Hardenberg harbour, where it was safely moored.<\/p>\n
Per reports, the Dortmund Fire Department stated that the flooding in the bow resulted in a temporary loss of onboard power, leaving the vessel unable to operate its own pumping systems.<\/p>\n
Firefighters were dispatched to assist after receiving reports that the vessel was taking on water and faced a risk of sinking.<\/p>\n A total of 24 firefighters responded to the incident, including specialist salvage units, water and vessel teams, and a communications unit equipped with a drone to assess the situation. Divers were also placed on standby as a precaution.<\/p>\n According to emergency responders, a fireboat was positioned alongside the vessel, and a generator was deployed to restore temporary power. This allowed a submersible pump to be operated, helping to reduce the water level inside the flooded bow section.<\/p>\n Hardenberg port personnel subsequently assisted by unloading the scrap metal cargo from the vessel using heavy equipment, including a grab crane and excavator.<\/p>\n Authorities reported that removing the cargo reduced the vessel\u2019s draught, causing the damaged bow section to rise above the waterline and preventing further water ingress.<\/p>\n Once the flooding was brought under control, the vessel\u2019s onboard power supply was fully restored. Officials confirmed that the situation was stabilised without further escalation.<\/p>\n German water police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision with the sheet pile wall.<\/p>\n![\"Vessel\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.marineinsight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Vessel.jpg?resize=1200%2C628\")