A container-laden barge struck two bridges on the Mosel River in Germany during the night on Sunday, according to Bild.
The vessel, moving downstream under the escort of a towboat, first allided with a bridge near Schweich, and than with another bridge at Longuich. Of the 40 containers carried on board, five sustained severe damage. There were no injuries, and the vessel did not take on water.
The Longuich bridge suffered structural damage in the incident. The impact tore away part of the central arch, severing both longitudinal and transverse reinforcement bars.
The cause of the allisions remains unclear. The Waterways Police tested the master for alcohol; the result was zero. Investigators are considering the possibility of a navigational error, particularly given the darkness and the narrow fairway at the site.
The vessel was deemed seaworthy and allowed to continue its voyage.
