An inland cargo vessel sustained serious damage after colliding with a sheet pile wall near the Ellinghauser Straße bridge in Dortmund, Germany, prompting an emergency response that prevented the vessel from sinking.

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.

Emergency services indicated that the impact caused significant damage to the vessel’s bow, creating a crack in the hull through which water entered the forward section.

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.

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.

Firefighters were dispatched to assist after receiving reports that the vessel was taking on water and faced a risk of sinking.

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.

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.

Hardenberg port personnel subsequently assisted by unloading the scrap metal cargo from the vessel using heavy equipment, including a grab crane and excavator.

Authorities reported that removing the cargo reduced the vessel’s draught, causing the damaged bow section to rise above the waterline and preventing further water ingress.

Once the flooding was brought under control, the vessel’s onboard power supply was fully restored. Officials confirmed that the situation was stabilised without further escalation.

German water police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision with the sheet pile wall.

References: Fox59, news18