- Danube River Vessel Submerses, Rescue Operations Underway on Monday
A tugboat hit some rocks and sank in the Danube, close to the three-city region of Passau. The first effort to pull it out of the water fell short, police reported. Operations to salvage the boat are planned for Monday, with the assistance of a floating crane, which wasn't accessible over the weekend due to "administrative issues."
A problem with a valve is thought to be responsible for the sinking. By Friday afternoon, the boat had already submerged to the river bed. With a water depth of around 2.5 meters at the spot, the boat remains partially visible above the water. The fire department has placed an oil barrier as a safety measure. The water remains unpolluted, a spokesperson confirmed.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the boat sank due to a faulty valve. The full extent of the damage can only be determined once the salvage operation is underway. The damage is predicted to cost between ten and hundred thousand euros. No one was harmed.
The salvage operation, scheduled for Monday, will likely involve fixing the faulty valve that caused the shipping disaster. Due to the partial submergence of the boat, the shipping route in the area may require temporary rerouting until the cleanup is completed.
