River accident
January 13, 2011
A tanker carrying at least 2,200 tons of sulfuric acid has capsized in the Rhine River in Germany's western Rhineland-Palatinate state.
The 110-meter-long "Waldhof" is currently stranded near the town of St. Goarshausen, home to the well-known Lorelei rock, which marks the narrowest part of the Rhine.
This tapering creates a stronger-than-usual current, and has caused many boat accidents there over the years.
A spokesman for the state water police said two of the ship's four crewmembers had been rescued, and that helicopter search efforts were continuing for the remaining two.
"The search so far has not been successful but authorities continue their intensive efforts," he said. With water temperatures at four degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) there is little hope for the two to survive for long.
No danger to the Rhine
According to preliminary indications, the vessel's tanks seemed to be intact, with damage to the acid containers. As the vessel is double-hulled, authorities said there was a good chance the acid would not leak into the river.
Sulfuric acid, when mixed with water, can become highly corrosive. Police experts however cautioned that even a leakage would do only very limited harm as the high tide and fast current would quickly dilute the acid. Major damage is only expected in the unlikely case the ship would break apart.
The "Waldhof" was on its way from Ludwigshafen to Antwerp.
Shipping along the Rhine, among the most important waterways in Germany and Europe, has been temporarily halted between the towns of Bingen and Bad Salzig for the duration of the rescue efforts.
Author: Darren Mara, Andreas Illmer (AP, AFP, dpa)
Editor: Martin Kuebler