Freighter Stoer Hits Pier on River Elbe, Captain Injured

The inland cargo vessel Stoer struck a pier on Germany’s River Elbe late on Friday night, April 17. One person was injured, and no pollution was reported following the incident.

The ship collided with an industrial dock near the inactive Kernkraftwerk Stade nuclear power plant. During the incident, the captain sustained injuries and lost consciousness, while the second crew member was not harmed.

The collision caused serious damage to the vessel’s bow, leaving it drifting in the water. German authorities launched a coordinated emergency response, involving fire brigade teams from Stade, water police units, and a rescue boat from the DLRG. Emergency crews were transferred onboard during the operation.

The captain was evacuated to shore and taken to Stade for medical care. Two tugboats later secured the vessel and towed it to the port of Bützfleth. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.