Leak on Gravel Freighter Sparks Response in German Canal

The inland cargo vessel Esche began taking on water late on June 15 while transiting the Dortmund-Ems Canal near Ibbenbüren-Dörenthe, Germany. The freighter, loaded with 1,300 tons of gravel, faced a serious threat of sinking.

Emergency services were quickly mobilized, with approximately 50 firefighters dispatched to the scene. Crews worked for several hours to stabilize the vessel, pumping out the accumulating water and starting to offload the gravel to reduce the risk of capsizing.

Authorities confirmed that both crew members aboard were unharmed. There were no signs of environmental contamination, and the exact cause of the leak is still under investigation.

As of now, the vessel remains secured at Dorenthe, Germany.