The Main River now requires cleanup and currently remains closed to shipping traffic.
On Saturday evening, a passenger ship carrying several hundred people lost approximately 3,000 liters of diesel fuel in the Main River between Eibelstadt and Goßmannsdorf. According to the Water Police, the fuel leaked due to a technical malfunction in the engine room. The leak was noticed around 6:00 PM, after which the vessel had to moor at the lock in Goßmannsdorf. There was no danger to the passengers at any time, police reported.
Large-Scale Operation Involving About 100 Specialists
The Water Police alerted the Würzburg Joint Dispatch Center. Under the direction of the District Fire Department, about 100 emergency personnel from Ochsenfurt, Kleinostheim, Eibelstadt, Randersacker, Veitshöchheim, as well as representatives from auxiliary organizations, responded. First, the ship was secured, and its hull was cleaned. To prevent further spread of the diesel fuel, firefighters deployed an oil containment boom across the Main River.
Following inspection and repair of the leak, the ship was permitted to continue its journey toward Schweinfurt on Saturday evening.
Oil Slick Reaches Würzburg
Despite the containment boom, a thin oil slick reached the city district of Würzburg on Sunday morning. Consequently, measures were taken there as well. On Arndtstraße, emergency services set up another containment boom, and an oil-absorbent boom several hundred meters long was additionally laid downstream from the Old Main Bridge. Professional and volunteer fire departments, along with water rescue organizations, are working simultaneously at multiple locations. Shipping on the affected sections has been halted.
Environmental Damage Is Being Assessed
According to current information, authorities do not anticipate a danger to people. However, the City of Würzburg currently advises against fishing, swimming in the Main, or letting pets into the water. Significant environmental damage is not yet known. However, an accurate assessment will only be possible after the cleanup work is completed. According to the Würzburg District Administration, cleanup is expected to last several days. The Main River remains closed on a stretch of about 30 kilometers between the Erlabrunn and Goßmannsdorf locks.
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