Early on Saturday morning, 29 March, the river cruise ship of the Dutch National Association De Zonnebloem was involved in a collision in Germany. The vessel was hit by a cargo ship, the captain of which had been drinking alcohol, according to German police.
The National Association De Zonnebloem is committed to helping people with a physical disability. They organise social and recreational activities, including river cruises with their own vessel De Zonnebloem.
The river cruise ship De Zonnebloem is fully adapted for people with physical disabilities. It is also suitable for people with severe disabilities and those who are bedridden. All trips are accompanied by (care) volunteers. The ship sails some forty weeks a year and offers trips in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Also read: Ship hits weir and sinks, salvage planned
Ship out of service
The river cruise ship was struck by a cargo ship and suffered a hole in its hull while it was sailing the Rhine in Germany en route to Arnhem in the Netherlands. It is expected that the ship will be out of service for an extended period for its repair.
Marcel van der Kaa, deputy director of De Zonnebloem: ‘For many people with a physical disability, a trip on our ship is the only way to still be able to go on holiday. Every year, we can take around 2800 people with us. Thanks to an equal number of (care) volunteers who come along, we can give everyone optimal care and attention. It is very sad that we have to inform participants and volunteers who would be sailing with us in the coming period that their trip cannot go ahead.’
No injuries
At the time of the accident, 69 passengers, 65 volunteers and fifteen crew members were on board. There were no injuries.
Van der Kaa said on Saturday: ‘We are very happy that our guests, volunteers and crew members were not injured. Of course everyone is extremely shocked. Their well-being is therefore our main concern. Victim support is being offered for anyone who needs it. For now, our top priority is to transport everyone to the Netherlands as soon as possible. Both in Germany and the Netherlands, our staff are working to arrange this.’
Also read: DSB investigates collision between tug and tanker
Captain cargo ship tests positive for alcohol
Local Dutch news medium Omroep Gelderland reports that the skipper of the cargo ship that sailed against De Zonnebloem has tested positive for alcohol, according to German police. A blood test was therefore also done, but the results are not yet known. The skipper is not allowed to continue sailing for the time being. Criminal proceedings may await him.
Picture: Damage to the hull of De Zonnebloem (photo by Nationale Vereniging De Zonnebloem).
Also read: North Sea collision: Both vessels stable, captain arrested
