The public prosecutor’s office in Koblenz has released new details about its investigation into a ship collision that disrupted traffic on the Moselle River for weeks. The incident occurred on 8 December 2024, when a vessel crashed into a lock in Müden, Germany, causing significant delays.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the ship was operating on autopilot at the time of the accident and struck the lock at a speed of 12.2 km/h without any attempt to slow down or alter course.
While autopilot systems are permitted on the Moselle, the captain is required to intervene in critical situations. Investigators confirmed that no such intervention took place. The prosecutor’s office also noted that neither alcohol nor drugs were involved in the incident, and the ship’s engine was found to be fully functional.
The collision left approximately 70 ships stranded.
