Efforts to Salvage Tanker Vessel near Devin Unsuccessful Due to Low Water Level

Bratislava, 22 January (TASR) - A German tanker vessel called the Nicole has been stuck on the Danube River near Bratislava's borough of Devin for a week now since running aground on 15 January, with salvage operations being unsuccessful partly due to the low water level, TASR has learnt from the Transport Authority, which continues to monitor the situation. "The vessel ran aground outside the navigation channel due to its own error, ending up in such a position that its stern is sticking out slightly into the navigation path," stated the Transport Authority, adding that the tanker doesn't pose an immediate threat to navigation safety, however. As the vessel was unable to free itself, a tugboat came to the rescue at the beginning of the week, along with a floating platform carrying an excavator. However, all efforts have been unsuccessful so far due to the low level of the Danube, which has been falling slightly in recent days. "If the refloating efforts continue to be unsuccessful, the vessel will have to wait for the water level of the Danube to rise," stated the Transport Authority. According to the Transport Ministry, the tanker hasn't caused any disruption to the smooth flow of navigation on the Danube waterway. "It hasn't been necessary to suspend navigation," said ministry spokesperson Petra Polacikova, adding that the situation is being handled by the Transport Authority in cooperation with the vessel's crew and operator. jrg/df