Transport ship with artificial fertilizer poured on the Albert Canal

Two inland barges sailed early against each other early Tuesday morning on the Belgian Albert Canal. One of the transport ships sank.

The sunken ship, some 60 meters long, was carrying fertilizer. This could leak and thus cause pollution. The quality of the water has not yet been studied; Drinking water companies in the area have been informed of this accident.

The other ship did not sink. The tank is still at the point where the ships collided. The accident occurred in Herentals, east of Antwerp. The passengers of both ships are on the ground.

Against the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws a spokesman for the Flemish Waterways Agency announces that it is not yet clear how much damage is to the two ships. . According to local authorities, the obstacles on the canal, where navigation is closed, will take a long time. The Albert Canal connects Liège to Antwerp.