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Barge cut power line

In the morning of May 5, 2017, the "Gerarda Theodora", 2480 ts (EU-No.: 02322758), pulled down a 110 kilovolt line with its fully erected crane in Essen. It was unclear why crane was extended and erected while transiting the Rhine-Herne Canal at Essen. The came arm hit the power line which fell down and remained on the stern of the ship. The master, his only crewmember and two dogs remained uninjured. However, they were not allowed to leave the wheelhouse until the voltage was switched off by the network operator. Telephones kept contact with the crew. After an assembly group had grounded the line on the affected high voltage mast, the fire boat "Ernst-Finkemeyer" went alongside the barge. The crew cut through the 21 millimeter thick line with a bolt cutter and a saw. The cable slid into the water and was pulled back on both river banks. There were power failures in several parts of the city of Essen including Vogelheim and Bergeborbeck. Report with photos and video: https://www.derwesten.de/staedte/essen/stromausfall-in-essen-auch-ampeln-ausgefallen-kranausleger-kollidierte-mit-hochspannungsleitung-id210467287.html http://www.transport-online.nl/site/81105/binnenvaartschip-trekt-leiding-van-110kv-kapot-noorden-van-essen-zonder-stroom-fotos/