After the reception at castle Namedy we were driven the short distance to Andernach to rejoin the AmaVenita but there was no ship to be seen. There had been a tragic accident on the River and the AmaVenita had been delayed whilst the River Police dealt with the incident.
It transpired that a large river barge had got into some difficulty and a following barge had offered a tow. As the tow got underway a small, fast, private river launch had weaved between the two barges unaware of the wire tow hawser with the inevitable consequence that both the occupants were killed instantly.
The photo shows one of the barges with the remains of the launch lashed to its side in front of the AmaVenita.
In New Zealand a motorcycle had overtaken on a narrow twisting coast road and went head on into a lorry.
We were not really delayed but it reminds of just how fragile life can be.
We are currently in the 4th lock of the evening with another 7 to go overnight! Once again the lock is being patrolled by Canada Geese!
