Paddle steamer ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ runs aground on Elbe sandbank

The historical paddle steamer ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ ran aground on a sandbank in the Elbe river near Radegast, Germany, on September 12, 2026. The incident occurred around 12:45 PM at stream kilometer 555 while the vessel was traveling upstream.

Although the ship did not come to an abrupt stop and sustained no damage, the resulting vibration caused two elderly passengers at the buffet to lose their balance and fall. Both individuals sustained minor injuries, and one subsequently experienced circulatory issues. The Bleckede volunteer fire department responded with a boat to retrieve the injured passengers from the water and transport them to land, where they were taken to the surgical outpatient clinic at Lüneburg Hospital.

No other vessels were involved in the incident. Following an inspection, the ‘Kaiser Wilhelm’ was found to be seaworthy and continued its journey under its own power. The Scharnebeck water police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.