AmaSofia Propulsion Failure Forces Tow to Koblenz and Itinerary Change – March 18, 2026

Introduction

AmaSofia propulsion failure on March 18, 2026, left the riverboat operating with only one of its three engines and led to a precautionary tow for technical assessment.

What Happened

In the early hours, the wheelhouse team was alerted to a loss of power on the port-side aft engine. A similar failure then affected the starboard aft engine, leaving only the forward engine operational.

The Master determined that continuing with reduced propulsion through a confined and heavily trafficked stretch of river would create an unnecessary risk. AmaSofia was anchored west of Urmitz-Bahnhof, near Mülheim-Kärlich, while shore-based technical support was arranged.

Response and Investigation

A cargo vessel was engaged to tow AmaSofia to Koblenz for further assessment and repairs. A shoreside engineering team was also dispatched to work with the ship’s technical staff.

The teams worked to diagnose the malfunction and restore full propulsion capability. The available report does not state that anyone was injured.

Outcome

The propulsion failure occurred during AmaSofia’s maiden voyage and caused an itinerary change. The scheduled visit to Rüdesheim was cancelled and replaced with shore-excursion arrangements in Koblenz, where the riverboat remained alongside while work continued.

Key points:

– AmaSofia lost power on two aft engines on March 18, 2026.
– The vessel continued operating on its forward engine before anchoring.
– A cargo vessel towed AmaSofia to Koblenz for assessment and repairs.
– The incident occurred during the riverboat’s maiden voyage.
– The scheduled visit to Rüdesheim was cancelled and replaced with arrangements in Koblenz.