The 110 meter long self-propelled container barge Alsvin ran aground under the Vlake Bridge in Hansweert, Netherlands. The Alsvin was loaded with 111 containers when it veered off course and stranded under the bridge. A few hours later the vessel was refloated with the aid of the rising tide and three tugs. No damage to the bridge and vessel. The master of the vessel was injured in the incident and taken to hospital. Reports state alcohol may have been factor.
The 234 meter long self-unloading bulk carrier Arthur M. Anderson became stuck in ice on Lake Erie off Conneaut, Ohio. The Arthur M. Anderson had been trapped in ice that was 5 to 10 feet thick just outside the harbor as the vessel attempted to return to its winter layup in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
The 140 foot long United States Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay was beset by ice nearby. The Bristol Bay was outside Ashtabula attempting to reach Cleveland to refuel and provision the cutter before heading to help the Anderson. However, the cutter spent several days battling the ice and found itself running low on food. A helicopter was dispatched to drop food to the cutter.
The 234 foot long Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Griffon was requested to assist both vessels. Stationed in Prescott, Ontario, the Griffon was asked to proceed to help free the Bristol Bay and clear a path to Cleveland. Afterwards, the Griffon was to continue to break a path to Conneaut to free the Arthur M. Anderson.
On February 18, the 129 meter long cargo vessel Lysblink Seaways ran aground off Ardnamurchan Point, Scotland. The Lysblink Seaways was en route to Skogn from Belfast with paper waste when it ran into difficults and went aground on the rocky shoreline.