On November 14, the 167 meter long, 10600 dwt ro-ro vehicle carrier Viking Emerald ran aground on the Columbia River near Woodland, Washington. The Viking Emerald was headed upriver with a cargo of automobiles to Portland when it suffered a steering system failure and the bow became stuck on the river bottom. Four tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the Viking Emerald a short time later.  The tugs then towed the vessel to Portland.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Viking Emerald was to be inspected at Portland by authorities.