The 92 meter long tanker Heng Shun DA 78 exploded in the Bohai Sea off Longkou, China. The tanker was at anchor when the acetylene gas exploded on board. Four crew were injured by burns and were taken to hospital by helicopter. No further details reported.
The 40 meter long cargo vessel Selvamatha sank in the Laccadive Sea off the coast of Kerala, India. The vessel was proceeding from Androth to Beypore when it sprung a leak. The vessel sent out a distress call which was relayed to the Indian Coast Guard by the tanker Hafina Asia. The eight crew on the Selvamatha were rescued by a patrol vessel and proceeded to Kochi. No reports of injuries. Reports state the vessel sank due to one of the planks gave way resulting in uncontrolled flooding.
On March 17, the 40 meter long fishing vessel Kvalstein became disabled off Finnmark, Norway. The Kvalstein had suffered engine failure some 300 miles off the coast. With waves reaching eight meters, the trawler sent out a request for assistance. Authorities dispatched a patrol boat to the scene. The following day the patrol boat after some difficulty was able to connect a towline to the Kvalstein and both vessels proceeded back to port. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
