The 122 meter long, 5712 dwt cargo vessel Levant Horizon ran aground on the Tagus River off Oieras, Portugal. The vessel had departed from Lisbon when it veered off the fairway and ran into shallow water. Unable to free itself, the Levant Horizon requested assistance. Two tugs arrived on scene and several hours later with the rising tide the Levant Horizon was successfully refloated. The vessels proceeded to Lisbon for inspection. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On January 15, the 90 meter long cargo vessel Lisa ran aground on the River Barrow near Pink Rock, Ireland. The Lisa had departed from Antwerp bound for Drogedha. While underway to New Ross with 4500 tons of dry good, the cargo vessel when it stranded on a mud bank. The Lisa remained aground for until two days later when two tugs and a dredger pulled the Lisa free. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On November 17, the 86 meter long, 3506 dwt cargo vessel Meridian Tres capsized and sank near Dawahon Island, Philippines. The Meridian Tres departed from Tacloban City bound for Cebu City with a cargo of 160 20-foot containers. Gale warnings had been posted but waters were still calm leaving the port.
Six hours later while off Dawahon Island, the seas increased intensity. Heavy seas and strong winds pummeled the cargo vessel. Before the Meridian Tres could find any shelter, the heavy seas caused the stack of containers on the cargo deck to shift. Unable to maintain stability, the vessel quickly developed a severe list to port. With no hope to save the cargo ship, the master sent out a distress call and ordered the crew to abandon ship.
The Philippines Coast Guard received the call and quickly responded. Aided by three nearby vessels (LCT-PMI 8, Filipinas Butuan and Ocean Kingdom), a search and rescue operation to search for survivors. Twenty-eight crew were later rescued, but one crew member was still listed as missing.
Reports state the Meridian Trese continued to float before it finally capsized and sank a short time later. The Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched vessels to monitor the area for possible pollution released.
