On January 7, the 34 meter long fishing vessel Vesturland VN 307 caught fire 80 miles off the Faroes Islands. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. A helicopter was dispatched and hoisted all 10 crew to safety.  

Two patrol boats arrived on scene and attempted to extinguish the blaze, but weather conditions prevented any action being taken. Not until several hours later when conditions improved did it allow fire fighting to begin. By the following morning, both vessels were able to bring the blaze under control including the use of foam.

The Vesturland superstructure sustained significant damage, but the fishing vessel remained afloat. A patrol boat took the Vesturland under tow back to port. No reports of injuries.