On February 8, the fishing vessel Sea Puppy caught fire off St. Catherines Island, Georgia. The Coast Guard was alerted by the crew the vessel was on fire and sinking. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Savannah along with an 29 foot response boat from Tybee Island. The helicopter arrived on scene and hoisted all three crew off the Sea Puppy safely. No reports of injuries.
The 294 meter long, 7500 dwt passenger cruise ship Norwegian Star became disabled off Inverloch, Australia. The Norwegian Star was on a cruise from Melbourne to New Zealand when it suffered engine failure causing the vessel to go adrift. The vessel’s generators remained operational providing power to facilities and bow thrusters, but not enough to reach port.
Three tugs were dispatched and towed the Norwegian Star to Melbourne for repairs. Passengers were disembarked and were given alternative transportation back to Auckland. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Norwegian Star had suffered engine problems just prior to this voyage. The vessel had developed a fault in the engine and was forced to proceed at reduced speed.
The 11 meter long fishing vessel Jane Marie ran aground near the entrance to Oamaru harbour, New Zealand. The Jane Marie ran up on the rocks and damaged its hull. The vessel suffered water ingress and partially sank.
The two crew on board were pulled from the water and later taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia. Initial reports state there was little pollution released, but a sheen of diesel fuel was spotted around the wreck. Divers were dispatched to inspect the fuel tanks and prevent any fuel from being released.
The Maritime NZ has launched an investigation into the incident.