The 108 meter long, 6232 dwt tanker Northsea Rational ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Horsten, Germany. The Northsea Rational had suffered a malfunction and became disabled. Unable to control steering, the vessel ran up on the northern bank of the canal. The vessel requested assistance with the tug Holtenau dispatched to the scene. The Holtenau pulled the Northsea Rational free and took it under tow. No reports of injuries or pollution released.