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.
The 95 meter long, 4034 dwt LPG tanker QEM Star ran aground at the entrance to the port of Takasago, Honshu, Japan. The QEM Star was travelling in ballast in the Japan Inner Sea in rough conditions when it was driven aground. The tanker alerted authorities that it was aground, but was no risk of sinking. The 16 crew remained on board the QEM Star as there were no injuries. Reports state tugs will refloat the QEM Star when conditions improve. No reports of pollution released.
The 370 dwt tugboat Matsusho Maru along with the barge Matsusho ran aground off Shikoku Island, Japan. The tug and barge had been battered by a strong storm when it was blown into shallow water. Reports state the tug ran up on the rocks and partially sank. The 7 crew on board the Matsusho Maru were hoisted to safety by a Japan Coast Guard helicopter. No reports of injuries. The barge Matsusho, loaded with general cargo, was partially sunk near the tug.
