On January 21, the 124 meter long, 12480 dwt tanker Oriental Nadeshiko ran aground on the Elbe River near Cuxhaven, Germany. The Oriental Nadeshiko had some 9,000 metric tons of dangerous or toxic chemicals on board when the tanker suffered a technical fault.  Unable to steer the Oriental Nadeshiko veered off the fairway and ran aground on a sandbank.

Authorities were alerted and dispatched a team to the site. A survey found the Oriental Nadeshiko had sustained no damage and no pollution had been released. Five tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the Oriental Nadeshiko later the same day.  No reports of injuries.