On January 6, a vessel ran aground off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The vessel was blown ashore by high winds and strong waves. Local authorities report that all 10 crew on board the vessel was safely rescued and there were no injuries. Reports state the area around the vessel was secured and oil pollution containment was in place. The name of the vessel was not reported.
The 426 gt oil tanker Fazilat ran aground on the Karnafuli River at Chattogram, Bangladesh. The Fazilat had dropped anchor on the river earlier due the dense fog which reduced visibility to near zero. The anchor dragged and became stuck on a rock causing the tanker to go aground off a rocky embankment. The tanker remained stuck with the falling tide. Authorities were alerted and dispatched the tug Kandari 1 to the scene. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the tanker will be refloated on the rising tide and towed to a safer location.
The 17 meter long passenger vessel Monarch ran aground in Otago Harbour, New Zealand. The Monarch was underway to Otago Peninsula to pick up passengers when it left the navigation channel to allow a LPG tanker to enter the harbour. As it left the channel, the Monarch drifted on a mud bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Monarch remained on the mud bank until the rising tide refloated the vessel later the same day.
