On October 22, the 70 meter long, 2772 gt fishing vessel Merike (IMO: 9227534) ran aground near Solstrand, Norway.  The crew alerted authorities which dispatched the 35 meter long, 475 gt tug Borg Parat (IMO: 9067269) to the scene. The tug was quickly able to free the trawler within 20 minutes. The vessels proceeded to a quay at Solstrand where it will be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The cause of the grounding was not reported.

Reports state the Merike was able to leave port and continued on its voyage into the Barents Sea.  The Merike was built in 2002 and currently sailing under the Estonia flag.