On May 4, the 43 meter long ro-ro ferry Jean Ribault (MMSI: 367475030) allided on the St. Johns River with the ramp at Mayport, Florida. The ferry was attempting to depart from Mayport when it struck the boarding ramp. There were no reports of injuries, but the Jean Ribault was taken out of service after the incident. Reports state the ferry and ramp were being inspected and will undergo repairs as needed. Authorities have launched an investigation into incident.
On the afternoon of March 28, the passenger ferry Jinxing III ran aground in the Philippine Sea off Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor, Taiwan. The Jinxing III had departed from Lanyu with 55 passengers and eight crew members bound for Houbihu in Pingtung County when strong winds caused the vessel to run aground in shallow water off the coast.
The Taiwanese Coast Guard deployed two patrol boats to the assist. The patrol boats assisted by local fishing vessels safely evacuated all the passengers to shore. There were no reports of injuries. Reports state the Jinxing III was refloated and safely towed back to the Kaiyuan Fishing Harbor. Authorities have not released the extent of damage or if any pollution was released from the incident.
On the morning of February 20, the 190 meter long, 56531 dwt bulk carrier Jia De Chang He (IMO: 9626546) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Dückerswisch, Germany. The Jia De Chang He was headed for Estonia when it suffered rudder failure and ran onto the embankment. A tug was dispatched and was able to free the bulk carrier. The Jia De Chang He proceeded under its own power with the 24 meter long tug OSK Rendsburg (IMO: 9755567) assisting. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
Reports state the bulk carrier reached Kiel where it moored at the Holtenau anchorage where it will undergo inspection. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.