On April 4, the 156 meter long, 4963 dwt passenger cargo vessel Nicobar ran aground on the Hooghly River near Kolkata, India. The Nicobar was departing Kolkata when ran aground blocking the channel. The passenger vessel was able to free itself and returned to Kolkata where it was inspected for damage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 22 meter long towboat Natalie Jean capsized and sank on the Mississippi River near New Orleans, Louisiana. The Natalie Jean was pushing a barge when it lost stability while making a turn in the river. The towboat suddenly capsized spilling the crew member in the pilothouse into the river. The nearby towboat Earl Gosling rescued the crew man from the water. A short time later the Natalie Jean rolled over and sank.
Reports state two other crew members of the Natalie Jean were reported as missing. The Coast Guard along with local authorities launched a search and rescue operation for the missing crew.
Traffic on the Mississippi River was halted around the area where the Natalie Jean sank. Reports state the towboat had some 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board when it sank. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
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.