On the afternoon of March 28, the 88 meter long, 2600 dwt cargo vessel Wilson Rotterdam (IMO: 9557381) became disabled in the North Sea near Bergen, Norway. The Wilson Rotterdam was headed to Esbjerg from Porsgrunn when it suffered an engine breakdown and power blackout. The cargo vessel went adrift, but the crew was able to complete repairs and restore power. Reports state authorities had tugs and rescue vessels on standby. Authorities have stated there would be an investigation into the incident.
On March 27, the 154.5 meter long, 18457 dwt container ship Frederik (IMO: 9328637) ran aground on the Kiel Canal near Fischerhütte, Germany. The Frederik departed from Hamburg bound for Klaipeda when it encountered a fault resulting in engine failure near Fischerhütte. The boxship was unable to steer and drifted aground on the embankment. Authorities ordered all shipping traffic in the area to be halted and dispatched two tugs to assist. The tug Fairplay 54 (IMO: 9021112) and Fairplay 57 (IMO: 9036246) arrived on site and able to pull the Frederik free. The vessel was later towed to a landing where it was moored. Reports state there were no injuries and no pollution released.
On March 26, the 135.5 meter long 8053 dwt refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia (IMO: 9053957) caught fire in the Sea of Japan off Busan, South Korea. The Crystal Asia had travelled just 5 miles from the port of Busan when a fire broke out in the engine room. Alerted by the dense smoke billowing from the reefer, authorities dispatched multiple rescue boats. The rescue boats arrived on site and firefighters boarded the Crystal Asia where they extinguished the blaze.
The rescue boats were able to safely evacuate all 23 crew off the Crystal Asia. Six crew sustained injuries with 2 suffering severe burns while 4 others with minor burns. Reports state the severely injured crew were taken to hospital for treatment. A tug was later dispatched and towed the Crystal Asia back to port. Authorities were able to do an inspection of the vessel. An initial report indicates that there may have been an explosion that started the fire and not a malfunction in the engine room.
