On January 11, the 72 meter long, 980 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Gay Head allided with a construction barge at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The ferry was backing into the terminal when strong winds caused the Gay Head to strike the barge. The barge and ferry only sustained light cosmetic damage. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard made an inspection of the Gay Head and allowed it to resume service later the same day.
The 225 meter long, 76598 dwt bulk carrier Pireas allided with the 84 meter long, 2246 dwt support vessel Polaris in the Straits of Johor off Tuas, Singapore. The Pireas was headed for Tanjung Pelepas from Newcastle when it struck the moored Polaris. The port hull of the Pireas scraped along the foreship of the Polaris. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Pireas was detained while authorities conduct an investigation into the incident.
On January 25, seven vessels broke free from their moorings on the Hudson River near Albany, New York. Five barges, one tugboat and the 140 foot long passenger ship Captain JP III broke free after rains and warming weather caused the water level on the river to rise and released several ice jams. Pulled downstream, the Captain JP III drifted until it struck the railroad bridge. The passenger ship was too tall to pass under the bridge and became wedged under the span. Many of the other vessels were able to pass under the bridge without mishap, but several did strike the bridge.
Multiple tugs were dispatched and were able to free the Captain JP III and recover the other unmanned tugboats and barges. No reports of injuries.
Authorities report the bridge did sustain some minor damage, but the bridge should remain in operation. The Captain JP III sustained significant hull damage to its stern.