On April 22, the 22 meter long self-propelled barge Niels suffered water ingress on the Maas river near Linne, Netherlands. The vessel suffered water ingress in the cargo hold and was in danger of sinking. The Niels approached the shore where local fire brigade delivered a dewatering pump. The pump was able to keep the vessel afloat until additional pumps were able to remove the water from the hold. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
The 115 meter long, 3152 dwt cargo vessel Magtymguly struck an underwater object on the Volga River near Olya, Russia. The vessel was en route to Nowshahr, Iran from Olya with a cargo of wheat when it hit an unknown object. The Magtymguly suffered hull damage and water ingress in its steering compartment. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On February 7, the 347 meter long, 10,500 dwt passenger cruise ship Anthem of the Seas sustained damage off Bayonne, New Jersey. The cruise ship was starting a seven-night voyage to Florida and Bahamas when it was struck by winds reaching 125 mph gusts and waves reaching 30 feet off Cape Hatteras. Passengers stayed terrified in their cabin while the storm raged. The storm proved to be too severe forcing the Anthem of the Seas to turn around and headed back to Bayonne. Reports state four passengers of the 4,500 on board suffered minor injuries. The vessel also sustained minor damage, but was never at risk of sinking. Authorities have stated an investigation has already been launched into why the cruise ship headed into a storm and possibly put passengers at risk. Owners of the Anthem of the Seas has promised to refund the passengers and a discount on a future cruise.
