The 59 meter long supply vessel Ocean Spirit 1 ran aground near Charlotte Amalie, Virgin Islands. The Ocean Spirit 1 had run aground on the rocks just outside the entrance to the East Gregory Channel. Authorities dispatched inspectors to the scene to examine the vessel for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the Coast Guard was coordinating efforts with the vessel’s owner to salvage the Ocean Spirit 1.
On December 14, the 199 meter long bulk carrier KM London ran aground on the Columbia River off Crims Island near Longview, Washington. The KM London was headed for Japan with a cargo of wheat when it veered off course and ran aground. The bulker sustained damage to its forepeak and suffered water ingress. The Coast Guard was alerted by the crew of the incident. The Coast Guard dispatched a response team to scene. Aircraft were dispatched and found no oil pollution had been released.
The KM London was refloated by tugs the next day with the high tide. Three tugs escorted the vessel back to Longview where it can be surveyed of damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 180 meter long, 7550 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent ran aground at the port of Calais, France. The vessel was loaded with 208 passengers, 111 vehicles and 108 crew when it departed from the port of Calais bound for Dover. Conditions were poor with strong winds having gusts reach over 100 km/hour. When the ferry maneuvered out of the port, it allided with against a foot bridge due to the strong winds. Undamaged, the Pride of Kent continued on its voyage. A few minutes later strong wind gusts again slammed the ferry. Before the vessel could even leave the breakwater, the strong winds pushed the Pride of Kent off course and up onto a sandbank along the breakwater.
Authorities were alerted and three tugs were dispatched to the scene. The tugs tried multiple times to refloat the Pride of Kent, but the ferry refused to budge. Eventually after an hour of attempts, the Pride of Kent was pulled freed by the tugs and returned back to its berth. No reports of injuries. Passengers disembarked and the port was closed until weather conditions improved. No reports of pollution released.
