On January 19, The 12 meter long fishing vessel Bärbel sank off Nagu, Finland. The Bärbel was fishing when it developed a list to starboard and began to fill with water. The two crew on board abandoned ship and rescued by a nearby trawler Huovari. The Bärbel sank a short time later in 30 meters of water. Authorities dispatched a patrol vessel and helicopter to the scene to inspect the area for any pollution released. No further details reported.
The 80 foot long fishing boat Eyak ran aground and sank off Calligan Island near Sitka, Alaska. The Eyak had run aground during the early morning hours and the vessel requested assistance. A Sitka Mountain Rescue boat along with a Alaska Wildlife vessel responded to the scene. The 4 crew on board the Eyak were safely rescued. The Eyak had capsized and partially sank with just a small portion of the overturn hull visible. Authorities are monitoring the situation for pollution. The fishing vessel had 500 gallons of fuel on board when it sank. Local reports state the crew did not have any survival suits on board the Eyak.
The 24 meter long fishing vessel Leif Roald ran aground off Braken, Norway. The Leif Roald had struck a reef and sustained significant damage. The fishing vessel had suffered water ingress and developed a significant list. The vessel sent out a distress call with the lifeboat Erik Bye responding along with several fishing boats in the area. The nine crew on the Leif Roald abandoned ship into life rafts. All nine crew were rescued and later taken to hospital. The Leif Roald later capsized. Reports state the Leif Roald was swept off the reef and sank with no debris spotted.
