The 77 foot fishing boat Judy K sank at the pier in Honolulu Harbor, Hawaii. The vessel released some 50 gallons of diesel fuel into the water. The Coast Guard and local authorities responded to the scene. They placed booms around the vessel and pads to contain the pollution. Reports state the Judy K had been abandoned and no equipment was on board. No reports of injuries.
On January 8, the 57 meter long, 200 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Vicente sank off Sao Filipe, Fogo Island, Cape Verde. The ferry left Praia with 22 passengers and 4 crew along with a cargo of vehicles and containers bound for Sao Filipe. The ferry was dealing with heavy weather when the ferry sank 3 nautical miles off Fogo Island. Authorities dispatched two vessels to scene to search for survivors. Initial reports stated 3 survivors were pulled from the water. As search and rescue operations continued, another 8 survivors were rescued. Three bodies were also recovered. An official stated there was still 12 missing, but the chances to find additional survivors were low. The cause of the sinking was no reported. Some reports have alluded that the ferry may have been overloaded while authorities have stated the cause was the bad weather.
On January 6, the 15 meter long, 10 gt fishing boat Lucky LH482700 caught fire in the English Channel off Ouistreham, France. The fire quickly spread through the vessel’s superstructure forcing the three crew members into a life raft. The crew was rescued by fishing boat Bambino who were later transferred to a French Coast Guard vessel. One crew member sustained injuries and taken for medical treatment in Le Havre. SNSM lifeboats from Ouistreham, Calais and Gravelines along with other vessels arrived on scene, but found the Lucky had already burned to the waters edge. The Lucky sank a few hours later. No reports to the cause of the fire.
