On December 25, the 63 meter long passenger vessel Pure Liner 2 sank on the Rhine at Cologne, Germany. The Pure Liner 2 had been moored along a quay when it became stuck when the water level rose on the river. The vessel sustained water ingress and partially sank leaving only part of its upper deck above water. No reports of injuries.
Reports state the Pure Liner 2 will be raised and salvage costs could exceed 100,000 €.
On October 26, the 38 meter long self-propelled barge Mac Gyver, loaded with 350 tons of sand, collided with the combination of the 39 meter long self-propelled barge Hijete and barge Yamoto on the Canal du Nord near Eterpigny, France. Both vessels were unable to establish communications before they collided head-on. The Yamoto sustained damage and water ingress at the bow. Unable to contain the flooding, the local fire brigade was alerted. They arrived on scene and deployed 3 dewatering pumps trying to keep the barge afloat. The flooding was too much for the pumps and the Yamoto sank by the bow. The pumps were pulled off the Yamoto and the entire vessel sank to the bottom of the canal leaving only part of the wheelhouse visible. Authorities laid out booms to contain oil pollution released. Reports state the Yamoto will be later raised and repaired.
The Mac Gyver and Hijete both sustained some damage, but were in no danger of sinking.
On October 2, the 70 meter long cargo vessel Ying Hai capsized and sank in the Taiwan Strait south of the Penghu Islands, Taiwan. The Ying Hai was en route to Busan, South Korea from Kaohsiung when a cargo of containers. During the voyage in heavy seas several containers shifted on the Ying Hai. Several containers fell overboard and the cargo vessel developed a list. The crew alerted authorities and abandoned ship. Helicopters and search and rescue vessels were dispatched to the scene. Rescue boats attempted to take the Ying Hai under tow, but rough conditions made it impossible. All 9 crew were evacuated by helicopters off the Ying Hai as the list continued to increase. No reports of injuries.
The next day the Ying Hai continued to list until it rolled over on its side. The cargo vessel quickly flooded and sank.
