The 101 foot long, 192 gt tug Ocean Eagle and its barge under tow ran aground in the Seymour Narrows near Campbell River, Vancouver Island, Canada. The pair had touched bottom while en route to Alaska with the barge loaded with general cargo. Reports state both vessels were later refloated. They proceeded to Menzies Bay where they will be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries to the five people on board and no pollution was released.
On February 20, the 77 foot long tugboat Miss Kate along with its 135 foot long barge in tow ran aground in Atlantic Ocean near Absecon Inlet on Brigantine Beach, New Jersey. The tug had lost power and drifted ashore near the inlet. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard was notified and arrived on scene to monitor the situation. The Miss Kate and barge were later pulled off the beach and refloated a few days later. No reports of damage or pollution released. Both vessels were en route to Great Egg Harbor Inlet.
On January 3, the 55 meter long towboat Joe Bobzien ran aground on the Mississippi River near Caruthersville, Missouri. The Joe Bobzien was pushing 35 barges when it went struck bottom. The barges broke free causing traffic to stop along a 30 mile stretch of the river. Reports state multiple vessels were deployed to assist recovering the barges. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.