On January 5, the 24 meter long fuel barge Mekunu ran aground on a reef off Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. The cause of the grounding was not reported, but the vessel sustained minimal damage and no pollution was released. The Mekunu remained aground until January 7 when it was refloated by the Maldives Coast Guard. No reports of injuries.
On June 10, the 302 foot long barge PML2501 ran aground on the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The barge was being towed by the 132 foot long tugboat Anglian Lady bound for Burns Harbor, Indiana with 3622 tons of coal tar and 6000 gallons of diesel fuel when it struck bottom off Sweets Point. The barge sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress in a ballast tank. The Coast Guard was alerted and found there was no pollution being released from the PML2501. A safety zone was established around the barge while a salvage plan is being developed. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 87 meter long, 3233 gt barge Terang 302 broke in two while being loaded with cargo at Air Kantung Sungailiat – Bangka, Indonesia. The barge was being loaded with quartz sand when the vessel buckled amidships. Reports state the Terang 302 had about 80 percent of the cargo loaded with it suffered hull failure. No reports of injuries. Reports state authorities have been alerted, but no specific action has been taken with the barge. No details provided if the barge will be salvaged or towed to deeper water and sunk.