The 65 meter long, 1260 dwt cargo vessel Nathalie ran aground on the Schelde Estuary near Antwerp, Belgium. The Nathalie was en route to Ghent when it struck a stony embankment. No reports of injuries. The Nathalie was refloated a few hours later and was able to continue under it’s own power.
On October 6, the catamaran Jonas II caught fire while berthed in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. The vessel was being prepared to sail when the fire broke out. The fire quickly consumed the vessel, but the crew was able to escape unharmed. Local fire brigades responded and were able to extinguish the blaze, but the fire had gutted the vessel. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Local reports state the fire may have been caused by an electrical short.
On June 28, the 203 meter long, 21370 dwt container ship MSC Lieselotte suffered a minor fire while in drydock in Antwerp, Belgium. The fire started while the vessel was under repair. Reports state the flames reached several meters high before it could be quickly extinguished. No reports of injuries or pollution released.