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.
The 366 meter long, 140958 dwt container ship MSC Renee allided with the Berendrechtsluis Lock in Antwerp, Belgium. The MSC Renee was proceeding out of Antwerp bound for Dunkirk when it struck the lock resulting in a 15 meter long hull breach above the water line. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The MSC Renee proceeded to Deurganckdok to unload cargo before continuing for repairs.
