On February 15, the 247 meter long, 105,928 dwt tanker Recife Knutsen ran aground on a sandbar off São Sebastião, Brazil. The tanker had planning to enter port, but a severe thunderstorm forced the vessel to wait until conditions improved. While the vessel moved away, it ran onto a sandbar. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Several tugs were dispatched to scene to help with refloating efforts.
The 332 meter long, 108,250 dwt container ship Maersk Saigon ran aground just inside the port of Santos, Brazil. The boxship was departing the port bound for Port Elizabeth, South Africa when it veered out the navigation channel and went aground. The Maersk Saigon was later refloated and was moving to a nearby anchorage. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 185 meter long, 38494 dwt cargo vessel Takeshio ran aground on the Amazon River near Santarém, Pará, Brazil. The Takeshio was proceeding up the river with a cargo of wheat when it became stuck on a sandbar. Reports state the river level was just 1.3 meters compared to 2.7 meters last year. There was no injuries, damage or pollution released.