On February 29, the 280 meter long, 161121 dwt bulk carrier New Mykonos ran aground near Faux Cap, Madagascar. The bulk carrier was en route from Richards Bay to Vizag loaded with coal. Unable to refloat itself, the vessel requested assistance. The owners contracted with a salvage company to refloat the vessel. Reports stated multiple tugs have arrived on scene to begin refloating efforts
On March 1, the 96 meter long bulk carrier Bao Jiang 88 capsized and sank on the Yangze River near Shanghai, China. The Bao Jiang 88 was en route to Nanjing with 4600 tons of iron ore from Ningbo when it suffered a cargo shift. The Bao Jiang 88 quickly developed a list and the 12 crew to abandon ship into a liferaft. The vessel capsized a few minutes later. All 12 crew were later rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard. Authorities state the sunken bulker represents a navigational hazard. Reports say the cause of the capsizing was due to improper trimming of cargo.
The 119 meter long, 3373 dwt bulk carrier Viscount ran aground on the Volga River near Astrakhan, Russia. The Viscount loaded with metal had veered into the shallows and ran upon a mud bank. The cargo vessel failed to refloat itself and requested assistance. No reports of injuries to the 10 crew, damage or pollution released. The owners has arrange to have a salvage company to refloat the vessel. Reports state that authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.