The 101 foot long, 192 gt tug Ocean Eagle and its barge under tow ran aground in the Seymour Narrows near Campbell River, Vancouver Island, Canada. The pair had touched bottom while en route to Alaska with the barge loaded with general cargo. Reports state both vessels were later refloated. They proceeded to Menzies Bay where they will be inspected for damage. No reports of injuries to the five people on board and no pollution was released.
On January 21, the 220 foot long fishing vessel Saputi sustained hull damage while fishing for turbot in the Davis Strait between Canada and Greenland. The trawler had struck ice which cut into the hull causing water ingress. The crew requested assistance with both Danish and Canadian authorities responding. A Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker and an fixed aircraft was dispatched while the Danish Navy directed a vessel to the area. The aircraft arrived first on the following day and was able to drop four dewatering pumps to the Saputi. The Danish warship arrived on scene a short time later delivering additional pumps and technicians. The Saputi proceeded towards Nuuk, Greenland escorted by the Danish warship Knud Rasmussen. No reports of injuries to the 30 crew on board. Reports stated that the catch of turbot on board the Saputi may have been lost resulting in an estimated loss of $1 million dollars (CA).
On February 15, the fishing vessel Don Cadegan ran aground and sank off Murder Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. The vessel had left West Punico only three hours before it ran aground. The three crew on board were rescued by other fishing vessels in the area. No reports of injuries. The Don Cadegan remained visible during low tide, but only the rigging was visible on the rising tide. The Canada Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the incident.
