The 199 meter long, 63046 dwt bulk carrier Sarocha Naree ran aground off Bald Head Island, Cape Fear River, North Carolina. The Sarocha Naree had departed from Wilmington heading out to sea when it grounded in the estuary at low tide. Two tugs were dispatched and were able to refloat the Sarocha Naree on the rising tide. The bulk carrier proceeded to a nearby anchorage for surveys. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On Febuary 9, the 41 foot long fishing vessel Allicat capsized in Snows Cut on the Cape Fear River near Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The Allicat was en route to Florida when it ran aground in Snows Cut. The two crew on board was waiting for the next high tide to attempt to refloat the fishing vessel, but the Allicat began to capsized. One crew was able to contact the Coast Guard while the other went overboard into the water. The Coast Guard dispatched a rescue boat and safely rescued both men. Both crewmen sustained injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities did state there was a small sheen spotted around the vessel. A response team was hired to remove the batteries and fuel on board the Allicat. A boom was placed around the partially sunk Allicat to contain any further pollution released.
