The 85 meter long, 4900 gt catamaran passenger ferry Highspeed 5 caught fire while moored at Drapetsona near Piraeus, Greece. The fire was started while the vessel was undergoing repairs. Workers aided by the Hellenic Coast Guard Alexander 3 and Armadores II Fifi were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. Reports state one worker perished from the fire. Damage to the vessel was reported as minimal, but the extent had not yet been reported.
The 27 meter long, 341 dwt catamaram passenger ferry allided with the pier at Devonport wharf, Auckland, New Zealand. The ferry was approaching the pier in calm conditions when it suffered a mechanical breakdown and struck the pier. Reports state some 15 passengers and crew sustained injuries with 10 persons taken to hospital for treatment. The vessel sustained severe damage with a large gash in the hull above the waterline. Authorities have detained the vessel while an investigation was launched into the incident. No reports of pollution released. Witnesses stated they heard a loud bang when the ferry struck. Passengers stated they were thrown off their seats and fell onto the decks. Many said they suffered only minor cuts and bruises from the incident.
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.
