The 55 meter long, 100 dwt passenger catamaran ferry Flying Cat 4 ran aground near Tinos, Greece. The high speed ferry with 239 passengers and 14 crew departed from Rafina bound for Santorini. When the ferry reached just outside of Tinos, the vessel ran aground in the dense fog. No reports of injuries. Local fishing vessels came to the assistance and helped evacuate passengers off the ferry. A tug was requested to refloat the vessel.
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.
