The 158 meter long container ship Sonderborg Strait became disabled in the Kiel Canal near Westerrönfeld, Germany. The Sonderborg Strait had suffered a power blackout after its main engine failed. Authorities stopped traffic on the canal between Audorf and Schülp until tugs could arrive on scene. A few hours later, the Sonderborg Strait was taken undertow by two tugs and proceeded to Brunsbüttel. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On December 7, the 250 meter long, 62,448 dwt container ship Hanjin Aqua ran aground off Sangiang Island, Indonesia. The Hanjin Aqua was en route to Jakarta from Adelaide, Australia with 2300 containers when it struck bottom in the Sunda Strait. The container ship had its hull scrape against the rocky bottom causing multiple ballast tanks to be breached. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 151 meter long, 10600 dwt container ship Nordic Bremen collided with the 139 meter long, Brandenburg class frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the Kiel Canal near Shulp, Germany. The two vessels were passing in the canal when strong gust of wind caused the vessels to strike head-on. The Nordic Bremen suffered breaches in the bow and the frigate sustained multiple hull breaches in the bow above the waterline. No reports of injuries on either vessel.
The Nordic Bremen was able to proceed to Kiel under its own power. There it will be detained while authorities conduct an investigation. The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern was escorted by three tugs to Brunsbuettel. Reports state both vessels with need repairs before they can resume operations.
