The 63 meter long, 1131 dwt freighter Frifjord went aground in the North Sea off Fano Island, Denmark. The freighter had run onto a sand bank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Frifjord was refloated on the next high tide and proceeded to Esbjerg. Authorities found the master of the vessel was intoxicated and was fined.
The 171 meter long, 20316 dwt container ship Empire went aground near Anholt Østrev, Denmark. The container vessel was proceeding to Bremerhaven from Gdynia when it went aground into shallow water. Authorities dispatched a patrol boat along with an anti pollution vessel to monitor the situation. The Empire was able to be refloated a short time later and proceeded to Pakhusbugt where divers will inspect the hull for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the crew of the Empire had veered off course due to a malfunction with their GPS equipement. The crew had been warned by two other vessels that it was in danger of going aground when it was spotted the container ship’s course on radar. Reports state the crew ignored the warnings and continued on its course until it went aground.
The 102 meter long, 3168 dwt freighter Ivan Shchepetov went aground in the Kattegat off the coast of Denmark. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the Ivan Shchepetov was hard aground and that divers were requested to make a survey. Authorities later stated that a survey was completed and a salvage plan was submitted.
