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.
The 35 meter long passenger ferry Ofoten became disabled between Meva and Sørøya, Norway. The Ofoten was en route to Bodø when it’s propeller was fouled by ropes. All the passengers were evacuated to a NSSR lifeboat which transported them to Sørvær. Later,the lifeboat assisted the crew in clearing the propeller. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On January 4, the 27 meter long fishing vessel Kim Roger became disabled before sinking near Lofotodden, Norway. The Kim Roger had suffered engine failure and went adrift in heavy seas. With waves reaching up to 5 meters high, the fishing vessel suffered water ingress and heeled over on its port side. The gale force winds also pushed the Kim Roger towards shore. The five crew on board alerted authorities with a rescue helicopter and lifeboat dispatched to the scene. Before the helicopter was able to hoist the men to safety, the crew fell into the water. Luckily, the helicopter was able to lift all five crew from the sea to safety. The crew were later taken to hospital. No reports of injuries. The Kim Roger later sank just offshore the coast.
