On July 24, the 100 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Bjørnsund allided with a quay in Tømmervåg, Norway. The Bjørnsund was arriving in Tømmervåg from Seivika when it suffered a malfunction as it attempted to berth. The ferry’s bow struck the quay damaging equipment that raises the ramp. The Bjørnsund sustained damage to its bow. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Bjørnsund was taken out of service and proceeded to Kristiansund for repairs.
The 22 meter long catamaran passenger ferry Issehoved allided with a quay at Aarhus, Denmark. The Issehoved was approaching the quay when it struck at the bow. None of the 50 passengers were injured, but the vessel’s bow sustained damage. The Issehoved was towed to a dock and passengers were transferred to another ferry. Reports state the vessel resumed it schedule the next day.
On July 9, the 32 meter long, 154 gt passenger ferry Sri Kandi 99 ran aground at the southern end of Pulau Tekong Island, Singapore. The ferry was making a return trip from the anchored cruise ship Aegean Paradise with 45 passengers and crew bound for Pengerang, Johor. The ferry struck the rocks off the Pulau Tekong at low tide damaging the hull and leaving the Sri Kandi 99 with a severe list. Forty of the passengers and crew were able to make it shore without issue. Authorities dispatched patrol vessels to the scene and freed the remaining 5 persons off the ferry. Reports state 2 persons suffered minor injuries. All the passengers were later transferred to the ferry Camara Samudra.
Reports stated the Sri Kandi 99 later capsized onto its starboard hull and partially sank. Owners have made arrangements to refloat the ferry. Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
