The 50 foot long, 13 ton fishing vessel Liberty ran aground on Whidbey Island, Washington. The Liberty had been reported unmanned and adrift for over a month before it eventually washed ashore on to the beach. Authorities found the fishing vessel had no fuel on board and no signs of pollution released. The Liberty will be pulled off the beach on the following high tide and be towed to Everett. Reports state the fishing vessel had been moored at Port Ludlow before it had gone adrift.
On January 17, the 10 meter long fishing vessel Ingrid Elisabeth F41P ran aground off Makkaur Lighthouse near Båtsfjord, Norway. The fishing vessel had suffered engine failure amidst a severe storm. With no power, the crew alerted authorities and requested assistance. with gusts reaching 40 meters per second, the Ingrid Elisabeth was pushed by the storm towards shore until it wedged between two rocks just off the coast. A Sea King helicopter arrived on scene, but conditions were too rough and was unable to rescue the crew. A lifeboat, rescue boat and nearby trawlers arrived on scene, but were also unable to reach the Ingrid Elisabeth. The two crew on the Ingrid Elisabeth donned survival suits and abandoned ship before the fishing vessel finally sank. Reports state the two crewmen were able to reach shore and were in good condition. Both men were later taken to Båtsfjord.
On January 7, the 34 meter long fishing vessel Vesturland VN 307 caught fire 80 miles off the Faroes Islands. The crew was unable to contain the blaze and requested assistance. A helicopter was dispatched and hoisted all 10 crew to safety.
Two patrol boats arrived on scene and attempted to extinguish the blaze, but weather conditions prevented any action being taken. Not until several hours later when conditions improved did it allow fire fighting to begin. By the following morning, both vessels were able to bring the blaze under control including the use of foam.
The Vesturland superstructure sustained significant damage, but the fishing vessel remained afloat. A patrol boat took the Vesturland under tow back to port. No reports of injuries.