On January 23, the 26 meter long tugboat MCL Power III with a barge under tow ran aground in the South China Sea near Kandis, Kelantan, Malaysia. The MCL Power III was proceeding to Johor with 5800 tons of limestone in stormy conditions. The storm caused the MCL Power III to become uncontrollable and the vessels were pushed ashore. No reports of injuries.
On August 12, the 16 meter long tugboat GMS Fortuna 6 ran aground at Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia. The tug had its anchor drag during a severe storm where large waves had washed the vessel onto the beach. No reports of injuries or damage. Authorities state no pollution was seen around the tug.
The 124 meter long , 12,395 dwt tanker No. 3 Heung-A Pioneer suffered an explosion off Penang, Malaysia. The tanker had departed from Penang bound for Singapore when a gas canister caught fire resulting in the explosion. The vessel requested assistance and returned back to port. One crewman was killed in the explosion and another five were injured. The extent of damage was not reported. Authorities has launched an investigation into the incident.