On January 2, the 308 foot long fishing carrier Ou Ya Leng No. 6 ran aground in the Marshall Islands on Taka Atoll. United States Coast Guard dispatched an aircraft to scene and found the crew was safe and no signs of pollution. Two fishing vessels were en route to help unload cargo from the Ou Ya Leng No. 6.
Reports state no injuries to the 24 crew. The incident is under investigation.
On May 12, the 81 meter long fishing vessel Fong Seong 666 ran aground on a reef in the Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands. The Fong Seong 666 was headed to Port Majuro to transfer its 100 tons of skipjack tuna when it ran aground. Local authorities reported that the grounding was due to either an inexperienced crewman or someone had fallen asleep at the helm. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Initial efforts to refloat the purse seiner failed. On May 20, salvage team with several tugboats were able to refloat the Fong Seong 666.
The vessel Jeljelet Ae sank off the Likiep Atoll, Marshall Islands with 20 crew and passengers onboard. A few hours after the Jeljelet Ae left Majuro, it radioed that it was in trouble. The crew and passengers abandoned to a life raft which was spotted by a plane. A sport fishing vessel chartered by the Jeljelet Ae owner reached the life raft and rescue all 20 onboard. Reports state the vessel encountered heavy seas and the Jeljelet Ae was in poor condition. The owner stated the vessels were in need of refit and overhaul in drydock. The supply vessel was loaded with heavy equipment and building materials for a new school on Likiep Atoll.
