On January 2, the 45 meter long, 299 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Spiekeroog IV (IMO: 7824871) ran aground in the North Sea while at the port of Neuharlingersiel, Germany. The ferry got stuck in port as had proceeded to far up the concrete ramp. The ferry remained aground until the rising tide allowed the Spiekeroog IV to free itself later that night. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On the morning of December 19, the 100 meter long, 6251 dwt cargo vessel Cellus (IMO: 9173317) ran aground in the River Wear at the entrance to the Port of Sunderland, England. The Cellus had departed from Brünsbuttel with a cargo of paper products when it grounded as it entered the port. The cargo vessel was unable to free itself and requested assistance. Tugboats were dispatched from the Tees and Tyne to free the Cellus as it was blocking the port entrance. The tugs arrived on site and were able to pull the cargo vessel free. The Cellus was later docked at a quay within the port. No reports of injuries or pollution released. No details if the Cellus sustained any hull damage or was inspected for damage.
On the early morning of December 5, the 19 meter long fishing vessel Doggerbank (MMSI: 211287590) became disabled in the North Sea about 5 nautical miles west of Sankt Peter-Ording, Germany. The Doggerbank had suffered engine failure and went adrift. The vessel requested assistance with the DGzRS dispatching the 20 meter long lifeboat Theodor Storm (MMSI: 211512630) from Büsum. The lifeboat would arrived on scene later and able to connect a towline to the fishing vessel. The vessels then proceeded to Büsum safely. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
