On the afternoon of May 6, the 86 meter long, 750 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Vollsøy (IMO: 9237993) caught fire in North Sea in the port of Mekjarvik, Norway. The fire started in the generator within the Vollsøy‘s engine room. The fire caused lots of dense black smoke forcing the crew to evacuate the vessel. The local fire brigade was called out and were able to extinguish the blaze just a short time later. There were no reports of injuries.
On the evening of April 29, the 24 meter long, 20 dwt catamaran ferry Fjordcharter Adventure (IMO: 9196723) ran aground in the fjord just outside the port of Nordfjordeid, Norway. The Fjordcharter Adventure was proceeding with just a crew on board when a passing cruise ship and strong winds pushed the ferry onto a sandbank. The ferry would remain aground several hours until the rising tide allowed it to be refloated. No reports of injuries and no pollution was released. Reports state there was no disclosure if the ferry sustained any damage.
On March 29, the 18 meter long tugboat TB Toranes (IMO: 257103600) became disabled in the North Sea off Årabrotholmane, Norway. The TB Toranes was towing a barge when it suffered engine problems and had to drop anchor off Årabrotholmane. The tug requested assistance with the NSSR dispatching the lifeboats Horn Rescue (MMSI: 257641000) and RC Bergesen (MMSI: 257965590). The Horn Rescue took the TB Toranes under tow and proceeded to Haugesund. The RC Bergesen aided by the patrol boat KV Tor (IMO: 9353369) took the barge under tow to Haugesund. There were no reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.