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 January 2, the 212 meter long, 5222 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Moby Tommy (IMO: 9221310) allided in the Tyrrhenian Sea at the port of Civitavecchia, Italy. The ferry was doing a docking maneuver when strong winds caused the vessel to strike the quay. While there was some damage to the Moby Tommy, there were no injuries or any pollution released.
Port authorities conducted a safety inspection while the Civitavecchia Coast Guard surveyed the vessel for seaworthiness. The ferry would be detained and passengers who were scheduled on the followingly evening voyage were transferred to other ships. The cause of the incident is under investigation.
On the afternoon of December 28, the motorized banca Jhon David capsized in the Olango Channel off Gilutungan Island, Cordova, Cebu, Philippines. The Jhon David departed from Getafe, Bohol with 18 passengers bound for Cebu City. As the banca was off Gilutungan Island, the vessel lost stability and capsized. The Philippine Coast Guard received reports of the incident and dispatched a search and rescue operation.
Fourteen passengers were rescued by the 24 meter long, 249 gt passenger ferry Ocean Jet 10 (Official No: 07-0000196) who were later safely transported to Cebu City. Two passengers were rescued by a nearby banca. The Philippine Coast Guard rescued the two banca crew members. There were no reports of injuries.
The adrift Jhon David was later recovered off Cuaming Island, Bohol. The Coast Guard attached a towing line and secured the banca.
Philippine authorities conducted an initial investigation in Cebu with interviews of the passengers. The Philippine Coast Guard stated it would look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.