On the afternoon of September 29, the 57 meter long, 223 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Alsten (IMO: 8411009) allided on the Vevelstadsundet Strait at Forvik, Norway. The Alsten was on its normal route from Tjøtta to Forvik when the ferry allided with a wall at its berth in Forvik, The Alsten sustained hull damage with a hole above the waterline. The ferry was taken out of service. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On the afternoon of September 22, the 52 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Kvernes (IMO: 7618832) allided on the Hjørundfjorden at Sæbø, Norway. The Kvernes was completing its regular route between Leknes and Sæbø when the ferry struck the quay at Sæbø. Reports state the vessel struck head-on into the quay at speed. One crew member sustained injuries during the incident. The Kvernes sustained undisclosed amount of damage and was taken out of service. Reports state the ferry resumed service by the following day. No further details reported
On the morning of September 23, the ro-ro passenger ferry Virgen de Peñafrancia I ran aground in Lamon Bay off the port of Real in Barangay Ungos, Philippines. The Virgen de Peñafrancia I was departing the port with 41 passengers, 22 crew and 8 lorries when strong currents caused the vessel to run aground in the shallows just 30 meter outside the port.
The Philippine Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched vessels to the scene. The Coast Guard deployed an aluminum boat assisted by nearby motorized boats to help safely transfer all 41 passengers safely to shore. No reports of injuries.
The Virgen de Peñafrancia I is being monitored while attempts to pull the ferry free. Reports state the stranding was mostly likely due to strong currents caused by Super Typhoon Nando. The Philippine Coast Guard has suspended the vessel’s certificate until it can be inspected for seaworthiness.
