The 135 meter long passenger ship Viking Var became disabled on the Danube River at Passau, Germany. The Viking Var had run into driftwood while running downstream which became entangled in the propeller. The passenger ship went adrift and ran over a buoy. The crew was able to control the vessel with the bow thruster and berth the vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the buoy was damaged.
On February 5, the 70 meter long passenger ship Skorpios II ran aground near Puerto Montt, Chile. The vessel with 89 passengers and 31 crew was on a sightseeing cruise of the local fjords when it veered from its normal route to an area where the Skorpios II became stranded. As the tide receded, the Skorpios II was left on the beach, high and dry. No reports of damage, injuries or pollution released. Passengers were transferred to a Chilean patrol boat and taken to Puerto Montt. The Skorpios II was refloated the following day and proceeded to Puerto Montt. The vessel was later inspected for damage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
The 205 meter long passenger ship Boudicca became disabled in the Atlantic Ocean off Morocco. The Boudicca had departed from Southampton for an 18 night cruise with 784 passengers and 356 crew. After stopping in Cadiz, Spain, the cruise ship continued on its voyage towards Cape Verde when a fire erupted in the vessel’s engine room. The Boudicca lost power and developed a list. While the crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, the 784 passengers were requested to don life jackets and report to their muster stations. The fire was eventually brought under control, power was restored and the vessel was stabilized. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Boudicca proceeded to Lanzarote. Reports state the crew restored power to two main engines while two others were being repaired.