The ro-ro passenger vessel Melvin Jules caught fire while berthed at the Nagasaka Shipyard near Cebu City, Philippines. The fire started above the engine room while workers were doing some welding work. Sparks had caught containers filled with crude oil on fire. Local firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. No reports of injuries. Damage was contained to the engine room.
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.
