On January 11, the 72 meter long, 980 gt ro-ro passenger ferry Gay Head allided with a construction barge at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The ferry was backing into the terminal when strong winds caused the Gay Head to strike the barge. The barge and ferry only sustained light cosmetic damage. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard made an inspection of the Gay Head and allowed it to resume service later the same day.
The 46 meter long, 98 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Spiekeroog 4 ran aground at the harbour entrance to Neuharlingersiel, Germany. The ferry was en route to Neuharlingersiel from Spiekeroog with 140 passengers when it became stuck just outside the island port. The Skiekeroog 4 requested assistance with the DGzRS lifeboat from Neuharlingersiel responding. The lifeboat tried to free the ro-ro ferry, but the Skiekeroog 4 would not budge. The ferry would remain stuck for another 7 hours until the rising tide allowed the Skiekeroog 4 to break free and berth in Neuharlingersiel. Passengers were offered free meals during the delay. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state authorities will conduct a survey for any new sandbars in the area.
The 87 meter long, 726 dwt ro-ro passenger ship Proteus ran aground off Skiathos, Greece. The Proteus had departed from Skiathos with 53 passengers and six vehicles bound for Skopelos when it suffered rudder failure. The ferry veered on the rocks of the small islet of Daskalonisi and went aground. The vessel contacted authorities who dispatched a patrol vessel to the scene. Passengers were transferred off the Proteus to the patrol vessel and taken back to Skiathos.
A tug was dispatched and was able to refloat the Proteus the following day. Inspectors surveyed the hull of the ferry and found no damage or pollution released.