The 103 meter long, 1703 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Boris Shtokolov ran aground in the Kerch Strait near the port of Kavkaz, Russia. The ferry was en route with 34 passengers and vehicles when it ran aground just outside the port. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
An attempt to refloat itself failed and the ferry requested assistance. Reports state several tugs were contracted to pull the ferry free.
The 73.5 meter long, 422 dwt ro-ro ferry Maria Matilde struck the island of Tablas, Philippines. The ferry had departed from Odiongan bound for Romblon Island with 251 passengers. The ferry was in heavy rain as it passed through the Tablas Strait and struck a large rock formation off Tablas Island. The bow of the ferry sustained severe damage above the waterline. Reports state 87 passengers sustained injuries with several having major injuries. The injured were taken to Romblon by rescuers for treatment. Four vehicles sustained damage by the impact.
There are multiple and conflicting reports to the cause of the incident. One report states the vessel had suffered steering failure while another states an error with the navigation system resulted in the allision. All accounts state visibility was limited due to the heavy rains. The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 230 meter long, 14424 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Begonia Seaways ran aground on the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal near Terneuzen, Netherlands. The vessel was en route to Ghent when it suffered a mechanical fault and struct the canal embankment. The vessel requested assistance with authorities stopping traffic on the canal and dispatching several tugs to the scene. The tugs were able to refloat the Begonia Seaways and escorted the cargo vessel to a nearby quay later the same day. No reports of injuries. No further details reported to the extent of damage or if any pollution was released in the incident.
