The 162 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Melusine allided with the moored ferry Superspeed 1 at Hirtshals, Norway. The Melusine attempted to berth with 611 passengers and 240 vehicles when strong winds pushed the ferry against the 212 meter long ferry Superspeed 1. The vessels stayed wedged together until a tug could assist and pull the vessels apart. No reports of injuries. An inspection found minimal damage and both vessels were allowed to depart after a short delay.
The 122 meter long, 902 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Kong Harald became disabled off Nordkinn, Norway. The Kong Harald had departed from Kirkenes when it suffered a partial power blackout after a fault developed in one of the engines. With the weather deteriorating as a strong storm approached the area, the master of the Kong Harald contacted the JRCC in case it would be necesarry to evacuate the passengers and crew. The JRCC dispatched the patrol vessel Barentshav to the scene. The Barentshav escorted the Kong Harald initially towards Honningsvåg, but the ferry later proceeded to Tromsø. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On November 22, the 64 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Fedjefjord ran aground off Sævrøy, Norway. The ferry was on its scheduled route when it grounded a few meters from the pier at Sævrøy. The ferry’s keel and propellers sustained damage resulting in hydraulic oil to be released. No reports of injuries to the five passengers and seven crew on board. All the passengers were later safely evacuated by rescue boats to shore. Authorities placed booms around the Fedjefjord to contain the pollution.
The following day the ferry was pulled free by a tug and towed to Laksevåg to unload vehicles before proceeding to Bergen for repairs. Reports state the propeller had broken off the vessel and remained on the sea floor.
