On April 15, the 45 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Strandebarm became disabled in Topp Sound off Grytøya, Norway. The Strandebarm had suffered a failure in the steering gear shortly after leaving the pier. The ferry was locked in reverse and moved in circles for several hours until a rescue vessel arrived. The ferry was taken under tow and proceeded to Harstad. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
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 70 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Ølen allided with the quay in Årvika, Norway. The ferry was approaching the quay to quickly and wasn’t able to stop in time. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Ølen sustained damage to its fenders and propeller. The ferry was pulled from service for repairs.