On February 15, the 247 meter long, 105,928 dwt tanker Recife Knutsen ran aground on a sandbar off São Sebastião, Brazil. The tanker had planning to enter port, but a severe thunderstorm forced the vessel to wait until conditions improved. While the vessel moved away, it ran onto a sandbar. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Several tugs were dispatched to scene to help with refloating efforts.
The 143 meter long, 10300 dwt cargo vessel Thorco Celebration caught fire while moored at São Sebastião, Brazil. The fire started in one of the cargo holds while repairs were being done from a welder. Sparks from the welder caught wooden packages ablaze and quickly got out of control. The crew requested local firefighters who arrived along with a fire tug. The firefighters were able to extinguish the fire a short time later. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
