The 36 meter long schooner Noorderlicht ran aground near Trygghamna, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Norway. The Noorderlicht requested assistance with the authorities dispatching the government vessel Polarsyssel to the scene. The Polarsyssel arrived and pulled the Noorderlicht free. The Polarsyssel towed the Noorderlicht to a sheltered area near Trygghamna. No reports of injuries to the 23 persons on board, damage or pollution released.
On August 3, the 79 foot long schooner American Eagle ran aground in Somes Sound near Mount Desert Island, Maine. The schooner was participating in a regatta with 25 passengers when it got stuck. The crew contacted the Coast Guard who arrived on scene a short time later. The Coast Guard safely transported the passengers off the schooner. The crew remained on aboard waiting for the next high tide to refloat the American Eagle. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
On September 27, the two-masted schooner Tuhoe ran aground near the entrance of the Waimakariri River near Christchurch, New Zealand. The Tuhoe was returning to its home to the Kaiapoi River from repairs in Lyttelton when it became stranded on the bar. One of the 11 persons on board suffered minor injuries and no pollution was released. A skeleton crew was left on board while the Tuhoe remained on the bar. The Coastguard was able to refloat the schooner on the following high tide.
Correction:
The Tuhoe suffered damaged overnight as waves caused hull damage. A survey found the schooner had sustained too much damage to salvage and the 96 year old was scrapped over the following days.
