The 292 meter long, 175,620 dwt bulk carrier Minerva Faith ran aground in the Suez Canal near the 101 kilometer mark. The Minerva Faith was en route to Suez from Narvik when it veered from the channel and ran aground on a sandbank. The bulker was unable to refloat itself and requested assistance. Two tugs were dispatched to the scene and refloated the vessel. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
The 347 meter long, 110387 dwt container ship Susan Maersk and the 300 meter long, 208086 dwt bulk carrier Margret Oldendorff ran aground on the Suez Canal near the 94 kilometer mark. Both vessels were proceeding northbound in dense fog when both vessels grounded onto a sandbank. The Susan Maersk was undamaged, but the Margret Oldendorff was holed above the waterline. No reports of injuries or pollution on either vessel. Both vessels were able to be refloated a short time later and continue on their voyage. Traffic on the canal was halted for several hours. The Susan Maersk was en route to Barcelona from Tanjung Pelepas. The Margret Oldendorff was travelling from Richards Bay, South Africa.
On December 23, the 220 meter long passenger cruise ship Costa Neoclassica caught fire while en route to Aqaba. The blaze started in the vessel’s smokestack, but was quickly extinguished by the crew. The vessel was able to continue under its own power to Aqaba. An inspection in port found damage was limited to the external portion of the funnel. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Costa Neoclassiaca was able to leave port for a voyage to Mauritius.