On January 2, the 200 meter long, 63301 dwt bulk carrier Madison Eagle became disabled on the Marmara Sea while heading for Tuzla from Iskenderun. The vessel had suffered a mechanical failure and the crew was unable to restore propulsion. Authorities dispatched the tugboat KEGM Kurtarma-3 to the scene and took the Madison Eagle under tow. The vessels proceeded to an anchorage off Tuzla, Turkey. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On June 10, the 302 foot long barge PML2501 ran aground on the St. Marys River near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The barge was being towed by the 132 foot long tugboat Anglian Lady bound for Burns Harbor, Indiana with 3622 tons of coal tar and 6000 gallons of diesel fuel when it struck bottom off Sweets Point. The barge sustained hull damage and suffered water ingress in a ballast tank. The Coast Guard was alerted and found there was no pollution being released from the PML2501. A safety zone was established around the barge while a salvage plan is being developed. No reports of injuries. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On February 27, the 38 foot tugboat Nova sank on the Columbia River near Umatilla, Oregon. The Nova had broken from its mooring by high winds and drifted nearly a mile before it sank just upriver of the McNary Dam. Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene.
State and Federal authorities found where the Nova had sunk. Divers inspected the wreck and found a 1 meter gash in the hull. Fuel vents were closed, but the Nova had already released oil pollution into the water. A light sheen was visible above the sunken tug. Booms and absorbent pads were used to contain the pollution.
Reports state a barge and crane was dispatched to lift the tug from the river bottom. The Nova was later recovered a few days later and taken to Vancouver. No reports of injuries as no one was on board the Nova at the time of the incident.
