On 6th January the 2,631gt/1993 built Norwegian NorLed ferry Hardingen ran aground (above) just off the quay at Sunnhordland, Norway. The ferry was approaching at too fast a speed so the Master directed the ship aground to avoid striking the quay. A tug was requested and was able to refloat the ferry on the rising tide a few hours later. There were 19 persons on board. Divers inspected the hull and found the ferry had suffered some damage to her rudder. Also reported on 6th January was that the 1,125gt/1978 built ferry Frisia II, with 650 passengers aboard, went aground after the vessel had departed from the Port of Juist in Germany.