More than a year after the sinking of the HTMS 'Sukhothai', a Rattanakosin-class corvette, in the Gulf of Thailand off the Prachuap Khiri Khan Province on the night of Dec 18, 2022, the Thai Navy has reported a sudden, unexpected and extreme change in weather conditions. and sea conditions were blamed for the ship's sinking and the deaths of 24 people, five of whom are still missing. The 'Sukhothai' was only designed for a maximum wave height of four meters. The 6-meter waves made it impossible for the commander to steer the ship, which ultimately led to its sinking. Six other ships, including a 2,123-ton freighter, also sank in the Gulf that night and early the next morning. Admiral Adoong explained that the 'Sukhothai's crew were unable to carry out their duties as usual in these conditions and that the darkness and poor visibility made rescue operations difficult. He added that the heavy seas scattered the crew over a wide area, making it difficult for them to survive in these extreme weather conditions. Rear Admiral Apirom Ngernbumroong, head of the Naval Science Department, said that following the sinking of the 'Sukhothai', the Thai Navy conducted four diving operations to examine the wreckage, the last of which was in collaboration with the US Navy. During the fourth diving operation, no trace of the five missing crew members was found, but it was discovered that water had entered the ship through the hull, causingit to list. A steel plate that was supposed to protect the ship from waves was badly damaged.
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NIKITIS
In the morningof April 7, 2024, the Port Authority of Prinos was informed by the Master of the 'Nikitis' that the ship was not able to start its scheduled route from the port of Prinos to the port of Kavala, due to the inability to start the starboard side main engine. The Port Authority banned the ferry from sailing until the repair of the damage and the presentation of a certificate of class maintenance by the monitoring classification society. The 12 passengers were forwarded to their destination from the port of Thassos.
JOVEN PURA
The 'Joven Pura', with three people on board, got its fihsing gear entangled in the propeller, causing an engine failure two nautical miles west of Roquetas on April 8, 2024. The crew requested assistance, and the SAR boat 'Salvamar Spica' (MMSI: 225987262) was deployed by the CCS Almería of Salvamento Marítimo to tow the disabled ship to Almería.
CORFU
A fire broke out on the 'Corfu' that has just left the port of Cagliari en route to Civitavecchia in the evening of April 8, 2024. Initially, a dense cloud of white smoke came out of the funnel, followed by a brief flame. The firefighters and the Port Authority quickly reached the ship and put out the small fire. The captain started a series of checks. The cause of the accident has not been identified with certainty. The ship has returned to port and was subjected to a thorough inspection by the staff of the Italian Naval Registry (RINA), responsible for ensuring the safety of navigation. The ship finally sailed on April 9 at 12.30 a.m. UTC and reached Civitavecchia on April 9 at 1.50 p.m.
STRIDE
Danaos will scrap the 'Stride' following a fatal fire that killed two crew members on Jann 8, 2024, in Houston, making it the third Greek vessel sold for demolition this year, after it was declared a total loss. The deal to offload the boxship to a local buyer was borne out of necessity after the fire. Danaos did not operate the vessel, which was in service with the Cosco Shipping Lines at the time of the accident. Brokers attributed the vessel's below-average price of 120 US dollars per ldt, approximately 1.07 million US dollars to its unique circumstances and location. Danaos, however, has not incurred a loss from the transaction, as it has obtained an insurance pay-out related to the fire.