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Short time after the 'Night Star' departed from Hong Kong Central to Tsim Sha Tsui on March 5, 2025, at around 10 p.m. a large amount of smoke and sparks emitted from the funnel. When it arrived at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, the crew helped to evacuate passengers. When the ship had docked at the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier, flames were spraying several meters high from the funnel, and thick smoke. The captain turned off the engine, and the fire was extinguished by attending fire fighters. The 'Night Star' has immediately suspended ferry services for investigation and inspection with the relevant departments. Report with photo and video: https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20250306/bkn-20250306000555092-0306_00822_001.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMpOVeCMCY

Fuel remains on the 'Manawanui'. The Defence Force has repeated a figure from four weeks ago, when it had got 340 tons of diesel and other pollutants off. The Defence originally said 1000 tons of diesel was on board. Samoan officials have said 200 tons leaked out. Bad weather in January and again more recently held up the salvors, who had to move their barge to shelter. The sunken ship's position right on the reef edge makes conditions worse. RNZ continued to do everything to mitigate any possible impacts on the marine and coastal environment, The Defence told that the NZDF-contracted salvors were working hard through cycle three to remove diesel fuel, oil and other pollutants from HMNZS Manawanui, using their experience and expertise to locate remaining tanks and in some cases compartments, removing their contents. The ship will likely remain in place and become a part of the reef structure. The government of Samoa has decided it wants it to stay where it is. It will likely be a diving attraction when cleanup operations have been completed, much like an artificial reef.

Salvage crews have finished removing more than 300 tons of diesel fuel from the HMNZS 'Manawanui', A precautionary fishing zone around the vessel has now been removed, and salvors were now focusing on removing equipment, weapons, ammunition and debris from in and around the ship before making it secure. The salvage operation had achieved its objective of removing as many pollutants as possible. A total of 284 dives were made, typically with two divers each time. As liquids have been extracted, tanks have been sealed. The recovery work has given us a clearer picture of the damage sustained to tanks during the grounding. Diesel fuel escaped through damaged tanks and pipes. Some was consumed in the substantial fire on board before the ship sank. The Navy divers also worked hard to contain and capture ongoing leaks. Continuous environmental monitoring has shown earlier diesel fuel that did escape to sea, dissipated relatively rapidly, evaporating from wind and wave action. Regular testing by Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has reported consistently low hydrocarbons and confirmed the seawater and marine life in this area are clear and uncontaminated.

The 'Meghna Prestige' with 25 crew members on board has been stranded at Venezuela's Puerto Ordaz port since Jan 29, 2025, due to legal complications, with its captain Mahbubur Rahman in police custody. The captain was detained by local police after a diver was fatally struck by the propeller during an underwater inspection before the ship's departure. On Jan 12, the 'Meghna Prestige' had arrived at Boca Grande anchorage to load iron ore. The loading operation was completed on Jan 29. Under local regulations, an underwater inspection is mandatory before leaving port. The Anti-drug Authority and diving team arrived, and the captain had a meeting with them. Since the diving team leader didn't speak English, the boarding agent acted as an interpreter. Before the inspection began, some routine tasks were pending, but the diving team proceeded anyway. Meanwhile, the ship began drifting due to the wind, and the duty officer had to briefly start the engine, which led to the fatal accident. The same afternoon, the captain was taken to the police station, where a case was filed against him on Jan 30. He has been kept in a room near the station and living in very inhumane conditions since then. The shipping company has appointed two lawyers to handle the case. A Venezuelan court ordered the captain's detention for 45 days until the investigation into the incident has ended. Although the ship has enough food supplies for the next 10-15 days, it was facing a water shortage. The shipowners' P&I Club and the owner's representatives have appointed two lawyers ot resolve the situation. The owner has assigned a new captain to the ship, but with only 10-15 days of food remaining, there is still a water shortage. Upon learning of the situation of Meghna Prestige, the BMMOA contacted the IMO and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which were now working to resolve the issue on an international level.

The Ocean Waze-BM 70' ex 'Joanna', has been intercepted offshore from the Barbican in the Plymouth Sound on March 4, 2025, after a fire broke out on board, while the vessel was heading towards Coxside. Smoke was billowing from the deck. Officers of the Border Force, who went alongside with the HMC 'Valiant', tackled the fire and rescued the three crew members. The ship was towed into the port of Plymouth. Emergecy crews including the fire service and UK Border Force remaiedn on the scene on the evening. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the vessel was intercepted before the fire broke out or whether it was already under surveillance. The damaged ship was escorted into Plymouth and remained under official control, while the investigations were continued. Firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as well as officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the scene, primarily to ensure the ship was safe.The three crew members have been arrested by the National Crime Agency on suspicion of drug offences. Reports with photos: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c234g3dkvlyo https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/firefighters-and-police-rush-to-boat-fire-in-plymouth/ https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/drug-arrests-after-burning-boat-9997565