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The SS 'United States', being towed by the 'Vinik No. 6', has arrived in Mobile, Alabama, on March 3, after completing the 12-day tranist from Philadelphia. The ship was maneuvered to a berth at the Modern American Recycling Services (MARS) facility in the port for the next phase of the effort to convert her into the world’s largest manmade artificial reef. Captain Mike Vinik, controlling the tug, had previously reported they were making better than anticipated speeds during the approximately 1,800-mile trip. Other than the initial bad weather near Virginia, it was a calm trip and Vinik maneuvered the liner inside the Gulf Stream to reduce resistance. The most spectacular image came as the cruise ship 'Utopia of the Seas', one of the largest cruise ships in the world, altered course for a rendezvous with the 'United States', which arrived off Mobile on the night of March 2 and waited for daylight about two miles off the coast, which the US Coast Guard had required for the dead ship tow. She entered Mobile Bay at midday, and was pivoted into her final position with the assistance of local tugs. The remediation team was ready to continue the efforts to prepare the ship. Removing the remaining fuel and cleaning her tanks is a priority. Externally the loose paint needs to be removed as well as other loose materials. The funnels, radar mast, and cargo kingposts are to be removed along with the windows and portholes. On the interior, all the contaminants need to be removed before final preparation for the reefing to the east near Destin, Florida. It will take up to about a year to make the preparations to reef the ship. Report with photos: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/liner-ss-united-states-completes-last-voyage-arriving-in-mobile

On the night of March 3, the crew of the 'Guardamar Urania' rescued the 57 occupants, among them four women and two minors, of a cayuco, which had been located 14 nautical miles south of Arguineguín. The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Las Palmas coordinated the response.

On Feb 25, 2025, at around 3:14 p.m., the helmsman of the 'Ravenna'(MMSI: 244660905), en route from Zwijndrecht to Antwerp, overlooked the inland vessel 'Ursa Minor', en route from Voerde to Antwerp, during a planned overtaking maneuver and struck it from behind near Tholen off the Prinsesseplaat. The impact caused severe damage to the stern area and the aft living cabin of the 'Ursa Minor'. The latter arrived in Antwerp on March 1 and continued to Ghent on March 3.

On Feb 27, 2025, at around 2 a.m. UTC, the 'Oyster' suffered an engine failure during the transit of the Bosphorus off Kandilli, en route from Ambarlı to Novorossiysk with an ETA as of Feb 28. The ship was taken in tow by the tugs 'Kurtarma 7' (IMO: 9598608) and 'Kurtarma 12' (IMO: 9854404). It was safely moored at Büyükdere Anchorage in pos. 41° 09' N 029° 03' E at 5.30 a.m. UTC under the coordination of the IGTH Center, accompanied by a pilot. As of March 3, the ship remained stationary at its mooring. Report with photo: https://x.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1895030426902675726

The 'Tomini Levant' has recently conducted a demanding SAR operation in the Mediterranean, saving a number of survivors from an overturned motor boat off the coast of Algeria. The operation was executed in coordination with the Algerian Coast Guard and Spanish rescue authorities Having seen the casualty, the crew immediately alerted the ship’s master who notified the relevant maritime authorities. Upon being contacted by the Algerian Coast Guard, the vessel was directed to proceed toward the boat’s location. As the 'Tomini Levant' approached the scene, the crew identified a number of individuals on the capsized vessel and prepared for a rescue operation in coordination with the Algerian Coast Guard. The situation was further complicated by strong winds and heavy swells, which hindered initial rescue attempts. Despite these challenging conditions, the crew deployed life-saving equipment, including lifebuoys and a life-throwing appliance, although early efforts were unsuccessful due to the survivors’ inability to reach the equipment. A Spanish rescue aircraft later joined the operation, working closely with Tomini Levant to coordinate efforts from the air. After several attempts, the crew managed to rescue two individuals from the water and provided immediate medical attention onboard. Soon after, an Algerian Coast Guard search and rescue vessel, the 'Elmounkid 25', arrived to assist with the rescue. Through joint efforts, all the remaining survivors were successfully brought to safety. They had been stranded without food, water or basic necessities for several days. Report with photo: https://www.themaritimestandard.com/tomini-bulk-carrier-rescues-survivors-in-med/

The delivery date or the 'Isle of Islay' has been pushed back again due to problems with labour shortages at Yalova, particularly the availability of specialist commissioning sub-contractors. The ferry will not be finished until the end of June at the earliest when it was originally expected in October 2024. The delay has been caused by global issues outwith the yard's control. The problems with the delivery of the ferry from the Cemre yard was confirmed in a letter from CMAL to the net zero, energy and transport committee on Feb 28, 2025. While the yard builds the vessel and installs machinery, manufacturers need their own specialists to commission the systems to ensure warranties are secured. Snow and cold weather had also delayed the docking of the 'Isle of Islay' to check underwater parts and complete painting. The ferry was launched a year ago. The second ship, the 'Loch Indaal', was launched three months later and will not be completed until the end of the year at the earliest, when it was due for June.

On Feb 16, 2025, at 4 p.m. WITA, the barge 'Indo Sukses 28', while being transported by the 'MTS 28', allided with the Mahakam Bridge and struck a safety vendor pillar. The barge was en route from Tanjung Perak to Perawang carrying a load of sengon wood. Upon arrival in Samarinda at 2 p.m., the vessel waited in line for bridge clearance before proceeding, but then veered to the left. The tug 'Herlin 19' attempted to pull the barge back with assistance from the 'MTS 28' to swing it to the right. However, due to the strong current, the barge remained off course and eventually struck the safety vendor pillar of the Mahakam Bridge. In response, the tugs 'Herlin 12', 'Gilang Perkasa', 'MTS 83', 'Gilang Perkasa' and 'Sungai Sepaku' also assisted in the rescue efforts. At 7:50 p.m., the 'MTS 28' and 'Indo Sukses 28' were successfully moored at BG. PBM 838 in a safe condition in pos. 0°32.098'S 117°06.570'E. The KSOP authorities arrived at the scene to coordinate further actions. Report with photo: https://hubla.dephub.go.id/Indonesianmaritimesafetyinformation/page/news/read/24863/tongkang-indo-sukses-28-tabrak-tiang-safety-vendor-jembatan-mahakam-evakuasi-berlangsung-aman-barge-indo-sukses-28-collides-with-safety-vendor-pillar-of-mahakam-bridge-evacuation-conducted-safely

On March 2, a migrant boat departed in the Walde Lighthouse sector. The CROSS Gris-Nez CROSS deployed the 'Minck' and the PSP 'Pluvier' to assist. In the evening, responding to the request for assistance made by some of the occupants of the boat, the 'Minck' recovered 11 people, while the 'Pluvier' remained in the area to monitor the boat. Later, the 58 people who were still aboard the boat also requested to be rescued and were recovered by the 'Pluvier'. In total, 69 people were rescued and disembarked at the quay in Calais during the night hours. They taken care of by the shore-based rescue services.

On Feb 2 at 10.57 p.m. the rescue helicopter from Aalborg evacuated a patient from the 'Crown Seaways', en route from Copenhagen to Oslo. The ferry was sailing north of Skagen, when the patient was hoisted. He was then flown to the hospital in Aalborg for further medical treatment.

On Feb 25, 2025, at around 3:14 p.m., the helmsman of the 'Ravenna', en route from Zwijndrecht to Antwerp, overlooked the inland vessel 'Ursa Minor' (MMSI: 211568560), en route from Voerde to Antwerp, during a planned overtaking maneuver and struck it from behind near Tholen off the Prinsesseplaat. The impact caused severe damage to the stern area and the aft living cabin of the 'Ursa Minor'. The latter arrived in Antwerp on March 1 and continued to Ghent on March 3.

On Feb 18, 2025, the 'Kavarna' was detained in Gemlik with eight deficiencies, three of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Structural conditions - Ballast, fuel and other tanks Cracked 2) Structural conditions - Other (Structural cond) Other 3) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on Feb 24 and left the port en route to Altinova for permanent repairs, where it arrived on Feb 25 and remained stationary as of March 3. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

On the evening of March 1, 2025, at around 6 p.m. the 'Manxman', en route from Liverpool, got stuck during the berthing manoever in Douglas. The ship had tried several times to manoeuvre into the harbour and was still sitting in the harbour at 6.30 p.m. The captain told the passengers he expected the vessel to refloat with the rising tide at about 7:30 p.m. Divers inspected the hull on the evening. Due to the mandatory inspection, the 7.15 p.m. crossing to Heysham was delayed and departed at 9:13 p.m. The return sailing from Heysham was brought forward 15 minutes, to 1:30 a.m, in order to minimise further disruption. The Isle of Man Ship Registry and the vessel’s classification society have been informed. Reports with photo and video: https://www.manx.news/relegation-sealed-for-farmers/ https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/divers-inspecting-manxman-after-issues-berthing-in-douglas/

FRS has cancelled the rotations of the 'Levante Jet' between Algeciras and the autonomous city on March 3, 2025, without specifying the reason for this, FRS has confirmed to the Port of Ceuta on Monday that the departures of its fast-ferry ‘Levante Jet’ have been cancelled for the remainder of the day and it was yet to be confirmed when it will resume its rotations. The suspension of th departures has begun with the first from Ceuta to Algeciras at 12:00 p.m. The shipping company has also cancelled the departure of the 'Levante Jet' at 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., so the departures from Algeciras to Ceuta were affected too.

The US Coast Guard medevaced a passenger. who hjad experienced multiple strokes, from the 'Koningsdam', while the ship was sailing 300 miles off Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Feb 27, 2025. Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders received notification on Feb 26 at 2:48 p.m. from the cruise ship, reporting that a 72-year-old man experienced multiple stroke episodes stroke episodes off Hawaii. Watchstanders consulted with the duty flight surgeon, who recommended a medevac within 20 hours. On Feb 27 at 9 a.m. an HC-130 Hercules airplane and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point rendezvoused with the 'Koningsdam' about 57 miles south of Honolulu. The helicopter hoisted the ailing man from the cruise ship and transported the patient to Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. The man was in stable condition. Report with video: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4085805/coast-guard-medevacs-cruise-ship-passenger-experiencing-strokes-300-miles-offsh/

On March 3, local fisherman spotted a cayuco south of La Restinga (El Hierro). The CCS Tenerife of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Adhara', which locates the boat, which was carrying 45 migrants, among them ten women and four minors. The cayuco was escorted to the port of La Restinga, where the occuptans safely disembarked. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1896594436773355582

On Feb 24, 2025, the 'Coral Pearl' was detained in Ningbo with 19 deficiencies, three of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Fire safety - Fire prevention structural integrity Not as required 2) Water/Weathertight - Ventilators, air pipes and casings Inoperative 3) Life saving Appliances - Lifeboats Not as required The vessel was released again on Feb 26 and left the port en route to Singapore. The last detention had been on Apr 18, 2023:, in Humen with eight deficiencies for three days. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

On March 2, 2025, the 'Butrinti' successfully conducted an SAR operation during a mission in the Aegean Sea, and rescued 36 migrants who were heading towards Greece on inflatable boats during its patrol in the Aegean Sea. The migrants, among them 12 children, had set off from Çesme towards the island of Chios. At the end of the operation, they were picked up by the Turkish Coast Guard, who thanked the crew of the 'Butrinti' for its assistance. Report with photos and video: https://ata.gov.al/2025/03/02/anija-butrinti-operacion-shpetimi-te-36-emigranteve-ne-egje/

The 'Vinik No. 6', towing the SS 'United States', has transited the Gulf of Mexico and approached the Mobile Bay on March 3 at 5.30 a.m. after an 1,800 mile journey from Philadelphia to Alabama, which had started on Feb 19, after the ocean liner had been docked along the Delaware River for nearly 30 years. The arrival is two days ahead of schedule. The tug crew sped up that process as severe storms were expected in the Mobile area on the night. The SS 'United States' will next be towed into the port of Mobile Ship Yards, which is an all-day process. In fall 2024, Florida's Okaloosa County bought the ship after approving a $10.1 million plan to relocate the ocean liner, sink it and build a $1 million seaside museum chronicling its history. The ship's final home will be under about 55 meters of water 20 miles off the coast of Destin, Florida, where the ship will become a destination for scuba divers and attract fish and other wildlife as a reef. Report with photos: https://6abc.com/post/ss-united-states-tracker-historic-ocean-liner-approaching-mobile-bay-making-journey-philadelphia/15936688/

On March 1, 2025, the 'Carnival Jubilee' was stuck by a the sailing yacht 'Keota Lady' in the port of Galveston. One of the two masts of the yacht was scratching the paint on the bow. The pilot boat 'Texas' came along to help the sailboat move out from under the bow of the cruise ship, dropping a line aboard. There was a minor scratch on the cruise ship’s hull, which appeared to be the only damage and did not impact the current sailing to Honduras with an ETA at Roatan as of March 4. The ship will arrive back in Galveston on March 8. Report with video: https://cruisefever.net/carnival-cruise-ship-struck-by-small-sailboat-in-galveston/

The 'Flamuri', that had sparked controversy after being singled out for pollution risks, has left the port of Saint-Malo on March 1 and entered the Naye lock the 9:10 a.m., after more than a month at the Vauban basin. The authorities had given the green light in mid-February. The Robin des Bois association, which identifies ships that pose risks to the environment and crews, had raised the alarm about the situation of the 'Flamuri', which arrived on Dec 21, 2024 off the coast of Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine), en route from Varna anddocked at the Vauban basin on Jan 18, 2025, to unload soybeans. Part of the cargo used for animal feed was polluted.