News

The US Coast Guard medevaced an 85-year-old woman from the 'Carnival Venezia' on Oct 6, 2024, approximately 98 nautical miles off Cape Lookout. Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a medevac request from the cruise ship after the woman began experiencing stroke-like symptoms. A Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston, South Carolina MH-65 Dolphin helicopter arrived on scene, hoisted the patient and flew her to Wilmington Airport, where local EMS transported her to the New Hanover Wilmington Regional Medical Center. The cruise ship was en route to the Bahamas. Report with video: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3928906/multimedia-release-coast-guard-medevacs-woman-from-cruise-ship-approximately-98/

On Oct 4, 2024, the crew of the 'Jawor' found several 40-kilogram bags filled with narcotics that were put on the ship when it was anchoring in the port of São Luís. In accordance with the procedures, thecaptain notified the shipping agent of the find, who in turn notified Brazilian law enforcement. The police opened an investigation into the find. None of the crew members have been taken into custody. They were interviewed by the police on Oct 7. The 'Jawor' had arrived in Brazil from the port of Rotterdam and was to pick up a cargo of cereals to be delivered to Cartagena. The narcotics were planted on the board of the 'Jawor' at night when the ship was waiting to enter the São Luís port at its anchorage, likely using a small vessel to approach the ship and board it when the crew was asleep. Once notified, the police arrived on board of the ship with a helicopter. They identified several packages of what is most likely cocaine. Each weighed 40 kilograms and was wrapped in black foil. The crew of the ship was made up of 20 sailors: Poles, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, and Romanians. The crew’s families and Polish authorities have been notified of the situation. The owner company has also notified, among others, the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure.

The Maltese Government has not allowed the 'Kathrin' to pass through Maltese waters. A Government spokesperson confirmed that the ship made a request to stop in Malta to change its crew, but the request was denied. The ship will also not be allowed to stop in Malta for refuelling. Moviment Graffitti said that if the 'Kathrin' had been allowed to enter Malta, it would have made the government an accomplice in the Palestinian genocide. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for occupied Palestinian lands, had asked the Maltese Government, which regularly took a principled position on Palestine, not to allow the ship to enter Maltese waters.

Russia’s Defense Ministry showed footage of a Russian Iskander-M missile attacking the cargo ship 'Paresa' 4860 gt (IMO: 9008134) at the port of Yuzhny on Oct 6, 2024, a vessel Russian officials claimed was carrying ammunition from Europe. The Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel suffered a direct strike with a significant explosion. To date, no injuries have been reported. British maritime security consultants Ambrey assessed this attack as a further escalation, with vessels calling at Ukraine being at heightened risk of direct attack by Russian forces. Ambrey also assessed it as plausible that Ukraine may retaliate; therefore, vessels calling at Russian Black Sea ports are also assessed to be at heightened risk of physical damage. Having gone all year without any merchant ships coming under attack, the strike marked the third commercial vessel to be hit by Russian forces in the Black Sea in less than a month. Report with video: https://splash247.com/russia-claims-latest-ship-target-was-delivering-ammunition-to-ukraine/

The U.S. Navy has announced the death of Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Jelani A. Hill, a crew member aboard the USS 'Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) on Oct 1, 2024. He passed away due to a medical emergency unrelated to the ship’s operations. The incident occurred as the aircraft carrier was transiting the Atlantic Ocean on a scheduled deployment. Despite being treated in the ship’s Intensive Care Unit, efforts to revive Petty Officer Hill were unsuccessful.The U.S. Navy extended condolences, stating, “We mourn the loss of Petty Officer Hill. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and shipmates during this difficult time.” The USS 'Harry S. Truman' was currently operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, which is headquartered in Naples. This fleet is responsible for conducting a range of joint and naval operations in coordination with allies and partners, to promote U.S. national interests and ensure stability in Europe and Africa.