On the early morning of March 15, 2025, the 'Scenic Crystal', carrying 133 passengers and 56 crew members. allided with a road bridge near the Berching lock on the Main-Danube Canal, when entering the lock chamber en route to Nuremberg. The captain was steering the ship from the outside control station. He forgot to lower the wheelhouse. As a result, the roof hit the underside of the bridge. It was torn off and was pushed behind the wheelhouse. No one was inside the wheelhouse at the time of the accident, so only material dama occurred. The bridge remained undamaged. The captain reported the accident to the lock control center in Dietfurt and was able to safely berth in the upper water of the lock until an expert had assessed the functionality of the technic. The passengers 56 crew members remained on the ship for the time being. The passengers were then transported by bus to the next destination in Nuremberg. Shipping was disrupted for about two hours until the bridge and lock gate were inspected. The damage to the wheelhouse roof was estimated at around €200,000.
News
ISLE OF MULL
The 'Isle of Mull', serving on the route Oban-Lochboisdale-Castlebay, suffered an issue with the radar on March 25. The defect required further investigations. As a consequence, the scheduled 1:35 p.m. departure from Oban was delayed. The vessel finally departed Oban one hour behind schedule.
SANGKO UNO 66
The LCT 'Nicia' (IMO: 8946016) was in collision with the 'Sangko Uno 66' in waters near Rosario, Cavite on March 26, 2025. The 'Nici'a was traversing the waters bound for Cebu, while the 'Sangko Uno 66' was en route to the Pasay Reclamation Project from Zambales province when the incident occurred. No casualties were recorded and no oil spills were observed in the vicinity waters of Rosario.The two vessels suffered minor damage. The Philippine Coast Guard ordered both vessels to proceed to Manila and cooperate with the PCG’s Marine Casualty Investigation.
XIN LONG YUN 58
The 'Xin Long Yun 58' was boarded by 6-7 unarmed perpetrators at Kandla Anchorage in pos. 22° 45.77' N 70° 2.51' E on March 22, 2025, at 1 a.m. While no one was reported injured, the intruders stole ship's properties and stores.
CNC LEOPARD
On March 19, 2025, at 03.30 a.m. the 'CNC Peopard' was boarded by two perpetrators, armed with long knives, 0.8 nautical miles from the Takong KL Lighthouse in pos. 1° 5.08' N 103° 43.33' E. The intruders stole ship's properties and stores and escaped.
FUGRO MERCATOR
On March 22, 2025, at around 11:00 p.m., the 'Fugro Mercator', engaged in seabed monitoring operations, ran aground on the reef of the Enfola promontory, near Portoferraio. The vessel, while seeking shelter from the bad weather, got too close to the coast, hitting the shallow water and coming to rest along the rocky cliff in that area. The accident caused water to enter the hull, which was initially contained by the crew, but which subsequently damaged part of the engines, causing a total blackout of the on-board equipment. During the night, under the coordination of the Maritime Directorate of Livorno, the patrol boat 'CP 805' of the Port Authority of Portoferraio intervened, rescuing the crew members and the technical-scientific personnel, 11 people in total of different nationalities, in good health. The transfer operations were made difficult due to the blackout that affected the ship, the proximity to the rocks and the undertow present in the area. The causes of the accident are not yet known: the Coast Guard investigations will determine whether the ship got close to the coast due to the strong wind present yesterday or whether it had technical problems with the propulsion systems. During an operational meeting held the next morning at the Port Authority of Portoferraio, the shipping company was asked, for environmental protection reasons, to remove the ship and the detailed aspects of the activities aimed at its subsequent recovery were examined. Preliminary underwater inspections are currently underway, carried out by a company specialized in the sector, aimed at drawing up an operational plan for the removal of the unit. Monitoring by air and naval means of the Coast Guard has not recorded any marine pollution due to fuel spills. On March 23, a salvage operation was being prepared together with international experts and local officials. Report with photo and video: https://www.agenzianova.com/es/news/Un-barco-de-42-metros-encalla-en-Elba-y-once-tripulantes-son-rescatados/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfwfwNgWRdQ
SPIRIT OF BC
Emergency services were called onboard the 'Spirit of British Columbia' to provide medical attention to multiple passengers on a ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen on March 22, 2025. Six passengers became ill in a stairwell and required medical attention. The BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) and RCMP responded and assisted the six. Two of the passengers were transported to hospital and the others received care onboard. The vessel docked in Swartz Bay and was cleared and cleaned and has since resumed service. The 1 p.m. Swartz Bay sailing to Tsawwassen was delayed by 55 minutes as a consequence. Passengers had to expect a delay with the 3:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen, the 5:00 p.m. departing Swartz Bay, as well as the 7:00 p.m. departing Tsawwassen too.
UNIVERSE KAISA
On March 25, 2025, at around 4:20 a.m .LT, the Philippine-flagged tug 'Sadong 33' with eight crew members on board, capsized after the 'Universe Kaisa' en route to Iligan City, ran over the tug’s towline in the waters near Maasim, Sarangani Province, after this snapped. The bulk carrier had attempted to pass between the 'Sadong 33' and the 59 meter long landing craft LCT 'Sea Asia' (IMO: 8843551), while the these were en route from Glan, Sarangani to Iligan City. The 'Sadong 33' had between 50 to 100 meters of towline during the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) promptly deployed an SAR team and three boats to the scene. At 8:00 a.m. theSAR team rescued six crew members in good health. However, the captain of the tug was found dead, while one more crew member was initiall still missing. He was working as an oiler and was recovered dead too. The PCG identified the fatalities as Andres Diaz Jr., and his aide, John Jeter Labor. The PCG has ordered the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao to conduct a maritime casualty investigation and tasked the Harbor Star Salvage Company with retrieving the capsized tug. The PCG conducted an oil assessment following the collision. As of now no oil pollution was observed. The Chinese-owned 'Universe Kiza' has been detained. It was sent to the anchorage at General Santos City. The Coast Guard has instructed its legal officers to handle the filing of appropriate charges against the master and crew of the 'Universe Kiza'. The vessel was transporting a cargo of concrete from Vietnam. Reports with photos: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/two-killed-as-bulker-runs-over-tug-s-towline-in-the-philippines https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/24/at-least-1-dead-as-ph-tugboat-panamanian-flagged-ship-collide-off-sarangani
SKY PRINCESS
On March 26, 2025, the CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Vigo has coordinated the medical evacuation of a British passenger with heart related health problems from the 'Sky Princess' which had departed Vigo en route to Funchal, about five nautical miles southwest of Cabo Silleiro. The Pesca 1 helicopter of the Coast Guard was mobilized for this task. The patient was safely hoisted and transported to the Álvaro Cunqueiro Hospital in Vigo. Report with photo: https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2033003/british-tourist-evacuated-cruise-ship
MUMBAI MAERSK
On March 26, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU) has published its investigation report on the grounding of the "Mumbai Maersk", while entering the fairway of the New Weser, en route from Rotterdam to Bremerhaven on Feb 2, 2022, during a turning maneuver. The report concludes with safety recommendations, including radio discipline on the Weser waterway, training in Bridge Resource Management and ECDIS at the shipping company Maersk Line A/S, and pilotage on large vessels. On the day of the accident, the ship had chosen the deep-water route away from the coast. While approaching the narrow fairway, the ship's command had been informed by radio that its berth was still occupied, but would soon become available. With a draft of 12.80 meters, the freighter was tide-dependent. Shortly thereafter, the ship was informed that it could now approach the port. The ship immediately turned to return to its original course. During this maneuver,it struck a dumping site for dredged material next to the fairway and got stuck. Tugs refloated the vessel on Feb 4 at 1:14 a.m. In their investigation, the BSU investigators focused on the voyage planning and execution on board the "Mumbai Maersk," sediment management in the German Bight, and the approach planning to Bremerhaven. During the course of the investigation, the turning maneuver and various alternative maneuver scenarios were reconstructed and rehearsed in the ship handling simulator at Bremen University of Applied Sciences. The course of the accident was reconstructed in detail, including recordings from the bridge microphones, radar equipment, and the ECDIS4, as well as radio traffic recordings and the ship's track. Scheduling was tight because the North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven (NTB), where the vessel was due to call, still had to handle the "CMA CGM Lamartine," which had lost one of its anchors during a layover in the German Bight, before entering Bremerhaven, and thus requiring an escort tug. The ship could only proceed slowly. Neither the port pilot nor the maritime pilot who boarded the ship had been informed of this fact beforehand. According to the report, the Bremen Port Operations Office, which assigns the port pilots for their assignments, was apparently unaware of the fact, as was the Weser II/Jade Pilotage Association, which assigns the sea pilots. The navigator on duty at the traffic control center finally set a schedule. The pilot on board the container ship requested information about whether the ship could enter the New Weser or not, as he had to decide whether to turn around and head back toward the North Sea. This action would have disrupted the schedule. The ship was advised to continue at reduced speed. At around 10:25 p.m., however, the captain and pilot decided to turn around because they had to wait for the berth and the navigation channel to become clear. The captain gave the rudder command "hard to port." The maneuver was aided by the rising tide and the prevailing northwest wind. During the maneuver, there were several radio messages, contradictory statements, and commands, including between the pilot and the captain. At 11:05 p.m., the "Mumbai Maersk" got stuck in the mud. The investigation team identified several factors that potentially contributed to the accident. These included the incomplete marking of no-go areas along the route and the overloading of the ECDIS displays, which made unsafe waters unclear and difficult to identify at first glance. The representation of the drift area on the electronic nautical chart was difficult to read, particularly in night mode, due to low contrast and the overlay of a large amount of chart information. The simultaneous performance of several tasks, especially by the pilot, as well as the high volume of communication, meant that not all tasks could be given sufficient attention at all times. According to the report, it would be appropriate to highlight drift areas directly adjacent to the fairway on the nautical charts. The authority also recommended the deployment of a second pilot. Full report: https://www.thb.info/rubriken/maritime-sicherheit/detail/news/bsu-bericht-zur-mumbai-maersk-havarie.html
JIN HWA 43
On March 23, 2025, at 12.10 a.m. the 'Jin Hwa 43', and the towed barge 'Jin Hwa 44', were boarded by three perpetrators, while underwayx in the while underway in the South China Sea at Tanjung Berakit, in pos. 1° 24.9' N 103° 31.16' E. The crew was unable to determine items lost in the boarding incident.
HIKMET KARABEKIR
On March 20, 2025, the 'Hikmet Karabeki' was detained in Varna with 14 deficiencies, 12 of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Safety of navigation - Navigation records Missing 2) Water/Weathertight - Cargo and other Hatchways Damaged 3) Fire safety - Fixed fire exthinguishing installation Not as required 4) Labour conditions - Dangerous Areas Unsafe 5) Labour conditions - Protection machines/parts Not as required 6) Emergency systems - Muster list Incomplete 7) Emergency systems - Fire drills Lack of training 8)) Life saving Appliances - Launching arrangements for rescue boats Inoperative 9) Life saving Appliances - Operational readiness of lifesaving Appliances Not as required 10) Propulsion and auxiliary machinery' - UMS - Ships Inoperative 11) Certificate & Doc - Signs, indications Not as required 12) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on March 25 and shifted to the port's anchorage, where it was moored in pos. 43° 10' N 028° 19' E for orders. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
HMNZS MANAWANUI
The recovery of weapons and ammunition from the HMZS 'Manawanui' will begin as the salvage crew has completed the removal of diesel fuel and pollutants eliminating an environmental threat, New Zealand Defense Force officials said on MArch 26. The next phase of the operation focuses on recovering weapons, ammunition, equipment, and debris from the wreck, according to Commodore Andrew Brown, the NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution. After a brief visit to the Port of Apia to reconfigure the salvors’ barge, it’s back moored over the 'Manawanui'. Salvors have accessed secure compartments to retrieve weapons and ammunition using specialised diving and salvage techniques. The authorities have worked closely with the Samoan Police Service to ensure the safe and secure storage of recovered weapons and ammunition. Some of the ammunition has deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to seawater and is being safely disposed of with assistance from Samoan officials. The remaining weapons, equipment, and debris will be transported back to New Zealand. The Samoan and New Zealand governments are determining the next steps, with independent experts conducting a wreck assessment. The evaluation includes studies of the reef and marine environment surrounding the wreck. The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa continues to monitor the area and has reported no contamination of seawater or marine life.
VOY TRUST
On March 26, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard responded to a medical evacuation request of the 'Voy Trust' in waters of the Basilan Strait. The National Maritime Center received the request as it transited near Zamboanga City. The PCG District Southwestern Mindanao deployed the BRP 'Capones' to take the injured crew member off. He was given first aid and later transferred to a vehicle to travel by land to the Brent Hospital in Zamboanga City. The Chinese national has since been turned over to the ship’s local agent, Albert Abanilla, for further assistance.
IONIS
On the morning of March 25, 2025, the Port Authority of Lavrio was informed by the Captain of the 'Ionis' about a mechanical failure of the port side main engine, before the execution of its scheduled route to the port of Kea. The ferry was carrying 167 passengers, 22 crew members, 42 cars, 14 trucks and 2 two-wheeled vehicles. The Central Port Authority of Lavrio, which was conducting the preliminary investigation, initially prohibited the departure of the ship. After the repair of the damage and the presentation of a certificate of seaworthiness by the monitoring classification society, the ship was permitted to execute the scheduled route.
NP BANGPAKONG
On March 25, 2025, at 2.25 p.m. the 'NP Bangpakong' ran aground near Pattaya City at the Eastern Gulf Coast in pos. 13° 07' N 100° 46' E at the coast of Koh Larn, when the gast tanker was headed from the Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province, to Map Ta Phut Port, Rayong Province, allegedly while trying to avoid the collision with a fishing vessel, the master of which denying the accusation. The local authorities from Koh Larn responded. It was determined that there were no leaks of LPG or fuel spills. Police and marine officials visited the site on the morning of March 26 and had the vessel rechecked to ensure safety in the area, which is near the popular tourist resort of Pattaya. The tug 'Map Ta Phut' was contracted to pull the vessel free from the rocky outcrop on which it is lodged. Engineers and technicians have also been sent to the scene to more accurately assess the vessel’s condition. The first survey showed possible damage to the ballast tanks. The double-hull prevented damage to the cargo tanks, which were empty. An investigation has been launched into the accident. The tanker was refloated on March 26 at around 8.30 a.m. UTC and moored in pos. 13° 11' N 100° 54' E off Laem Chabang at around 10 a.m., where it remained stationary as of March 27. The shipping company stated that the grounding had occurred “due to the employee’s negligence in his duties.” The company accepted responsibility for the incident and promised to implement stricter “preventive measures.” Report with photo and video: https://world.thaipbs.or.th/detail/56985 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K71_AvF-aH0&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maritime-executive.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE
DANUM 70
The 'Danum, 70' , with the towed barge 'Linum 135', was boarded by an unknown perpetrators three nautical miles off Tanjung Setapa, while underway in the Singapore Strait, in pos. 1° 17.55' N 104° 09.43' E on March 16, 2025, at 00.01 a.m. The intruders stole unsecured items.
FATEMA JAHAN I
On March 23, 2025, at 01.38 a.m. the 'Fatema Jahan I' was boarded by two perpetrators, armed with gun like objects, while underway in the Singapore Strait, about one nautical mile from the Helen Mar Reef, in pos. 1° 8.43' N 103° 46.37' E. Nothing was reported stolen.
FUGRO MERCATOR
An operational briefing has been concluded on March 25, organized by the coordination unit established at the premises of the Port Authority of Portoferraio, during which the operations to recover the 'Fugro Mercator' were examined. The company in charge of the operations has been working since the first light of dawn in a safety framework guaranteed by the naval units of the Coast Guard of Portoferraio. Underwater operators, a tug and a floating pontoon were used, thanks to which the emptying of the on-board tanks of fuel was started, an operation that will be concluded on March 27– and high-capacity floating balloons were positioned to stabilize the trim of the ship. The operation, coordinated by the Port Authority of Portoferraio, was attended by representatives of the shipping company, as well as the Pilots Corporation of the Port of Portoferraio and the Mooring and Boatmen Group of the Island of Elba who, with dedicated men and means and in synergy with the Port Authority, will contribute to the safe conduct of operations. A safety ordinance is also being issued to avoid interactions with maritime traffic in the area. Reports with photos: https://www.tenews.it/2025/03/26/nave-fugro-mercator-iniziate-le-operazioni-di-messa-in-sicurezza-1118547/ https://www.greenreport.it/news/inquinamenti-e-disinquinamenti/54813-allelba-e-iniziato-il-disincaglio-della-nave-oceanografica-fugro-mercator
MSC BALTIC III
A tugboat has placed loose tanks on board the 'MSC Baltic III'. The intention is to pump the environmentally hazardous liquids on board into them. Dangerous cargos have been removed. Containers which carried dangerous goods (polymeric beads (plastic nurdles) have been removed from the vessel and were safely secured as of March 23. Meanwhile the Coast Guard was doing everything they can to ensure the salvage of the grounded ship won’t impact fish harvesters as they head out from Little Port. They met with Small Craft Harbours over the weekend of March 22/23 and met with officials from the town of Lark Harbour. The command post consists of 14 people from the Coast Guard, two from Environment and Climate Change Canada, and a representative from Transport Canada.