The 'Cormorant II' ran aground near Punta Suárez, upon Española Island in the Galapagos province on March 6, 2025, at 5 a.m. with 13 passengers and 14 crew members on board. The Ecuadorian Navy launched an SAR operation after the captain issued a distress call, A Coast Guard and a Navy ship were dispatched to the grounding site, The nearby passenger m/v ''Galaxy Orion' (IMO: 9093050) assisted in evacuating the passengers and crew. The authorities were analyzing the situation to establish a plan for refloating the vessel, which had sailed from Baquerizo Moreno on March 5 en route to Cristobal with an ETA as of March 10. Report with photo: https://kchcomunicacion.com/2025/03/06/un-barco-con-27-ocupantes-se-quedo-varado-en-la-isla-isabel-galapagos-este-jueves-6-de-marzo/
News
BOTHNIA
On March 5, 2025, at around 7.10 a,.m., the 'Bothnia' allided with the bridge of a local refinery in Brunsbüttel, causing some damage. The crew did not notice the incident. Officers of the Brunsbüttel water police station found damage to the railing and the crossbeam beneath the bridge. According to the maintenance team, the visible damage amounted to around 15,000 euros. The accident probably occurred unnoticed when the ship was leaving the port en route to Skagne with an ETA as of March 7. The investigation into this matter was ongoing.
MSC BALTIC III
On March 5, salvage crews are working onboard the 'MSC Baltic III'. Containers that have dangerous cargo listed have been secured. No pollution has been observed. Dealing with the fuel and the containers is the first priority. The tug 'Atlantic Elm' (IMO: 7910230) with a barge of equipment has arrived in Corner Brook from Halifax on March 6, the Multi-Cat workboat '360 Handler' (IMO: 9950454) has also been supporting the salvage operations. Salvage crews have power onboard the vessel, and the ship's cranes are operational and been moved from the storage position.
SM PORTLAND
The "SM Portland" has lost numerous containers in a severe storm near the Bering Sea. Others were damaged. It changed course on March 4, 2025 for safety reasons and resumed the route on March 5. The ship has continued its journey towards Vancouver, where it is to be inspected by the Canadian authorities ahead of the planned arrival on March 10, before it is allowed to berth by the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada. A total of 115 containers were damaged, destroyed or washed overboard due to heavy rolling in the storm. The shipping company is asking affected customers to check their transport documents to determine whether their goods were on board the ship. Before crossing to North America, the ship had called at ports in China and South Korea.
CIC ROLACO
After it departure from the port of Hamburg on Feb 17, the 'CIC Rolaco' suffered an engine damage in the Elbe estuary on Feb 18 and dropped anchor (Lat. 54.0748 Lng. 8.0576). On Outer Elbe roadstead, tugs of the Otto Wulf tug and salvage shipping company from Cuxhaven supplied the freighter with provisions and food. On the afternoon of March 4, the unloaded ship was taken in tow by the tugs "Wulf 10", "Wulf 9", "Wulf 5" and a Dutch tug and berthed at the Steubenhöft in Cuxhaven for repairs, which are expected to take about two months. Report with photos: https://www.cnv-medien.de/mehr/schifffahrt-meer/nach-maschinenschaden-in-cuxhaven-neuer-292-meter-langer-dauergast-am-steubenhoeft.html
HMNZS MANAWANUI
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.
HMNZS MANAWANUI
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.
YONG YUE 11
On March 4, 2025, at around 12.20 p.m. the 'Yong Yue 11', which had arrived from Colombo, was in allision with the moored tanker 'Rhine' (IMO: 9356816) off Chattogram Port on the outer anchorage area. The propeller of the 'Yong Yue 11' got become entangled with the anchor cable of the 'Rhine' and caused damage to the container ship. The port authority deployed the tugs 'Kandari 10', 'Kandari 4', 'BLV Lusai', along with a pilot boat to the accident site. A specialised team comprising of experienced pilots and port employees successfully freed the container ship and moved it to safety by approximately 4:30 p.m. The 'Rhine' has been stationary in pos. 22° 13' N 091° 45' E since Feb 28. As of March 7, the 'Yong Yue 11' was moored in pos. 22° 14' N 091° 50' E. The port operations, including those at the outer anchorage, remained unaffected, and all activities were proceeding as usual.
KRITI CAPTAIN
On the morning of March 4, 2025, the Kriti Captain' has finally left Fos-sur-Mer. In an operation, which was coordinated by the Port Authority and carried out in collaboration with the pilots of the Strait of Messina, the offshore tug 'Protug 85-1' (IMO: 9995935) started towing the disabled tanker through the strait. The convoy was headed for repairs in a shipyard in Skaramagas near Athens. The departure manoever was assisted by tug 'Capo D'Orlando' (IMO: 9275139). Report with photo: https://messina.gazzettadelsud.it/articoli/cronaca/2025/03/04/stretto-di-messina-spettacolare-operazione-di-rimorchio-di-una-petroliera-in-avaria-57eaa760-a793-43ae-8fab-d40dec12eb80/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI2-SpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVRd7HNboYteOoPVb2XT6xUFvqjFU2x92Ub1034xQFB0COnTWr2N2IkA-g_aem_89qqnBJMycbiZ1Z2YkeBwQ
CENK G
On Feb 28, 2025, the 'Cenk' was detained in Toulon, France with 14 deficiencis, one of hich being regarded as serious and ground for a detention: 1) Emergency systems - Emergency source of power - emergency generator Not as required The vessel was released again on March 6 and left the port en route to Haydarpasa with an ETA as of March 10. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
CAPE ASHLEY
On Feb 28, 2025 the ' Cape Ashley' caught fire and burnt down at the dock in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. All crew members were safe. The heavily damaged wreck sank at its berth on the night of March 1 with only the mast still protruding above the water surface. On March 6, salvage crews were working to refloat the fishing vessel.
FV VOLITION
The tropical cyclone Alfred has been affecting the salvage operation of the 'Voliton' off Bermagui's coast, complicating the plan with rough seas. Beaches at a popular New South Wales Far South Coast tourist town have become littered with debris after the fishing vessel ran aground on Feb 27 at 5 a.m. near the Bermagui Headland. The big swell left the longliner completely broken up with bits floating everywhere. The vessel was carrying about 1,000 litres of diesel. The Horseshoe Bay Beach was closed as a result of the incident. NSW Maritime, the Environment Protection Authority and National Parks and Wildlife Services were involved in responding to the incident. Booming the vessel, getting on board and removing the fuels was impossible because of the precarious position the vessel with a challenging environment, being very exposed, currents moving around, and waves breaking over the vessel. One fuel tank was recovered from the boat on the morning of Feb 28. Report with photo and video: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-28/bermagui-shipwreck-diesel-spill-debris/104993890 https://www.instagram.com/bermaguifishermenswharf/reel/DGwOmX3tYG3/
HMS SOMERSET
The Royal Navy has shadowed another Russian task group as it passed near UK waters since March 1, 2025. The HMS 'Somerset' closely followed the Russian corvette Boikiy as it escorted the sanctioned, Russian cargo ship 'Baltic Leader', IMO: 9220639, on its voyage from Tartus, loaded with weaponry, through the English Channel and North Sea. The three-day operation marked the second time in two weeks the the Royal Navy has safeguarded the UK as Russian vessels transited. The HMS 'Somerset' used its powerful sensors and radars to report on Russian movements, launching her Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron to gather valuable information from the sky. The frigate worked hand in hand with UK patrol aircraft and allied NATO forces during the operation, providing constant watch on the task group. The HMS 'Somerset' began monitoring the 'Boikiy' on March 1, shadowing the warship as it headed south through the North Sea and English Channel to escort the 'Baltic Leader' back to Russia. The Plymouth-based warship remained on duty for the return journey as the 'Boikiy' and 'Baltic Leader' met near the traffic separation scheme at Ushant, near France, before sailing through the Channel and into the North Sea. Reports with photos: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y2gepnjgdo https://maritime-executive.com/article/uk-tracks-russian-roro-carrying-arms-from-syria-escorted-by-warship
MEGHNA PRESTIGE
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.
RHINE
On March 4, 2025, at around 12.20 p.m. the container ship 'Yong Yue 11' (IMO: 8741026), which had arrived from Colombo, was in allision with the moored 'Rhine' off Chattogram Port on the outer anchorage area. The propeller of the 'Yong Yue 11' got become entangled with the anchor cable of the 'Rhine' and caused damage to the container ship. The port authority deployed the tugs 'Kandari 10', 'Kandari 4', 'BLV Lusai', along with a pilot boat to the accident site. A specialised team comprising of experienced pilots and port employees successfully freed the container ship and moved it to safety by approximately 4:30 p.m. The 'Rhine' has been stationary in pos. 22° 13' N 091° 45' E since Feb 28. As of March 7, the 'Yong Yue 11' was moored in pos. 22° 14' N 091° 50' E. The port operations, including those at the outer anchorage, remained unaffected, and all activities were proceeding as usual.
IMPERATOR
On Feb 25, 2025, the 'Imperator' was detained in Falkenberg with 25 deficiencies, 6 of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Emergency systems - Emergency source of power - emergency generator Not as required 2) Fire safety - Operation of fire protection systems Not as required 3) Fire safety - Other (Fire safety) Other 4) Propulsion and auxiliary machinery - Bilge pumping arrangements Not as required 5) Pollution Prevention - Other (BWM) Other 6) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on March 5 and permitted a single voyage to Rostock for permanent repairs with an ETA as of March 6. https://www.facebook.com/groups/444889672272087/user/100063576908591/
LILA INCHEON
On Feb 13, 2025, the 'Lila Incheon', despite the assistance of the tugs 'Sönke' (IMO: 9892705) and 'Fairplay 66' (IMO: 9036258), allided the quay wall of the Elbe port in Brunsbüttel during the docking manoever, en route from Cristobal. The incident was the result of a maneuvering error, according to initial investigations by the Brunsbüttel water police, A small hole was torn into the ship's side about 50 centimeters above the waterline at the level of the cofferdam.No water ingress was reported. The professional traffic association issued a sailing ban until the class was confirmed. No one was injured in the allision. The ship left Brunsbüttel again on Feb 17 en route to the Russian port Ust-Luga with an ETA as of Feb 21.
PROSPERITY
Russia has shipped a diesel cargo aboard the 'Prosperity' to Syria under US sanctions, the first known direct delivery to the Middle Eastern country in more than a decade. The final destination of the shipment is unclear. Russia has two major military installations in Syria: an air base in Hmeimim and a naval base in Tartus, which are integral parts of Russia’s military posture in the Middle East and Africa. Russia’s control of these bases has been under threat since the sudden fall of Bashar al-Assad last year. Moscow has said it wants to maintain its grip on the bases. The convenience-flagged 'Prosperity' (formerly known as the Gabonese-flagged 'NS Pride') was loaded with about 37,000 tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel in the Russian port of Primorsk on Feb 8. The tanker, managed by Dubai-based Fornax Ship Management, has anchored near the Syrian port of Banias. Fornax is also under U.S. sanctions. On Jan 10, the United States had added the 'Prosperity' to its list of sanctions vessels, which includes some 180 tankers involved in exporting Russian oil products following the start of the Russian war against Ukraine. The EU and the United Kingdom did the same on Feb 24.
NIGHT STAR
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
JOANNA
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