On the early morning of Feb 25, 2025, the 'Caraba' suffered an engine failure 11 nautical miles off Ondarroa. Initially the fishing vessel 'Gure Ametsa' (MMSI: 225986359) assisted the vessel, before the SAR boat 'Salvamar Monte Gorbea', which was mobilized from the station in Bermeo, took it in tow and safely pulled it to the port of Ondarroa. Given the adverse wind forecasts, the CCS Bilbao of Salvamento Marítimo also mobilized the LS 'Ondarroa' of the Cruz Roja and other resources, which assisted in the docking maneuver. Reports with photos and video: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1894381887155835170 https://x.com/CruzRojaBizkaia/status/1894269702421069970
News
ARNE
The "Arne", which was escorted into the Kiel Fjord accompanied by the patrol ship "Neustadt" and the Danish patrol boat "Luna" on Feb 22 due to the suspicion of sabotage and missing the port side anchor, is actually crossing the Bay of Biscay with an ETA in Sevilla as of March 2. it remained unclear to date, whether the "Arne" had damaged an underground data cable not far from the Swedish island of Gotland, which was the reason why the federal police went on board for three hours and questioned the crew about the missing anchor. The investigation is an ongoing procedure. For operational reasons, no information was provided at this time. The search for the missing anchor was continuing in parallel with the investigation. If it is found near the damaged cable, this would be a crucial clue.
ARMADA 78 06
Nearly 11 years after the unexplained disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, a new search for the wreckage has begun in the Indian Ocean by the 'Armada 78-06' on Feb 25. Over the next few weeks, US- and UK-based technology firm Ocean Infinity will deploy the ship and AUVs to search the seabed for traces of the missing Boeing 777. The search will focus in an area of about 15,000 square kilometres, with special attention paid to four hotspots where researchers believe the wreck would most likely be, about 1,500k kilometres off the coast of Perth. The firm, which had already been involved in an earlier unsuccessful search in 2018, has signed a “no find, no fee” contract with the Malaysian government. The contract details between the government and the firm were still being finalised. The Malaysia Airlines flight went missing after leaving Kuala Lumpur on March 8, 2014, with 239 passengers and crew members on board. It was headed for Beijing but deviated from the flight path, according to radar and satellite data. Investigators believe the aircraft came down somewhere in the remote southern Indian Ocean. So far, only a few dozen pieces of wreckage have washed up on various coasts. The aircraft’s main fuselage, the occupants and the flight data recorder are all still missing.
OSTRIA
The Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Admiralty Marshal to arrest and detain the 'Ostria' until its owners have provided a bank guarantee to cover the claims of NNPC Retail Limited regarding the non-delivery of 12,681,960 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), , of which over nine million litres were found to be water. The tanker, its owners, and the storage facility were alleged to have been negligent or in breach of contract of carriage or bailment. They discharged the missing petrol to another tanker out of the consignment it was to deliver to a tank farm at Koko Port, Delta State, and refilled the tank with seawater on the ship’s course to Koko Federal port. Joined in the suit with the vessel as defendants were Orion Marine Limited, its bareboat charterer, and Taurus Oil and Gas Limited, the owners of the petrol storage called Taurus Storage, Koko, Justice Akintayo Aluko issued the arrest order following “Admiralty Action in Rem” proceedings initiated by NNPC Retail Ltd’s lawyer, Mike Igbokwe (SAN), who sought the vessel’s arrest along with other legal actions due to the loss of the PMS. The judge also ordered the Harbour Master of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Lagos, to collect and deliver to the Admiralty Marshal or retain all trading and other certificates of the first defendant for safekeeping until the first and second defendants comply with the conditions attached to the order of arrest and detention issued by this Court. The court further granted an order permitting either the Chief of Naval Staff to retain the Nigerian naval personnel already onboard the detained first defendant or to assign four of their personnel to ensure the security of the first defendant. This includes taking necessary measures such as regular patrols and surveillance around her location to prevent any escape from the judicial arrest and detention until the 1st and 2nd defendants comply with the conditions of this Court’s order. The judge, however, directed the Plaintiff/Applicant to file an undertaking as to damages to indemnify the Defendants/Respondents in case this order should not have been made.
CARNIVAL GLORY
On Feb 22, 2025, a fire broke out aboard the 'Carnival GloryÄ, during a four-day cruise. The fire originated on the balcony of a cabin occupied by three young women. They quickly alerted the crew, who responded and extinguished the flames. The passengers were suffering from smoke inhalation, with one passenger experiencing a panic attack due to a pre-existing chest cold. The passengers claimed they were threatened with detention by the Coast Guard and FBI, with implications of terrorism investigations. They also allege crew members attempted to prevent them from photographing their written statements and pressured them to sign waivers without reviewing incident footage or inventorying damaged items. Report with photos: https://www.newsbreak.com/cruise-travel-1721889/3827563433821-cruise-ship-fire-erupts-passengers-claim-they-were-mistreated
EAGLE S
The 'Eagle S' remains stationary in Svartbäcksfjärden outside Porvoo, while it is still being investigated how the dragging anchor did affect the ship, and why no one on board noticed that the tanker was sailing incorrect. The 'Eagle S' is a typical ship in the Russian shadow fleet. An old worn-out tanker, poorly maintained, with many and difficult-to-investigate owners. Several shortcomings and technical error were found. The Georgian captain and eight members of the crew, consisting of Georgians and Indians, have been banned from traveling. The ship has such poor fire safety, navigation equipment and ventilation in the pump room, so that the ship would not be allowed to continue even if the captain and seven of his men were not suspected of gross sabotage. In addition, the doors are not sufficiently watertight, and the toilets are failing, as is the emergency lighting. The anchor system is not in good condition. The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, has found a total of 32 deficiencies. Already last summer, safety deficiencies and generally poor condition were reported. There was also information that the 'Eagle S' was a spy center with advanced radio equipment for monitoring NATO ships and aircraft. The equipment required so much power that the electrical system on the tanker was sometimes overloaded. The investigation should be complete in a couple of months. Report with photos: https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/zAw9eb/i-finska-spjutsund-ligger-putins-spokbat-eagle-s-som-en-dod-klump
ANNA
On the night of Feb 24, 2025, the 'Anna TK-59-A' ran aground off Sørøya and suffered a hull breach with ensuing water ingress. The lifeboat 'Gjert Wilhelmsen-RS132' was mobilized from the NSSR station in Sørvær assisted to the scene to assist with dewatering pumps. The crew stabilized the ship together with divers, who sealed the hole with butter The vessel was then able to proceed to the port of Hasvik itunder its own power. The response was carried out in cooperation with the Coastal Radio, the HRS North Norway and the Hasvik fire brigade, which attended at the quay. Report with photo and video: https://x.com/NSSR/status/1894418648598540671
WANTIJ
On the afternoon of Feb 25, 2025, an inland vessel was in collision with the 'Wantij' near Zwijndrecht close to the Schokhaven,, the home port of the water buses that sail in the Drechtsteden and between Dordrecht and Rotterdam. The emergency services were alerted just before1 p.m., but hardly had to take action. However, a boat of Rijkswaterstaat attendedto investigate. No one was injured and there was only material damage. The accident was caused by a steering error of the Waterbus skipper during the departure manoever. Report with photo: https://www.rtvdordrecht.nl/nieuws/streek/aanvaring-met-waterbus-na-stuurfoutje-niemand-gewond
VINIK NO.6
The 'Vinik No. 6' and the SS 'United States' are five days into the 1800-miles-journey to Mobile, Alabama, where it will be cleaned and prepped for sinking off the coast of Destin, crossing into Florida water on the night of Feb 24. The ships had a speed between six and seven, sometimes eight knots almost the whole time. On their second day, the crew encountered some rough weather off the coast of Virginia Beach with 45-mph winds and waves as high as 14 fee, which caused the former luxury liner to turn sideways. The tug just slowed down, waited for the weather to pass, and continued on its way. The trip to Mobile was expected take about 18 days, but Vinik if they can maintain their current speed, they might make it sometime on March 5, totaling the trip to 14 days. Report with photo: https://www.mypanhandle.com/news/local-news/okaloosa-county/tugboat-crew-successfully-navigates-the-ss-united-states-through-rough-weather/
ASHAMBA
The 'Ashamba' capsized and sank in the port of Novorossiysk on Feb 22, 2025, at the quay of the 7 Feet Yacht Club. The cause of the capsize was heavy icing and a subsequent loss of stability of the ship, which started to list to port side and then submerged completely. The crew managed to leave the ship in time, there were no injuries. Since Feb 17, they had been chipping and removing ice around the clock, but they were unable to avoid the sinking. There were 200 liters of diesel fuel on board the 'Ashamba'. The authorities have implemented immediate measures to mitigate any environmental hazards. The ship’s owner was expected to deploy booms around the wreck to prevent any possible pollution. Despite these concerns, the Shirshov Institute has confirmed that no oil products were spilled into the environment, and no ecological damage has been caused. Preparatory work was underway for the eventual recovery of the vessel. The Shirshov Institute has indicated that, weather permitting, efforts will be made in the spring to raise the vessel and tow it to the port of Gelendzhik for safe retrieval and restoration. An investigation was launched to determine the exact circumstances of the sinking. Initial findings suggesedt that adverse weather conditions, particularly icing, were the primary cause of the vessel's instability. The Western Interregional Investigative Directorate for Transport and the Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office were overseeing the inquiry to ensure compliance with navigation safety regulations. Reports with photos and video: https://en.usm.media/a-research-vessel-sank-in-the-port-of-novorossiysk-video/ https://mirkapitanov.ru/v-novorossijske-iz-za-obledeneniya-zatonulo-sudno-s-200-litrami-topliva-na-bortu/
SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS
The 'Symphony of the Seas' barely passed a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sanitation inspection on Feb 9, 2025. The ship scored 86—just one point above the failing threshold—raising concerns about food safety, hygiene, and illness reporting on board. The inspection uncovered 44 violations. The issues ranged from improper food storage temperatures to serious hygiene lapses. Its most alarming findings included: - Raw eggs and hamburgers stored at unsafe temperatures; - Crew members with open wounds handling ice with their bare hands; - Gastrointestinal illnesses among children that went unreported. Royal Caribbean has yet to submit its corrective action report, a document outlining how the cruise line plans to address the CDC’s concerns.
VENTURA
On Feb 24, 2025, climate activists attempted to block the 'Ventura' at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) to draw attention to the impact of cruise ships on the environment. The 'Ventura' was met by two sloops and several dozen climate activists on them with flags and Bengal lights. Their intention was to squeeze between the PTA quay and the cruise ship and block the ship. It didn't get that far, because the police apparently knew about it and removed three ships in the way. On the IJ, the activists made another attempt to approach the ship, but that was also in vain. The 'Ventura' was calling at Amsterdam for a cruise from Southampton and departed again on Feb 25. Report with photo: https://www.parool.nl/amsterdam/politie-grijpt-in-bij-xr-blokkade-van-cruiseschip-bij-passenger-terminal-amsterdam~b8aba30f/
VICTRESS
On Jan 28, 2025, the 'Victress' was detained in Kiel with 45 deficiencies , ten of which regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Water/Weathertight - Overloading Overloaded 2) Water/Weathertight - Cargo & Other hatchways Damaged 3) Water/Weathertight - Covers (Hatchway,-. portable,-. tarpaulin etc) Not properly maintained 4) Water/Weathertight - Windows, side scuttles and deadlights Corroded 5) Emergency systems - Emergency source of power - emergency generator Inoperative 6) Fire safety - Fire detection and alarm systems Not properly maintained 7) Fire safety - Ventilation Not as required 8)) Fire safety - Fire doors/openings in fire resisting division Not as required 9) Safety of navigation - Bridge operations Lack of training 10) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel had berthed in the North Port of Kiel on Jan 27 following an accident. It was released again on Feb 14 and left the port en route to Rostock, where it arrived on Feb 17. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
CAROLINE BEZENGI
The crew members of the 'Caroline Bezengi', consisting of 13 Russian nationals and 12 Indonesians. wrote to the port administration of the port of Vostochny, requesting an investigation to be conducted on the tanker. They have invited the inspection to confirm the violations, such as delayed wages, problems with insurance, and dwindling food supplies. The Russian Seafarers Union (RSU) has reported that thecrewl have not been compensated, the Russian sailors for 2.5 months and the Indonesians for 1.5 months, summing up to a total due of 179000 Euros. The contracts of some of these sailors have already expired, and the contracts for most of the sailors will expire on Feb 28. In addition to this, the food supplies on the vessel have dwindled to only a couple of days' worth. The owner of the vessel, Lagosmarine, notified the insurance provider of the vessel that the debt had been cleared already. If the alleged violations are confirmed in the inspection, the vessel can be detained for the violation of the Maritime Labor Convention.
SALVAMAR MIMOSA
On the night of Feb 24, a precarious boat was located near Cabrera. The CCS Palma of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Mimosa' to the scene. At midnight the boat was taken to Portocolom. On board were 22 migrants, among them 17 men and five women. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1894301061701042456
PAVEL GRABOVSKIY
The “Pavel Grabovsky”, which got stuck and started to sink in the Sea of Azov after the bottom was holed on Feb 16, was still anchored at the scene of the accident, as of Feb 24. Tugs were sent to the ship and repair work began. However the vessel was not allowed to enter the port. IT was claimed that there was a malfunction in the diesel engine and that there was no extreme situation. If the ship can be repaired, it can be towed to the port of Novorossiysk, where a full-scale repair is planned.
CG BONITO
The 'Bonito' was involved in an SAR operation of the US Coast Guard, searching for a missing person after a vessel capsized on the afternoon of Feb 22, 2025, near Breezy Point- The missing person has been identified as 52-year-old Vernon Glasford and was last seen wearing a gray hoody, blue jeans, and black boots. The Coast Guard had three aircrews, two small boats and two ships search overnight and into the morning of Feb 24. The vessel, a Grady White, approximately 30 feet long, had departed from Howard Beach on the morning and was fishing recreationally. A Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook boat recovered three people, an Air Station Atlantic City air crew recovered one, and an NYPD aviation crew recovered one additional person. All five people were transported to local hospitals. Four of them were unresponsive. Two of the rescued were airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital and three were taken to Coast Guard Station in Sandy Hook, New Jersey, where life-saving efforts were administered by emergency medical services. Three of the victims were pronounced dead. Two other boaters remained hospitalized on Feb 24. The incident began at 12:04 p.m. when the Coast Guard Sector New York received a notification from New York City 911 operators about a vessel taking on water near Breezy Point, a neighborhood at the tip of Queens’ Rockaway peninsula. Coast Guard watchstanders issued an UMIB and deployed three rescue boats from Coast Guard Station New York and Station Sandy Hook and an MH-65 helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City. Other Coast Guard units that have responded included: - Coast Guard Station New York; - Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook; - Coast Guard Cutter 'Bonito'; - Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City; - Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. NYPD Harbor and Aviation units, FDNY Marine units, the New Jersey State Police, and Sandy Hook Pilots also assisted in the response. The Coast Guard crews searched a combined total of approximately 842 square miles over the course of 30 hours, utilizing crews aboard helicopters, planes, ships and small boats, before the search was suspended on Feb 24 at 6 p.m. Report with photo and video: https://abcnews.go.com/US/3-dead-2-injured-1-missing-after-boat/story?id=119107786
SEA-EYE 4
On the night of Feb 22, 2025, the 'Sea Eye 4' assisted 41 migrants who were navigating between large waves on an overloaded boat off the coast of Libya. They were transferred aboard the NGO ship, which got Naples assigned by the Italian authorities to drop them off. The voyage will take about three days.