News

Investigators of the New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) have released their final report on an incident with the 'Achilles Bulker', now sailing as 'Nab Bulker' and found out that poor welding during maintenance led to a series of failures that saw the vessel lose its rudder and nearly run aground. The bulk carrier had sailed from Tauiranga on July 24, 2023, fully loaded with logs bound for China. Shortly after clearing Tauranga Harbor, the bridge team reported the vessel was steering erratically and veering off course. As they attempted to steer it back on course, the ship shuddered, and there was a loud bang. The pilot took control of navigation, trying to get the vessel on course when a second, louder bang was heard. Unable to get the vessel back into the channel, the pilot struggled to slow the ship and ordered the crew to immediately drop both anchors. 30 minutes later, the vessel was stopped outside the channel. It had narrowly avoided grounding, with the reports indicating there was less than one meter of clearance under the keel. Divers inspecting the vessel found that its rudder was gone. They were able to recover the rudder two days later from the sea floor. Inspectors found out that the rudder pintle was missing, and they concluded that it left the bottom of the rudder unsupported and allowed excess movement in the rudder system. The rudder broke off hen the rudder palm fractured on both sides of the stock. Reviewing the vessel’s records, it turned out that in 2021, during a routine dry docking, the rudder pintle assembly had been removed and later reinstalled. The rudder pintle assembly did not ensure that the pintle would remained in place during normal shipboard operations, which meant that components used to secure the pintle in place failed, allowing the pintle to drop from the bottom of the rudder. The TAIC concluded that the securing parts installed had weak, porous welds. After the ship was back in service, the welds failed due to vibrations. The nut that retained the pintle as part of the assembly unwound itself, and the pintle dropped unnoticed from the casting and sank. The rudder began experiencing unintended movement, adding to the stresses. Moving side-to-side and fore and aft, the forces were beyond the designed strength of the coupling plate (palm) at the top that joined the rudder to the solid shaft (stock) that connected to the internal steering mechanism. Fatigue cracks grew until the rudder finally fell off. The vessel was repaired and returned to service. The TAIC has issuied a warning and called for robust quality assurance procedures at the shipyard for the installation of a rudder pintle. It also notified the Maritime Safety Administration of China and said it will work with the International Maritime Organization to promote enhanced global standards for quality assurance of rudder systems during installation, maintenance, and repairs.

On July 18, 2025, the 'RMS Ratingen' was detained in Leixoes with seven deficiencies, one of which being regarded as serious and ground for a detention: 1) Pollution Prevention - Oil filtering equipment Missing The vessel was released again on July 21 and left the port en route to Varzea. The last detention was on Jan 5 in Goole with19 deficiencies for 30 days.

On the night of July 23, 2025, the 'Ranis', which was anchored off Las Palmas in pos. 28° 06' N 015° 24' W, requested the urgent meidical evacuation of a crew member. The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in LasPalmas mobilized the SAR-helicopter Helimer 204, which hoisted the patient and transported him to a hospital for further medical care.

The 'La Superba' was towed out of the port of Palermo on the morning of July 23,on its final voyage in the direction of Aliaga by the tug 'MSC Dragon' (IMO: 9240952) where it will be demolished following the extensive damage caused by the fire that occurred on the night of Jan 14, 2023 at the time of departure from Palermo in the direction of Naples. The ship was due to arrive in Aliaga on July 28. The Port Authority of tPalermo had recently published the company's application dated July 7, seeking the authorization for the vessel's voluntary demolition. Any comments regarding the application can be submitted by the first week of September. Following the fire, the intention of the owner company GNV was to declare the ferry a "constructive total loss," a step that would then allow ownership to be transferred to the insurance company (SIAT) that had provided hull and engine coverage, to manage its end-of-life. For a time, the Genoese ferry company seemed intent on evaluating srepairing the vessel, but the estimated costs evidently made this option unviable. Photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/DMdFNVJIx-3/?igsh=MTl4ZDY1Nm10NjdwOQ==

The Government of Gibraltar has confirmed that the 'Lady Henrietta' is carrying fuel of Russian origin. However, the cargo meets the requirements established by international sanctions imposed on oil from Russia. The port authorities have indicated that before authorizing its docking, the 'Lady Henrietta' had to present the relevant documentation in accordance with the official port circular. Regulations require any vessel transporting Russian-origin oil to certify that its cargo complies with the price cap established by sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the UN. Furthermore, the Government clarified that the 'Lady Henrietta' is not conducting ship-to-ship (Ship-to-Ship) fuel transfer operations. The vessel is making a technical stop in Gibraltar solely for refueling, provisioning, and auxiliary services on the way from Primorks, where it sailed on July 12, 2025, en route to Alaiga with an ETA as of July 29.

The 'red Eagle' broke down mid-crossing on the scheduled sailing between between East Cowes and Southampton on Southampton Water and had to be towed by a tug into port in Southampton on the afternoon of July 23, 2025. The 7:30 p.m. BST crossing from East Cowes has been cancelled, as well as the 's 05:00 a.m. sailing from Southampton on July 24 due to essential repairs on the aft engine. As of July 24, the ferry remained stationary in Southanpton.

On July 23, 2025, at around 8 p.m. a drilling crane toppled over while being transported to a construction site in Bremerhaven on the evening of July 23, 2025, and fell onto the 'Orca', which was pulling it, on the Weser off the lock to the industry port. The tug was damaged and sank, with only the upper portions remaining above the water. The master of the vessel was slightly injured by the impact. Emergency personnel from fire and rescue stations 5 and 7 responded to the scene. The fire department brought the man the affected pontoon to safety in a rescue boat. The injured was transferred to the emergency services for treatment. Oil was leaking from the damaged tank of the 'Orca'. Local companies were able to quickly deploy oil booms around the area, supported and advised by the fire department, to keep the oil from spreading. The situation remained stable the following morning, and a salvage company would raise the tug and the crane in the forthcoming days. Reports with photos and audio: https://www.butenunbinnen.de/nachrichten/schlepper-schiff-gesunken-bremen-industriehafen-100.html https://www.nwzonline.de/region/bremen-kran-versenkt-schlepper-im-bremer-industriehafen_a_4,2,1424284958.html

Throughout July 24, emergency personnel from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) in Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven worked to remove the marine diesel oil that had leaked from the damaged tank of the 'Coastal Legend'. They made significant progress: The oil film had diminished significantly in the afternoon. The ship was able to move to a berth in the New Fishing Harbour on the afternoon with own power. The hull had already been temporarily sealed by divers. For the transit, the emergency personnel briefly opened the oil boom that had surrounded the vessel and allowed it to sail out, assisted by the work vessel 'Steubenhöft' of the port operator Niedersachsen Ports and the tug 'Wulf 7'. The fact that the ship was no longer at the scene of the accident, mad the clean-up work easier, among other things. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, which was leading the operation, was confident that the situation would continue to improve. The 'Capella' left CVuxhaven on the foremidday of July 25 en route to Bremen.

Due to the technical issues of the 'Isle of Cumbrae', serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, which were impacting the vessel’s steering, the sailings operated by the ship were suspended on July 24 after further cancellations on July 23 in connection with the ramp issues. Sailings with the 'Loch Shira', departing from Largs at a quarter past and quarter to the hour and departing from Cumbrae on the hour and half past the hour, remained unaffected. The 'Isle of Cumbrae' remained sidelined in Largs for troubleshooting. After the issue was successfully resolved, the service was resumed with the 6:00 p.m. sailing departing Largs.

The 'Merinos Livestock' came under arms fire near Hodeidah, en route from Bosaso to Jeddah, on July 24, 2025, b y a wooden skiff that was occupied by armed men. The ship was ordered to head to Mokh and then made a 180-degree turn and headed to the port The vessel was detained by the Yemeni Coast Guard for a brief time for suspicion before being released. The Naval forces expressed their concern over the vessel as it was travelling with its AIS turned off and was sailing close to the established maritime security transit corridor north of the Horn of Africa. There were no reports of damage to the vessel or injuries to the crew. The identity of the assailants that carried out the initial attack on the vessel was unknown.

Towed ba MSC Dragon to Aliaga Breakers

On the afternoon of July 23, the 'Tjøtta', which runs the Forvik-Tjøtta route, has been taken out of servic by the operator Boreal, after suffering technical problems. The ferry 'Alsen' was inserted as a replacement at around 3:30 p.m. However, the situation created challenges for agriculture on the island, which has no other options for collecting milk and scheduled delivery of animals to the slaughterhouse. On July 24 the ship sailed from Tjøtta to Sandnessjjøen for repairs.

Following the recent attack by the Houthi terrorists on the 'Eternity C' of the Cosmo Shipmanagement in Athens, the offshore tug 'Giant' (IMO: 9255907) was mobilized to the Red Sea by the Hellenic Association of Towboat Owners, in cooperation with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs in Athens to assist in the event of attacks and accidents. It is intended to protect human life and the environment and support global shipping. The tug is manned by a qualified crew of 14 Greek sailors. It has four 16,000 hp engines and is capable of operating in the most adverse weather conditions. The vessel is equipped with an IACS navigator. Its main tasks are providing assistance to ships in distress, combating marine pollution, and protecting human life. The 'Giant' also has firefighting capabilities (Level 2, i.e., 7,200 cubic meters of water per hour at a distance of 200 meters) with a self-protection system throughout the ship. There are rescue zones and accommodations for 40 people, with the ability to accommodate a rescue team and rescued persons. There is also a hospital on board and the ability to supply electricity to damaged vessels. It can support salvage operations and offers space for helicopter operations (with winch only) as well as storage of rescue equipment. The ship will support, protect, and assist Greek-owned vessels and Greek seafarers, according to the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy supports the efforts and the cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The "Achi" was detained on July 14, 2025, in Trois Rivières with 15 deficiencies, five of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Life saving Appliances - Rescue boats Not ready for use 2) Life saving Appliances - Stowage of rescue boats Not as required 3) Fire safety - Means of escape Not properly maintained 4) Pollution Prevention - Ballast Water Management System Malfunctioning 5) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on July 21 and left the port enroute to Bale Verte with an ETA as of July 28. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

Throughout July 24, emergency personnel from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) in Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven worked to remove the marine diesel oil that had leaked from the damaged tank of the 'Coastal Legend'. They made significant progress: The oil film had diminished significantly in the afternoon. The ship was able to move to a berth in the New Fishing Harbour on the afternoon with own power. The hull had already been temporarily sealed by divers. For the transit, the emergency personnel briefly opened the oil boom that had surrounded the vessel and allowed it to sail out, assisted by the work vessel 'Steubenhöft' of the port operator Niedersachsen Ports and the tug 'Wulf 7'. The fact that the ship was no longer at the scene of the accident, mad the clean-up work easier, among other things. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, which was leading the operation, was confident that the situation would continue to improve. The 'Capella' left CVuxhaven on the foremidday of July 25 en route to Bremen.

On the night of July 24, the 'Aidascoma', en route from Marseille to Barcelona, requested the medical evacuation of a sick passenger. The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Barcelona mobilized the SAR helicopter Helimer 203 to take the patient off, who was hoisted and transported to the port, where an ambulance was waiting for further tranfer to a hospital.

On July 23, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m., the KNRM IJmuiden was alerted for a medical evacuation from the 'STI Fulham', which was anchored approximately 10 nautical miles off the coast of IJmuiden in pos. 52° 31' N 004° 20' E. A crew member required medical assistance and had to be removed from the ship. After coming alongside, the patient was transferred aboard the lifeboat, which then set course for IJmuiden, from where he was transported to the hospital. Report with photo: https://www.knrm.nl/nieuws/knrm-reddingstation-ijmuiden/prio-2-medevac

The 'Morro de São Paulo' with 96 passengers and four crew members on board, was in collision with the fishing vessel "Lomier", with two crew members on board, on the early afternoon of July 22, 2025, near Cacha Pregos, approximately nine kilometers from Itaparica Island off the Baía de Todos-os-Santos. The ferry had departed the Morro de São Paulo terminal at 11:30 a.m., bound for Salvador. The usually takes an average of 2 hours and 10 minutes. The semi-land transfer, which includes a ferry, bus, and speedboat crossing, takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. After the collision, the fishing vessel sank, and the catamaran developed an increasing list to starboard side, and the passengers were equipped with life jackets and gathered on the port side. There were no injuries reported. After the collision, a joint rescue operation was immediately initiated with the support of the operator Biotur, owner of the catamaran, and ASTRAMAB itself. The tugs "Piatã" and "Pituba" were the first to arrive on scene. Some of the passengers were transported to the Port of Salvador by the "Pituba" where they arrived at 4:45 p.m. The catamaran "Viva Morro", speedboats, and other vessels continued to assist the victims. Also private vessels also participated in the transport back to port. The Brazilian Navy, through the 2nd Naval District Command and the Bahia Port Authority, as well as Salvamento Marítimo do Leste, the Military Fire Department, the Military Police Air Group (GRAER), Pilotage, SAMU also provided assistance, involving the patrol vessels "Dourado," and "Guaratuba" and the corvette "Caboclo" of the Eastern Naval Patrol Group Command. Once in Salvador, passengers disembarked at the Port Maritime Terminal and were welcomed by Biotur teams. At least six ships participated in the rescue. Five ambulances from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) were dispatched to the Salvador Nautical Terminal to assist passengers arriving in the capital. Assistance included transportation to hotels, the Salvador Airport, and support for other needs. A child and a pregnant woman were taken for treatment as a precaution. The Bahia State Docks Company (CODEBA) also supported the operation. The rescued fishermen were taken to Caixa Pregos with support from the Brazilian Navy. The half submerged catamaran was taken to Morro de São Paulo. The cause of the accident was under investigation. The servoce between Salvador and Morro de São Paulo was operating normally again on July 23 with departures from the Bahian capital continue at their regular times, at 9:00 a.m and 10:30 a.m. In the opposite direction, from the Morro de São Paulo Terminal to Salvador, the times remained at 11:30 a.m and 2:00 p.m.. Reports with photo and video: https://www.correio24horas.com.br/minha-bahia/acidente-entre-barcos-deixa-passageiros-a-deriva-em-morro-de-sao-paulo-0725 https://g1.globo.com/ba/bahia/noticia/2025/07/22/embarcacoes-na-bahia.ghtml https://www.radiotombafmparatinga.com.br/news-catamara-fica-a-deriva-apos-colisao-com-barco-na-baia-de-todosossantos https://portalbaixosul.com.br/noticia/2778/astramab-divulga-nota-sobre-acidente-entre-catamara-e-barco-de-pesca-na-baia-de-todos-os-santos https://www.portalnoticiasba.com.br/2025/07/colisao-entre-catamara-e-barco-na-baia.html?m=1 https://takta.com.br/ultimas-noticias/catamara-bate-em-pesqueiro-e-deixa-passageiros-a-deriva/

1,700 Israeli holidaymakers on the 'Crown Iris' were faced by protesters upon the arrival at the island of Syroson July 22, 2025. More than 150 protesterunfurled Palestinian flags and called for an end to the war in Gaza. Another notable slogan was "No air conditioning in hell," a reference to the conditions Palestinians are living in the Gaza Strip. There were no reports of violence during the protest. The ship is operated by the Israeli company Mano Cruise, which decided to continue its journey to Cyprus earlier. The passengers did not disembark. The Greek Coast Guard reported that the ship departed around 3:00 p.m. The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar contacted his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis about the incident. Report with video: https://www.hln.be/buitenland/geen-airco-in-de-hel-inwoners-grieks-eiland-jagen-israelische-cruise-terug-zee-in-met-palestijnse-vlaggen-en-palestina-vrij-leuzen~a6f69035/

The Dortmund fire department: had to evacuate the 69 passengers from the 'Santa Monika' on the evening of July 20, 2025. The excursion boat was no longer maneuverable at the outer edge of the canal near Franzius St due to a technical defect. The emergency services were alerted at around 7:30 p.m. All passengers were brought off the ship by 8:30 p.m. The crew remained on the 'Santa Monika'. The fire department's firefighting boat then towed the vessel back to the Santa Monika's pier. It turned out that a coupling had broken a few hundred meters from the pier, so that normal docking and disembarkation were not possible.