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Due to the lift of the 'Loch Portain' still being out of order, CalMac have amended the Berneray-Leverburgh timetable until May 29. This amended timetable allows the crew to support passengers who require assistance, and meets statutory requirements for crew hours of rest. Replacement parts have been ordered for the lift. Passengers with accessibility requirements were asked to book their travel in advance and make the operator aware of any support they may require. The emergency evacuation procedure requires passengers to exit via the lounges that are two flights up from the car deck. Toilet facilities are also located in the passenger lounge. If accessing the vessel via stairs is not suitable, passengers were asked to travel on the Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy service. The 'Loch Portain' will locate to dock on May 30 until June 8 to complete works on the vessel propulsion unit. During this period, the 'Loch Bhrusda' will operate on this route. Please see timetable here: https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/travel/service-changes/bern-lev-amended-timetable/#/

The pleasure boat 'Son Moix', with one crew member on board, suffered a mechanical failure in the Bay of Roses, off Sant Pere Pescador, on May 13. The CCS Barcelona of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Lyra' to assist. The SAR boat took the 'Son Moix' kin tow and safely pulled it to the port of Santa Margarida. Video: https://x.com/i/status/1922256871215312931

On May 7, 2025, at noon , the Port Authority of Patmos was informed of the fall of a person from the 'Dodekkanisos Express' into the sea at the port of Skala. The 34-year-old Greek national, who had boarded the passenger catamaran in order to place luggage of his relatives, realized that the ship had departed and fell into the water when he tried to get to the shore. A patrol boat was deployed for assistance, while the ferry stopped, and the crew dropped a life jacket into the sea. The man reached the shore in good health and the ferry set sail for its scheduled route. A preliminary investigation was being conducted by the Patmos Port Authority.

On May 4, 2025, at noon, the Port Authority of Volos was informed by the Captain of the 'Flying Dolphin Erato' about a failure of the port side main engine ahead of the departure for the scheduled route to the northern Sporades, with 29 passengers and six crew members on board. The Central Port Authority of Volos prohibited the departure of the ferry, until the damage was repaired and a certificate of class maintenance was presented by the monitoring classification society.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international NGO accused Malta on May 4 of impeding access to the 'Conscience' which was bombed by two drones two days before. Malta denied the claim, saying the crew had refused assistance. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said that Israel, which has blockaded Gaza in its war against Palestinian Hamas militants, was to blame for the incident. The 'Conscience', operated by the coalition, suffered damage to its front section including a loss of power when hit just outside Maltese territorial waters in the southern Mediterranean- It had been waiting to take on board 30 peace activists from around the world before trying to sail to Gaza to deliver food and medicines. Volunteers from 13 countries who tried to reach the ship from Malta on April 30 and May 1, were intercepted by the Maltese military, which had forced them back to Malta under threat of arrest. Maltese authorities had also prevented the ship from putting into port to repair the damage and get help for four people aboard whohad suffered cuts and burns in the drone attack. Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta was continuing to offer assistance to the ship, but that Malta’s security needed to be safeguarded. He said the ship’s captain was continuing to refuse to allow a surveyor and Malta police on board. Once it was verified that the ship’s cargo was solely humanitarian, Malta would facilitate repairs so that it could continue its voyage to Gaza. Report with photo: https://gcaptain.com/ngo-says-malta-blocking-access-to-gaza-bound-aid-ship-hit-by-drones/

On April 16, 2025, the ' Ocmis Adventure' was detained in Algeciras with 15 deficiencies, 11 of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Structural conditions - Ballast, fuel and other tanks Holed 2) Safety of navigation - Charts Not updated 3) Safety of navigation - Voyage or passage plan Missing 4) Safety of navigation - Lights, shapes and sound-signals Inoperative 5) Radio communications - Operation of GMDSS equipment Lack of familiarity 6) Radio communications - Reserve source of energy Inoperative 7) Labour conditions - Insulation Inoperative 8)) Labour conditions - Galley, handlingroom (maintenance) Not hygienic 9) Fire safety - Ready availability of fire fighting equipment Inoperative 10) Other - Other (Solas operational) Other 11) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on April 30 and left the port en route to Ceuta, where it arrived on May 2. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

On the morning of May 1, 2025, the 'Cement Trader', en route from Setubal to Terneuzen, ran aground just before the entrance of the Western foreport of Terneuzen with a draft of 07.10 metres. It got stuck between the Dow Schelde jetty and the foreport. The tugs 'Multratug 16' and 'Multratug 13' as well as the 'VB Triumphante', which joined later to assist, and the 'Patrol' were on scene soon after and managed to refloat the ship, which was then moored at the poles in the Western foreport of Terneuzen for inspections. The ship left the port again on May 5, headed back to Setubal, where it arrived on May 9. Report with photos: https://www.tugspotters.com/app/content/2025/05/multratugs-trekken-vastgelopen-cement-trader-terug-vlot-na-stranding-op-westerschelde/

Due to the ongoing exhaust fault of the 'Argyll Flyer'. serving on the route Gourock-Dunoon, a single vessel service remained in in operation, and the 'Argyll Flyer' has berthed at the Dales Marine Services in Greenock for repairs and will remain off service until further notice. Modification and repair plans were underway. During the amended timetable, a replacement shuttle bus service will operate for these sailings: Mondays - Saturday Departure Gourock – 10:15 a.m. Departure Dunoon – 10:45 a.m. Mondays & Fridays Departure Gourock – 11:15 a.m. Departure Dunoon – 11:45 a.m. In addition to the cancellations above, the following sailings have been cancelled due to the combination of overnight berthing and required crew hours of rest: Departure Gourock – 10:40 p.m. Departure Dunoon – 11:10 p.m.

On the afternoon of May 12, 2025, the CROSS Gris-Nez was informed of a migrant boat leaving the Walde Lighthouse area and deployed the BSAM 'Rhône' to locate and monitor the boat. A Dauphin helicopter of the Navy Base in Le Touquet, on exercise near the area, was also engaged to assist. At the end of the day, the boat suffered engine failure and requested assistance. The crew of the 'Rhône' launched its high-speed boat and took on board the 71 people of the boat. Three of them required medical attention. The CROSS Gris-Nez immediately established a conference call with the Maritime Medical Coordination in Le Havre. All boat people were taken to Calais and cared for by shore based government services. On May 13, the CROSS Gris-Nez was informed of several migrant boat departures. On the morning, a passenger vessel reported a paddleboard adrift with one person on board off the coast of Calais, following an attempt to cross the strait. The BSAM 'Rhône' was deployed to assist and made contact with the person on the paddleboard, who requested assistance. After rescuing the person, the Navy vessel dropped him off at the dock in Calais, where he was taken into care. At midday, the CROSS deployed the 'Ridens' to monitor a boat in the Slack Dunes beach area. Once on site, all persons on board requested assistance. The crew of the rescue ship took on board 61 people, who were dropped off at Boulogne-sur-Mer and taken into care by shore based authorities.

On the evening of May 6, the Syros Port Authority was informed of the emergency approach of the 'Blue 'Sta rPatmos' at the port of Syros, in deviation from its scheduled itinerary, in order to disembark a 72-year-old passenger, who required immediate hospital treatment. Upon the ship's arrival at the port, the patient was picked up by an ambulance and transported to the Syros General Hospital. The ship then continued its itinerary to the port of Patmos.

On Ma 4, 2025, at midday, the Port Authority of Milos was informed by the Captain of the 'Anemos', that the arrival from the anchorage of Adamas at the port was delayed, as the starboard side anchor had got entangled with another anchor that was on the bottom and got stuck. Finally, the ship sailed for Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos and Piraeus at 1:40 p.m. instead of 1 p.m. as scheduled 13:00, with 29 passengers and 62 crew members on board.

On May 10, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m. LT, the 'Bijou Du Rhône' , with 127 German passengers and 39 crew members on board, collided with a barge on the Rhône river near the commune of Sablons, about 50 kilometers south of Lyon. No injuries were reported among the people onboard. The impact caused a significant hole in the ship’s hull above the waterline, but did not pose an immediate risk of sinking. The barge also suffered damage. Emergency services responded quickly and were still on site at 8:00 a.m. to disembark the passengers and transport them to their destination by bus. An evacuation of the 39 crew members took place on Ma 11. The 'Bijou Du Rhône' was banned from sailing for inspection and safety assessments. Report with photo: https://www.leprogres.fr/faits-divers-justice/2025/05/10/un-bateau-de-127-passagers-et-une-barge-entrent-en-collision-au-sud-de-lyon

On May 5, 2025, the 'Lisbon' was detained in Livorno with 13 deficiencies, three of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Life saving Appliances - Lifejackets incl provision and disposition Not as required 2) Emergency systems - Emergency fire pumps and its pipes Not properly maintained 3) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on May 7 and left the port en route to Sulina with an ETA as of May 13. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591

Two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia (one CAT 21 incident and one CAT 4 2 incident) were reported to the ReCAAP ISC between April 22 and April 25, 2025. Both incidents occurred onboard while the bulk carriers were underway off Pulau Cula, in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of Singapore Strait (SS). The crew members were not injured in the incidents. The 'Panagia Force' was boarded by four perpetratos, armed with knives, on April 22 at 11: 00 p.m. in pos. 1° 5.4' N 103° 34.42' E, about 8.8 natucal miles from Pulau Calu. The intruders tied up the crew and stole engine spare parts and personal belongings.

The 'Loch Frisa', serving on the route Oban-Craignure, suffered an issue with the drencher system. As a consequence, the vessel is currently unable to carry any dangerous goods until May 31. CalMac personnel was waiting on the delivery of the required parts for repairs, and a further update was to be provided when they have arrived. Affected bookings were to be contacted directly by the ports. Any customers wishing to travel via Lochaline - Fishnish were required to call Craignure Port (01680 340258 option 2) or Tobermory Port (01688 327089 option 2) directly. http://calm.ac/11

On May 13, 2025, the CROSS Gris-Nez was informed of several migrant boat departures. On the morning, a passenger vessel reported a paddleboard adrift with one person on board off the coast of Calais, following an attempt to cross the strait. The BSAM 'Rhône' was deployed to assist and made contact with the person on the paddleboard, who requested assistance. After rescuing the person, the Navy vessel dropped him off at the dock in Calais, where he was taken into care. At midday, the CROSS deployed the 'Ridens' to monitor a boat in the Slack Dunes beach area. Once on site, all persons on board requested assistance. The crew of the rescue ship took on board 61 people, who were dropped off at Boulogne-sur-Mer and taken into care by shore based authorities.

On the morning of May 4, 2025, the Naxos Port Authority was informed by the Captain of the 'Champion Jet 3' about a failure in one of its four main engine. The ferry was sailing at a reduced speed towards the port of Naxos. The ship was operating a route from the port of Heraklion to Thira, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Syros and Piraeus, with 417 passengers and 31 crew members on board. The Naxos Port Authority initially prohibited the departure of the vessel. Upon presentation of a certificate of class maintenance from the monitoring classification society, it was allowed to continue on its route.

On the evening of April 30, officers of the Port Authority of Igoumenitsa arrested a 37-year-old Greek national, in violation of articles 169 (Disobedience) and 292 (Obstruction of Transport) of the Criminal Code. The co-driver and owner of a refrigerated truck repeatedly failed to comply with the instructions of the port authorities to leave the 'Alkinoos' together with his vehicle, as he lacked tickets. This resulted in the ship's departure being prevented. Ultimately, the truck was removed from the ship, with the assistance of another professional driver, who drove it to a safe location. The fery finally sailed with 295 passengers 1.40 hours delayed. The truck was initially loaded onto the ship by a 63-year-old local driver, who during the incident felt unwell and was transported to the Emergency Department of Igoumenitsa and then to the General Hospital of Filiates, for further examinations and hospitalization, from where he was released and arrested at noon. A preliminary investigation was being conducted by the Central Port Authority of Igoumenitsa.

The former 'Moby Zaza' has been sold but will not be scrapped. It is in fact destined to be used as a floating hotel in a large port in the Far East. At the end of March, a public notice from the Port Authority of Livorno announced that the ship would leave the fleet controlled by the Onorato family. Now in fact the ship no longer flies the Italian flag but has been registered in San Marino, taking the name 'Zaza' and becoming the property of the company Dragon 1 Pte Ltd. The technical management has been entrusted to the Genoese company Venture Ship Management Europe Srl, the former Crystal Pool sold at the beginning of 2024 and now controlled by the Wah Kwong group of Hong Kong). The 'Moby Zaza' had joined the Moby fleet ten years ago and in recent months had served between Corsica (Porto Vecchio) and Sardinia (Golfo Aranci) as a replacement for the Giraglia, which had suffered a breakdown. On Dec 18, 2024, it was the victim of a blackout on board that had induced the crew to ask for the intervention of tugs to bring it back to the port of Olbia. In addition to this ship, the 'Moby Drea' should also soon be leaving Onorato's fleet.

The ' Jens Albrecht III' became stuck on a guide dam off Wittmund and was trapped there for more than nine hours on May 7, 2025, at 10,.10 a.m. After leaving the Wittmund-Harlesiel harbour on the morning, the ship's electrical system failed half a mile off the port, causing the steering system to fail. The ship ran aground on the dam. Another vessel removed seven of the 15 passengers from the ship. The other eight and the three crew members remained on board. The crew was unable to free the ship due to low tide and therefore had to wait for the next high tide. The ship refloated at 7.45 p.m. and was able to return to the Wittmund-Harlesiel harbour with own power. As a preventative measure, the BG Verkehr (German Transport Authority) - Ship Safety Department - issued a sailing ban. The vessel was expected to be inspected by the classification society for possible damage on May 9 and was not allowed to sail until then.