An SAR operation was started for Dan McGilvray, 51, a passenger of the 'Norwegian Epic' who went overboard while the ship en route to the Bahamas has been abandoned. on Dec 26 2024. The 51-year-old man went overboard at approximately 3 p.m. as the 'Norwegian Epic' was sailing northbound from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, toward Great Stirrup Cay. Before, he yelled “I can’t take it anymore”, and his elderly mom had in vain tried to grab him to stop him going over. The authorities were immediately notified, and the SAR operation under the guidance and oversight of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center was started. The search was ultimately deemed unsuccessful, after which the ship was 'released by the authorities to continue its voyage, after the local Coastguard along with the ship's crew had scoured the water for the missing man but were unable to locate him. The man who went overboard was traveling with a large group, including his family. Bahamas investigators believed that McGilvray, a financial adviser from Denver, may have experienced an adverse reaction to his seizure medication before he climbed over a balcony. Before jumping, he was visibly distressed, and despite attempts to restrain him, he jumped from a balcony into the sea. The ship had departed Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec 22 on a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage. The vessel was now being diverted to Nassau. Itreturned to the Sunshine State on Dec 28. Reports with photos: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14228815/Norwegian-cruise-ship-overboard-passenger-Bahamas.html https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/distressed-colorado-dad-dan-mcgilvray-jumped-off-cruise-ship-in-caribbean-despite-mom-trying-to-stop-him-report/ar-AA1xaPPb
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CAPE TEXAS
The ‘Cape Texas’ has made strange journeys since Jan 5, 2025, between La Palma and Tenerife, wating for orders. The ship, which belongs to the United States Department of Maritime Transport, has made manoeuvres back and forth between the two islands. Since 1:26 a.m., the ‘Cape Texas’ has been sailing in circles between the north coast of Tenerife and the east coast of La Palma, in international waters, although on occasions entering the 20-mile perimeter that borders Tenerife. Its average speed is between 15 and 16 knots. The sailing pattern, which exceeded 16 hours, were detected after its departure 12 days ago from Charleston, South Carolina. It reached the position between Tenerife and La Palma on Jan 4 at around 10 p.m. The behaviour was suggesting a possible breakdown or a special operation. The 'Cape Texas' has resumed its journey on the night of Jan 6 and is sailing northeast of Tenerife, on a course of 109º and a speed of 14.9 knots. On Jan 8 the captain has submitted a request to anchor to the relevant authority in the Canary Islands. The port authority of Gran Canaria has received the freighter's request to anchor off Las Palmas and wait for further instructions. The ship dropped anchor shortly after 2 p.m. in the North Bay of the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and was supplied by small ships, possibly with food, especially fresh food, and other supplies. On the main deck, bulldozers and 4x4 Oshkosh L-ATV vehicles (Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle were stored. The 'Cape Texas' is part of the US Navy's aid transport fleet and is designed to transport heavy vehicles and equipment. Report with photos: https://www.defensa.com/otan-y-europa/este-cape-texas-buque-logistico-norteamericano-cargado-vehiculos
QUEEN OF ALBERNI
A passenger went overboard from the 'Queen of Alberni' , en route from Duke Point, Vancouver, near Tsawwassen on Jan 8, 2025, at 7.45 a.m., prompting the cancellation of two sailings on the Duke Point-Tsawwassen route. The 10:15 a.m. departure from Tsawwassen and the 12:45 p.m. sailing from Duke Point were both cancelled. Alternative travel arrangements were made available, including service via the Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay to Departure Bay in Nanaimo. The person was rescued and brought ashore and received care from Emergency Health Services. The crew of the vessel activated emergency protocols, including contacting emergency services, which responded to what was determined to be a “mental health incident” that was resolved with the person being taken to hospital.
SCHEHERAZADE
The 'Scheherazade', attributed to Vladimir Putin, was recently spotted in Italian waters near Porto di Carrara, located about 50 kilometers from Pisa. The yacht has been idle for a long time, but is now active again in the waters of Tuscany. The yacht’s spotting follows rumors that several seized vessels belonging to Russian dignitaries appear to be enjoying freedom again. The vessel’s presence in Italian waters suggests a possible revision of sanctions or practical complications in managing these vast assets. European sanctions and oligarchs’ yachts, the seizure of which was one of the visible measures taken by Europe in response to the war of Russia against the Ukraine. These actions were aimed at freezing the assets of Russian oligarchs and prominent figures associated with the Kremlin. Almost a quarter of the 65 registered yachts belonging to Russian oligarchs were temporarily detained in countries such as Spain, Turkey and Italy. Although the sanctions initially seemed effective, the complexity and costs associated with managing these vessels, combined with legal and diplomatic pressure, appear to be contributing to their release.
AFRICAN MAGNOLIA
The sailing ban of the 'African Magnolia', which was detained in the port of Rosario for having a deceased crew member on board, was lifted after the autopsy of the body ruled out contagious diseases. The ship had been detained by court order in the port after the death of one of its crew members was reported. The incident occurred on the high seas on Dec 25, when a 47-year-old Filipino sailor died after suffering intense chest pain. The vessel arrived at the port on Jan 6, and the corresponding protocols were activated. Border Health inspectors and forensic personnel boarded the ship with protective equipment to carry out the necessary inspections, while any entry or exit from the ship was prohibited until the results of the autopsy were obtained. The medical report, carried out in a cold chamber on the ship, confirmed that the cause of death was a massive heart attack due to obstruction of the descending coronary artery, ruling out any infectious disease. The captain of the ship reported that the sailor had only reported intense pain in the chest before fainting. Despite the resuscitation maneuvers recommended by the Telematic Maritime Medical Assistance Service (CIRM), they were unable to save his life. During the procedure, the health status of the remaining 20 crew members was verified, who did not present any abnormalities. In addition, daily check-ups were carried out and disinfection measures were implemented to guarantee health safety. The case was supervised by the Argentine Naval Prefecture, the Federal Prosecutor's Office of Rosario and the Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. According to the Prosecutor's Office, it was a precautionary operation due to the lack of initial information on the causes of death. With the results of the autopsy confirmed, the intervening judge ordered the interdiction to be lifted, allowing the 'African Magnolia' to resume its voyage towards the Republic of Congo.