About 1,500 young adults participating in heritage trips to Israel have been evacuated to Cyprus by the 'Crown Iris', which is operated by Israeli-based Mano Maritime. The ship arrived in Larnaca on June 17, 2025, carrying approximately 1,500 participants of Birthright Israel. The 13-hour journey from Ashdod Port, south of Tel Aviv, was escorted across the Mediterranean by the Israeli navy. Birthright Israel, an organization partially funded by the Israeli government, offers free 10-day “heritage trips” to Israel for Jewish young adults aged 18 to 26. About 2,800 international participants in the program, mostly from the United States, had found themselves stranded in Israel since the morning of June 13, when the conflict with Iran began. Birthright Israel is covering all transportation costs for these evacuations. The Florida Governor Ron DeSantis chartered four wide-body planes to fly all evacuated U.S. participants from Larnaca directly to Tampa, Florida.The evacuation efforts, both by air and sea, were ongoing for the remaining international participants in the country. Report with photo and video: https://cruisefever.net/cruise-ship-evacuates-1500-young-adults-mostly-us-citizens-from-israel/
News
MELITA
The 'Melita', while listing heavily to port side with a flooded hull, has remained afloat. Its buoyancy was increased with additional balloons so that it may towed to the port of Zadar. While it was kept stable for now by the tug 'Pollux',, towing may cause additional flooding with the risk of sinking completely. Work was underway to stabilize and inspect the catamaran so that it can be towed to a safe berth, after which an investigation into the causes of this maritime accident can begin by the National Center for Coordination of Search and Rescue at Sea in Rijeka. The Agency for the Investigation of Accidents in Air, Sea and Rail Transport will conduct an on-site investigation to determine the circumstances of the accident. The "Melita" will most likely end up in the shipyard in Betina or Šibenik. After the ship had passed Ždrelac, it was hit by severe swell on the route Zadar - Sali - Zaglav - Bršanj - Zadar, and in front of Zadar, a wave hit the bow so hard that that it cracked. The sea slowly started to enter the ship, and it started to list. Reports with photo and video: https://zadarski.slobodnadalmacija.hr/zadar/kalelarga/butkovic-o-havariji-broda-melita-brod-jos-uvijek-pluta-stabilizira-se-dodatnim-balonima-da-ne-potone-1483451 https://zadarski.slobodnadalmacija.hr/zadar/4-kantuna/ispovijest-putnika-s-katamarana-melita-posada-je-bila-odlicna-bili-smo-smireni-samo-su-dva-talijana-u-panici-skocili-u-more-1483417 https://zadarski.slobodnadalmacija.hr/zadar/4-kantuna/ispovijest-putnika-s-katamarana-melita-posada-je-bila-odlicna-bili-smo-smireni-samo-su-dva-talijana-u-panici-skocili-u-more-1483417?fbclid=IwY2xjawK_guxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpiycrvYR6hPiIfBtd8hkkWMnjWRGjX44uRIsqPv2rVhY95azaVi3F0tuekK_aem_XPZou2dfG07R49ik3y5naQ
WAN HAI 503
As of June 17 at 6 p.m., the 'Wan Hai 503' was positioned in pos. 10°03.64'N, 075°00.41'E, approximately 68.5 nautical miles off the Kerala coast, maintaining a slow north westward drift on course 250° at 1.0 knots. The vessel remained connected via a single towline to the tug 'Offshore Warrior', which continued to maintain its offshore position. The weather at the site remained adverse, with Lat. 10°03.64'N, Long. 075°00.41'E 68.5 nm from Kerala coast westerly winds between 29–34 knots, gusting up to 39 knots, intermittent heavy rainfall, and periods of zero visibility, all of which were significantly impeding firefighting and boarding operations. The condition of the fire onboard continued to show incremental improvement. Grey smoke was still observed in the midship area near Frame 113 (Bay 14) and at Frame 37–39, indicating persistent heat concentration. Light white smoke was intermittently visible forward of the accommodation block at Bay 50 on the starboard side. No naked flames have been reported in the accommodation or aft sections. Boundary cooling was being effectively maintained on the deck, and internal compartments were being monitored through thermal imaging. The vessel remained stable, although the structural condition, particularly in high-heat-exposed zones, remained under close evaluation by the salvage team. Firefighting and boundary cooling efforts continued in rotation with the support of the tugs 'Boka Winger', 'Garnet', 'Saksham' and 'Water Lily', each targeting identified risk zones across the vessel, with emphasis on the midship and forward areas. The operational plan involveed the continuation of this rotation, ensuring uninterrupted cooling and containment. The tug ‘Boka Winger’ was conducting fifi operation. The 'Offshore Warrior' remained in command of towing and was also receiving bunkering support from the Indian Coast Guard to sustain operations, though the bunkering operations to further replenish the vessel were not successful owing to adverse weather conditions. While the 'Triton Liberty' has been released for redeployment by the Indian Navy, the 'Saroja Blessing', which returned to port for engine repairs, was expected to be operational by midnight and may be tasked with laying a second towline, subject to prevailing conditions. Additional international salvage personnel including Dutch, Filipino, and Indian, were scheduled to board, along with specialised firefighting resources and equipment, including SCBAs and thermal cameras. MERC and SpillTech were now jointly managing the shoreline response mechanism, operating a 24x7 unit for container recovery and HAZMAT handling. The coordination for the mobilisation and visa facilitation of SpillTech’s experts was ongoing. Environmental support continued through ITOPF, and efforts were underway to assess and expedite high-capacity salvage tugs from regional hubs, including Sri Lanka and Singapore. Contingency discussions for a Port of Refuge continued, with Jebel Ali under primary consideration, subject to complete fire suppression, structural integrity assessments, and regulatory permissions. Alternatives in Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Qatar were also under review. The identification of a body reportedly washed ashore near the Kerala coast is currently under verification, with support from the local authorities. The Directorate General of Shipping continued to lead the real-time coordination of all stakeholders, with regular operational briefings being submitted to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and reviewed at the highest levels of government. Efforts remained focused on fire suppression, structural safety, and safe relocation of the vessel out of Indian waters under controlled tow. The Indian authorities have opened a criminal inquiry against the master and crew of the 'Wan Hai 503', They have determined that the fire was likely caused by a misdeclared cargo of explosives. Misdeclaration occurs during the landside segment of the logistics process, before the container arrives at the quay and is loaded aboard the ship. The Fort Kochi Police have received a First Information Report (initial criminal allegation) against the vessel and the surviving crew members, alleging that they were responsible for the cargo fire that left four shipmates missing. The charges were comprehensive, including negligent navigation; obstructing lines of navigation; negligent handling toxic substances; negligent handling of flammable materials; and endangering human life by using explosives. An additional conspiracy charge applied to the crew's allegedly unified actions. The crew had abandoned the vessel immediately after the explosion. The decision to leave the ship was suspicious. No charges have been announced yet against any shoreside entities in connection with the alleged misdeclaration of the cargo. However, Nhava Sheva port officials were looking into whether a shipping agency may have booked explosives as general cargo.
LOCH PORTAIN
Due to an issue with the lift of the 'Loch Portain', serving on the route Berneray-Leverburgh, an amended timetable was operated up to and including June 22 to allow the crew to support passengers who require assistance and meets statutory requirements for crew hours of rest. Onm June 11, the lift control system has been replaced, rectifying the previously identified failure. During operational testing, a motor unrelated to the control system failed. As a result of this, the lift has to remain out of service until the spare part has been delivered. After the lift was repaired on June 17, to allow previous essential booked traffic to travel, the amended timetable will continue to operate on June 18. The normal published timetable was to be operated again from June 19.
BBC TEXAS
On June 11, 2025, the ' BBC Texas' was dtained in Sept-Iles with 11 deficiencies, six of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Alarms - UMS - Alarms Inadequate 2) Fire safety - Fire fighting equipment and appliances Not properly maintained 3) Fire safety - Division - decks, bulkheads and penetrations Not as required 4) Life saving Appliances - Lifeboats Not properly maintained 5) Propulsion and auxiliary machinery - Operation of machinery Lack of familiarity 6) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on June 14 and left the port enroute to Baltimore with an ETA as of June 19. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
FAIRPLAY
The 'Fairplay' could finally be refloated on the afternoon of June 15. The captain took advantage of the fact that the river's water level had risen again after heavy rain falls on June 15.. Another cargo shi, the "Vaiana" (MMSI: 205393890), proceeded from the West Port in Regensburg. It initially attempted to create waves by passing in order to free the "Fairplay." When that failed, the "Vaiana" stopped, attached ropes, and finally pulled the "Fairplay" free. The operation took several minutes. The 'Fairplay' then entered the West Port of Regensburg with own power on June 17 at 10.30 a.m, where a part of the cargo of iron ore will be unloaded. The bottom of the Danube was being investigated at the scene of the incident. Therefore, ships could not pass each other in the affected area for the time being. Report with photos and video: https://www.mittelbayerische.de/lokales/stadt-regensburg/ploetzlich-ist-das-frachtschiff-weg-fairplay-loest-sich-von-selbst-18880415
HINNOY
On June 17, 2025, at 9 a.m. the 'Hinnøy' had to canceled the service Lødingen - Bognes until further notice due to a technical fault. The ferry was sidelined in Lødingen for troubleshooting. At 6:20 p.m., the operator Torghatten announced that tthe ship would resume its scheduled sailings with a first departure at 7:00 p.m. from the port of Lødingen. The ferry had its maiden voyage on the route only on June 6. It was originally scheduled to operate from June 1, but the first voyage had to be postponed for a few days.
MELITA
In a major SAR operation, involving several vessels, all 43 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the ' Melita', was in fsnhrt og sinking off Croatia’s coast, after being damaged by waves, causing a hull crack, on June 16, 2025. The distress situation developed at around 9.40 p.m., minutes before it was due to enter the port of Zadar. Water entered the hull, prompting an immediate response from the ferry 'Jadran' (IMO: 9559119) and a boat from the Zadar Port Authority. There were 38 passengers and five crew members aboard the catamaran ferry. The quick reaction of the crew and the captain, who was the last to leave the ship, prevented any casualties. After putting on life jackets, the passengers went on deck. The boat of the Port Authority arrived in about ten minutes. Just as the ferry "Jadran", whcih stopped to the lee of the catamaran so that all the passengers could board the raft as easily as possible. Two Italians, probably in panic, jumped into the sea. The port authority reacted quickly and dropped ife jackets. The captain was the last to leave the catamaran. The boat of the Port Authority towed the raft to the'Jadran', where they rmbarked and were taken to the port of Gaženica. Some returned immediately home, others were taken to the hospital undergoing examination. Reports with photos and video: https://balkaninsight.com/2025/06/17/passengers-and-crew-rescued-from-sinking-ship-off-croatias-coast/ https://zadarski.slobodnadalmacija.hr/zadar/kalelarga/kakav-prizor-putnici-s-tonuceg-broda-snimljeni-na-splavi-pogledajte-njihovu-reakciju-nakon-drame-koju-su-dozivjeli-1483320
YSER
On the early morning of June 16, 2025, the CROSS Gris-Nez was alerted by the police (DIPN North - Lille), which postponed the departure of a migrant boat off the Dunkirk Dunes Canal. The CROSS deployed the 'Yser' to locate the boat. Once on site, the vessel noticed that the boat was overloaded, and approached it to clarify the situation of the occupants, three of whom requested assistance. The 'Yse'r initially began treating three injured people. before subsequently recovering 21 other migrants of the boat. The boat continued its journey towards British waters with the remaining occupants, while the launch headed for the port of Calais to disembark the rescued people, whjo were taken into care by the emergency services on land.
O TITAN
On June 17, 2025, the 'O Titán', with 11 crew members on board, got its propeller fouled by the fishing gear 10 nautical miles southwest of Fisterra, and requested assistance. The CCS Fisterra of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the SAR boat 'Salvamar Régulus' ( MMSI: 224089250,), which took the fishing vessel in tow anmd safely pulled it to Portosín, where the obstruction was removed from the propulsion.
CALEDONIAN ISLES
The efforts to resolve the gearbox issue of the 'Caledonian Isles' were ongoing. The ferry was is now expected to resume timetabled service to and from Ardrossan from June 25. Sea trials were continuing to gather data on the issue, and a specialist engineer was expected to attend the vessel later this week. During this period, the ferries 'Glen Sannox' and 'Alfred' continued to operate the route Troon-Brodick to the following timetable. The booking system of CalMac was currently closed for new bookings and amendments, and impacted customers were contacted as soon as possible, and in date order of sailings / bookings. Due to the further delay of the 'Caledonian Isles' returning to service, buses continued to operate between Ardrossan port and Troon port for foot passengers until further notice. A separate bus continued to operate between Troon train Station and Troon port for the 'Glen Sannox' sailings. Full update: http://calm.ac/41 for full update
MUSTAFA HARMANDA
On June 16, 2025, the 'Mustafa Harmanda' was detained in Gemlik with 15 deficiencies, eight of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Certificate & Doc - Oil record book Entries missing 2) Life saving Appliances - Inflatable liferafts Not ready for use 3) Life saving Appliances - Rescue boats Inoperative 4) Emergency systems - Fire pump and its pipes Not as required 5) Emergency systems - Emergency steering position/com /compass reading Inoperative 6) Fire safety - Fire doors/openings in fire resisting division Not as required 7) Fire safety - Fire fighting equipment and Appliances Not as required 8)) Living and working - Gas instruments Inoperative The vessel was released again on June 16 and left the port enroute to Aliaga with an ETA as of June 19. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591
MARATHON
The 'Marathon', part of Russia’s shadow fleet, attempted to pass unnoticed through Estonia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) during nighttime hours in order to avoid possible interception and inspection. The vessel had no valid registration at the time, a fact that would have given Estonian authorities the legal grounds to board and detain the ship. The tanjer crossed the Baltic Sea between June 11 and 13, 2025. Before entering Estonian waters, the vessel slowed down significantly and remained nearly stationary for approximately 28 hours. It then sped through Estonia’s EEZ shortly before sunrise on June 13 at around 4:00 a.m. UTC. During the crossing, the 'Marathon' did not anchor or stop and proceeded directly toward Russia. No boarding or escort by Estonian authorities was observed. The ship’s extended delay and choice to transit before daylight strongly suggest the crew aimed to minimize their time in Estonian waters — particularly during daylight hours, when the risk of aerial surveillance or boarding by authorities is higher. The 'Marathon' did not speed up in areas where other vessels had previously been intercepted, indicating the crew likely timed their passage carefully rather than simply trying to rush through Estonian waters. The Estonian authorities had the right to stop the tanker. Though the ship broadcasted an AIS signal indicating it was flying the flag of Cameroon, it had in fact lost its registration with Djibouti after being sanctioned by the EU, leaving it effectively flagless. The 'Marathon'’s timing strongly suggested that it sought to avoid even the possibility of a compliant boarding by transiting at night and not anchoring, effectively removing the window for legal engagement. On June 15, the Marathon entered the port of Primorsk in Russia’s Leningrad Region, where its draft increased, presumably due to cargo being loaded. The vessel departed on June16, with its current listed destination as Port Said, Egypt. The 'Marathon' is under sanctions from the UK, EU, and Canada.
UKHAN
Beached at Alang 17.06.25 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10161590247705036&set=gm.10164867101578943&idorvanity=6884293942
SEA EYE 5
After entering the port of Pozzallo on Jujne 15, the Italian authorities have detained the 'Sey Eye 5' on teh evening of June 16. The Italian authorities justified the measure with alleged violations by the crew of instructions from the MRCC in Rome. Sea-Eye announced that it would take legal action against the detention. The ship had rescued 65 refugees from an overcrowded rubber dinghy about 50 nautical miles off the Libyan coast on Juen 14 and brought them to Sicily. Among the rescued were numerous women and several seriously injured. Upon the arrival in Pozzallo, the crew of the 'Sea-Eye 5' was initially not allowed to disembark all of the rescued people as planned. After several hours of negotiations with the Italian authorities, the y were brought ashore safely. The authorities initially quarantined the rescue ship.
SPEEDRUNNER JET 2
On June 17, 2025, at midday, the Port Authority of Skopelos was informed by the Captain of the 'Speeddrunner Jet 2' about a failure of the starboard side ramp during the mechanical release process. As a consequence, the departure of the ferry was delayed. Following the manual closure of the ramp, the ship departed for Glossa, Skiathos and Mantoudi at 315 p.m., instead of the scheduled at 1:40 p.m., with 140 passengers, 18 cars, 3 RVs and one camper on board.
COSTA TOSCANA
On the early morning of June 18, 2025, a crew member of the 'Costa Toscana' needed to be medically evacuated, while the cruise ship was sailing 55 nautical miles off Palma de Mallorca, en route from Barcelona to Ibiza. The SAR helicopter Helimer 222 was mobilized by the CCS Palma of Salvamento Marítimo. The patient was safely hoisted along with the onboard doctor and transported to the Son Espases Hospital in Palma.
MAERSK NILE
On June 13, 2025, the 'Maersk Nile' left Bremerhaven fully loaded, but turned around at the Outer Weser Anchorage on Kune 14 at 04:00 a.m. (Lat. 53.8736 Lng. 7.5242), and headed back to Bremerhaven at 08:00 a.m. At 10:30 a.m. the ship passed the Kaiser Lock and finally berthed in the connecting port at around 11 a.m. It sailed again on June 17 at 9 p.m., headed to Newark, USA, with an ETA as of June 27.
WILSON NANJING
After the allision on June 12, 2025, at 8:15 p.m., the 'Wilson Nanjing' was subjected to a port state control and detained with 12 deficiencies, five of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Life saving Appliances - Onboard training and instructions Lack of training 2) Water/Weathertight - Railing, gangway, walkway and means for safe passage Damaged 3) Safety of navigation - Voyage data recorder Not as required 4) Living and working - Fitness for duty - intoxication Unfit for duty 5) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on June 17 and proceeded to the Weser Anchorage on June 18, where it dropped anchor in pos. 53° 55' N 007° 49' E, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063576908591