On Aug 8, 2024, the tanker 'Med Baltic', en route to Tarragona, spotted an inflatable boat with 15 people on board, among them one woman, 25 nautical miles southwest of Cabo de Gata. The CCS Almería of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Spica', which rescued them and transferred the castaways to Almería along with the towed boat. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1821535964281381349
News
MT TERRA NOVA
There was no date yet when the recovery of industrial fuel oil (IFO) from the 'Terra Nova' will start. On Aug 7, there was an ongoing simulation on how the IFO will be transferred to the prototype tank provided by Shogun Ships Co., Inc., as part of the salvage and siphoning operations. Personnel of the salvor, Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc., were still studying how to carefully attach the pipes from the tanks for the siphoning operation without causing a leak. A scenario of coagulation might happen to the IFO as the temperature under the sea, where the 1.4 million liters of oil are stuck, is low compared to the sea condition at the surface. If the IFO coagulates or becomes thicker, the IFO will be harder to siphon, a scenario being considered by the salvor. Members of the US Coast Guard and the Washington-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have arrived on Aug 6 in Limay to help in the oil spill response. The eight-man team from the USA was set to give technical assistance to the Incident Management Team for the recovery of the three ships, besides the 'Terra Nova' the 'ason Bradley' in Mariveles, and the grounded 'Mirola 1', also in Mariveles. 17,000 fisherfolk were affected by the three incidents, including 10,174 families in Limay and 4,822 families in Mariveles. A state of calamity has been declared in 21 areas in Luzon due to the oil spill in Bataan. Of these municipalities, 12 were in Bataan and nine were from Cavite, namely Cavite and Bacoor cities as well as the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Maragondon and Ternate. As of Aug 6, a total of 25,145 fishermen in Cavite were affected by the oil spill. Earlier, the Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office identified five oil spill-affected areas: Lobo, Lian, Rosario, Calatagan and Lipa City. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture warned consumers against eating fish caught in oil slick areas to avoid food poisoning as a result of ingesting contaminated seafood. The bureau has been conducting on-ground monitoring and assessment of fishing areas and communities that are potentially affected by three consecutive maritime incidents in the waters of Bataan. The bureau has deployed personnel in catch landing sites and local markets in the affected and nearby areas to ensure that oil spill-contaminated seafood does not reach the consumers and at the same time, evaluate market dynamics to maintain the price stability of fish. BFAR’s floating assets have been mobilized to assist partner agencies in monitoring and surveillance, clean-up operations, and fabrication and deployment of oil spill booms using used nets and coco fiber. The BFAR is closely coordinating with the provincial governments and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to expedite the early recovery program. The BFAR is to release fuel subsidies and additional food packs/relief packages to mitigate the impact of the oil spill on the livelihood of displaced fishers. Additionally, the agency is validating alternative areas for fishing. Report with photo: https://tribune.net.ph/2024/08/07/bataan-fishing-ban-continues-as-salvor-preps-for-oil-recovery
HEBRIDEAN ISLES
The 'Hebridean Isles' will leave CalMac’s fleet in Nov 2024 after almost four decades of operation, as she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul. Given her age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were she to enter it. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly missing the bulk of the winter timetable.. The 'Hebridean Isles'’ certification expires on Nov 21, so the ship will be removed from service by that date. CalMac expect her to exit active service in mid-November, allowing time to travel to a recycling facility before her certification expires. The vessel, which is one of the oldest in the CalMac fleet, has served west coast communities with distinction since her maiden voyage in December 1985. She has primarily served Islay in recent years. The first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey, Isle of Islay, will operate the route when she enters service later this year. A second vessel, the 'Loch Indaal', will serve Islay from early 2025. Works are ongoing to upgrade Kennacraig port on the mainland, and Port Askaig on Islay, in preparation for the new vessels arriving. They will increase vehicle and freight capacity on the route by almost 40 %. Photo by Mark Nicolson
MT TERRA NOVA
The Senate inquiry into the massive oil spill caused by the vessel will begin on Aug 13, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino announced on Aug 7. Tolentino had earlier filed a resolution seeking to investigate the cause of the oil spill that affected about 46,000 fishermen, marine biodiversity and food security in Bataan, Cavite, Metro Manila and neighbouring areas. Tolentino also urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to collaborate with other agencies to support fish vendors who are affected by the drop in catches and resulting fishing bans due to the oil spill. The government should also reach out to the fish vendor because who said that many fish stalls have now closed. De Mesa assured that the DA will work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to help fish vendors. The Philippine Coast Guard is currently receiving assistance from the US Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to contain the oil spill. A tug chartered by Shogun Ships Co., owner of the 'Terra Nova', has joined the Philippine Coast Guard in its efforts to contain the spread of the oil spill from the sunken tanker in the waters of Limay.
COLOR MAGIC
On Aug 5 at 8.25 p.m. a rescue helicopter of the Danish Defence took off in Roskilde after the 'Color Magic', sailing between Oslo and Kiel, had requested the medevac of a person on board. The patient was safely hoisted and transported to shore for further medical care.
SALVAMAR SPICA
On Aug 7, the 'Salvamar Spica' rescued 11 Moroccan migrants at 10:25 a.m. from a precarious 6-meter-long boat, which had been located by the sailing yacht 'Júpiter' eight nautical miles east of Cabo de Gata. The castaways were isembarked in Almería. The response was coordinated by the MRCC of Salvamento Marítimo in Almería.
SHTANDART
The 'Shtandart', banned from European ports due to sanctions against Russia, was nevertheless granted permission to stop in La Rochelle on Aug 5 and Aug 6 to refuel, The shoü had been banned from the port of Brest on July 7, and from participating in the city's maritime festivals in early July by order of the prefect of Finistère. The Finistère prefecture justified its decision by the application of European sanctions against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, extended since June 24, 2024 to "historical replica ships" or "having flown the Russian flag before February 24, 2022". The captain Vladimir Martus had challenged the prefectural decree before the administrative court of Rennes, assuring that he had "no link" with "the regime" of Vladimir Putin, but the court had rejected his request.. Now the prefect of Charente-Maritime authorised the ship to stop in the marina of La Rochelle to ensure its refuelling. The vessel changed flags at the beginning of June and is now registered in the Cook Islands.
MED BALTIC
On Aug 8, 2024, the 'Med Baltic', en route to Tarragona, spotted an inflatable boat with 15 people on board, among them one woman, 25 nautical miles southwest of Cabo de Gata. The CCS Almería of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the SAR boat 'Salvamar Spica', which rescued them and transferred the castaways to Almería along with the towed boat. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1821535964281381349
WSF SAMISH
On Aug 6, 2024, a passenger rushed to find crew members as they were about to leave Lopez Island for Anacortes. He explained that his wife was in labour on the car deck. Crew members and other passengers helped bring the woman up towards the ferry’s medical area, where she quickly gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 3:45 p.m. The family was airlifted to Anacortes for additional treatment.
CONTSHIP ONO
On Aug 7, 2024, Houthi terrorists said they attacked the 'Contship Uno' in the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles as well as two American destroyers. A speaker also said that the Houthi air force targeted the US destroyer, “Cole”, with a number of drones and the US destroyer, “Laboon” with a number of ballistic missiles. Contships Management said the vessel had not been hit and its crew were safe. U.S. military forces have struck at targets in Houthi-controlled Yemen in the past 24 hours, destroying two drones, a Houthi ground control station, and three anti-ship cruise missiles, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
ELISABET SATU
On Aug 7, 2024, at around 3 a.m. WITA, the 'Elisabet Satu' with 21 people on board and carrying a cargo of diesel fuel, caught fire near Tepekong Island, in Candidasa Waters close to Bugbug Village in the Karangasem Regency. The ship was on a domestic voyage. When the tanker neared Gili Tepekong, an explosion occurred. The tanker stopped, and a second explosions occurred near the accommodation block followed by a fire which was believed to have started in the engine room. The fire was brought under control by a number of tugs attending the scene. Five people were killed and others suffered burns, 15 crew members were injured. Of the injured, three were in critical condition, suffering 80 % burns. Only the ship’s captain escaped unscathed.. 12 people were taken to the Graha Bakti Hospital, Klungkung Regency, precisely Predy, Edudin, Amirul Raihan, Diva Ismah, Sigio Ditex, Amar, Renaldy, Zul Prior, Rival Arief, Robinson Pardamaian, Evtrika Ambara Sari and Risky Wulandari. The five victims were namely Joko (oiler), Ismail (oiler), Riski (masinique), Syahlan (oiler) and Faturahman (Kove machine). Reports with photos: https://voi.id/fr/berita/405642#google_vignette https://voi.id/fr/berita/405683 https://splash247.com/deadly-fire-rocks-indonesian-product-tanker/
ARKONA
On the afternoon of Aug 7, 2024, a fire broke out in the engine room of the German Navy 10-m-launch 'V 3', within sight of the beach in Rostock-Warnemünde. dark smoke from the traffic boat was visible from afar. At around 3:50 p.m., the two crew members on the boat sent a "Mayday" call about three-quarters of a nautical mile from Warnemünde. The fire quickly spread to the entire boat. The MRCC Bremen of the DGzRS deployed the 'Arkona' /Warnemünde station and nearby government ships to assist. Shortly afterwards, a small rescue boat from the German Red Cross (DRK) water rescue service, which ensures bathing on Warnemünde beach, reached the scene, rescued the two crew members and brought them safely to shore, where they were cared for by the shore-based rescue service, which was already on standby. The Ärkona' started fire fighting with its two large fire monitors. and brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. A short time later, the fire boat "Albert Wegener" from the Rostock fire brigade and the multi-purpose ship "Arkona" from the Waterways and Shipping Administration reached the scene and took over further fire fighting. The tug 'Fairplay 56' towed the burnt out wreck to the port of the Hohe Düne naval base. The water police have begun investigations. At the time of the accident, the weather was calm with a wind from the southeast at three Beaufort. Reports with photo:s and video https://www.seenotretter.de/aktuelles/seenotfaelle/seenotretter-im-einsatz-fuer-brennende-barkasse-vor-warnemuende https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/mecklenburg-vorpommern/rostock/Warnemuende-Beiboot-der-Marine-faengt-auf-Ostsee-Feuer,mvregiorostock664.html https://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/nordmagazin/Warnemuende-Beiboot-der-Marine-faengt-Feuer,nordmagazin120734.html
SALVAMAR SABIK
The sailing yacht 'Mimbus' ran aground on the Nules beach on Aug 7, 2024. The three crew members requested assistance. The CCS Catellón of Salvamento MArítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Sabik', which pulled the boat off and siubsequently towed it to Burriana. REport with photos: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1821188180521160895
SALVAMAR MACONDO
On Aug 8, 2024, a canoe was located six nautical miles south of Arguineguín. The CCS Las Palmas of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Macondo', which escorted the boat with 69 sub-Saharan people on board, to the port of Arguineguín. Report with photo:_ https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1821582503720943890
JOHN J BOLAND
Inadequate operating company guidance on underkeel clearance led to grounding of the 'John J. Boland' n Lake Huron on April 21, 2023 the National Transportation Safety Board said on Aug 6, 2024. The vessel grounded twice as it was completing final loading in Port Dolomite, Michigan. The crew discovered flooding and damage to the hull after it was underway. The vessel sustained over $775,000 in damage. The crew planned to load a total of 30,000 tons of three types of aggregate stone. The first mate created a load plan based on past load plans, the ship’s loading and stability software and the operating company’s draft guidance spreadsheet. The load plan required the drafts of the John J Boland be no greater than 26 feet 8 inches. The first mate believed the operating company’s draft guidance included a safety factor that would provide additional underkeel clearance between the vessel and the shoal, or shallow water, but the draft guidance did not include a safety factor. The operating company’s safety management system also did not provide guidance for creating load plans related to minimum underkeel clearances to be maintained during loading operations. The NTSB determined the operating company’s guidance was inadequate for creating a load plan with sufficient underkeel clearance. In addition to the inadequate company guidance, the NTSB also found the master’s decision to use the main engine to free the vessel after it grounded a second time also caused the hull damage. To free the vessel after it first grounded, the crew used mooring lines to move it ahead. After it was free, the crew continued to load the vessel, which likely placed the vessel harder onto the shoal. The master used the vessel’s main engine to free it and back off the dock after the second grounding because the vessel was ready to depart. The vessel’s hull would have scraped along the bottom as the master backed the vessel off the dock.
PIONEER
The 'Pioneer', belonging to Russia’s suspected dark fleet, the Pioneer, has reemerged in Norwegian waters after likely loading the first cargo of the liquid fuel from the western sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 facility. The vessel, chartered by Russia’s main LNG producer Novatek, with a capacity of 138,000 cubic meters of LNG, or 0.085bcm, was heading toward the Atlantic on the Norwegian Sea, close to the country’s northern tip, and was listed for orders on Aug 8. The 'Pioneer' had berthed in the Arctic LNG 2 terminal on Aug 25 and was still there over the weekend, presumably loading. However, the ship’s transponder showed it circling Russian waters over the last few days, in what was believed to be an intentional misrepresentation of its location. The dark fleet to service Arctic LNG 2 may involve three vessels, according to Eikland Energy, with the second, the 'Asya Energy', already showing a circling pattern in Russian waters, similar to the 'Pioneer' before its alleged spoofing.
ARATERE
The 'Aratere', only recently back in service after running aground near Picton, has been damaged while attempting to berth in Wellington on Aug 8 at about 3.30 p.m. amid strong winds. The vessel made contact with the link span, and as a result, there has been some damage to the link span as well as to the hull of the vessel at starboard side above the waterline. A dent on the side of the ship was also visible.. No-one was injured and there is no danger to the ship, passengers or the environment. There were 106 passengers and 40 crew members on board along with 17 commercial and 49 private vehicles. Foot passengers had left via the gangway and vehicles were able to exit, Reports with photo and video: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/08/08/aratere-ferry-damaged-while-docking-in-wellington/ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/524541/interislander-ferry-aratere-damaged-berthing-into-wellington-harbour
KANGEIMARU
Japan has resumed the hunting of the fin whales, killing the first in over 50 years. The whale, a 19.6-meter male weighing 55 tons, was captured by the state-owned Kyodo Senpaku using the newly commissioned 'Kaangei Maru', less than two weeks after the arrest of anti-whaling activist Paul Watson in Greenland. Japan has confirmed plans to kill up to 59 fin whales as part of its expanded commercial whaling target, which also includes minke, Bryde’s and sei whales.The decision came after Japan quit the International Whaling Commission (IWC), in 2019. The IWC previously operated under a scientific research loophole.Norway and Iceland have violated the IWC’s 1986 commercial whaling prohibition by taking advantage of regulatory loopholes.The Australian government, led by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, has expressed deep disappointment over Japan’s decision. Plibersek criticized the inclusion of fin whales in Japan’s commercial hunt, reiterating Australia’s opposition to any form of commercial whaling.The Australian Marine Conservation Society’s CEO, Darren Kindleysides, condemned the hunt describing it cruel, inhumane and unnecessary and urged for a strong stance at the upcoming IWC meeting in Peru.The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists fin whales, the world’s second-largest whales, as endangered. International conservation groups have strongly criticized Japan’s expansion of whaling activities. Nicola Beynon of Humane Society International (HSI) criticized the killing as causing severe suffering and pointed out the lack of justification for such actions. HSI’s Adam Peyman emphasized the critical need for whale conservation amid rising threats from climate change, pollution and ship strikes. Watson, the founder of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation,meanwhile remained in custody in Greenland, awaiting Denmark’s decision on Japan’s extradition request. His detention has been widely condemned as a political move to obstruct anti- whaling efforts.P rominent figures have expressed support for Watson’s release, including French President Emmanuel Macron, filmmaker James Cameron, and conservationists Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Sylvia Earle.
SALVAMAR SIRIUS
On Aug 7 the MRCC Lagarde reported to the CNCS the Swiss 12 m-sailing yacht *Papou'' with two crew members, which had suffered a leak after hitting a rock near Aiguablava. Bailing out the water proved to be difficult with the boat's own motor pump. The CCS Barcelona of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Sirius', which assisted in pumping out the water and then towed the yacht to the travelift in the Marina Palamós in collaboration with the Aiguablava boatmen. Report with photos: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1821192692061089890