Captain Elimar Jucal of the M/V Devon Bay displayed extraordinary courage, ordering his crew to abandon ship as severe weather struck. While 15 crew members were rescued, he remains among four missing. The vessel sank near Scarborough Shoal, carrying nickel ore, with tragic losses and a commendable rescue effort by the Chinese Coast Guard.
Finland’s Border Guard is establishing a maritime surveillance center to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland. This initiative, driven by recent outages and heightened security concerns, aims to enhance monitoring of unusual vessel movements. Collaboration with Baltic nations and the EU will involve advanced sensors and AI for real-time analysis.
The manslaughter trial of Captain Vladimir Motin resumed in London, where he faces charges related to a crew member’s death. Defense lawyer James Leonard questioned Motin about allegations of falling asleep or leaving the bridge. Motin denied these claims, asserting he had remained at his post since 0800 that morning.
In March, Vladimir Motin, the watchkeeper aboard the Solong, faced trial after a collision with the Stena Immaculate led to crew member Mark Angelo Pernia’s death. Motin refrained from a “crash stop,” fearing it would endanger others, and claimed he was unaware of Pernia’s position during the incident.
The 8th India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS), happening January 29-31 in Kochi, highlights the rise of electric propulsion in India’s maritime industry. With 65 exhibitors showcasing innovations, including electric ferries and marine technologies, the event emphasizes sustainability and positions Kochi as a hub for electric watercraft advancements.
Coastal nations bordering the Baltic and North Seas, alongside Iceland, have raised alarms over growing navigation dangers. A coalition of 14 countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, highlighted the crucial reliance on satellite navigation. They warned that interference, particularly by the Russian Federation, threatens maritime safety in European waters.
Spain’s National Police have dismantled a major maritime smuggling operation, arresting over 100 individuals and seizing more than 10 tonnes of cocaine. The Central Drug and Organized Crime Unit warns that this disruption may destabilize the criminal organization, although its leader remains at large. The operation unveiled a complex transatlantic network.
A cargo ship, Eikborg, has lost its rudder off Portugal’s central coast, prompting port closures and warnings. The incident, linked to a failed dredging operation, occurred shortly after departure. Adverse weather complicates efforts as the captain awaits a tugboat for assistance, while port officials stress the dredging issues persist.
The maritime electrification movement is accelerating as shipowners seek propulsion methods that meet stricter emissions standards while ensuring efficiency. Recent studies identify battery systems as viable for decarbonization, particularly with the rise of hybrid powertrains. This shift is reshaping vessel design, making battery-electric propulsion essential for various fleets.
A study by Vard confirms the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered offshore vessels through the NuProShip II project. It demonstrates the integration of small fourth-generation nuclear reactors into dynamically positioned vessels, promising zero greenhouse gas emissions and improved operational endurance. The project emphasizes safety, efficiency, and the need for updated regulatory frameworks.
Norwegian police have charged Hemla Africa Holding AS and two executives with bribery, alleging they paid millions to relatives of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The investigation, prompted by Monaco police, revealed significant bribes tied to the president’s family. Hemla Africa, a PetroNor subsidiary, denies wrongdoing amid a share price drop.
Seafarers face severe mental health challenges due to maritime piracy, as highlighted by Mental Health Support Solutions. Clinical Psychologist Alexander Dimitrevich emphasizes the need for companies to prioritize crew well-being. With over 6,000 seafarers affected, he calls for comprehensive support, including pre-joining preparation and ongoing access to mental health professionals.
On Monday morning, the interisland ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan Province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The vessel had departed Zamboanga City with 332 passengers and 27 crew members. As of Monday, 317 individuals were rescued, but 28 remain unaccounted for. The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
A Zodiac Maritime tanker, Horten, rescued a Belgian rower after his boat, City of Liverpool, capsized in the Atlantic Ocean during the World’s Toughest Row Race. The rower, caught in 13 to 15-foot seas, deployed his life raft. The crew located and saved him after nearly 24 hours in distress.
In 2025, Indian seafarers faced unprecedented abandonment, with 1,125 cases reported by the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Total abandoned seafarers reached 6,223, highlighting a crisis in the shipping industry. Despite the Indian government’s proactive measures, unpaid wages soared to $25.8 million, emphasizing urgent reforms needed for seafarer protection.
