The captain of the container ship Single faced charges of gross negligence after colliding with an oil tanker, causing casualties. Vladimir Motin from St. Petersburg was blamed for the incident off East Yorkshire. The collision involved the Single and Stena Flawless, prompting an emergency response and loss of crew. Investigations are ongoing to determine the causes.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of four seafarers in an attack in Odessa on March 11. He extended condolences to the families and stressed the importance of protecting seafarers from becoming casualties in broader conflicts. The IMO remains dedicated to enhancing maritime safety.
John Canias, a former seafarer, stood up for his rights in 1998 when asked to sign lower-wage contracts. Despite being blacklisted by his manning agency, he found a new purpose working with the ITF in 2001. Now a Maritime Operations Coordinator, he advocates for seafarers’ rights worldwide, emphasizing the importance of unions in times of need.
The British police arrested the Russian captain of the Solong freight ship for suspected negligence in the collision with the US oil tanker Stena Mackinaw. Concerns about environmental damage are high as the tanker leaked jet fuel. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident and prevent further harm to the region.
InterManager, in collaboration with industry partners, is conducting a survey to gather feedback from seafarers on enclosed space risks. The goal is to identify specific areas of concern and improve safety procedures. Despite efforts to reduce fatalities, incidents in enclosed spaces remain a major issue. Seafarers are urged to participate in the survey.
A crew member shared a terrifying ordeal when their ship was hit by the Solong, which continued to collide for what felt like an eternity. With no one on the other vessel’s bridge, flames erupted, prompting the crew to don protective gear and fight the fire. Despite the chaos, their quick response and training saved lives.
The North Sea incident continues to unfold, with one seafarer arrested for gross negligence manslaughter. The missing crew member of the “Solong” vessel is presumed deceased, while survivors receive support. Investigations by the MAIB and Humberside Police are ongoing, with collaboration from US and Portuguese authorities to determine the cause of the collision.
On March 7, 2025, the ITF launched the “Women at Sea” website to empower women in the maritime industry. The initiative aims to create a global network for female seafarers while promoting ITF-affiliated trade unions. During discussions, experts emphasized inclusivity and the necessity of addressing gender-related challenges in maritime roles.
A crew stranded on a beached cargo ship in the Humber estuary is receiving essential supplies and donations of sweets from concerned locals. The ship, H&S Wisdom, got stuck on a sandbank after traveling from Rotterdam. Efforts to refloat the vessel are set to begin soon, with support from rescuers and the community.
The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers is committed to enforcing the Magna Carta for Seafarers to protect them from abandonment. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the department to uphold seafarers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of following international regulations. Efforts are being made to address crew welfare and ensure payment of wages for abandoned seafarers.
Ruth Philip’s journey to becoming PNG Ports’ first female marine pilot has been a challenging yet rewarding one. Overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated industry, she persevered through hard work and determination, supported by her partner. Her success serves as inspiration for aspiring female seafarers, highlighting the ongoing battle for gender equality in maritime.
The unjust 30-year sentences for Phoenician M crewmembers have ignited outrage, with experts like Steven Jones demanding urgent reforms in the shipping industry. He highlights wrongful convictions, like those of Captain Bekavac and Chief Officer Albokhari, urging the establishment of a centralized advocacy body to combat the criminalization of seafarers effectively.
Sailors’ Society has launched a helpline for female seafarers, offering emotional support and crisis assistance. With women making up only 2% of the maritime workforce, this initiative aims to provide a safe space for female cadets and seafarers to seek help. Supported by Skuld, the helpline is a step towards gender equality in the industry.
Helio Vicente, director at the International Chamber of Shipping, will lead a task force addressing the alarming rise in seafarer abandonment, from 1,676 in 2023 to 3,133 in 2024. The initiative seeks to enhance an outdated abandonment database, ensuring accurate case reporting and stronger protections for seafarers in the maritime industry.
Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority have joined forces to launch a maritime training program to boost the local maritime sector and support the blue economy. The initiative offers fully funded sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets, addressing the challenge of practical experience for graduates and building capacity within the seafaring community.
