The U.S. Coast Guard recently seized two oil tankers tied to Venezuela, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, which had previously evaded a blockade. This operation occurred in the North Atlantic, under U.S. coordination, while Russian military vessels were nearby. Homeland Security affirmed the vessels’ involvement in transporting sanctioned oil.
On December 27, 2025, a tragic fire erupted in the engine room of the tourist ship ‘Atlantic Cruise’ while docking at Nuniachhara jetty. Crew member Nur Kamal, 35, sadly lost his life during the incident. Fortunately, around 200 tourists escaped unharmed, thanks to the quick response of local authorities.
Morocco plans to unveil a new deepwater port on the Mediterranean by next year and another on the Atlantic by 2028, emulating the success of Tanger Med. Nador West Med will feature an LNG terminal and expansive industrial zones, while Dakhla aims to support heavy industries and green hydrogen production.
Twenty apprentices from the Grand Bahamas Shipyard have traveled over 4,000 miles to The Engineering College in Birkenhead, England, to enhance their marine engineering skills. This 18-week program, in partnership with Cammell Laird, equips them for future work on cruise ships and tankers, marking a transformative step in their careers.
On the night of February 8, 2000, the crew of the British research vessel, RRS Discovery, braved a fierce storm in the North Atlantic with waves as high as a ten-story building. The captain and crew’s quick actions prevented a potential collision with a trawler, highlighting the importance of vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
The Explorer of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, faced a terrifying ordeal in near hurricane-force winds. Passengers slid around as the ship rolled dramatically, with injuries reported. Captain Frank’s quick response led the ship back to Las Palmas for medical assistance. Despite weather monitoring, unforeseen challenges can arise at sea.
A product tanker was robbed by armed pirates in the middle of the Atlantic, a rare occurrence outside of piracy hot zones. The crew was unharmed as the pirates took money and ship property before fleeing. The incident, 363 nautical miles south-southwest of the Cape Verde islands, is being investigated by officials.
