Finnish authorities are investigating significant damage to a telecommunications cable caused by the anchor of the cargo vessel Fitburg. Seized after underwater surveys revealed drag marks, the incident is being treated as potential sabotage, with crew members detained. The investigation raises alarms about security threats in the Baltic Sea.
Finnish police have seized the cargo vessel “Fitburg,” suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecom cable between Helsinki and Estonia. The incident, occurring in the Gulf of Finland, raises alarms amid a series of similar disruptions. The crew has been detained, and NATO countries remain on high alert for potential threats.
On December 25, 2023, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Genius Star XI experienced two major fires caused by improperly secured lithium-ion battery cargo during severe weather. An NTSB investigation revealed failures in securing equipment, resulting in cargo shifts and thermal runaway in several battery units, highlighting risks in maritime lithium-ion transport.
On November 9, three Vietnamese seafarers were arrested by the Busan Coast Guard for attempting to forcibly enter the captain’s cabin of a Panamanian-flagged cargo ship at Gamcheon Port. The violent confrontation, involving an axe, raised serious concerns about safety and underlying crew issues, prompting investigations into their motivations.
The Busan Coast Guard reported a violent incident involving three Vietnamese crew members aboard a Panama-registered cargo ship near Gamcheon Port. After a confrontation escalated to threats with weapons, the Coast Guard intervened. Arrest warrants were issued for assault, intimidation, and property damage, highlighting serious maritime safety concerns.
The cargo ship Shetland Trader experienced a blackout while arriving at Cowes on November 4, colliding with private boats. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but several vessels were damaged. The ship, which has a history of operational issues, is now under investigation following the incident.
The Thai Ha 8888 cargo vessel, carrying 5,900 tonnes of cement, sank near Lang Co due to severe weather at 12:30 AM on October 27. Captain Nguyen Van Dong and seven crew members abandoned ship, later rescued by the Long Son 38 vessel. Authorities are monitoring for potential fuel leaks.
The ZES Pilot, a cargo ship owned by R-B Maritime Oy, remains stranded in a Dutch port, with crew members reporting unpaid wages totaling nearly €10,000. Frustration mounts as the captain abandons the vessel, leaving the crew without provisions. The situation highlights a growing crisis for maritime workers globally.
Approximately six weeks after running aground in Canada’s Arctic, the Dutch cargo ship Thamesborg, with its icebreaker and tug escorts, has departed the Northwest Passage. After being refloated and taking on cargo, the convoy is now heading south through Baffin Bay, aiming to exit Arctic waters soon.
Royal Wagenborg successfully refloated the vessel Thamesborg, stranded for 33 days in the Franklin Strait, Canada. After offloading 5,000 tons of cargo, the ship was freed on October 9. An inspection team evaluated the hull, and the vessel is set to head to Baie Comeau by October 24.
Spliethoff’s cargo vessel, Minervagracht, was attacked by an explosive device in the Gulf of Aden, injuring two crew members. The ship, traveling east from Djibouti, suffered significant damage and is currently battling a fire. Spliethoff is cooperating with authorities and supporting the affected seafarers during this crisis.
A general cargo ship flying the Netherlands flag was attacked southeast of Yemen, about 120 nautical miles from Aden, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. An unidentified projectile struck the vessel, igniting a fire onboard. The incident raises concerns about potential ties to Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces amid rising tensions.
On September 18, the Turkish Coast Guard successfully rescued seven crew members from the grounded cargo ship Rapid off the Kocaeli coast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The vessel, carrying gypsum to Ukraine, was pushed ashore by severe weather. Salvage operations will resume once conditions improve.
A civilian cargo ship, NS PRIDE, flagged in Belize, was damaged by an explosion near Ukraine’s Odesa region. Fortunately, the crew remained unharmed. This incident underscores ongoing tensions in the area, raising concerns about the safety of maritime vessels navigating conflict zones amid significant military activity.
A fire erupted Saturday in Yeosu, South Korea, involving an oil tanker and a cargo ship, resulting in one death and two injuries. While both vessels were moored, witnesses alerted the Coast Guard. Rescue operations saved 18 crew members, but the cargo ship’s captain was found unconscious and later died.
