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.
Japanese authorities have arrested the 28-year-old captain of Sada Maru No 38 after his gravel carrier collided with a yacht near Hoto Island, Oita. The incident resulted in one fatality amid poor visibility. Officials continue searching for missing persons as investigators probe possible negligence by the detained captain and crew.
On August 7, a fire broke out on the cargo vessel Tali in the North Sea near Norway. With 14 crew members aboard, the ship was en route from Cuxhaven to Tau. Norwegian authorities swiftly responded, and all crew were safe, though one was airlifted for smoke inhalation evaluation.
On Friday, all 20 crew members of the Vietnamese cargo vessel GT Unity were rescued after a fire broke out in its engine room, about 104 nautical miles from Côn Đảo Island. The Liberian-flagged ship Androusa reported the incident, prompting swift rescue efforts by maritime authorities.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has informed the High Court that the Kerala government lacks jurisdiction over the capsizing of the ELSA 3, which occurred 14.5 nautical miles off the coast, outside India’s territorial waters. MSC argues that the state’s ₹9,531 crore compensation claim is speculative and unsupported.
On July 24, the MN Kostas, a 5,800-ton cargo ship, ran aground off Crete. The Hellenic Coast Guard swiftly evacuated 14 crew members and launched rescue operations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and there were no signs of sea pollution. Investigations led to the detention of the captain and Bridge Watch Officer.
Seventeen crew members remain missing after the MV Eternity C sank in the Red Sea. The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed that two fatalities were previously reported, but the exact death toll is unclear. Rescue operations continue, with five survivors safe and providing critical information about the incident.
A tragic incident involving the cargo ship Nefryt a decade ago resulted in two fatalities and numerous hospitalizations due to phosphine gas poisoning. Captain Kuba Szymanski underlines the critical lack of safety information for crew members. The International Maritime Organization now recognizes shared documentation responsibilities between captains and cargo senders to enhance maritime safety.
Philippine authorities worked with local crewing agencies to resolve a pay dispute involving a crew stranded on a cargo ship in the Iloilo Strait. The crew, facing unpaid wages and provisions, refused to sail due to safety concerns. Intervention led to the repatriation of six Filipino crew members for medical evaluation.
