On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated ‘Samudra Pratap’, its first domestically developed pollution control vessel. This achievement enhances India’s ability to tackle maritime pollution and reflects a commitment to self-reliance in defense. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel will play a vital role in environmental protection and maritime security.
During a three-day visit, personnel from the Indian Coast Guard and the Indonesian Coast Guard will engage in professional interactions, tabletop exercises, and joint training sessions. This collaboration emphasizes maritime safety and security, focusing on areas like law enforcement, pollution response, and search and rescue to enhance operational effectiveness in the region.
The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded active firefighting on the containership One Henry Hudson, which caught fire at the Port of Los Angeles. While the fire is contained, ongoing monitoring is required to detect any potential re-flashes. Inspectors are currently unable to access the containers for a full assessment.
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.
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.
Chowgule Shipbuilders in Goa marks a milestone in Indian shipbuilding with the launch of the country’s first air cushion vehicle (ACV) at Rassaim Yard. Commissioned by the Ministry of Defense for the Indian Coast Guard, this innovative project reflects India’s growing defense capabilities and commitment to self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The Coast Guard has resolved the oil spill mystery at the Port of San Juan, identifying a corroded steel pipe as the source. Cleanup efforts included plugging the leak and deploying containment booms. Lab results linked the oil to previous spills, prompting ongoing monitoring and an interagency strategy to prevent future incidents.
The US Coast Guard Sector San Juan is investigating two vessel fires in Puerto Rico, both extinguished without injuries or pollution. The latest incident involved the M/T Scot Stuttgart, where a fire in the engine room was quickly contained. Similarly, a fire on the ferry Breezy Point was also managed effectively.
The Coast Guard has identified a recurring issue with fixed gas extinguishing systems on vessels, where safety pins were left in the service position after maintenance. This error compromises emergency readiness. Vessel owners must ensure these systems function correctly by checking manuals and confirming the placement of safety pins post-maintenance.
Six days after an oil spill began in the Mississippi Delta, the Coast Guard has taken control, activating the Oil Pollution Liability Trust Fund. The uncontrolled well continues to emit an orange-brown mist. Contractors have collected 33,000 gallons of oily water, while a safety zone remains in effect around the site.
The Gujarat ATS and Coast Guard collaborated to seize 300 kg of drugs worth ₹1,800 crore near the Maritime Boundary Line. Suspected to be methamphetamine, the contraband was dumped into the sea by smugglers who fled upon seeing the Coast Guard ship. The drugs have been handed over to the ATS for further investigation.
A collaborative rescue effort involving local law enforcement and the coast guard recently saved a 23-year-old seafarer with spinal injuries on the Hudson River. The injured fourth assistant engineer from a Chinese freighter, Sheng Ping Hai, was swiftly evacuated to a hospital. The successful operation showcased seamless cooperation between international maritime operations and local Authorities.
A recent coast guard inspection at the Puerto Nuevo terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico uncovered an unauthorized delivery of anhydrous ammonia, a dangerous substance. Despite existing restrictions due to inadequate firefighting capabilities, three tank containers were found, one containing over 5,000 gallons of the toxic and flammable chemical. An investigation is initiated.
Taiwan’s coast guard detained a cargo ship and its Chinese crew for allegedly damaging an undersea internet cable connecting Taiwan to Penghu Islands. The vessel, funded by China and flying a Togo flag, ignored coast guard warnings. Authorities are investigating whether the damage was intentional sabotage, raising concerns about national security.
The Greek Ombudsman’s inquiry into a tragic shipwreck in 2023 revealed that the coast guard failed to follow maritime regulations, leading to the loss of many lives. Survivors’ testimonies were confirmed, and disciplinary action was recommended against eight coast guard officers. Critical failures included delays in the search-and-rescue operation and lack of proper response.
