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.
The Indian Coast Guard showcased its maritime security and anti-piracy operations off the coast of Thiruvananthapuram. During the exercise, Coast Guard ships encountered a ‘pirate’ ship, and commandos boarded the vessel to apprehend an ‘accused’ individual. The event aimed to raise awareness about the Coast Guard’s role in safeguarding the country’s strategic interests at sea.
The Finnish coast guard has responded swiftly to an oil tanker’s engine failure in the Gulf of Finland, dispatching a patrol vessel and tugboat to prevent environmental damage. The tanker, M/T Jazz, anchored south of Hanko Peninsula, was en route to Russia without cargo. Cooperation between authorities and crew is crucial in managing the situation effectively.
Efforts to free the grounded bulker ship Maccoa near Montreal have been unsuccessful so far. The vessel is sideways outside the navigation channel, with no obstruction to traffic. Despite harsh winter conditions, no injuries or pollution have been reported. The Canadian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and planning further actions.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued nine crew members of the Indian vessel Taj Dhare Haram, which sank in the northern Arabian Sea. The crew members were found in a life raft after abandoning their vessel. The mission was carried out under challenging sea conditions, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
The recent NMSAR Board meeting in Kochi, Kerala, organized by the Indian Coast Guard, paved the way for the upcoming SAREX-24 exercise. Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the ICG’s vital role in search and rescue operations. National SAR Awards were distributed, recognizing outstanding contributions to maritime safety.
The Philippine Coast Guard is investigating the disappearance of MV Sta. Monica-A1, a coastal cargo ship with 10 crew members on board. Debris and possible bodies have been spotted following the ship’s disappearance during a recent typhoon. Aerial searches and assistance from nearby ships are being utilized in the search efforts.
