The U.S. Coast Guard is set to receive nearly $25 billion in supplemental funding for fiscal year 2025, the highest ever. However, a GAO report reveals critical workforce shortages and equipment issues that threaten operational capacity. With significant staffing gaps and declining equipment readiness, effective implementation of funding remains crucial for national security.
The vessel boasts advanced pollution response technology for effective oil spill management. It features an oil recovery system, radar for slick detection, and dedicated booms for diverse operations. With a recovery rate of 300 tons per hour, it ensures rapid and efficient response, safeguarding fragile marine environments against pollution threats.
The Coast Guard rescued a crew member from the missing MBCA Amejara on Tuesday morning. The vessel, carrying 11 passengers and four crew, was last seen off Sarangani municipality. Authorities have mobilized resources to locate the remaining missing individuals, as the boat had departed without proper clearance from the Coast Guard.
Taiwan is intensifying oversight of its subsea communications after a Chinese fishing boat, captained by Wu, damaged a cable in October 2025. Detained and fined, Wu’s vessel entangled with an abandoned anchor in a no-anchor zone. He received a three-month jail sentence, convertible to fines, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure.
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 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.
