Increased fin whale activity along Chile’s northern coast raises alarms about ship collisions and fishing net entanglements. The Mejillones and Antofagasta bays, a feeding ground from October to January, see heightened risks. Conservationists urge habitat protections, as drone footage of a washed-up whale carcass emphasizes these urgent threats to marine life.
The newly launched Whale Alert app in Europe aims to prevent whale collisions by offering real-time alerts and reporting features. Developed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Conserve.IO, this free app empowers both recreational and commercial vessels to navigate safely, protecting whales from potential ship strikes.
Two European river cruise boats recently collided in separate incidents, one on the Rhine and another in Poland’s Szczecin Lagoon. While the Rhine collision left a cruise ship with significant damage but no injuries among passengers, the Szczecin incident resulted in nine injuries, prompting investigations into safety protocols and causes.
The Marine Mammal Advisory Group is calling on sailors worldwide to participate in a survey documenting collisions between sailing vessels and marine life. These incidents are common in the sailing sector, often involving encounters with whales. By engaging sailors in this survey, the organization aims to identify collision hotspots and gather crucial data to protect marine life.
The disciplinary court in the Netherlands fined a fishing vessel’s helmsman for leaving the bridge unattended to use the restroom. The vessel collided with an anchored tanker, causing damage and a small spill. The helmsman deviated from the planned route, leading to the collision. Proper watchstanding practices are crucial to prevent accidents at sea.
