Seafarers faced a harrowing ordeal, held captive for nearly ten months by two African nations. Enduring torture and mistreatment, their experience raises urgent concerns about the safety of maritime workers. Their release in May 2023 from the vessel Heroic Idun underscores the pressing need for stronger protections and regulations in the industry.
Imagine unwinding on the deck of a cruise ship, soaking in the ocean views, when flashes of light from a small raft disrupt the peace. On September 28, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas diverted course to rescue 8-12 stranded individuals, showcasing the crew’s bravery amid a raging storm.
In Thiruvananthapuram, over 20 crew members are stranded aboard the MSC Akiteta II, anchored at Vizhinjam port. Following a Kerala High Court order for the ship’s arrest, the crew faces uncertainty, unable to change shifts or return home. Adani Ports is supplying essential provisions as tensions rise.
Police in Bonaire are searching for Jessica Collins, a 47-year-old American woman who did not return to her Carnival Cruise ship, the Horizon, after it docked on September 17. Though she texted a Carnival team member stating she was safe and wished to remain uncontacted, her whereabouts remain unknown.
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.
Two ferry crewmembers are on trial in Jersey for the deaths of three fishermen after a December 2022 collision. The Condor Ferries vessel, Commodore Goodwill, struck the fishing boat L’Ecume II, sinking it instantly. The defendants deny charges of gross negligence, arguing the incident was unavoidable despite the prosecution’s claims.
On September 3, crew members aboard the Genting Dream cruise ship successfully rescued an individual in distress in the Straits of Malacca. After spotting a small boat signaling for help, the crew acted quickly, bringing the person onboard, providing food and medical care, and ensuring their ongoing safety and well-being.
On August 13, 2025, the crew of the Marie Maersk container ship successfully contained a fire while navigating off the Liberian coast. Quick firefighting efforts ensured crew safety and operational stability. Additional support from tugboats and an offshore supply vessel further enhanced firefighting operations as the ship diverted for landside assistance.
A fire broke out on the Maersk containership Marie Maersk off the coast of Liberia. The crew activated firefighting systems and followed emergency protocols. All crew members are safe, and the ship remains stable. Maersk is in contact with the crew, assessing the situation and seeking landside support.
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.
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.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued the US yacht ‘Sea Angel’ and its two crew members stranded in rough waters near Indira Point. The distress alert, received on July 10, prompted a swift response from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, leading to a successful towing operation by the ICGS Rajveer.
Crew members of the Liberian-flagged ship Magic Seas abandoned their vessel after it was attacked in the Red Sea, highlighting escalating violence in this vital trade route. The ship, owned by a Greek company, faced bomb-laden drone boats and small arms fire, raising serious concerns about maritime safety.
Crew members aboard the Norwegian Prima have received seven days of free basic internet access due to ongoing complaints about slow speeds. Despite high-speed Starlink capabilities, many struggle to use basic messaging apps, leading to frustration. While the complimentary package is a step forward, crew members seek a permanent solution.
