On May 25, 2025, the MSC Elsa 3 sank off Kerala, carrying 643 containers, including hazardous materials. An interim report revealed the vessel’s unseaworthiness due to malfunctioning ballast systems and overlooked pressure readings. Aging equipment and delayed management responses contributed to the disaster, highlighting critical gaps in crew training and emergency preparedness.
All nine crew members of a cargo ship that sank near Andros have been rescued in a coordinated operation. The vessel, carrying soda from Albania to Ukraine, struck rocks in the Aegean Sea. Two crew members were retrieved from the water, while the others were evacuated from a rocky refuge.
On December 25, 2023, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Genius Star XI experienced two major fires caused by improperly secured lithium-ion battery cargo during severe weather. An NTSB investigation revealed failures in securing equipment, resulting in cargo shifts and thermal runaway in several battery units, highlighting risks in maritime lithium-ion transport.
The Sailors’ Society has launched an emergency appeal for seafarers and families affected by a devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, Philippines. With over 70 fatalities and ongoing aftershocks, the charity is providing essential supplies like food and clean water, while preparing to reach the hardest-hit areas as conditions improve.
Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence in Italy. The tragic incident in 2012 claimed 32 lives and led to significant changes in the cruise industry. Schettino’s petition for release has sparked mixed reactions and protests.
