On October 26, 2025, crew members aboard the MSC Splendida displayed remarkable bravery, rescuing 19 migrants from drowning off Mallorca’s coast. Under challenging conditions, they swiftly deployed life-saving equipment, saving 16 men, one woman, and two young children. Their professionalism earned accolades from Samoa Shipping Services and a private dinner from Captain Maresca.
On October 17, NYK and NYK Ship Management Pte. Ltd. conducted a maritime accident drill off Okinawa Island. Simulating a fire in a car carrier’s cargo hold, the exercise also involved a collision with a small craft. This initiative, part of the “Remember Naka-no-Se” campaign, emphasized emergency response and coordination.
A gas leak on a barge in the Houston Ship Channel prompted community alerts, but officials have confirmed no air quality threats. The leak involved butadiene, a common industrial gas, but was quickly contained. The situation was caused by a broken valve and the barge has been moved for assessment. The area is now safe.
DNV has issued guidance on emergency escape trunks from machinery spaces on ships to avoid detention during Port State Control inspections for non-compliance with SOLAS regulations. Focus is on vessels built after February 1, 2016, ensuring compliance with IACS UI SC 276/277. Crews are urged to conduct evacuation drills to demonstrate proficiency in evacuating injured persons.
Two weeks after an oil barge capsized near Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago officials are still working on recovery efforts. The barge, loaded with fuel oil, has caused a spill covering over 10 miles of beaches. International disaster recovery teams have been retained, and the police are investigating a bag of cocaine that washed ashore.
Officials on the Caribbean island of Tobago are dealing with a growing oil spill and investigating a capsized vessel causing the environmental disaster. A massive clean-up effort is underway, with the government classifying it as a Tier II disaster. The vessel, identified as Gulfstream, has caused damage to the nearby reef.
