The grounding of the bulk carrier Ali Aykin in the Øresund has proven more serious than initially believed, with confirmed hull damage and water ingress. While no injuries or spills have been reported, the vessel carries 18,000 gallons of diesel, prompting authorities to monitor for pollution risks as investigations continue.
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully rescued 506 passengers, including infants and children, from the grounded interisland ferry Lite Ferry Five during the busy Easter Holiday travel period. The ferry, which operates between Bohol and Cagayan de Oro, ran aground just offshore shortly after departure. No injuries were reported, and a marine assessment is ongoing.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission in New Zealand released a report on the grounding of the passenger vessel Fiordland Navigator, attributing it to a fatigued master who fell asleep at the helm. The incident occurred on January 24, 2024, resulting in minor injuries and moderate damage. Recommendations were made to improve safety measures and oversight.
The Netherlands-based surveying firm Fugro managed to refloat its geophysical survey vessel, Fugro Mercator, after it ran aground off the north coast of the Italian island of Elba. Despite harsh weather conditions, the vessel was safely towed back to port for inspection. No injuries or environmental harm were reported.
Residents near Pattaya City, Thailand were alarmed by a stranded gas tanker on the shore. Authorities confirmed no gas leak, as tanks were empty. The LPG carrier ran aground avoiding a fishing boat due to an employee’s negligence. SC Group Holding pledged stricter measures. Double-hull construction prevented significant damage, but concerns remain.
The geophysical survey vessel Fugro Mercator ran aground off the north coast of Elba, Italy on March 22. The Italian coastguard responded swiftly, ensuring the safe evacuation of all 11 crew members. A salvage operation is now being planned in collaboration with international experts and local authorities to address the situation and minimize environmental impact.
A recent incident involving the cargo ship Bonnie G in the Caribbean Sea resulted in its grounding due to a failure of the anchor chain and navigation errors. The ship ran aground south of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, after drifting towards land. The captain’s actions and inadequate precautions led to the total loss.
The captain of a K Line-operated ferry is facing prosecution for a grounding incident on Hokkaido in July 2024. The Silver Breeze struck a breakwater in Tomakomai, causing damage to the bow. No injuries were reported among the 140 passengers and crew onboard. The captain’s failure to confirm the ship’s position led to the accident.
The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to the grounding of the Algoma Verity in the Delaware River near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. No injuries or pollution have been reported. The vessel was carrying 45,000 tons of solar salt. A safety zone has been established, and an investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.
The ATSB issued safety recommendations after an electrical short circuit caused a bulk carrier to run aground in Port Hedland, Western Australia. The incident led to a collision with the channel wall and damage to the ship. The investigation highlighted the importance of eliminating single points of failure in safety-critical operations.
The Taiwan Coast Guard conducted a daring rescue operation to save the crew of a product tanker, the Liquid Gem, during a severe storm. Despite adverse weather, 14 crew members were rescued, with two pulled from the water. One crew member remains missing. The Coast Guard utilized creative methods to rescue the crew.
The Hellenic Coast Guard arrested the 46-year-old master of a Bahamas-registered cargo ship for causing a shipwreck and disturbance of security due to drunkenness on duty. The incident occurred when the ship ran aground on a rocky point on Makronissos island. The vessel was carrying 4,100 metric tons of melamine pallets.
A combined team of U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard rescued the tug Luther from grounding off La Push, Washington in harsh weather. With the crew of Luther facing challenges in rough seas, the Coast Guard responded quickly to prevent a potential disaster. The successful operation ensured the safety of the crew and prevented environmental damage.
The National Transport Safety Board criticized the master of the American Mariner for multitasking during a complex maneuver, leading to the vessel touching bottom in Sault Ste. Marie. With only the master on the bridge and a crew of 19, the NTSB emphasized the need for proper staffing to ensure safe navigation in confined spaces. The incident resulted in $600,000 in repair costs.
Bad weather and high seas off South Africa are causing major disruptions to shipping, with several ports closed and container traffic at a standstill. Forecasters predict more storms, impacting global shipping routes. SAMSA is conducting a salvage operation for a stranded cargo ship, while vessels are diverted away from the Red Sea due to rough seas.
