Swedish prosecutors have determined that damage to an undersea communication cable between Sweden and Latvia was accidental, concluding their investigation initiated after the cable was discovered damaged on January 26, 2025. Severe weather, technical failures, and vessel handling negligence contributed to the incident, which involved the Maltese-flagged vessel, Vezhen.
Fernando San Diego San Juan, chief engineer of the MSC Michigan VII, pleaded guilty to federal charges following a propulsion failure incident in Charleston Harbor. The mishap exceeded speed limits and prompted bridge closures and beach evacuations. San Juan admitted to neglecting safety protocols, potentially facing a six-year sentence and hefty fines.
A significant warehouse fire erupted in Hamburg on August 25, injuring at least ten people and disrupting local shipping. The blaze, ignited by a parked car, led to explosions from gas canisters. Over 320 firefighters battled the flames, while evacuations rescued 25 individuals, though some sustained serious injuries.
On August 20, the US Coast Guard Investigative Service arrested the captain of the MSC Jubilee IX, a large container ship, suspected of operating under the influence. A pilot reported signs of impairment, leading to a sobriety test that revealed a blood alcohol level over six times the legal limit.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating a power loss incident involving the bulker Basic Victory, which drifted dangerously close to Newcastle on July 30. The vessel’s crew managed to restart the engine and avert disaster. ATSB will assess safety issues and inform relevant authorities if needed.
A fire on Chevron’s Benguela-Belize-Lobito-Tomboco platform off Angola injured 17 people, four seriously. The incident occurred during scheduled maintenance, with the platform shut down since May 1. Chevron’s subsidiary, Cabgoc, is investigating the cause, prioritizing safety, while the platform’s production capacity remains uncertain due to the fire.
On April 28, the containership Maersk Sana experienced a critical incident in the Atlantic, injuring three crew members. One is in critical condition at a Bermuda hospital. The vessel, drifting after machinery issues, was reportedly 354 nautical miles east of Bermuda when an engine explosion occurred, though this is unverified.
The Belize-registered dredger KSE Hitachi has sunk off Tuas, Singapore, with no personnel aboard at the time, ensuring no casualties. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is investigating the incident and has issued navigational warnings to nearby vessels. Salvage operations are being planned, with patrol crafts deployed for assistance.
In recent years, there have been multiple reports of unruly behavior on cruise ships, including a physical altercation on Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady involving a CEO. The incident, captured on security cameras, led to charges in Puerto Rico. The importance of maintaining decorum and resolving conflicts peacefully while onboard is emphasized.
A crew member shared a terrifying ordeal when their ship was hit by the Solong, which continued to collide for what felt like an eternity. With no one on the other vessel’s bridge, flames erupted, prompting the crew to don protective gear and fight the fire. Despite the chaos, their quick response and training saved lives.
Britain’s maritime agency and security firm Ambrey have reported an incident southwest of Yemen’s Aden port. UKMTO advised caution and incident reporting. Houthi militants have been attacking ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians. The Houthis claimed three military operations in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.
