New Zealand maritime investigators are probing a serious incident aboard the bulk carrier M.V. Olivia, where an engine room explosion injured three crew members while docked at South Port, Bluff. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating the May 24 explosion, which occurred during boiler maintenance. Emergency services responded swiftly.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is investigating foreign flagging systems to assess their impact on shipping safety and fairness. Concerns arise over lax regulations that may jeopardize U.S. maritime operations. A public comment period invites stakeholders to address issues like inadequate inspections and the rise of unregulated ‘shadow fleets.’
The US Coast Guard Sector San Juan is investigating two vessel fires in Puerto Rico, both extinguished without injuries or pollution. The latest incident involved the M/T Scot Stuttgart, where a fire in the engine room was quickly contained. Similarly, a fire on the ferry Breezy Point was also managed effectively.
The recent investigation into the sinking of the South Korean ferry Sewol has determined that a steering failure and cargo shift caused the vessel to capsize, resulting in the deaths of 304 people. The captain’s actions were deemed negligent, leading to convictions for murder by omission. Shanghai Salvage was hired to raise the Sewol for further examination.
Italian prosecutors have seized three ferries from Tirrenia-Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione over allegations of falsifying environmental performance documents. The investigation now includes bribery of government officials, police officers, and others. Officials are under investigation, with some facing house arrest. Tirrenia allegedly provided free travel and gifts to officials, tampered with vessels, and embezzled public funds.
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.
The NTSB will investigate the tragic fire on the Grande Costa d’Avorio ship leading to the death of two firefighters in Newark. Lack of training for local firefighters in maritime fire control scenarios revealed gaps in emergency preparedness. The investigation highlighted the need for better coordination, training, and resources to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore involving the boxship Dali led to the deaths of six maintenance workers. Despite a year passing, eight Indian seafarers from the Dali remain in Baltimore as investigations continue. Synergy Marine Group ensures their well-being, providing support and essential services.
A fire broke out on the refrigerated cargo vessel Crystal Asia near Busan, South Korea, injuring six crew members, two critically. The fire was extinguished 8 km from the Port of Gamcheon. The remaining crew members were rescued by South Korean authorities. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Norwegian authorities are investigating the death of a worker who was crushed by a crane on an offshore MPSV. The incident occurred in Hareid, More og Romsdal. The worker was repairing a platform under the crane when he was crushed against the railing. The investigation is ongoing, and safety policies are being reviewed.
A National Transportation Safety Board investigation found that a deteriorated dock in Chalmette, Louisiana collapsed into the water after a barge contact. Despite no injuries or pollution, the dock suffered extensive damage. The incident emphasized the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the environment and vessels.
Sweden is investigating a potential breach of an undersea cable in the Baltic Sea, where multiple cables have been damaged recently. The NATO alliance has increased its presence in the region due to outages to power cables and gas pipelines. Concerns about security of undersea infrastructure are rising as incidents continue.
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.
A high-speed passenger ferry in New York collided with a pier during docking, causing minor injuries and $500,000 in damages. Investigations revealed issues with the vessel’s control system, leading to the collision. Safety concerns included confusing control panel designs and lack of operator training. Compliance with industry standards is crucial for safe vessel operation.
An ongoing investigation is probing a sugar shipment from India meant for the Maldives but redirected to Sri Lanka. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade is scrutinizing the situation, with reports of halted exports to the Maldives and Sri Lanka suspending clearance. Invoices and export regulations violations have added complexity to the case.
