The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) reported a cargo fire aboard the bulk carrier Atlay on June 27, 2025, during scrap metal loading at Albert Dock, Hull. Detected by the master, the fire prompted immediate evacuation preparations and firefighting responses. Investigations suggest an undischarged battery may have ignited the blaze.
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained 20 Filipino seafarers following the discovery of 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in their vessel’s cargo. The crew, aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Nord Bosporus, is reportedly being treated well as investigations continue. Communication with the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers is ongoing.
Safety officials in the UK are investigating the death of 32-year-old Lee Hulse, a rig worker who fell from a crane aboard the Valaris 121 in the North Sea. Police confirmed the incident, which occurred on November 14, is not deemed suspicious. Valaris and Shell expressed condolences and support for Hulse’s family.
An 80-year-old Australian woman was found deceased on Lizard Island after being inadvertently left behind by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship. She had separated from her hiking group to rest but did not return in time. The incident is under investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Inspectors are set to board the P&O cruise ship Arvia after a tragic lift shaft accident claimed the life of a crew member. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will assess the situation at the next port. The cruise company has extended condolences and support to the deceased’s family and friends.
On Thursday, the Swedish coast guard intervened with a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier accused of discharging waste into the Baltic Sea. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin remarked on the coast guard’s proactive surveillance in combating environmental crimes, stressing the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem from illegal dumping activities.
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.
The Department of Migrant Workers is probing the detention of 18 Filipino seafarers accused of child pornography violations linked to their phones. The crew, part of the Carnival Sunshine, faced mistreatment during their arrest in Norfolk, sparking outrage over potential racial discrimination and the rights of migrant workers.
A day after the fire on the WAN HAI 503, a multi-agency team has been assembled to investigate. Officials from various departments aim to uncover the cause of the blaze that damaged over 1,000 containers, raising alarms over hazardous materials. Currently, four crew members are missing, while 22 were rescued.
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.
