The Directorate General of Maritime Affairs (DGMA) has launched an investigation into the case of Rakesh Chauhan, an Indian seafarer whose remains were returned with missing organs. Following a request from the Indian Embassy in Venezuela, the DGMA is verifying facts and has appointed surveyors for an independent inquiry.
Investigators determined that the shiphandling operation relied on a pre-departure agreement, with a relief master overseeing the mate. Shortcomings in training programs were noted, prompting the towage operator to standardize training. Following incidents of towline failures, the company revised safety measures, improving maritime safety protocols significantly.
The Kerala High Court has allowed three foreign crew members from the sunken cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 to leave India after over a year, subject to conditions. Four others must remain until their examination is complete. The Liberia-flagged ship’s sinking off Kochi sparked multiple investigations and environmental concerns.
Disney has long projected a family-friendly image, offering joyous escapes on their cruises. However, that illusion was shattered when ICE agents boarded a Disney ship during a child exploitation sting. Passengers watched in shock as crew members were arrested, transforming a vacation into a disturbing scene reminiscent of a crime documentary.
A Chinese captain of the Syrian-flagged oil tanker Jin Hui has been arrested in Sweden for possessing false documents and violating seaworthiness regulations. This incident is part of Sweden’s efforts to combat the “shadow fleet,” a group of vessels reportedly used by Russia to evade Western sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch report on the Spirit of Discovery incident reveals critical safety failures during severe weather on November 4, 2023. With over 100 injuries and one fatality, key issues included improper pod positioning and inadequate emergency protocols. Recommendations emphasize improved safety measures for the cruise industry.
On February 11, Philippine authorities revealed that the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank on January 26, may have been overloaded, contributing to at least 52 fatalities. Investigations indicated that the crew failed to warn passengers as the vessel began to list, raising serious concerns about safety regulations and oversight.
Carnival Cruise Line faces scrutiny in Australia due to a campaign by the Maritime Union of Australia (MNU), which led to an inspection by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The MNU alleges poor working conditions and low wages for crew members, while Carnival claims the union’s actions are a recruitment tactic.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the April 25, 2024, collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde. Both vessels failed to adhere to collision prevention regulations, resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly, though all crew members were unharmed.
On February 18, 2025, a fire broke out in the engine room of the towing vessel Thor, pushing two barges down the Delaware River. The captain, noticing smoke and a metallic odor, instructed the crew to investigate. They encountered heavy smoke and worked quickly to contain the situation and call for help.
Over a decade after the 2012 ferry collision in Hong Kong, the Coroner’s Court has reopened the investigation into the tragic incident involving the Lamma IV and Sea Smooth ferries. Survivors and victims’ families seek accountability, as the court reviews design flaws and safety regulations despite lacking authority to impose charges.
Latvian police found no evidence linking a docked ship in Liepaja to damage of an underwater telecom cable connecting Latvia and Lithuania. Investigations continue amid heightened tensions in the Baltic Sea, following multiple outages since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Arelion confirmed three severed cables, with restoration efforts underway.
Finnish authorities are investigating significant damage to a telecommunications cable caused by the anchor of the cargo vessel Fitburg. Seized after underwater surveys revealed drag marks, the incident is being treated as potential sabotage, with crew members detained. The investigation raises alarms about security threats in the Baltic Sea.
Investigators from the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) are probing an incident where thousands of bananas washed ashore near Southampton after 16 containers fell overboard. Initial findings indicate inadequate securing of the containers contributed to the disruption, prompting an examination of cargo securing practices and environmental impacts.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is investigating fuel smuggling linked to cartels between the U.S. and Mexico. He has contacted seven maritime shipping companies to understand their vetting processes. With stolen crude becoming a major revenue source for cartels, Wyden emphasizes the need for the industry to combat these illegal operations.
