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.
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.
A magistrate in Colombo, Sri Lanka has ordered the master of a tanker responsible for a minor oil spill in the harbor to remain in the country for 30 days. The spill, traced back to the Indian-owned vessel Ark Prestige, has prompted authorities to seek compensation and take measures to contain and address the environmental impact.
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority has successfully convicted a ship’s master and shipping company for a ladder failure resulting in pilot injuries. AMSA emphasizes the importance of properly maintaining and rigging pilot ladders to prevent accidents. Neglecting ladder safety can have deadly consequences, as seen in recent incidents.
