Transit shipping through the Dardanelles Strait has been temporarily halted due to severe weather, as announced by authorities in Türkiye’s Canakkale province. The Turkish Strait Vessel Traffic Services informed captains that navigation is suspended for safety. Local ferry services also faced cancellations, affecting connections to Aegean islands amid the storm.
Captain Elimar Jucal of the M/V Devon Bay displayed extraordinary courage, ordering his crew to abandon ship as severe weather struck. While 15 crew members were rescued, he remains among four missing. The vessel sank near Scarborough Shoal, carrying nickel ore, with tragic losses and a commendable rescue effort by the Chinese Coast Guard.
The cargo ship Maria Francisca faced a stack collapse while navigating rough seas between Portugal and Spain. Departing Lisbon, it arrived at Vigo with toppled containers, including granite and cocoa. Despite the challenging conditions, the ship docked safely, with no injuries reported and pollution contained, while assessments for recovery began.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium has halted oil exports from its Black Sea terminal due to severe weather and full reservoirs. This disruption follows a Ukrainian drone attack that limited loading operations, causing Kazakhstan’s oil production to decline. December exports are expected to be the lowest in 14 months, averaging 1.082 million barrels daily.
A powerful storm system is rapidly intensifying over the North Atlantic, producing hurricane-force winds and severe seas. U.S. forecasters warn mariners of significant risks. With winds ranging from 60 to 80 knots and wave heights reaching 15 meters, the storm threatens maritime activities across a wide area.
Severe weather has worsened the damage to the MSC Baltic III, now grounded in Cedar Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. The hull shows significant new damage, with increased plate buckling and the stern lower in the water. Cleanup efforts are underway as oiled debris rises along the shore following the storm.
The Neoliner Origin, the world’s largest cargo sailboat, completed its inaugural transatlantic voyage on October 30. Despite sustaining damage to its aft sail during a storm, the vessel successfully docked in Baltimore after stopping in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Designed to significantly reduce emissions, it carries 5,300 tonnes of cargo.
The Thai Ha 8888 cargo vessel, carrying 5,900 tonnes of cement, sank near Lang Co due to severe weather at 12:30 AM on October 27. Captain Nguyen Van Dong and seven crew members abandoned ship, later rescued by the Long Son 38 vessel. Authorities are monitoring for potential fuel leaks.
On the night of February 8, 2000, the crew of the British research vessel, RRS Discovery, braved a fierce storm in the North Atlantic with waves as high as a ten-story building. The captain and crew’s quick actions prevented a potential collision with a trawler, highlighting the importance of vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
A freighter carrying artillery shells from Jordan to Germany sought refuge at the port of Vigo, Galicia due to cargo shift during Storm Eowyn. With Storm Herminia approaching, the ship docked for safety. The Vigo Port Authority deemed it too risky to continue sailing. The ship was assigned a berth at the dangerous goods pier.
A Russian oil tanker split apart during a storm in the Kerch Strait, spilling oil. One person died, and another ship was damaged. Ukraine accused Russia of controlling the strait. Putin ordered a rescue operation to minimize the impact. Specialists are assessing the damage, and the cause of the incident is unclear.
The Dutch Coast Guard faced challenges in the North Sea during a severe storm, rescuing a cargo ship named Valday drifting towards the shore near Rotterdam. Despite crew injuries and difficult weather, they managed to airlift an injured crewmember to safety and secure a towline, ensuring the ship’s safe return to port.
A Special Missions Unit of the Greek military boarded a product tanker, arresting the captain and releasing three inspectors who were reportedly held against their will. The vessel had a history of deficiencies and legal issues, culminating in the captain’s arrest for abduction and the vessel being detained by Greek authorities.
The storm-damaged cruise ship Maud, marketed by Hurtigruten’s HX Expeditions, will remain out of service till mid-April as it undergoes repairs. The 16,150 gross ton cruise ship is currently at a shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany to undergo a survey and planning repairs to its systems. The incident and the plans for the ship’s return to service are detailed.
