The damaged tanker Sounion, attacked by the Houthis off Yemen, successfully transited the Suez Canal. The operation, managed by Ambrey and Mega Tugs, offloaded 150,000 tons of crude oil in Greece. The Canal Authority oversaw the complex operation, highlighting the challenges of towing the heavily damaged vessel without steering control.
The iconic SS United States arrived in Mobile, Alabama, ahead of schedule after being towed from Philadelphia. The vessel will be converted into the world’s largest artificial reef. Captain Mike Vinik reported a smooth journey, providing thrilling views for spectators along the coast. The project’s next phase involves extensive stripping and cleaning.
Grimaldi’s Conro Grande Brasile was towed to port after a fire in the English Channel. The crew evacuated safely as salvage tugs brought the ship to Antwerp. Boskalis’ Smit unit oversaw the operation, with scorching visible near the funnel. Another fire on Grande Congo raised concerns, prompting changes in handling hazardous cargo.
France’s Mediterranean maritime authority successfully towed the disabled product tanker, Kriti Captain, to Marseille after an engine room fire. The Greek-operated tanker, carrying 25,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, docked in Port-la-Nouvelle for offloading and inspection. No injuries were reported, and the vessel’s safe arrival in Marseille marked a crucial step in the salvage operation.
A Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, the Eventin, was stranded in the Baltic Sea but has been safely brought to the German island of Rügen. Carrying 100,000 tons of oil, it is being held by two tugs near the port of Sassnitz. German authorities are deciding on the next steps for the tanker.
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.
Passengers aboard the Seven Islands Ai ferry endured a 20-hour ordeal after the vessel broke down en route to Shikinejima island. Stranded in the ocean, the crew radioed for help due to an oil leak and lost steering control. The Coast Guard faced challenges in rough seas but eventually towed the ferry to safety. Passengers were offered accommodations and a replacement vessel.
Australian officials are monitoring a disabled LPG carrier near Melbourne, ensuring the safety of the crew and environment. The vessel, the Bougainville, lost its propeller and was towed to a sheltered anchorage. Divers confirmed the damage, and the owners are seeking a facility for extensive repairs. The ship is a local tourist attraction.
