On February 15, the MSC Baltic III ran aground near Lark Harbour, Newfoundland, after losing power during a severe winter storm. Canadian SAR teams quickly responded, rescuing 20 crew members, five of whom were injured. The operation showcased effective coordination amidst harsh weather, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime emergencies.
Efforts to free the grounded bulker ship Maccoa near Montreal have been unsuccessful so far. The vessel is sideways outside the navigation channel, with no obstruction to traffic. Despite harsh winter conditions, no injuries or pollution have been reported. The Canadian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and planning further actions.
A video showing a tense moment as a large yacht named Aurora collided with the docked cruise ship Allure of the Seas has been circulating on social media. Passengers onboard witnessed the luxury vessel approaching and making contact with the massive cruise ship in Nassau harbor, causing concern and visible damage.
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.
The Explorer of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship, faced a terrifying ordeal in near hurricane-force winds. Passengers slid around as the ship rolled dramatically, with injuries reported. Captain Frank’s quick response led the ship back to Las Palmas for medical assistance. Despite weather monitoring, unforeseen challenges can arise at sea.
Turkey’s General Directorate of Coastal Safety swiftly responded to a fire on a small coastal RoRo vessel off the Black Sea coast. The vessel, named Ariburnu and built in 1944, was transporting vehicles and equipment from Istanbul to Zonguldak. Efforts are ongoing to cool the elderly vessel, currently adrift off the coast of Sile.
For the second time this year, a cargo vessel in Rotterdam collided with a bridge, causing containers from MSC and Maersk to fall into the River Maas. Officials suspect the captain misjudged the clearance. Five containers were lost, some floating towards another bridge. The incident raises concerns about vessel safety in the area.
Videos and news reports show a near collision between a luxury charter yacht and a tourist boat in the Greek Islands, sparking an official investigation. The tourist boat had the right of way, but the yacht failed to follow navigation rules. Concerns about safety and alcohol involvement are being raised as authorities look into the incident.
Heavy-lift cargo drones are transforming maintenance operations at an offshore wind farm, enhancing safety and efficiency. Ørsted’s innovative use of drones at the Borssele wind farm in the Dutch North Sea has significantly expedited tasks, showcasing the potential for advanced technologies in sustainable energy projects.
A cargo ship named Samuda-1 drifted out of control in Chattogram, Bangladesh, hitting the Kalurghat Railway Bridge. Eyewitnesses reported strong winds as the ship floated from a nearby shipyard. Officials are investigating if the ship broke away from its moorings or if it was a helmsman error. Salvage efforts are underway.
Carnival Freedom experienced a funnel fire at sea in the Bahamas, with no injuries reported. Passengers heard a loud boom before seeing the fire, possibly caused by a lightning strike. The ship turned into rain storms to extinguish the fire, with a portion of the funnel falling onto the deck. The ship is now heading to Freeport, with no impact expected on the next voyage.
A Hong Kong-registered containership collided with large container cranes at a port in Turkey, injuring one crane operator. The incident occurred as the 145,000 dwt vessel, YM Witness, attempted to dock but failed to stop. Videos show the chaotic scene as the cranes toppled over, with containers falling into the harbor.
Residents in Rotterdam witnessed a German vessel, the Monika Deymann, getting stuck under the Willemsbrug bridge, losing containers into the Nieuwe Maas. The incident caused damage to the bridge and waterway, prompting a response from local authorities. This is not the first time such accidents have occurred, with previous incidents in 2020 and 2022.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s large cruise ships, the 130,000 gross ton Carnival Magic, sustained damage after being pushed into the dock by heavy weather. The ship remained in Jamaica for inspections, causing disruptions for passengers. The weather also affected other cruise ships in the Western Caribbean.
