News

After the 'Tysfjord', serving on the route Jektvik–Kilboghamn Route, suffered a main engine failure on June 21, there has been intensive work to find the cause of the problem and to resolve the problem at the quay in Sandnessjøen. If everything goes according to plan, the ferry will return on the A-route before the weekend of June 28/29. If there are changes to the plan, the operator Reis Nordland would provide updated information.

On the evening of June 24, 2025, the Port Authority of Kalymnos was informed by the captain of the 'Blue STar 2', which was operating a scheduled route from the port of Kos to the port of Leros, about the ship's emergency approach to the port of Kalymnos, in order to transport a 73-year-old passenger to the General Hospital of Kalymnos, due to a possible drowning incident. Upon the ship's arrival at the port of Kalymnos, the victim was transported by an ambulance to the General Hospital of Kalymnos, where she was pronounced dead. The Kalymnos Port Authority, which was conducting the preliminary investigation, ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Forensic Medical Service of the Dodecanese.

On June 25, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its report into the grounding of the 'Tom Frazier' on a submerged jetty in the Ohio Riveon Feb 10, 2024, after the captain navigated too close to the riverbank. The tug was pushing 15 empty hopper barges near Portsmouth, Ohio, when it struck the stone jetty, causing significant damage to the vessel’s hull plating, framing, and bulkheads. The incident resulted in the flooding of several compartments and damages estimated at more than $250,000. The NTSB investigators found that while approaching the U.S. Grant Bridge, the captain made passing arrangements with another tow, the 'Debi Sharp', which was downbound pushing 25 barges. To facilitate this passing, the captain maneuvered the 'Tom Frazier' to port, towards the right descending bank of the river. The maneuver was outside the charted 9-foot-depth contour line and too close to two stone jetties, which were submerged at the time. The jetties were charted on the electronic navigation chart and visible on the vessel’s electronic charting system, but the captain did not identify the hazard. The river level was 19.2 feet at the Portsmouth gauge, completely submerging the stone jetties that extended approximately 55 feet from the riverbank. These structures, designed to protect nearby marinas from current and debris, were marked on navigation charts. The vessel began taking on water after grounding, developing a starboard list as the engine room flooded. All nine crew members were safely evacuated to shore by local first responders, individuals ashore, and crews from nearby vessels. Despite having 71,694 gallons of diesel fuel and various oils onboard, the environmental impact was limited to approximately five gallons of oil released during engine room dewatering operations. The 'Tom Frazier' remained aground for three days until rising water levels assisted salvage operations on Feb 13. The vessel was then towed to a drydock in South Point, Ohio. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the location where the incident occurred is commonly used by upbound vessels to make way for downbound vessels, which have right-of-way when navigating the bridges in the area. Full report: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA24FM024.aspx

On June 25 at noon, the Port Authority of Alonissos was informed that during the arrival of the 'Super Star' at the port of Alonissos, fluctuations in speed and incomplete combustion in the port side main engine were detected. The ferry was operating a scheduled route from the port of Volos to Skiathos-Skopelos-Alonissos and return with 175 passengers on board. The Port Station of Alonissos banned the ship from sailing until the presentation of a certificate of seaworthiness from the monitoring classification society. 130 passengers,eight cars, four trucks and two passenger cars destined for Skopelos, Skiathos and Volos, were forwarded to their destinations on other scheduled ships.

On June 24 at 6 a.m. the 'Wan Hai 503' remained under tow at position 10°12.80'N, 074°58.47'E, approximately 71 nautical miles from the Indian coast, maintaining a slow westerly drift at 0.5 knots on a course of 289°. The vessel remained hydrostatically stable with no significant change in draft or list, though a consistent 4.4° list to port side was observeed. Latest thermal imaging indicated a general cooling trend across structural frames, with temperatures ranging between 27°C to 37°C. However, smoke conditions remained concerning, with light white smoke at Bay 14, dense grey and black smoke between Bays 27-33, and white smoke emanating near Bay 37-39. Salvage teams have commenced onboard inspections under challenging weather conditions, focusing on dewatering the engine room, securing the forecastle for further tow arrangements, and fire management. The 'Boka Winger', 'Saroja Blessing' and 'Water Lily' continued to maintain boundary cooling, fire watch, and transportation of salvage personnel and equipment. The 'Offshore Warrior' was holding the primary tow connection to maintain the vessel's position. Salvage resources have been augmented with the recent arrival of the 'Saksham', which was carrying essential Yokohama fenders, submersible pumps, portable generators, and firefighting gear to enhance operational safety and facilitate onboard dewatering. A combination of pneumatic, submersible, and independent power-pack driven pumps were now staged for immediate deployment in the engine room. Salvage divers and senior personnel have boarded to assess the vessel's internal conditions, especially in critical areas such as the forecastle and accommodation sections. The CO₂ fire suppression system onboard remained operational, offering contingency options for isolated fire outbreaks within the cargo holds. The vessel's structural condition remains broadly stable, with no major deterioration observed; however, the presence of intermittent smoke and gas pockets within the cargo holds necessitated continued vigilance. The salvage master has confirmed safe but restricted access to the forecastle and underdeck passage on the port side, while starboard access remained unsafe due to high gas concentrations. Dewatering of the engine room was a high priority, with equipment deployment commencing as soon as weather conditions allow. Plans for reinforcing the towline system were in progress, with new towing arrangements being prepared on site. The Directorate has directed that the casualty be progressively towed further offshore, aiming for a minimum 100 nautical mile buffer from the Indian coast and Lakshadweep islands within the next 72 hours. The salvors have been instructed to expedite stabilisation works, with particular emphasis on relocating the vessel towards a southeasterly direction to minimise coastal and environmental risks. Coordination efforts for potential ports of refuge continued to secure a suitable location for final salvage operations, including bunker removal and structural repairs. Contingency discussions were also ongoing with alternate ports, given the evolving risk scenario.