On April 21, 2025, several migrant boat departures were reported to the CROSS Gris-Nez, which initally deployed the PSP 'Cormoran', which was later relieved by the 'Abeille Normandie', to locate a boat in the Blériot beach area. Once on site, the emergenvy tug made contact with the boat, which appeared to be in difficulty. After investigation, the boat was found to be stopped due to an engine failure. The tug then recovered the 42 occupants of the boat before heading to Boulogne-sur-Mer to drop them off at the dock, where they were taken into care by the shore-based emergency services. At the same time, the CROSS engaged the 'Cormoran' to locate and assist a migrant boat in the Walde lighthouse area. Once there, four of the boat's occupants requested assistance from the patrol boat, which rescued them. The remaining occupantsof the migrant boat refused assistance and continued on their way, while their crossing was monitored. Once near Calais, the people rescued by the 'Cormoran' were taken into care by the patrol boat 'Platoon' of the Calais Maritime and Port Security. They were disembarked at the port of Calais and taken into care by the shore based authorities. In total, 46 people were recovered and taken into care by government resources.
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ISLE OF CUMBRAE
The 'Isle of Cumbrae', , serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, suffered a technical issue on April 19. The 'Loch Shira' continued operating the route as timetabled. After the issue has been resolved, the vessel was available for service if required.
CORUISK
On April 19, 2025, the crew of the 'Coruisk', serving on the route Oban-Craignure, was investigating a potential caught creel rope in the propeller in the port of Craignure. As a result the following sailings were liable to delay or cancellation at short notice: Departure Craignure - 5:05 p.m. and 7:35 p.m. Departure Oban - 6:20 p.m. The ferry finally departed Craignure at 5:26 p.m., about 20 minutes late.
B-LPG SOPHIA
The tanker 'Captain Nikolas' (IMO: 9008108)( was arrested at Chattogram on April 11, 2025, following an order from a Bangladesh court. The lawsuits leading to the arrest were filed due to the vessel's involvement in a fire at the port on Oct 16, 2024, at around 12:45 a.m., during an LPG transfer with the 'B-LPG Sophia'. While the fire on the 'Captain Nikolas' was extinguished by 3:30 a.m, the fire on the other ship continued to burn for another 12 hours, and the ship was found beyond repair and has been broken up in Chittagong since. The LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh alleged that the origin of the LPG cargo aboard the LPG tanker was unclear and that the records regarding its origin were falsified. The issue that the vessel possibly had violated sanctions was under investigation separately. The 'Captain Nikolas' was seized following the fire and remained stationary in Chattogram since due to legal disputes, still holding around 34,000 tons of cargo. The two separate court orders stem from the two admiralty suits filed against the vessel. One suit was filed by the Atlantis Gas DMCC, the owner of the 'B-LPG Sophia', which led to an arrest warrant being issued on April 9. The second admiralty suit was filed by theXenon Energy DMCC, a UAE-based company, which led to a warrant being issued against the same vessel on April 10. The vessel was finally seized on April 11, following two separate court orders for its arrest. The owner of the 'Captain Nikolas' has appointed counsel to contest the lawsuits and was trying to get the vessel released.
ARGYLL FLYER
The 'Argyll Flyer', serving on the route Gourock- Dunoon, suffered an exhaust fault on April 1 and had to be removed from service. Calmac operated a single vessel timetable until further notice. During the amended timetable, a replacement shuttle bus service was operated for these sailings: Mondays - Saturday Departure Gourock – 10:15 a.m. Departure Dunoon – 10:45 a.m. Mondays & Fridays Departure Gourock – 11:15 a.m. Departure Dunoon – 11:45 a.m. Due to the exhaust fault, the Gourock-Dunoon route operated a single vessel timetable until further notice. During the amended timetable, a replacement shuttle bus service was operated. As of April 3, the 'Argyll Flyer' still remained off service. Modification and repair plans were underway. Due to crew availability, a replacement bus operated for these cancelled sailings: Depart Gourock April 13: 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Departure Dunoon April 13 10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Gourock-Dunoon service will operate a single vessel timetable until further notice. Until further notice, this amended timetable with a replacement shuttle bus service will be operated by CalMac. Modification and repair plans were underway. https://www.calmac.co.uk/en-gb/service-status/#/service-status/001?route=01.