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Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region personnel, in coordination with partner agencies, remained engaged in salvage planning on Aug 20 in order to recover the hatch cover that detached during the explosion aboard the 'W Sapphire' in Baltimore port. A draft restriction remained in place, limiting the maximum navigational draft to 46.6 feet for vessels transiting within a 500-yard radius of the hatch cover's location. An intermittent safety zone covering all navigable waters within a 500-yard radius of the hatch cover's location were to be reactivated during future dive and salvage operations. Updates on the safety zone were to be provided via the Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region. The 'W Sapphire' remained anchored north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in pos. 39° 02' N 076° 22' W as of Aug 21. The vessel has enacted its vessel response plan and was in stable condition. Following a joint boarding conducted with other investigative entities, a comprehensive plan was to be developed to safely clear the vessel from the port.

The 'Slowsat', en route from Palamos, was damaged by a storm 26 nautical miles from Barcelona on Aug 20, 2025, and requested assistance. The SAR boat 'Salvamar Mintaka' (MMSI: 224520520) was mobilized from its station in Barcelona by the CCS Barcelona of Salvamento Marítimo. It took the yacht in tow and safely pulled it to the Marina Vela, where it was safely moored on the morning of Aug 21.

The 'Ciudad de Medellin' allided with the Guillermo Gaviria Bridge on the Magdalena River in Barrancabermeja on Augf 17, 2025, at 6:15 a.m. The tug lost control while attempting to turn and hit the structure of the bridge due to the force of the current, which pushed it against one of the bridge's piers. Several crew members jumped into the river and swam to nearby boats. Locals attempted to aid the crew by throwing life jackets into the water. Although no injuries were reported, the magnitude of the impact raised concerns about possible damage to the infrastructure. The tug was heavily damaged, the wheelhouse partially torn off, and it partially sank with a list to starboard side, while floating away from the bridge. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Witnesses have stated the water levels on the river were high due to heavy rains. There was some speculation that the tug had steered out of the navigation channel before striking the bridge. Naviera Río Grande will investigate the causes of the incident. The authorities have begun the respective verification and inspection of the condition of the bridge structure. Reports with photos and video: https://www.laopinion.co/colombia/grave-choque-en-el-rio-magdalena-remolcador-se-estrella-contra-un-puente https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/otras-ciudades/grave-accidente-en-el-rio-magdalena-remolcador-se-estrello-contra-el-puente-guillermo-gaviria-en-barrancabermeja-3482159 https://caracol.com.co/2025/08/17/asi-fue-el-momento-en-el-que-un-remolcador-medellin-se-estrello-contra-un-puente-en-barrancabermeja/

On the morning of Aug 19, the “MN Kostas” has partially sunk, with only its bow still visible above water, a few weeks after running aground on a mapped reef in the Kypriamadi area three nautical miles west of Cape Sidero, en route from Sitia to Beirut with a cargo of gypsum. On Aug 20, the tug 'Agaian Pelagos' (IMO: 9477012) remained at the sinking site. The ship had suffered serious damage, causing a water ingress and a list. The crew of 14 abandoned the vessel in time and were rescued with the assistance of the Coast Guard, local fishing boats and private vessels, without any injuries. No marine pollution was observed. The authorities proceeded to immediately pump out fuel and lubricants, unload the gypsum cargo and seal the critical points of the ship, limiting the risk of environmental impact, using towing and salvage vessels, floating cranes, and another cargo ship. They contracted the salvage company SEAGATE, which managed the pumping and recovery effort, deploying the two tugs 'Kaptain Dimitris IV' and 'Kaptain Dimitris III',. both equipped with environmental protection and pumping systems, along with the salvage vessel 'Aigaion Pelagos' to safeguard navigation safety throughout the operation. In total, approximately 37 tons of diesel fuel were removed, alongside hydrocarbons, lubricants, paints, and other hazardous substances. Most of the gypsum cargo was also offloaded. During the works, a floating boom was placed around the ship and additional anti-pollution equipment was put on standby in the sea area of the grounding and in the port of Sitia, while no marine pollution was observed. The case is under investigation by the Sitia Port Authority, while the master and the bridge officer were taken into custody as part of the preliminary investigation, based on criminal provisions relating to causing a shipwreck and violations of maritime regulations. The Sitia Port Authority, which was conducting the preliminary investigation, convened the advisory committee of article 9, paragraph 7 of Law 2881/2001 (Regulation of shipwreck salvage issues and other provisions), which characterized the "MN KOSTAS" as a shipwreck and decided to remove it under the responsibility of the ship's management company, as due to its location and condition it constitutes a shipping hazard. The company has been informed accordingly. Reports with photos: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1278546/cargo-ship-sinks-off-northeastern-crete/ https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/08/21/cargo-ship-mn-kostas-sinks-crete-sitia/ https://www.tovima.com/society/mn-kostas-half-sunken-cargo-ship-off-crete-to-be-removed/

The 'Loch Frisa', serving on the route Oban.Craignure, has suffered a technical issue with the sewage plant. Due to the requirement for regular uplift, the 07:10 a.m. sailing from Craignure from Monday to Fridays will now depart at 06:45 a.m. The technical issue was resolved on Aug 20, and the 06:45 a.m. sailing departing Craignure Monday to Fridays was reverted back to 07:10 a.m.