News

The remains of a Filipino seafarer who died during the Houthi rebel attack on the 'Eternity C' have arrived in Manila, authorities confirmed on Dec 6. Neil Roy Faner, one of the crew members killed in the incident, will be cremated in Manila before his remains are returned to his home province of Iloilo, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). OWWA deputy administrator Jasmine Gapatan said the agency would provide financial aid and death benefits to Faner’s family. She added that scholarships would be offered to his dependents, along with support for integration and livelihood, and that psychosocial counselling would also be made available.

The CCS of Salvamento MArítimo in Tenerife has coordinated the escort of two cayucos by the 'Salvamar Diphda' and 'Salvamar Navia' on Dec 7 and Dec 8 near #LaRestinga. 192 and 135 people disembarked in the port, respectively. The CCS in Tarifa coordinated the rescue of seven migrants from a small boat on Dec 7 by the 'Salvamar Enif'. They disembarked in the port of Cádiz. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1998086447749107965

The lock at Schijndel has been drained so that Rijkswaterstaat can properly assess the damage to the gates, caused by the allision of the 'Volharding 17'. A bulkhead has been installed in front of the lock for this purpose. This allowed Rijkswaterstaat to obtain a good image of the damage via a 3D scan. This is now being further investigated. Furthermore, one of the four engines is defective, and this was also being examined by Rijkswaterstaat. This investigation was still ongoing, and it was unknown, when the closure, which has been in place since Nov 27, will be lifted. The goal is to have the lock operational again as soon as possible, so a distinction is made between critical and non-critical damage. Report with photo: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/12/08/sluis-schijndel-drooggezet-voor-onderzoek-duur-stremming-onduidelijk/

The 'Hua De 858' ran aground, while transiting the Taiwan Strait, in the Xinghua Bay oin a shoal between Xiaori Island and Dasheyu, off the coast of Fuzhou on Dec 3, 2025, at 6.40 p.m. LT with 12 crew members on board. Shortly after getting stuck the vessel suffered a major structural failure, and the hull split into two sections. The Fuzhou Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) coordinated emergency units to the scene, which successfully evacuated the crew from the vessel and transferred then ashore. An investigation into the cause of the grounding and resulting structural failure was underway. The ship had departed from the port of Caofeidian in the Hebei Province fully loaded on Nov 28, enroute to Haikou Port with an ETA as of Dec 6. The Fuzhou MSA urged ships transiting near Beiriyan to keep a safe distance as the investigation continued. Report with photo: https://sednafix.com/chinese-bulker-splits-apart-after-grounding-in-taiwan-strait-all-crew-rescued/

The Sea Islander' pulled a former 120-ft-Navy torpedo vessel that spent years stuck in a Charleston-area marsh to a sinking site 40 miles off the coast on the morning of Dec 7, 2025. The ship, named 'Hazar' by its former owner, will now serve as an artificial reef, providing habitat for marine wildlife and fishing and diving opportunities. A convoy of boats manned by the state Department of Natural Resources, the Coastal Conservation Association of South Carolina and Stevens Towing circled the ship, after two of Stevens Towing’s crew members tossed a cinderblock anchor over the stern, to help drag the 'Hazar' into the depths. Then, they pulled two levers that opened a set of valve below deck. It took roughly two hours, and a handful of deliberate nudges from the tug for the torpedo retriever to fully sink. The torpedo retriever joined a bevy of barges and boats that were already resting at the bottom of the Palmetto State’s waters to serve as artificial reefs. The 'Hazar' became the 25th vessel sunk as part of the Coastal Reefing Initiative since the partnership between the CCA and SCDNR began in 2010. The ship was the third to be deployed as a reef t in 2025. If the weather and tides cooperate, the agencies have a fourth ready for reefing before the end of the year. The torpedo retriever is also the first abandoned vessel to be removed and acquired by the state under the recently adopted abandoned and derelict vessel law. The law made it easier for the state to declare watercraft abandoned and strengthened penalties for individuals who leave their boats in state waterways. The ship’s previous owner, Mohamad Kodaimati, was also the first to be arrested under the new law. SCDNR law enforcement officers arrested Kodaimati in July on two counts of abandoning a watercraft. Report with photos: https://www.postandcourier.com/charleston_sc/navy-vessel-artificial-reef-sunk-charleston/article_0d1f7eeb-2f53-4d85-9a60-64b37b59916b.html

The 'Victoria Jet', operating between Port-Gentil and Libreville, struck a floating wreck on Dec 7, 2025, off the coast of Libreville's Port Môle, the usual landing point for ferries from Port-Gentil, with 312 passengers on board. The ship suffered water ingress. Emergency procedures were immediately activated, while a distress call was sent to the appropriate authorities. The Republican Guard deployed Its units, which quickly reached the stricken vessel to secure it and escort it to port. The ferry finally docked without any fatalities or serious injuries. Several passengers received psychological support upon arrival. The origin of the drifting wreck remained unknown.

Various authorities consulted with the shipowner and master of the 'Century' on Dec 8 to discuss the next steps. The water level of the river was initially expected to rise significantly within the next 24 hours; but the rise was now expected to be postponed. The vessels were not obstructing other shipping, so the urgency was not considered high, The fairway in which the ship was sailing is planned to be deepened to allow for a draft of 2.10 meters throughout. Currently, only a draft of 1.90 meters is available in certain locations. However, the start of the work could still take several years.

The 'Xin Zhou 18' was detained in the port of Nakhodka , one day after its arrival from Danjing on Dec 8, 2025, following an inspection by the Tokyo MoU. They found two deficiencies, including one of which was being regarded as seriously and a ground for a detention during an initial safety assessment.

The CCS of Salvamento MArítimo in Tenerife has coordinated the escort of two cayucos by the 'Salvamar Diphda' and 'Salvamar Navia' on Dec 7 and Dec 8 near #LaRestinga. 192 and 135 people disembarked in the port, respectively. The CCS in Tarifa coordinated the rescue of seven migrants from a small boat on Dec 7 by the 'Salvamar Enif'. They disembarked in the port of Cádiz. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1998086447749107965

On Dec 8, 2025, the 'Valera' has arrived at Tieshan Xingang and berthed at the Beihai LNG Terminal, carrying sanctioned liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Gazprom’s Portovaya LNG plant. This marked the first delivery to China from the blacklisted plant since U.S. sanctions targeted the facility in Jan 2025. The 'Valera'’s arrival at Beihai cemented the terminal’s growing role as a preferred destination for sanctioned Russian LNG. Since August, the facility has been receiving cargoes from the blacklisted Arctic LNG 2 project, and nearly 20 such shipments of Russian origin have been offloaded there since. Several additional cargoes were currently en route. The latest shipment began on Oct 25, when thd 'Valera' departed the Baltic Sea terminal. The tankeg itself is also under sanctions by the U.S. and UK for its involvement in Russia’s shadow fleet, transporting Russian energy. Unlike several other Russian-controlled tankers, that recently returned to transiting the Suez Canal, the 'Valera' took the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. Thr shipment to the terminal in the Guangxi province was the first time China has publicly received gas from the U.S.-sanctioned Portovaya plant. A previous attempt in October involved a dark fleet ship-to-ship transfer of LNG off the coast of Malaysia between tankers 'Perle' and 'CCH Gas', which received a sanctioned Portovaya cargo during that operation and has not called at any Chinese port since. Its exact whereabouts remained uncertain despite satellite imagery placing it south of Hainan last month. The 'Valera' broadcast continuous AIS signals throughout its journey and during its approach to Beihai, a departure from the increasingly common practice of AIS spoofing designed to mask the origin of sanctioned oil or gas. The transparency of the delivery is a sign of further reduction in Chinese reservations to receive sanctioned Russian products, signaling a willingness to continue its energy engagement with Russia.

16 containers fell overboard from the 'Baltic Klipper', enroute from Flushing to Portsmouth, UK, in stormy weather near the Nab Tower lighthouse off Bembridge, Isle of Wight, on Dec 6, 2025, at around 6 p.m. Eight of the containers contained bananas, two contained plantains, one contained avocados, and the remaining five were empty. All lost cargo was classified as non-hazardous. The containers caused disruptions to shipping in the Solent, with the Coastguard posting warnings regarding the driftgoods. The cruise ship 'Iona', carrying 5,200 passengers, was delayed by 24 hours from its departure. Recovery efforts were started, with the HM Coast Guard carrying out aerial searches near the area where the boxes were lost. Five containers have so far come ashore at Selsey, West Sussex, and others been sighted adrift off the shore. Clearance was due to start on Dec 8. The area of Selsey has been cordoned off, where floating containers were spotted. Hundreds of bananas washed up on the coastline. Efforts were ongoing to trace the missing containers and minimise the environmental impact.The 'Baltic Klipper' dropped anchor off Shanklin in pos. 50° 38' N 001° 03' W,, where it remained stationary as of Dec 8. An investigation was likely to determine whether the losses were caused by severe weather, improper lashing, or structural failures. All wreck material should be reported to the Receiver of Wreck, however this will not include perishable goods in this incident, and members of the public should comply with the instructions provided by the Council. Reports with photos and video: https://turkdeniz.com/baltic-klipper-isimli-geminin-konteynerleri-denize-dustu https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v133vl9w7o https://news.ssbcrack.com/cargo-containers-wash-ashore-at-selsey-after-falling-from-ship/ https://news.ssbcrack.com/containers-spill-on-west-sussex-beach-after-cargo-ship-incident/ https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2025-12-07/thousands-of-bananas-wash-up-on-beach-after-shipping-containers-fall-into-sea

On Dec 7, three people were evacuated from the 'Kairos', after information was received that there were three crew members who were in poor health and who, at the request of the shipowner, were then evacuated. During the second course of the helicopter, the mission was carried out and the three people were brought ashore, handed over to the Border Police to verify their identity, medical care and further actions have been provided. They were to be taken in by a representative of the shipowner. Those who did not require medical observation would most likely be taken to a hotel. On board, food and water supplies as well as the batteries were running low. Measures were taken with the assistance of the Ministers of Transport and Defence to ensure the logistics for the delivery of these materials to ensure the continued stay of the crew on the ship. They were provided with food for three days, water, and communication equipment to make connections. After contact with a representative of the shipowner was established, the necessary materials were provided. The materials were delivered by helicopter. The removal of four more crew members to the shore was scheduled for the morning of Dec 8. On the instructions of the shipowner, three people were to remain on board to carry out his instructions. The Ministry of Environment and Water started urgent monitoring of the waters in the Ahtopol area to dispel suspicions of potential pollution from the tanker. In this regard, the Basin Directorate “Black Sea Region“ (BDCHR) - Varna deployed measuring devices and took samples between Sozopol and Rezovo, which provided data on the state of the sea water. The tanker remained in a stable position.

On Dec 7, 2025, at around 7 p.m., an inland vessel allided with the cables of the 'Regina Fluminium 2', operating between Eck en Wiel and Amerongen.The ferry was dislodged and drifted rudderless on the Lower Rhine. Emergency services and frefighters were on site on both sides of the river and have moored the ferry on the Amerongen side. A few people and their cars were disembarked. The ferry was then shifted to the Eck en Wiel side in Gelderland, where it was moored in pos. 51° 59' N 005° 27 E'. Rijkswaterstaat was on site with the patrol boat 'RWS 85' (MMSI: 244041041). Shipping traffic was at a standstill during the response. The ferry was expected to be out of service for several days. The ferry itself was not damaged, but cables needed to be replaced. Work was due to start on Dec 8. Reports with photos and video: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/12/07/vrachtschip-ramt-veerpont-op-de-nederrijn/ https://www.src.fm/regionieuws/56890/veerpont-eck-en-wiel-amerongen-stuurloos-na-aanvaring-met-vrachtschip https://www.gelderlander.nl/buren/vrachtschip-ramt-kabel-van-veerpont-voorlopig-nog-uit-de-vaart~acab7944/

On Dec 4, 2025, at 6.30 a.m. LT the 'Osogovo' allided with the arrestor in the Côte Ste. Catherine Lock of the St. Lawrence Seaway. above Montreal, en route from Port Weller. Shipping traffic has has been halted after the accident, and at least nine ships were waiting, while work was being done at the lock. The ship remained stationary in pos. 45° 24' N 073° 34' W until Dec 5 at 2 p.m. LT, when it continued the voyage to Ringaskiddy with an ETA as of Dec 18.

The 'Grande Portogallo', en route from Valencia to Le Havre, requested the urgent medical evacuation of its Chief Engineer,who was injured in an accident, on Dec 8, 2025. The CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Valencia mobilized the SAR helicopter Helimer 202. The patient was hoisted andand transported to the helipad of the hospital in Valencia for further medical treatment.

The CCS of Salvamento MArítimo in Tenerife has coordinated the escort of two cayucos by the 'Salvamar Diphda' and 'Salvamar Navia' on Dec 7 and Dec 8 near #LaRestinga. 192 and 135 people disembarked in the port, respectively. The CCS in Tarifa coordinated the rescue of seven migrants from a small boat on Dec 7 by the 'Salvamar Enif'. They disembarked in the port of Cádiz. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1998086447749107965

Beached at Aliaga 04.12.25 towed by Hulk II

The service of the 'Caledonian Isles' between Ardrossan and Brodick were at a heightened risk of disruption and cancellation due to weather conditions in conncection with technical problems aboard the ferry on Dec 9, with the vessel's port stabiliser currently removed from operation due to an ongoing issue. Limitations were in place regarding the weather and sea states, in which the vessel can safely operate.

Passengers on the 'Iona' were facing delays after 18 containers carrying bananas fell overboard from the reefer 'Baltic Klipper' (IMO: 9454759) near the near the Nab Tower lighthouse on the Isle of Wight on Dec 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. The cruise ship was scheduled to depart Southampton for a 14-day cruise to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. Following the incident, the ship has been unable to leave port. The HM Coastguard is closely monitoring the situation and working with the relevant authorities, including the vessel’s owners. Broadcasts are being sent to warn local shipping, and Selsey Coastguard Rescue Team was on patrol. The “Iona" remained in Southampton overnight, untilthe authorities had confirmed the location of the containers. The cruise ship finally left the port on Dec 7 en route to Santa Cruz de Tenerife with an ETA as of Dec 11.

On Dec 7, 2025, at 5.50 p.m. fatal accident has occurred on board the "Kybele," which was moored in the port of Durres with a cargo of wheat. The 24-year-old crew member Avaz Yafaro from Azerbaijan died after coming into contact with electricity while performing his duties. An ambulance arrived quickly, and the victim was taken to the emergency room of a hospital in Durres, but died en route despite all efforts to save his life. The investigation team was working to determine the full circumstances of the incident.