Search efforts for the missing crew of the 'Batuhan A' continued uninterruptedly on the 10th day on Feb 24, with 646 personnel from the air and land, and SAR resources from the sea. On the 9th day, 667 personnel from the air and sea were involved.
News
RUBYMAR
The 'Rubymar', which was hit by missiles fired from the Houthi-controlled part of Yemen, was now leaking large quantities of oil. A 29 kilometer long oil streak strechted out from the ship on Feb 24. The oil is not the only environmental threat. The bulk carrier is loaded with 22,000 tonnes of fertiliser, which could cause a massive pollution if it ends up in the sea. It was not known whether the ship was stable enough to be towed. The bulk carrier's 20-strong crew and four armed guards have all been brought ashore and were reportedly safe. American and British planes attacked several targets on the night of Feb 25 in the Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. Among the targets were weapons depots, radar installations and a helicopter.
SUKHOTHAI
The salvage crew of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and its US counterpart on Feb 23 successfully recovered the metal nameplate of the HTMS "Sukhothai" in the Gulf of Thailand. The limited salvage mission started on Feb 22 off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The mission was initially unsuccessful in retrieving the ship’s nameplate as the divers had only 45 minutes to work underwater, while most of the ship’s surface was covered with barnacles from being under water for nearly two years. The mission continued on Feb 23 and comprised four diving trips. The first two trips were aimed at surveying the ship's exterior and retrieval of its nameplate. The divers succeeded in their mission in the morning and brought the nameplate of the HTMS Sukhothai up from the seabed. The last two trips, to be resumed in the afternoon, were to explore damage to the ship’s prow, seal doors, and Aspide missile launcher at the ship’s tail. The RTN-US navy joint mission, scheduled until March 14, will cover the search for the bodies of five crew from the HTMS 'Sukhothai' still missing and presumed dead. The divers were to also to retrieve certain armaments and objects that are emotionally valuable for the Thai Navy, as well as defuse and neutralise explosives. Report with photos: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40035828
ISLANDER
The 'Islander', en route from Pap Ta Phut to Aladabiyah, diverted its course by 90 degrees after the Houthi attack, which set the ship on fire, on Feb 22. The operator of the Islander is a company called Gemstone Marine Ltd., which is based in Liberia and only owns that ship. Its technical manager is a Romania-based business called African Express Ltd. The ship moored in Djibouti Anchorage on Feb 23 at 8.10 a.m. in pos. 11° 39.22' N 043° 10.55' E.
HDMS ABSALON
The Danish frigates 'Absalon' and 'Esbern Snare' (MMSI 220191000) were in allision in the morning of Feb 23, 2024, at the naval station Frederikshavn in connection with a storm, which developed hurricane force gusts, sweeping across the northern and western parts of the country. No people have been injured. The 'Esbern Snare' broke lose from its moorings, after which the frigate drifted into the 'Absalon'. It only resulted in minor damage to the two warships. The 'Esbern Snare' was towed back ito its berth.
RAPIDA
The Rapida hits the Railway Bridge at Elsfleth , Train services interrupted https://cdn.vesseltracker.com/hires/2085968.jpg https://cdn.vesseltracker.com/hires/2086059.jpg German Report: https://www.presseportal.de/blaulicht/pm/119277/5721508
MTT SINGAPORE
Beached at Gadani as Gap 24.02.24 https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=801263388685697&set=a.404370641708309
PETUNIA SEAWAYS
Strong winds in western Götaland with speeds with 30 meters per second created difficulties when the roro ferry 'Freesia Seaways' (IMO: 9274848), en route from Immingham, was mooring at Arendal in Gothenburg in the morning. When the vessel was due to dock at Berth 750, allided with the berthed 'Petunia Seaways' and ended up at Berth 751. The impact was light, and there were no indications of damage. Tugs were on site to tow the ship to the right berth, and there was also a pilot on board.
FU YUAN YU 676
The 'Fu Yuan Yu 676, which had transgressed into Indian territorial waters, was spotted by local fishermen off the Mangaluru coast in the deep sea about three days ago. The men on the Chinese boat signalled the Indian fishermen to move away. The Chinese vessel was spotted in the night indulging in light fishing which is banned in India. In a video shot by the Mangaluru fishermen, several boats can be seen indulging in light fishing, which the fishermen claimed were all Chinese. The ship was spotted early the next morning too. When one of the Indian boats approached the vessel, some people can be seen signalling them to move away. The local fishermen have insisted that the Indian Coast Guard should investigate whether the Chinese fishing vessel had entered Indian waters inadvertently or whether it was intentional. Report with photos: https://english.publictv.in/chinese-fishing-vessel-spotted-off-mangaluru-coast-fishermen-want-coast-guard-probe/
DANISH WARSHIP F342
The Danish frigates 'Absalon' (IMO: 9284441) and 'Esbern Snare' were in allision in the morning of Feb 23 at the naval station Frederikshavn in connection with a storm, which developed hurricane force gusts, sweeping across the northern and western parts of the country. No people have been injured. The 'Esbern Snare' broke lose from its moorings, after which the frigate drifted into the 'Absalon'. It only resulted in minor damage to the two warships. The 'Esbern Snare' was towed back ito its berth.
HERMES
Arrived Liepaja Scrapyard 22.02.24 https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/3680979?navList=homeMostPopular
FREESIA SEAWAYS
Strong winds in western Götaland with speeds with 30 meters per second created difficulties when the 'Freesia Seaways', en route from Immingham, was mooring at Arendal in Gothenburg in the morning. When the vessel was due to dock at Berth 750, allided with the berthed roro ferry 'Petunia Seaways' (IMO: 9259501) and ended up at Berth 751. The impact was light, and there were no indications of damage. Tugs were on site to tow the ship to the right berth, and there was also a pilot on board.
ST NIKOLAS
Iran will be allowing the release of all crew members — mostly Filipinos — of the seized 'St. Nikolas' once their replacement to man the ship has arrived, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Feb 22. At least 17 of the 19 original crew members remain on the vessel after a Filipino and a Greek cadet were released early this month and in January, respectively. To compensate the crew managing the vessel in Iran, the concerned manning agency doubled their salary.