On the late afternoon of May 15, 2025, a fire broke out on the 'Trade' in the Western Port Area of Amsterdam. The fire brigade was alerted around 5:00 p.m. because of the fire on the ship that is moored at the AST Amsterdam Scrap Terminal Vlothaven way, a recycling company that exports 'various types of iron' from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to Turkey. The fire brigade was present with a large number of fire engines. At around 7:40, p.m. the fire brigade issued an NL-Alert to Amsterdam residents with a smartphone in West. This NL-Alert was sent to a relatively small area. It mainly concerns residents of West, because the smoke was blowing to the area between the Sloterplas, Plesmanlaan and Westlandgracht. All the scrap from the compartment where the fire is raging is removed with cranes and extinguished on the quay. In addition, the scrap that was still in the hold was extinguished from a fire boat and from ladder trucks. At the request of the fire department, a police helicopter used cameras to look at the source of the fire. After 6:00, p.m. more smoke came from the ship, Fire engines from Zaandam, Duivendrecht and Aalsmeer have also been called in. The fire brigade's diving team has also arrived as a precaution. Furthermore, the WTS-1000 water transport system was present, a type of container that can transport a lot of extinguishing water. This allows 4000 litres of extinguishing water to be used per minute. Finally, water is taken from the IJ to extinguish the fire. Report with photo and video: https://www.at5.nl/nieuws/232522/rookwolk-door-brand-in-vrachtschip-in-westelijk-havengebied-wordt-groter
News
MARVIN FAITH
The 'Marvin Faith' and the 'Marvin Confidence' (IMO: 9820295) have been arrested on Sep 28/29, 2020, in Rotterdam and were scheduled to be auctioned off. The crew had requested this because of approximately $328,000 in back wages. The auction was scheduled for Sep 24, 2021, but was canceled at short notice because an unknown amount of money had been deposited. The ships were in the same position as of May 15, 2025.
ISLA DE BIOKO
The 'Isla De Bioko', en route from Rotterdam, being loaded with urea, was in collision with the barges towed by the tug 'Ginny Rose' on April 27, 2025 at 9.20 p.m. The collision led to one barge sinking and six others going adrift, while sailing downstream on the Mississippi River from St. Rose, Louisiana. The conditions on the river were harsh and challenging at the time of the accident. After receiving news of the collision, the Coast Guard immediately mobilized local assisting tugs, which managed to successfully recover four of the barges, but two of them became fouled in the anchor chains of the 'Red Fin' (IMO: 9607306), which had moored in pos. 29° 56' N 090° 09' W on April 22, en route from Vistino, and the 'Bulker Bee 30' (IMO: 9489986), which left New Orleans on May 9, en route to Veracuz, where it arrived on May 11. The section near the collision site was temporarily closed off by the Coast Guard from mile marker 108 to 111 above Head of Passes, while crews assessed whether it was safe to traverse given the sunken barge. On April 28 at 3 p.m. after the depth of the sunken barge was deemed safe for other vessels and the last two barges were recovered, the channel was reopened, albeit with restrictions. A survey conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had confirmed the sunken barge was located approximately 75’ below the surface. An investigation has been opened into the matter, and salvage plans were being drawn up for the sunken barge. Elevated river levels remained a complicating factor for marine traffic and recovery operations. The 'Isla de Bioko' left New Orleans again on April 28 en route to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on May 1 and left the port en route to Rotterdam with an ETA as of May 23.
MAERSK SANA
On May 15, the tug 'Sea 1 Ruby' (IMO: 9413444 ), which had left Bergen on May 4, has reached the 'Maersk Sana', which has been adrift in the Atlantic Ocean after an engine room explosion on April 28, approximately 354 nautical miles east of Bermuda, in pos. 33° 27' N 064° 47' W. The explosion had injured three crew members one of them seriously, who remains in critical but stable condition in a U.S. hospital. Despite the explosion, the vessel has retained auxiliary power and can use its thruster for limited maneuvering. The tug was dispatched on May 4 with the aim of towing the container ship to a port of refuge in the Bahamas by the last week of May. Maersk defended its decision to use a distant tug, stating it prioritized finding the right vessel for the job rather than the nearest one. Calm weather has thus far prevented the situation from worsening, and Maersk’s monitoring teams continued to track conditions to ensure safety.
MSC VIRTUOSA
The man who died on board the 'MSC Virtuosa' following an altercation on May 3, has been named as James Messham, 60, from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. A 57-year-old man from Exeter, Devon, was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been released on bail, pending further inquiries by Hampshire Constabulary. Proceedings into the death had not yet been opened. Messham was part of a stag party on board the cruise ship, which was in British waters at the time.
LARGO CALIFORNIA
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) was investigating the possible connection between the 'Largo California' and an oil spill detected in the Bay of Panama, near Puerto Caimito, which occurred on April 26, 2025. The tanker was anchoring in the Bay of Panama near the source of the spill at the time of the maneuvers. The Panama Maritime Authority was diligently continuing the relevant investigations to clarify the facts. Likewise, the corresponding communication processes have been initiated with the ship owners and the ship's agency to obtain their collaboration in the investigation, The ship arrived in Balboa on May 9.
CGC MYRTLE HAZARD
The 'Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139)' was involved in an SAR operation by the U.S. Coast Guard, with the U.S. Navy, Saipan Department of Public Safety (DPS), and civilian partners, which has been iintensified on May 15, 2025, for the 47-foot f/v 'Lucky Harvest' with two crew members on board, which has been missing since departing Alamagan Island, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, on May 12, 2025, en route to Saipan. The search efforts have been focused west of Saipan. The 'Myrtle Hazard' was patrolling the area. The DPS Saipan boat crew searched eight hours west of Saipan Harbor, and the 'Mama Loling', a sister vessel to the 'Lucky Harvest', searched 15 hours before returning to port around midnight on May 15. Both DPS and the 'Mama Loling' crews were back out searching after daybreak. To strengthen the search, a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Hawai’i and a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Japan are joining midday May 15, taking over aerial searches from the U.S. Navy MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter (HSC-25), which conducted multiple search patterns on May 14. The 'Lucky Harvest' is reportedly equipped with a VHF radio, orange life jackets, flares, an emergency beacon, fuel, and provisions. Current weather: east winds 10 to 15 knots, gusts to 20 knots, seas 4 to 6 feet. Urgent Marine Information Broadcasts and SafetyNet alerts are active. Have information related to the case? Please contact our Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam team at (671) 355-4826.
SCOTLAND BAY
On May 15, 2025, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has issued formal recommendations to three government agencies and a salvage operator with the release of its final report into the near grounding of the 'Portland Bay', now sailing as 'Scotland Bay', near Sydney in July 2022. The ship had been berthed at Port Kembla on July 3, when deteriorating adverse weather made it unsafe for it to remain in port, and the harbour master and ship’s master decided that the ship should sail and remain at sea until the weather improved. After leaving Port Kembla, the ship remained much closer to the coast than the 50 nautical miles prescribed by the ship’s procedures. Early on July 4, while drifting and slowly steaming just 12 miles from the coast, the main engine developed mechanical problems, and the ship began to drift toward the rocky coast, Delays with the ship’s master initially reporting the incident were then compounded when NSW authorities did not immediately pass on the information to the AMSA. It was only after several emergency broadcasts and a radio plea for assistance that a harbour tug was dispatched, which arrived nearly five hours after the ship was first disabled. By the time that tug, which did not have an operational towing winch or a suitable towline, arrived, Portland Bay’s master had made emergency use of both anchors one mile off the rocky shoreline of Royal National Park. The anchors reduced the ship’s progress towards the coast until two more harbour tugs arrived, about five hours after it was anchored. In the following hours, these tugs began towing the ship away from the coast, but some time later, the towline of one of the tugs failed and the 'Portland Bay' again began drifting towards the shore, now off Cronulla. The ship’s master was forced for a second time to deploy both anchors. Even with both anchors deployed and one tug connected, the ship did not hold its position and it continued to slowly move towards the coastline overnight. A key factor in the prolonged exposure of the ship and its crew to stranding, was the extensive delay in tasking the state’s nominated ocean-going emergency tug 'Svitzer Glenrock'. The Port Authority of NSW had assumed control to lead the response, with AMSA and NSW Maritime as support agencies. The initial request to AMSA for the 'Svitzer Glenrock' to be activated was made around midday on July 4 by the Port Authority, but was lost between the two agencies’ incident control rooms and was not followed up for many hours. It was not until after the towing attempt had failed and a further two requests were made that AMSA tasked the 'Svitzer Glenrock', almost 13 hours after the emergency began. Around 30 hours after the 'Portland Bay’s master had reported its disablement, the 'Svitzer Glenrock 'arrived after a voyage of 90 nautical miles from Newcastle in very rough weather. More than 48 hours after the emergency developed, the ship was towed into Port Botany for refuge and repairs by the ETV with harbour tugs. The ATSB’s investigation identified 8 safety issues associated with the emergency response, highlighting confusion and inefficient coordination between the multiple agencies involved. The report notes the NSW and Australian national plan for managing maritime emergencies are designed to provide the best available actions in managing risks along Australia’s e coastline. The AMSA and the Port Authority of NSW had not effectively implemented their respective procedures to comply with these plans, and NSW Maritime, the statutory agency responsible for ensuring the state was prepared to respond to this type of incident, had not effectively met this obligation. While the first responding tug crew have been praised for their efforts in what were very challenging weather and operational conditions, the three harbour tugs that were initially deployed to manage this emergency were not properly equipped, and ultimately were always going to be incapable of effectively towing the ship in the rough, open seas even though at 15,500 tonnes, it was less than half the weight had it been fully laden with cargo. Several safety actions were taken by AMSA and the ship’s management company, which have been detailed in the final report. Eight safety issues identified by the investigation have not yet been addressed to the ATSB Commission’s satisfaction, which is why we have made safety recommendations to four organisations, calling for additional action to be taken. To AMSA, the ATSB has recommended the agency takes further action, or completes proposed safety action, to address the following (summarised) inter-related safety issues: - AMSA’s procedures supporting the National Plan had not been effectively implemented. - Inadequate coordination on AMSA’s part resulted from not having the required understanding of its central role in the emergency due to direct control of national emergency towage assets and powers of intervention. - AMSA had not effectively met its obligation as the manager of the National Plan to ensure it was adequately prepared to respond to such incidents. - AMSA’s process to issue directions under powers of intervention was inefficient with excessive time taken to issue them to allow the ship refuge in port. The ATSB has recommended the Port Authority of NSW takes action to address the following (summarised) safety issues: - The Port Authority’s procedures to comply with the NSW Plan and its operating licence were not effectively implemented. - The Port Authority’s response coordination was impacted by an incorrect understanding of its responsibilities under its operating licence and relevant state plans. To NSW Maritime, the ATSB has recommended the agency take action to address the finding that: - NSW Maritime had not effectively met its legislative obligation to ensure that New South Wales was prepared to respond to an incident in accordance with the state’s plan. To United Salvage, the ATSB has recommended the organisation: - takes safety action to ensure its capabilities and limitations to provide professional salvage services are made clearly known to the master, owners and managers of the ship to be salved under a salvage agreement. The ATSB will continue to monitor for action taken by the responsible organisations in addressing these recommendations. Full report: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2022/mair/mo-2022-006
RED FIN
The tanker 'Isla De Bioko' (IMO: 9767235), en route from Rotterdam, being loaded with urea, was in collision with the barges towed by the tug 'Ginny Rose' on April 27, 2025 at 9.20 p.m. The collision led to one barge sinking and six others going adrift, while sailing downstream on the Mississippi River from St. Rose, Louisiana. The conditions on the river were harsh and challenging at the time of the accident. After receiving news of the collision, the Coast Guard immediately mobilized local assisting tugs, which managed to successfully recover four of the barges, but two of them became fouled in the anchor chains of the 'Red Fin', which had moored in pos. 29° 56' N 090° 09' W on April 22, en route from Vistino, and the 'Bulker Bee 30' (IMO: 9489986), which left New Orleans on May 9, en route to Veracuz, where it arrived on May 11. The section near the collision site was temporarily closed off by the Coast Guard from mile marker 108 to 111 above Head of Passes, while crews assessed whether it was safe to traverse given the sunken barge. On April 28 at 3 p.m. after the depth of the sunken barge was deemed safe for other vessels and the last two barges were recovered, the channel was reopened, albeit with restrictions. A survey conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had confirmed the sunken barge was located approximately 75’ below the surface. An investigation has been opened into the matter, and salvage plans were being drawn up for the sunken barge. Elevated river levels remained a complicating factor for marine traffic and recovery operations. The 'Isla de Bioko' left New Orleans again on April 28 en route to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on May 1 and left the port en route to Rotterdam with an ETA as of May 23.
SIRRAH
The 'Sirrah', which had originally set off from Chennai with 26 crew members on board, encountered technical issues and was forced to anchor about seven nautical miles from Vizhinjam port. After emergency repairs, the ship managed to set sail just hours before the Coast Guard’s deadline on May 12, 2025, and departed for Khorfakkan at 2.30 a.m. with an ETA as of May 21. The departure was made possible after a critical 900-kg engine compressor was sourced from Mumbai and delivered with the support of Waterline Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a Thiruvananthapuram-based shipping agency, in coordination with the Kerala Maritime Board. The ship’s owners acted swiftly to procure the required spare parts, but due to the prevailing war-like situation, the transport vehicle carrying the equipment was delayed at multiple checkpoints for security inspections. Once cleared by Customs, the spare parts were ferried to the vessel aboard the tug 'Dhwani', operated by the Kerala Maritime Board. Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard had inspected the vessel and found no suspicious items or hazardous cargo on board. They instructed the captain to move the ship within two days in light of Operation Sindoor. Report with photo: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/May/13/uae-bound-vessel-mv-sirrah-resumes-voyage-following-emergency-repairs
CONSCIENCE
Maltese authorities will undertake the necessary repairs at sea to the 'Consicence' of the Freedom Flotilla ship, after an initial inspection found that minor repairs were sufficient to allow it to sail to its next destination in the Gaza Strip. In this regard, the main systems, including the engines and generators, have remained operational. The ship remained anchored in international waters for the time being.
CECI
On May 14, after several days of investigation, both the 'Ceci' and its crew were released. The only person detained was the ship's cook. The ruling was issued by Federal Guarantee Judge Carlos Vera Barros. The sentence indicated that the man, identified as Jonathan Caputero, was to be held in preventive detention for 90 days. The cook had admitted to bringing the drugs onto the ship. The decision was also made following the investigation into the cell phones seized on the ship. So far, the origin of the cocaine shipment is unknown. For now, Caputero admitted full responsibility for loading the 379 loaves of cocaine into the cold storage and other parts of the vessel.
MARVIN CONFIDENCE
The 'Marvin Faith' (IMO: 9820300) and the 'Marvin Confidence' have been arrested on Sep 28/29, 2020, in Rotterdam and were scheduled to be auctioned off. The crew had requested this because of approximately $328,000 in back wages. The auction was scheduled for Sep 24, 2021, but was canceled at short notice because an unknown amount of money had been deposited. The ships were in the same position as of May 15, 2025.
BULKER BEE 30
The tanker 'Isla De Bioko' (IMO: 9767235), en route from Rotterdam, being loaded with urea, was in collision with the barges towed by the tug 'Ginny Rose' on April 27, 2025 at 9.20 p.m. The collision led to one barge sinking and six others going adrift, while sailing downstream on the Mississippi River from St. Rose, Louisiana. The conditions on the river were harsh and challenging at the time of the accident. After receiving news of the collision, the Coast Guard immediately mobilized local assisting tugs, which managed to successfully recover four of the barges, but two of them became fouled in the anchor chains of the 'Red Fin' (IMO: 9607306), which had moored in pos. 29° 56' N 090° 09' W on April 22, en route from Vistino, and the 'Bulker Bee 30', which left New Orleans on May 9, en route to Veracuz, where it arrived on May 11. The section near the collision site was temporarily closed off by the Coast Guard from mile marker 108 to 111 above Head of Passes, while crews assessed whether it was safe to traverse given the sunken barge. On April 28 at 3 p.m. after the depth of the sunken barge was deemed safe for other vessels and the last two barges were recovered, the channel was reopened, albeit with restrictions. A survey conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had confirmed the sunken barge was located approximately 75’ below the surface. An investigation has been opened into the matter, and salvage plans were being drawn up for the sunken barge. Elevated river levels remained a complicating factor for marine traffic and recovery operations. The 'Isla de Bioko' left New Orleans again on April 28 en route to Baton Rouge, where it arrived on May 1 and left the port en route to Rotterdam with an ETA as of May 23.
ASCENSION
The 'Ascension', serving between Plaquemine and New Orleans, had to be taken out of service on May 8, 2025, due to damage it sustained from a vehicle on board on the morning. The ferry, which normally runs from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.,was sidelined for the remainder of the day. There was no estimation on when the ferry would be back in service. The secondary ferry is out of service until further notice to service Cameron Parish.
US GOV VESSEL 75
On May 3, 2025, another F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the USS 'Harry S. Truman' has been lost in the Red Sea, the second jet lost from the carrier in just over a week, when the aircraft carrier was making evasive maneuvers to avoid Houthi militant fire in the Red Sea. The F/A-18 fighter Super Hornet jet, along with the vehicle towing it into place on the deck of the ''Harry S Truman', rolled right out of the hangar bay and into the water, after the move crew lost control of the aircraft. The other aircraft was lost after there was some kind of arrestment failure as the jet was trying to land on the carrier, and the pilot and weapons systems officer had to eject. They were recovered by a rescue helicopter and were both alive, but suffered minor injuries.
DOUCE FRANCE
On May 15, 2025, agents from the Civil Guard and the Customs Surveillance Service were searching the 'Douce France', which has docked in the Port of Vigo, en route from Vila do Conde and Fortaleza in Brazil, on suspicion of transporting drugs inside or on its hull. Security forces started searching the vessel for narcotics, as has happened in recent months with other ships that have also been intercepted in the Port of Vigo.
COBRA
The 'Cobra' was taken to dry dock in Talcahuano for forensic examinations by the PDI and the Prosecutor's Office in relation to the sinking of the 'Bruma' on May 2. The main hypothesis was a possible collision between the two vessels. The forensic examinations must still confirm this theory, beginning with a drying process to remove water from the 'Cobra'. A preliminary visual inspection of the hull was then carried out, without direct intervention, and then more detailed investigations began by the Prosecutor's Office and the PDI. Some analyses require natural light, while others require low lighting to apply specific reagents.Detailed investigations could extend until May 3, including planimetry, photography, microanalysis, and biochemical analysis to obtain efficient information. The expert reports will include planimetry, photography, microanalysis, biochemistry and audiovisual analysis procedures, in order to obtain the greatest amount of information possible in an efficient manner. During the investigations, biological remains were found, which had to be analyzed at the Temuco Forensics Laboratory. Report with photo: https://www.pagina7.cl/noticias/actualidad/2025/05/02/tras-peritajes-claves-al-barco-cobra-conoce-que-revelaron-sobre-el-naufragio-de-la-lancha-bruma