While the' Wilson Nice' was at sea, enroute from Belfast to Dunkirk, the chief engineer of the ship was found dead in his cabin. On July 15, 2025, the cargo ship was diverted to the port of Brest (Finistère).A doctor and police officers were on board and found nothing suspicious behind the death. The 'Wilson Nice' departed again on July 17 after the ship haf found a new chief engineer. Calling at the port of Brest, the Wilson Nice is expected to depart soon, as soon as the ship had found a new chief engineer.
News
ETERNITY C
The eight Filipino crew members of the 'Eternity C' arrived back home on the night of July 16. via flight SV870 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 in Pasay City. The seafarers will receive financial assistance through the DMW’s Aksyon Fund, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s Emergency Repatriation Fund, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development; medical care from the Department of Health; New NAIA Infra Corp. support under the Department of Transportation; and comprehensive reintegration assistance from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other members of the National Reintegration Network to ensure a smooth, productive, and sustainable transition back to their families. The DMW was still verifying reports that three of the 13 missing Filipino seafarers were killed. There were also reports that the unaccounted sailors were being held hostage by the Houthi terrorists. Report with photo: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/8-filipino-crew-of-sunken-houthi-hit-ship-back-home
GANNET BULKER
The Eagle Ship Management LLC, based in Stamford, Connecticut, of the 'Gannet Bulker' pleaded guilty on July 13, 2025, to deliberately polluting U.S. waters off the coast of New Orleans by dumping oily waste in 2021. If sentencing is approved, the company could face a criminal fine of $1.75 million and a four-year probation term that includes audits by an independent expert,. The charges stemmed from an investigation the U.S. Coast Guard launched after a crew member on the 'Gannet Bulker' sent a social media message on March 14, 2021, stating the engine room had flooded and oil-contaminated water was deliberately pumped overboard at night. The 'Gannet Bulker' was anchored near Southwest Pass of the Port of New Orleans near the mouth of the Mississippi River at that time. The oily discharge was around 39 cubic meters and did not involve the use of required pollution prevention equipment or recordkeeping. The chief engineer of the ship was prosecuted in a separate case and sentenced to serve a year and a day in prison for his role in the discharge of oil and obstruction of justice. The company's plea included admissions that the crew engaged in obstructive acts, including retaliation against the whistleblower, senior ship officers and crew lying to the Coast Guard and destruction of evidence, including a printout from the engine control room computer. Senior ship officers also created false and backdated personnel evaluations intended to discredit the whistleblower The sentencing is scheduled for Oct.16.
NLD WARSHIP P842
The HNLMS 'Friesland' managed to seize a large drug shipment in the Caribbean Sea during two interceptions on June 25 and on July 3. The total haul from the three seizures was 4,200 kilos. The US Coast Guard and a maritime patrol aircraft from the Caribbean Coast Guard had discovered the smuggling boats. The fregate immediately took action and dispatched the fast interceptor boats, as well as a US Coast Guard helicopter, which forced the smugglers to stop. The three speed boats had a shipment of narcotics on board, weighing 700, 1,000, and 2,500 kilos respectively. The drugs have been handed over to the US Coast Guard. The HNLMS 'Friesland' has been operating as a station ship in the Caribbean since the end of May. Since then, the fregate has intercepted nearly 7,800 kilos of contraband. Report with photos: https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/07/16/zr.ms.-friesland-stuit-op-4.200-kilo-drugs-in-caribische-zee
HUMANITY 1
The 'Humanity 1' has rescued 26 refugees and migrants in the Mediterranean Sea. The people disembarked in Brindisi on the morning of July 15, after a four-day voyage. The crew of the "Humanity 1" rescued the boat people on July 11 in international waters off Libya. They had set off from Libya and found themselves in distress a few kilometers from the coast. Photos: https://x.com/soshumanity_en/status/1943632213775446118 https://x.com/soshumanity_en/status/1945080141899579518
ALICAT
The 'Ali Cat' was sent to Greenock for repairs on July 16, after having been taken out of service due to issues with the port side main engine.The sailing from Gourock at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and from Dunoon at 4.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. cancelled. These were swiftly resolved, and the ferry returned back to the service on the route Gourock-Dunoon at 6.15 p.m. from the port of Gourock.
FWN ADRIATIC
The fire aboard the 'FWN Adriatic' has not yet been extinguished ao f July 17. The fire broke out during the loading of vehicles and plasterboard. The hatches were closed, the fire department has sprayed CO2 inside and was now waiting for the fire to go out, but that could take hours. It was unknown what exactly was on fire, however, pallets of plasterboard were initially on fire. The ship entered service in May of this year and embarked on its maiden voyage on July 12. The shipping company has a total of 29 ships, but has never before experienced such a serious fire on board.
HALLAIG
Due to a technical issue on the 'Hallaig', serving on the route Sconser-Raasay, on July 17, the scheduled 07:55 a.m. sailing departing from Raasay and the 08:25 a.m. sailing departing from Sconser had to be cancelled. The ship was sidelined in Raasay for repairs. While the investigations into the issue were ongoing, also the the 08:55 a.n. sailing departing Raasay and the 09:25 a.m. sailing departing Sconser were cancelled. After troubleshooting, the ferry returned to service with a delayed 08:55 a.m. sailing departing from the port of Raasay. The 'Hallaig' operated a shuttle service. The vessel intended to go back to timetable at 12:15 p.m.
MAGIC SEAS
the Filipino seafarer Cocoy, 38, has recounted the Houthi attack on the 'Magic Seas': He was off-duty and resting in his cabin when the captain’s voice boomed over the intercom of the cargo ship: “We are under attack”. He realized what sounded like a “knock” from inside the vessel was gunfire being exchanged by ship security and Houthi rebels swarming the ship in small boats. The crew members scrambled to reach the muster station at the center of the ship, considered the safest place should a projectile strike the vessel. There were speedboats from the right, left and stern of the ship. There was also a bigger boat with around 15 people on board who were attempting to board the bulk carrier, but could be fought back by the armed guards. The group huddled inside the muster station for nearly five hours as the ship’s three armed Sri Lankan security guards tried to stave off the attack. A H0uthi spokesman later claimed that five ballistic and cruise missiles and three drones had been employed in the attack. The flooding had started so it was decided to abandon the ship. The lifeboat was depöpyed, and all 22 crew members went from board. Cocoy and his shipmates spent three hours floating in the Red Sea before being picked up by a Panama-flagged container ship. The 'Magic Seas' was no longer within their sight when it sank.
TS SHTANDART
The TS 'Shtandard' was banned from Aberdeen harbour, as the city prepares to welcome nearly 50 vessels for the Tall Ships Races - the first time Aberdeen has hosted the event since 1997. The TS 'Shtandart', a registered Russian vessel until June 2024, released an open letter to the Granite City's port authorities ahead of the Tall Ships Races 2025 kicking off on July 19, 2025. They confirmed in the letter that they had been excluded from the event's list of participants, with Russian (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022 introduced following the invasion of Ukraine. Vessels owned, controlled, chartered or operated by designated persons with links to Russia, and ships flying under the Russian flag or registered in Russia, are prevented from entering ports in the UK under the legislation. The captain, Vladimir Martus, was born in Russia, but the open letter stated that he left Russia over a decade ago, adding that the ship now was sailing under the Cook Islands flag and has not returned to Russia in 15 years The Sail Training International stated, that Aberdeen was not a confirmed stop for the ship, and its captain, Vladimir Martus, was fully aware of the situation: "Sail Training International appreciate the difficult position the vessel and her captain find themselves in and we recognise the captain’s and his crew’s commitment to promoting youth development and to fostering international understanding. Sail Training International also fully respects the rulings of the higher national and international authorities and is committed to supporting the local organising teams in each of the ports in upholding existing rulings and legislation."
RPA14
On July 17, 2025, just before 10 a.m., there was a smoke development aboard the 'RPA 14' of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, after a pipe burst in the engine room, and oil from the pipe spilled onto a hot engine. The patrol vessel was berthed at the Havenweg in Hoek van Holland in pos. 51° 59' N 004° 07' E. After the fire alarm was raised, the fire department responded with four fire engines. The crew temporarily disembarked from the ship. The fire fighters brought the situation under control and were stood down. No one was injured. Report with photo: https://www.pzc.nl/rotterdam/rookontwikkeling-door-geklapte-leiding-op-patrouillevaartuig-van-havenbedrijf-in-hoek-van-holland~a254442c/
WAN HAI 503
As of July 14, the 'Wan Hai 503' remained under tow of the 'Offshore Warrior', maintaining a position outside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at 07°39.84' N, 074°50.57' E, heading 290° at a speed of 1.4 knots, 140 nautical miles from the Kerala coast Weather conditions remained challenging, with wind gusts recorded up to 62 knots and swell heights between 2.0 to 2.5 meters, leading to rough sea conditions. Light grey smoke continued to be observed from cargo bay numbers 33 to 37. The condition was reported as stable, with no visible escalation. However, the onboard salvage team also reported a strong ammonia smell emanating from Hold No. 7, which may be attributed to rotting organic cargo. Preliminary indications suggestrf the possible presence of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), presenting hazardous enclosed space conditions. Formal chemical assessment and safe chemical neutralization procedures ertr being explored. As of 3 p.m., six salvors remained onboard the 'Wan Hai 503'. Adverse sea conditions prevented the full team from boarding. Multiple boarding attempts throughout the day had to be aborted, and two salvors sustained injuries during one of the attempts, highlighting the inherent risks of personnel transfer operations under current sea conditions. The 'Nand Saarthi' arrived on site at 12.35 a.m. to support salvage operations and commenced material transfer to the 'Offshore Warrior' and the 'Advantis Virgo'. While the tug was operational, the salvors have requested continued deployment of the 'Water Lily' to maintain reliable and safe personnel transfer capability, citing its proven role and experienced crew. The 'Water Lily' also completed a partial personnel transfer from the 'Offshore Warrior' to the 'Wan Hai 503', but could not complete the operation due to the deteriorating sea state. The 'Advantis Virgo' and the 'Saksham' remained on standby for firefighting and boundary cooling operations. However, given the rough sea conditions, active intervention has been limited to essential support. The 'SCI Panna' has been demobilized and will not be replaced at this stage, as the existing complement of support vessels was considered adequate by the salvors for the current phase of operations. The salvage team was currently exploring alternate means of supplying food and essential provisions to the onboard crew, given that evacuation is presently not possible due to weather and sea state. The condition onboard the 'Wan Hai 503' was stable, but continued to require sustained support. Hold No. 6 was reportedly being dewatered, and preparations were ongoing to control and monitor other affected holds. The ingress of water into the cargo holds was also a result of boundary cooling operations in deck hatch gaskets. Due to water in the engine room, dewatering had to be carried out with portable pumps on a hold-by-hold basis. Ffirefighting was currently limited to containment rather than full extinguishment, and complete suppression would likely require the vessel to be alongside in a Port of Refuge. A comprehensive Port of Refuge proposal has been compiled and was under review authorities. Phase II planning, including debunkering, hazardous cargo handling, and final fire suppression, may be initiated once approval is granted. DNV-ERS was coordinating stability and structural integrity verification, which are preconditions for approval. Given the prevailing monsoon conditions and rough seas, relocation of the vessel was not currently advised. However, a cautious shift 50 nauttical miles southward of the current position may be considered if conditions necessitate. The response has transitioned into a controlled salvage operation with careful risk mitigation. The safety of onboard personnel, environmental protection, and vessel stabilization remained top priorities. Active firefighting was is in place with the 'Virgo' and 'Saarthi', and the continued presence of the 'Water Lily 'has been requested to ensure safe personnel transfer capability until conditions improve. As of July 16, the situation has shown further stabilization. The 'Wan Hai 503' was being towed by the 'Advantis Virgo', following a successful handover from the 'Offshore Warrior', which is now en route to port for bunkers and resupply. Towing operations were being conducted in rough seas and heavy swell conditions. Displacement has reduced by approximately 9,000 tonnes due to extensive dewatering, leading to an increased freeboard and improved visibility of draft marks, including the transom stern, where the aft draft was estimated at 14.0 meters. The engine room was nearly dry, with water levels reduced to 70 centimetres through continuous pumping. The Cargo Holds No. 2 and No. 3 were reported to be significantly dewatered, while Hold No. 6 has seen a reduction in water level from 7.5 to 5 meters. Cargo Hold No. 7 remained dry but is emitting hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), indicating potential hazardous gas presence and the need for further ventilation and chemical treatment. Light grey smoke continued to emanate from Bays 33 to 37, but there were no visible flames. Hotspot temperatures remained steady, and no escalation has been observed. Cargo hold temperature readings, taken over the past week, confirmed a plateau in heat levels, suggesting the fire was under control. Structural monitoring was ongoing, with no immediate threats reported. The engine room was accessible, but poor weather and high freeboard have made boarding operations difficult. The 'Advantis Virgo' has assumed the primary towing role and was standing by with Pyrocool for localized application, while the 'Water Lily' continued to manage personnel and equipment transfers. The 'Saksham' has reutned to port for bunkering and collection of additional fire suppression supplies. Weather permitting, she will return with Pyrocool and critical equipment to enable final phase stabilization.The 'Nand Saarthi' remained onsite, assisting with logistics. The Port of Refuge coordination efforts were progressing. Phase 1 of the salvage plan, detailing safe towage to port, has already been submitted to the authorities, and Phase 2, concerning cargo discharge and disposal, is nearing completion. Constructive engagement has been undertaken with port authorities, and the MPA (Singapore) is also actively supporting discussions to facilitate safe access. Structural and stability assessments were underway with DNV ERS, which is receiving updated data on cargo hold and tank soundings, as well as draft readings. Due to the significant improvement in the vessel's condition, the salvage team was approaching completion of Phase 1 readiness, which would deem the vessel safe for entry into sheltered waters for final remediation and cargo operations. Despite rough weather, the vessel has not exhibited any signs of instability. Challenges remained in safely transferring personnel due to heightened freeboard and rough sea state. The presence of H₂S gas in Cargo Hold No. 7 presents a hazardous environment that must be ventilated before any entry. Additionally, concerns regarding potential water absorbed in cargo within containers persisted, possibly explaining discrepancies in displacement and draft calculations. Soundings of bunker tanks were incomplete, though preliminary estimates suggest edapproximately 2,400 tonnes of fuel remained onboard. No signs of oil leakage or migration into cargo spaces have been observed. Once the structural stability and draft criteria have been verified, either a green or amber signal for port entry will be pursued. The salvage team’s focus was now on completing tank soundings, verifying longitudinal strength, and finalizing preparations for the Port of Refuge entry. Report with photos: https://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/actueel/2025/07/17/afkoelen-wan-hai-503-na-brand-verloopt-voorspoedig-machinekamer-grotendeels-leeggepompt/
ROBIJN
The 'Robijn', en route from Ghent via Hans Weert with a cargo of bio diesel, ran aground on the evening of July 15, 2025 in the estuary of the Easter Scheldt between Bruinisse and Sint Philipsland in the waters of the National Park. The tide likely played a role in the grounding incident. The tug 'Zephyrus' established at towing connection, and the salvage commenced during the night. After the first attempt failed, the second attempt was started at 5.30 a.m. and was successful. The ship was then brought to the Krammer Locks, where it was nspected for possible damages and continued on its way on July 16 at around 5 p.m., arriving in the 2nd Merweh Port of Rotterdam on July 17 at 12.45 a.m. Reporst with photos: https://www.hvzeeland.nl/nieuws/64966-schip-vastgelopen-op-oosterschelde-bij-bruinisse/ https://www.internetbode.nl/tholen/452927/ruim-100-meter-lang-schip-met-biodiesel-vastgelopen-bij-sint-
ISLE OF CUMBRAE
The Isle Of Cumbrae, serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, suffered a technical issue on July 17 and was sidelined in Largs for troubleshooting. As a consequence, the ferry was unavailable for service. However, the 'Loch Shira' continued to operate the current published timetable.
STENA SUPERFAST VIII
The 'Stena Superfast VIII', serving between Belfast and Cairnryan, has suffered an engine failure whilst alongside in the port of Belfast on the morning of July 17, 2025.. This has resulted in disruption also causing traffic congestion in Belfast. The ferry has since been towed to the ship repair quay at Harland & Wolff. The ferry 'European Causeway' continued to operate the route, but in a ‘freight only’ mode due to issues with the PA system. The ferries 'European Highlander' and 'Stena Superfast VII' were thus the only vessels on the north channel able to carry passengers.
MSC BALTIC III
As of July 17, the crews of T&T Salvage have now removed all of the bulk heavy fuel oil from inside the 'MSC Baltic III', and it has been moved up to the deck of the ship.The salvors have been pumping fuel daily, removing a total of roughly 1,300 cubic meters of heavy oil. The last of the fuel had to be heated for three days to between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius before it could be pumped out. While the removal of the bulk oil marked a significant step forward, officials caution that extensive work remained. The heavy fuel represents about 70 % of all fuel on board. Hydraulic oil, lube oil, and fuel in the boiler room still needed to be removed. Of the 472 containers on the ship, 255 have been removed, leaving 217 on board. The salvage was facing challenges with some containers, including a shipment of lentils, which have filled with water and were now too heavy for the crane to lift. The complex operation is being monitored by several agencies. The focus will now shift to removing the remaining oils and tackling the challenge of the water-logged containers. Report with photos: https://vocm.com/2025/07/17/274607/
NORTHUMBERLAND
The 'Northumberland' cancelled two crossings between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia on July 16 due to am ongoing technical issue. Affected were the 5 p.m. departure from Caribou, N.S., and the 6:30 p.m. crossing leaving Wood Islands, P.E.I. One of four metal pins that secure the ferry's bow visor did not release as the vessel arrived in Caribou around midday. Crews tried unsuccessfully to unlock the door, but had to move the ferry out of the way so that the company's other vessel, the 'Confederation', could dock and drop off its passengers. The 'Northumberland' had left Wood Island bound for Nova Scotia at 11:45 a.m. and was due to disembark the passengers in Caribou at 1 p.m. As of 4:30 p.m., the passengers were still onboard. They were being offered free food and drinks as the ship headed back to Wood Islands, where the ship had to turn around to unload its complement of cars and trucks through the operational bow visor at the other end, meaning at least some passengers would have to reverse out of the ferry. Just before 5 p.m. the ferry had docked, and unloading was underway. The 'Northumberland' was back in service on July 17, as it could operate with three of the four metal pins, along with one temporary pin.
GEFION
On the morning of July 6, 2025, the 'Gefion' ran aground on the breakwater of quay 10 off Rødbyhavn, short time after leaving the port due to an engine failure. The hull was breached, and the ship was flooded. No injuries were reported. The Danish Emergency Management Agency was handling the case. The wreck was not hampering ship traffic. The dredger 'Vilma Høj' (IMO: 6616904) was tasked with removing the wreck from the breakwater. It arrived on site on July 13,, and the wreck removal was completed on July 15. Reports with photos and video: https://www.folketidende.dk/nyheder/skib-stodt-pa-grund-ved-rodbyhavn/4975408 https://segelreporter.com/panorama/traditionssegler-gefion-auf-den-steinen-vor-rodby/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/165696976897947/?locale=de_DE https://www.tv2east.dk/lolland/sejlskib-strandet-ved-rodby-havn-0aec2 https://www.avisen.dk/stort-sejlskib-gaaet-paa-grund_804572.aspx
ALFRED
The ÄAlfred' was removed from service on July 6 for essential maintenance, and for this purpose the ship was sent to Ayr, where it berthed on July 7. The works were expected to take until July 25. The ferry 'Glen Sannox' will operate the route Troon-Brodick, and the 'Isle of Arran' will operate the Ardrossan-Brodick service during this period.