The 'Nuyina' remains at the center of controversy with the latest report highlighting that it has not carried out any scientific voyages since its launch in 2021. The icebreaker, which is operated by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), has experienced mechanical failures which have raised concerns. as the new Australian federal government report criticizes the fact that the ship has not carried out any scientific expeditions. The only form of scientific research, according to the AAD, arrived in February2024 with its first contribution to a decades-long multinational program studying the tiny marine plants and animals of the Southern Ocean. The 'Nuyina' conducted the survey while sailing to the Casey research station. Before that, the vessel had initially been withdrawn after arriving in Australia due to an electrical problem. During the launch in 2022, it experienced a shortage of spare parts which delayed the first missions until 2023. “The Australian Antarctic Division is struggling to leave enough time on the ship to deliver marine science", the report stated, adding that with Antarctic science being a major benefit the government sought from the investment in the icebreaker, it may be necessary to consider whether the single-ship model is going to achieve all that is required in the Australian Antarctic Programme. The 'Nuyina' is equipped with four permanent scientific laboratories and can accommodate 20 more in additional containers for specialized research projects that will evolve in the coming decades. She can accommodate 117 people and 32 crew for 92 days at sea.
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DALI
The Unified Command began to remove containers from the 'Dali' at the Key Bridge on April 7 as part of the effort to gain access to the portion of the bridge that lies atop the ship. The transfer of containers from the the 'Dali' will continue in the coming days, as weather permits. In parallel, wreckage and debris removal continued at the site, including portions of Span 19 that were taken to Sparrows Point, Maryland. While marine traffic was still limited, one vessel has transited through in the last 24 hours, totalling 32 since the creation of the temporary alternate channels. Report with video: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/post/update-11-multimedia-release-removal-of-containers-onboard-m-v-dali-commences-at-site-of-key-bridge
ICON OF THE SEAS
Edmond Bradley Solomon III, a 66-year-old South Carolina resident, was missing on the 'Icon of the Seas' in the port of Cozumel on April 3, 2024. The former VA critical care nurse had disappeared minutes after getting off the ship. Solomon was recently diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Solomon and his wife Mimi disembarked from the ship around 1:30 p.m. and stopped for a restroom break before leaving the terminal, where he disappeared. Solomon was reported missing just after 8 p.m., and a search and rescue operation was launched at 9 p.m. During the search, local police received a call from a taxi driver who claimed to have picked up a tourist matching Solomon’s description at around 2:30 p.m. and was asked to drop the American off at a road with beach access. Solomon had paid for the ride using his watch because he claimed he didn’t have any money. The search focused on the vicinity of Isla de la Pasión and all the beaches and businesses in the northern hotel zone were visited, without success. The couple had boarded the 'Icon of the Seas' on March 30 in Miami, Florida and made stops in Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras before docking in Cozumel around 8 a.m. Report with photo and video: https://nypost.com/2024/04/07/us-news/royal-caribbean-passenger-edmond-solomon-missing-in-mexico-vacation/
COASTGUARD SHIPVEERA
The ICG 'Veera', while on patrol off the Andhra coast, saved all nine fishermen after their boat caught fire and sunk at sea on April 5, 2024, within six hours. The ship crew received a radio message from a nearby fishing boat about the fire raging onboard the Indian fishing boat 'Durga Bhavani' around 65 nautical miles from Visakhapatnam harbour. The Andhra registered boat had sailed from Kakinada harbour with nine crew members on board on March 26. On April 5, the boat caught fire due to explosion of an LPG cylinder on board. The fishermen jumped into the water to escape, but some suffered severe burns. The fishing boat, damaged due to explosion, sank within a few minutes. The ICGS 'Veera' proceeded at top speed, reaching the location within a few hours to provide assistance to the survivors. All nine survivors were shifted to the ship where they were provided first-aid by a medical team. Meanwhile, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 6 in coordination with Joint Director of Fisheries Visakhapatnam arranged ambulances along with medical teams to evacuate critically injured to King George Hospital here for further treatment.
MEGASTAR
On April 6, 2024, the 'Megastar' allided with a quay in Helsinki due to strong gusts of wind. The passengers hardly noticed the impact. The ship suffered minor damage. After an inspection, the ferry was allowed to set sail for Tallinn at 3 p.m. with a delay of 1,5 hours. .