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The 'Nautilus' has found the ship's bell of the lost frigate USS 'De Haven- (DD-469,', the latest in a series of discoveries in a survey of the so-called "Iron Bottom Sound" off the Solomon Islands. The Fletcher-class destroyer was commissioned in September 1942and immediately departed for the Solomon Islands campaign. She escorted a convoy of troopships to Guadalcanal, then patrolled the archipelago to interdict Japanese forces for the next several months. On Feb 1, 1943, the 'De Haven' was escorting a small group of landing craft and a seaplane tender to a new beachhead on Guadalcanal. As she returned to the base with two of the landing craft, nine Japanese planes approached, and six turned to attack her. The 'De Haven' was hit by three bombs, killing the commanding officer and sinking the ship just off Savo Island. 167 crewmembers lost their lives. The wreck was discovered by Dr. Robert Ballard in 1992, and the the 'Nautilus' returned to the site in July to re-survey the vessel. With the assistance from live-stream video viewers, the research team found the bell dislodged from its mount and resting atop a torpedo mount amidships. Signs of deterioration and marine life colonization suggested that the timing of the find was lucky: some areas of the wreck have become heavily encrusted, and one of the other torpedo mounts has tilted due to deck collapse since the last survey. The team also conducted the first ever wreck exploration of the USS 'Walke', a Sims-class destroyer that sank off Savo Island during the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on (Nov. 15, 1942. The 'Walke' fired off about 300 five-inch rounds at three Japanese warships in a nighttime battle; she was hit by a torpedo in return, then by multiple rounds of shells. As she went down, her depth charges detonated, killing survivors in the water. The ROV exploration showed the ferocity of the fight: the bridge had been blown off and was found separately, and only about half of the length of the hull could be identified as a single structure. Both the bow and stern were missing. Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oqLozxPV0g&t=416s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pfSGpiZ4WY&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.maritime-executive.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE

As the summer maintenance season has started, the first Arc7 ice-class gas carriers in service of the Yamal LNG project have arrived at the Fayard A/S shipyard in Odense. The 'Nikolay Urvantsev' (IMO: 9750660), chartered to Novatek’s Yamal LNG project, arrived at the drydock on June 26, 2025, and sailed around a week later. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Fedor Litke, operated by Dynagas, arrived at the Fayard A/S yard on July 17, following a delivery at Dunkerque, and remained in drydock as of July 24. Repairs and maintenance schedules have been significantly condensed for the Arctic LNG carriers due to their harsh operating conditions along Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Damen ship repair focuses on hull maintenance, which the LNG carriers regularly require breaking a path through thick Arctic sea ice. The Damen Shiprepair stated that the company was in compliance with all international sanctions legislation against Russia. As the vessels have not been directly sanctioned by the U.S. or the EU the yards’ activities do not violate international law. Though procuring spare parts has become increasingly difficult, suppliers of gas chromatographs and flow meters used on LNG carriers have placed restrictions on the end user and no longer deliver parts to the vessels of the Yamal fleet, related to the fear of sanctions. A number of sanctioned LNG carriers, including an Arc7 and several Arc4 ice-class vessels, have recently resorted to receiving maintenance at Chinese yards. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Christophe de Margerie' spent months at a Zhoushan Island yard east of Shanghai in summer 2024. Currently two additional sanctioned Russian gas carriers, the 'Sputnik Energy' (IMO: 9256602) and the 'Nova Energy' (IMO: 9324277), remained at Zhoushan yards.

The 'Bute', operating on the route Wemyss Bay-Rothesay suffered a fuel issue on July 22. The departures from Rothesay at 10:000 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. and from Wemyss Bay at 11:15 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. had to be cancelled with more crossings at the risk uf disruption. After the issues were successfully resolved, the following sailings, which were initially cancelled, were reinstated: Departure Rothesay - 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Departure Wemyss Bay -3:05 p.m., 5:05 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

The 'Isle of Cumbrae', serving on the route Largs-Cumbrae, suffered a technical issue with its ramp on July 21. As a consequence, the scheduled 09:30 a.m.sailing from Largs and the 09:45 a.m. sailing from Cumbrae had to be cancelled, which were later extended until the evening. The 'Loch Shira' continued accodring to timetable, The sailings departed from Largs at a quarter to and a quarter past the hour. Sailings from Cumbrae departed on the hour and half past the hour. Afer the 'Ilse of Cumbrae' was back on service a 15 minute timetable was resumed. On July 22 all sailings operated by 'Isle of Cumbrae' wer liable to disruption or cancellation at short notice due to the ongoing issues with the vessel’s ramp. To expedite the repair on the 'Isle Of Cumbrae's ramp, the vessel was to be relocated to Colintraive. were are expected to be completed by the afternoon of July 23.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, at least six cubic meters of marine diesel oil leaked out as a result of an allision between the 'Capella', which was entering the port en route from Bremerhaven, and the offshore supply ship 'Coastal Legend' (IMO: 9102887), which was berthed at the Lübbert Quay in Cuxhaven's outer port in pos. 53° 52' N 008° 43' E. The tug suffered a breach of 80 centimetres length in a diesel tank at its stern. The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the Cuxhaven Fire Department deployed oil booms to prevent the oil from spreading further. THW's emergency personnel were using skimmers to collect the oil from the water's surface. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CEM)'s Do 228 oil reconnaissance aircraft reconnaissance aircraft has been monitoring the scene from the air. The oil recovery vessel Knechtsand' (IMO 9086916) was deployed to the site. Shipping traffic on the Elbe River was unaffected by the operation. No crew members were injured. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CEM) assumed overall command of the operation. Emergency personnel from the Cuxhaven Water Police, the Cuxhaven Fire Department, and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief are on site. Initial measures have been initiated. Oil was being pumped into a collection tank belonging to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and from there onto the bunker ship 'Herta' (MMSI: 211564050). So far, approximately 70 cubic meters of the oil-water mixture have been collected. The remaining fuel from the 'Coastal Legend's damagd tank has also been pumped out by the 'Herta'. Divers were working to seal the leak at the ship's stern. Report with photos: https://www.havariekommando.de/SharedDocs/Aktuelles/DE/2025/20250723_GVU_COASTAL_LEGEND.html?nn=678472

On the morning of July 24, the oil spill response operations were resumed in the port of Cuxhaven. Emergency personnel from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) in Cuxhaven started working with specialized equipment at 7 a.m. to remove the diesel oil that has been polluting the port basin. Additional THW volunteers from Bremerhaven joined them this morning. On July 23, THW volunteers had worked to remove the oil film until shortly before dusk. A night watch was then maintained on site until the work was resumed. Large quantities of oil were drifting beneath the Lübbert Quay. It could not yet be estimated how long the work would take. On July 23 it was estimated that approximately 80 to 100 cubic meters of oil-water mixture had been recovered from the water's surface. The mixture. Initial estimates had indicated that at least six cubic meters diesel had leaked from the 'Coastal Legend'. The emergency command now assumed that the ship's entire tank contents have probably leaked into the water, before divers were able to seal the crack in the stern of the tug. Report with photos: https://www.radiokoeln.de/artikel/schiffskollision-in-cuxhaven-riss-laesst-oel-austreten-2389814.html

On July 7, 2025, while en route from Alexandria, the 'Elbeborg' participated in an international rescue operation in the eastern Mediterranean and assisted in the rescue of 74 distressed migrants, including children, elderly, and sick people. At 5 p.m. LT the ship received an urgent high- frequency radio call from Libyan authorities: after a migrant boat had lost power and run out of supplies in pos. 33°27.720′N, 24°56.186′ E. The captain immediately activated the emergency plan, adjusting course and sailing 30 nautical miles to the scene. Meanwhile, the Chief Officer coordinated with Libyan and Egyptian authorities, and the Second Officer plotted the fastest route. At 10 p.m. the ship reached the position along with the ccontainer m/v 'Tegar' amid rough seas and darkness with wind force 6. The two ships conducted a joint rescue. All deck lights were activated to illuminate the rescue zone. The watchkeepers located the drifting boat in darknessI. The Indonesian crew prepared water, emergency rations, and first aid kits. All 74 people were rescued safely and transferred to port under Egyptian government coordination. The 'Elbeborg' berthed in Alexandria on July 11.

As the summer maintenance season has started, the first Arc7 ice-class gas carriers in service of the Yamal LNG project have arrived at the Fayard A/S shipyard in Odense. The 'Nikolay Urvantsev' (IMO: 9750660), chartered to Novatek’s Yamal LNG project, arrived at the drydock on June 26, 2025, and sailed around a week later. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Fedor Litke (IMO: 9768370)', operated by Dynagas, arrived at the Fayard A/S yard on July 17, following a delivery at Dunkerque, and remained in drydock as of July 24. Repairs and maintenance schedules have been significantly condensed for the Arctic LNG carriers due to their harsh operating conditions along Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Damen ship repair focuses on hull maintenance, which the LNG carriers regularly require breaking a path through thick Arctic sea ice. The Damen Shiprepair stated that the company was in compliance with all international sanctions legislation against Russia. As the vessels have not been directly sanctioned by the U.S. or the EU the yards’ activities do not violate international law. Though procuring spare parts has become increasingly difficult, suppliers of gas chromatographs and flow meters used on LNG carriers have placed restrictions on the end user and no longer deliver parts to the vessels of the Yamal fleet, related to the fear of sanctions. A number of sanctioned LNG carriers, including an Arc7 and several Arc4 ice-class vessels, have recently resorted to receiving maintenance at Chinese yards. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Christophe de Margerie' spent months at a Zhoushan Island yard east of Shanghai in summer 2024. Currently two additional sanctioned Russian gas carriers, the 'Sputnik Energy' (IMO: 9256602) and the 'Nova Energy', remained at Zhoushan yards.

As the summer maintenance season has started, the first Arc7 ice-class gas carriers in service of the Yamal LNG project have arrived at the Fayard A/S shipyard in Odense. The 'Nikolay Urvantsev', chartered to Novatek’s Yamal LNG project, arrived at the drydock on June 26, 2025, and sailed around a week later. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Fedor Litke (IMO: 9768370)', operated by Dynagas, arrived at the Fayard A/S yard on July 17, following a delivery at Dunkerque, and remained in drydock as of July 24. Repairs and maintenance schedules have been significantly condensed for the Arctic LNG carriers due to their harsh operating conditions along Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Damen ship repair focuses on hull maintenance, which the LNG carriers regularly require breaking a path through thick Arctic sea ice. The Damen Shiprepair stated that the company was in compliance with all international sanctions legislation against Russia. As the vessels have not been directly sanctioned by the U.S. or the EU the yards’ activities do not violate international law. Though procuring spare parts has become increasingly difficult, suppliers of gas chromatographs and flow meters used on LNG carriers have placed restrictions on the end user and no longer deliver parts to the vessels of the Yamal fleet, related to the fear of sanctions. A number of sanctioned LNG carriers, including an Arc7 and several Arc4 ice-class vessels, have recently resorted to receiving maintenance at Chinese yards. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Christophe de Margerie' spent months at a Zhoushan Island yard east of Shanghai in summer 2024. Currently two additional sanctioned Russian gas carriers, the 'Sputnik Energy' (IMO: 9256602) and the 'Nova Energy' (IMO: 9324277), remained at Zhoushan yards.

The 'Lochinvar', serving on the route Lochaline-Fishnish, suffered a technical issue that requires further investigation on July 23. As a consequence, the scheduled departures from iLochaline at 9.40 a.m. and from Fishnish at 10 a.m. had to be cancelled. After the issue was resolved, the 'Lochinvar'operated the previously cancelled crossings.

On July 23, 2025, the medical evacuation of a crew member was requested from the Cuno Essberger, en route from Fos-sur-Mer to Huelva, who had suffered an accident on board. The SAR helicopter Helimer 215 was mobilized by the CCS Almería of Salvamento Marítimo. The victim was hoisted from the tanker and transported to the Almería airport, where an ambulance was waiting to take him to the hospital for further medical care.

Oil spill response operations in Cuxhaven were continued late on July 23 following the allision of rhe incoming ' Capella' with the 'Coastal Legend', which was berthed at the Lübbert Quay. In the afternoon, emergency responders from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) arrived from Bremerhaven. They replaced the THW volunteers from Cuxhaven, who had been fighting the spill since the morning. Since the start of the operation, emergency responders have already removed approximately 80 cubic meters of oil-water mixture from the water's surface. The work was ongoing, and there was no end in sight. The oil-water mixture is being pumped into a waiting tanker and a tanker truck for disposal. In the afternoon, the DO 228 sensor aircraft also flew over the accident site once again. Among other things, the emergency command was monitoring whether any of the oil might have entered the Elbe River. This has largely been prevented so far. Around 20 Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) personnel has used skimmers to remove the oil from the water's surface. Report with photos: https://www.radiokoeln.de/artikel/schiffskollision-in-cuxhaven-riss-laesst-oel-austreten-2389814.html

The 'Cellus' remained stationary at the port of Glückstadt as of May 14 due to the broken gear rings of the gearbox, which needed to be replaced. The Dutch company that manufactures the spare parts is taking a long time. The ship was expected to remain at its current berth until mid-July. The gears were already finished last week, but the parts didn't pass quality control, during which stress cracks were discovered, likely caused by the gears cooling down. The damage will definitely be in the seven-figure range – a considerable sum." Whether and how much of this will be covered by insurance has not yet been determined. The fire departments from Glückstadt and Kollmar as well as the rescue service have held several exercises on the freighter in recent weeks. Repairs of the 'Cellus' were finally completed on July 18, and the ship left the port en route to Karlshamn, where it arrived on July 19 and continued to Södra Monsteras on July 21. Report with photo and video: https://www.shz.de/lokales/glueckstadt/artikel/aussenhafen-glueckstadt-lange-liegezeit-von-schiff-cellus-aus-kollmar-48717998 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETrWMvicKps

Oil spill response operations in Cuxhaven were continued late on July 23 following the allision of rhe incoming ' Capella' with the 'Coastal Legend', which was berthed at the Lübbert Quay. In the afternoon, emergency responders from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) arrived from Bremerhaven. They replaced the THW volunteers from Cuxhaven, who had been fighting the spill since the morning. Since the start of the operation, emergency responders have already removed approximately 80 cubic meters of oil-water mixture from the water's surface. The work was ongoing, and there was no end in sight. The oil-water mixture is being pumped into a waiting tanker and a tanker truck for disposal. In the afternoon, the DO 228 sensor aircraft also flew over the accident site once again. Among other things, the emergency command was monitoring whether any of the oil might have entered the Elbe River. This has largely been prevented so far. Around 20 Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) personnel has used skimmers to remove the oil from the water's surface.

As the summer maintenance season has started, the first Arc7 ice-class gas carriers in service of the Yamal LNG project have arrived at the Fayard A/S shipyard in Odense. The 'Nikolay Urvantsev' (IMO: 9750660), chartered to Novatek’s Yamal LNG project, arrived at the drydock on June 26, 2025, and sailed around a week later. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Fedor Litke (IMO: 9768370)', operated by Dynagas, arrived at the Fayard A/S yard on July 17, following a delivery at Dunkerque, and remained in drydock as of July 24. Repairs and maintenance schedules have been significantly condensed for the Arctic LNG carriers due to their harsh operating conditions along Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The Damen ship repair focuses on hull maintenance, which the LNG carriers regularly require breaking a path through thick Arctic sea ice. The Damen Shiprepair stated that the company was in compliance with all international sanctions legislation against Russia. As the vessels have not been directly sanctioned by the U.S. or the EU the yards’ activities do not violate international law. Though procuring spare parts has become increasingly difficult, suppliers of gas chromatographs and flow meters used on LNG carriers have placed restrictions on the end user and no longer deliver parts to the vessels of the Yamal fleet, related to the fear of sanctions. A number of sanctioned LNG carriers, including an Arc7 and several Arc4 ice-class vessels, have recently resorted to receiving maintenance at Chinese yards. The Arc7 LNG carrier 'Christophe de Margerie' spent months at a Zhoushan Island yard east of Shanghai in summer 2024. Currently two additional sanctioned Russian gas carriers, the 'Sputnik Energy' and the 'Nova Energy' (IMO: 9324277), remained at Zhoushan yards.

As of July 21, the 'Wan Hai 503' remained in a stable condition. Grey smoke was last observed in the vicinity of cargo holds no. 3 and 4 on the afternoon of July 2ß, consistent with previously reported patterns of residual combustion due to unextinguished smouldering cargo. The vessel continued to weather rough conditions with gusting winds over 30 knots and swells. The ship was currently located approximately 238 nautical miles southeast of the Indian EEZ boundary and has been drifting along with prevailing ocean currents in the absence of active tow. The connection with the 'Offshore Warrior' was scheduled to be re-established upon its return from Cochin, where it had proceeded for replenishment of bunkers, stores, and freshwater. Salvage operations continued on board with a 16-member team having boarded the casualty. The salvage team now intended to remain on board continuously to maintain operation tempo and stability. Essential amenities such as cooling appliances and food supplies have already been provided to support extended stays. Dewatering of the engine room, cargo holds, and duct keel continued, with improved control achieved in most spaces. Notably, cargo holds no. 2 and 3 appeaedr dry, while the engine room water level was being maintained at approximately 50 cm. Pumping in hold no. 6 was ongoing. The 'Offshore Warrior wass expected to arrive back on July 22. Once reconnected, it was to re-establish tow and return the vessel toward the Indian EEZ as previously committed to Sri Lankan authorities. The salvage team has also mobilized an additional tug, the 'Advantage Libra', which departed from Khor Fakkan on July 20 with an ETA as of July 27 to augment the operational fleet and provide greater redundancy for towage and salvage work, particularly in the light of an upcoming potential port entry. The 'Advantis Virgo', having suffered propeller issues during prior maneuvers, was planned to return to Colombo for underwater inspections and repair after the 'Offshore Warrior' took over towing duties. Until then, it remainned on standby. Meanwhile, the 'Saksham' was actively engaged in fire watch and boundary cooling as required. The 'Water Lily' continued to serve as the primary platform for safe personnel transfer to and from the casualty. The overall salvage and stabilization picture was cautiously optimistic. The 'Wan Hai 503' has shown structural resilience. The recurrence of grey smoke emissions was anticipated and attributed to residual combustion within affected cargo holds. Given the limitations of safe access to these areas, boundary cooling remained the feasible mitigation approach at present. The emergency towline that parted earlier was recovered and stored aboard the vessel as a precaution. A backup towline was also being prepared. The salvage team’s ability to remain on board continuously marked a positive shift in operations, reducing reliance on the single transfer ship 'Water Lily', and allowing uninterrupted oversight. Planning was also progressing for final stages of casualty removal. The Wan Hai Lines has communicated its decision, based on inputs from ITOPF and shoreline drift modelling, to discontinue contractual ties with SpillTech and MERC for shoreline clean-up, citing minimal ongoing risk. However, MERC remains on standby should future response be necessary. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has taken note and will revert formally upon review.

The 'Lord of the Isles', serving on the route Kennacraig-Islay, suffered a technical issue impacting the' steering system on July 23. As a consequence, the scheduled departure from Port Askaig to Kennacraig at 8.45 p.m. was delayed.

On the morning of July 23, 2025, at least six cubic meters of marine diesel oil leaked out as a result of an allision between the tanker 'Capella' (IMO: 9280110), which was entering the port en route from Bremerhaven, and the 'Coastal Legend', which was berthed at the Lübbert Quay in Cuxhaven's outer port in pos. 53° 52' N 008° 43' E, and suffered a breach of 80 entimetres length in a diesel tank at the stern. The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and the Cuxhaven Fire Department deployed oil booms to prevent the oil from spreading further. THW's emergency personnel were using skimmers to collect the oil from the water's surface. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencie's (CEM)'s Do 228 oil reconnaissance aircraft reconnaissance aircraft has monitored the scene from the air. The oil recovery vessel 'Knechtsand' (IMO 9086916) was deployed to the site site. Shipping traffic on the Elbe River was unaffected by the operation. No crew members were injured. The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CEM) assumed overall command of the operation. Emergency personnel from the Cuxhaven Water Police, the Cuxhaven Fire Department, and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief are on site. Initial measures have been initiated. Oil was being pumped into a collection tank belonging to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) and from there onto the bunker ship 'Herta' (MMSI: 211564050). So far, approximately 70 cubic meters of the oil-water mixture have been collected. The remaining fuel from the 'Coastal Legend's damagd tank has also been pumped out by the 'Herta'. Divers were working to seal the leak at the tug's stern. Report with photos: https://www.havariekommando.de/SharedDocs/Aktuelles/DE/2025/20250723_GVU_COASTAL_LEGEND.html?nn=678472

On the morning of July 24, the oil spill response operations were resumed in the port of Cuxhaven. Emergency personnel from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) in Cuxhaven started working with specialized equipment at 7 a.m. to remove the diesel oil that has been polluting the port basin. Additional THW volunteers from Bremerhaven joined them this morning. On July 23, THW volunteers had worked to remove the oil film until shortly before dusk. A night watch was then maintained on site until the work was resumed. Large quantities of oil were drifting beneath the Lübbert Quay. It could not yet be estimated how long the work would take. On July 23 it was estimated that approximately 80 to 100 cubic meters of oil-water mixture had been recovered from the water's surface. The mixture. Initial estimates had indicated that at least six cubic meters diesel had leaked from the 'Coastal Legend'. The emergency command now assumed that the ship's entire tank contents have probably leaked into the water, before divers were able to seal the crack in the stern of the offshore tug.

The 'Starvip', ballasting enroute from Jors Lasfar via Gibraltar, lost power in the Ionian Sea on June 29, 2025 (Lat. 36.4283 Lng. 7.3900) and went adrift. The ship was taken in tow by the tug 'Protug 75' (IMO: 9559781) on June 30 en route to Valletta. The ship was handed over to the port tugs 'St. Angelo' and 'Wenzina' on July 1 off the Grand Harbour of Malta and safely berthed at dock 2, where it remained stationary as of July 24.