The 'Runö', connecting Ruhnu island in the Gulf of Riga with Munalaid, Roomassaare on Saaremaa and the mainland in Pärnu, went out of service due to a technical malfunction on the evening of Aug 12. The operator Tuuleliinid announced that on Aug 14 a replacement service would depart Ruhnu for Roomassaare at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Roomassaare for Ruhnu at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. It was not yet clear what caused the latest malfunction. Backup vessels ran four times a day between Ruhnu and Munalaid, based on earlier bookings. The 'Runö' most recently suffered another technical malfunction the previous week, which was repaired within a day.
News
MANXMAN
A small number of passengers were hurt when the 'Manxman'aborted its entry into Heysham Port on Aug 11. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company said some people suffered minor injuries when the Manxman rolled while turning sharply to starboard, resulting in the vessel heeling to port side. No emergency response was needed. The action was taken by the master during the 08:00 a.m. BST crossing of the vessel as it was out of optimum approach position, when preparing to enter the Lancashire port. The fery company would cooperate fully with any investigation deemed necessary. The rest of the day's sailings continued as planned.
SALISH HERON
En route from Tsawwassen to Salt Spring, the 'Salish Heron' suffered an unexpected release of one of its two anchors into the waters near the Triconmali Channel on the morning of Aug 12, 2025. An investigation into the cause, whether it was mechanical or human error, was launched. Passengers reported a massive shuddering of the vessel and a huge metallic screeching sound. There was a strong smell of smoke, caused by the brakes, throughout the vessel. The crew stopped propulsion right away and carried out checks. There was a brief announcement about 10 minutes later, informing pasengers that there had been a spontaneous release of the anchor and an anchor drop, and that the anchor was lost. The vessel’s second anchor was tested and was found to be fully operational, so it was safe to continue on to Salt Spring Island, where technicians carried out further testings to confirm the cause.
NORWEGIAN STAR
A 79-year-old man has died after falling overboard from the 'Norwegian Star' off the coast of Canada on the early morning of Aug 12, 2025. Guests onboard the ship reported hearing the ship's public address system announcing 'Code Oscar' which lets staff on the vessel know that someone has gone overboard. The ship changed course at 3.53 a.m. LT as rescue missions began. The search and rescue team covered roughly three nautical miles during the 29 minute search and recovered the body of the man, who had already passed away and was pronounced dead at the scene. The ship then rediverted to its next port in Nuuk, where it arrived on Aug 14. The incident took place on day six of a two week, one-way cruise from New York to Reykjavik, having departed from Corner Brook on Aug 11.
MSC ZOE
Six years after the 'MSC Zoe' accident, a group of volunteer divers in the Netherlands continues the arduous task of recovering debris from the bottom of the North Sea. The ship had lostf hundreds of containers carrying car parts, televisions, light bulbs, furniture, and toys. Despite initial efforts to clean up the area, debris still litters the seabed of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO-protected area that stretches along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. Divers have been recovering various objects from the seabed, from nets to electrical cables, possibly from the 'MSC Zoe'. The spill also released hydrogen peroxide, a toxic and highly flammable chemical used in the manufacture of plastics. The CleanUpXL initiative was launched in 2021 by four environmental organizations and operates with the support of rescue vessels and divers. It has set out to clean up the 800 tons of debris still lying on the seabed. Although the Dutch government led much of the initial cleanup effort, it has slowed in recent years. The task became more complicated because only objects traceable to the 'MSC Zoe' could be removed. In April 2024, the government published a confidential list revealing 6,000 locations where remains and debris could still be found.
W-SAPPHIRE
The U.S. Coast Guard has reopened the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in and out of the Port of Baltimore in cooperation with tugs, pilots, and other port partners to achieve this as quickly as possible. The response to the explosion aboard the 'W Sapphire', which had forced the temporary closure of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel, was continued. The U.S. Coast Guard determined the timing of vessel arrivals and departures. As of Aug 19, the Patapsco River had been closed to all vessel traffic between pos. 39°11.70’ N, 076°31.71’ W, near Swan Creek, and 39°12.6’ N, 076°29.74’ W, near Sparrows Point, extending up to the former location of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Additionally, a 500-yard safety zone has been established around the vessel, which was anchored in pos. 39°01.4’ N, 076°22.10 ’W, north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. No injuries have been reported, and the fire has been extinguished. The cause of the explosion remained under investigation. The explosion detached a hatch which was blown into the water. Plans to locate and retrieve the hatch were under development, but its exact location and potential impact on the navigable channel remained unknown. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed thesonar-equipped survey vessel 'Buck' to the incident site at approximately 7:30 a.m. The 'Buck' started collecting data to identify any obstructions to the safe navigation of traffic entering or exiting the Port of Baltimore via the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. This data will help determine the operational plan needed to fully reopen the federal channel. Multiple agencies have joined the response effort, including Coast Guard Station Curtis Bay response boat crews, a Coast Guard Station Annapolis response boat crew, Sector Maryland – National Capital Region responders, Baltimore Fire Department crews, and Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police. The port officials s were working closely with the Coast Guard and port partners to monitor the situation. The safety zone previously established for all navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay within a 2,000-yard radius of a detached hatch cover in pos. 39.20692° N, 76.51733° W has been discontinued. An intermittent safety zone will be activated for all navigable waters within a 500-yard radius of the hatch cover in pos. 39.20865° N, 76.52017° W during dive and salvage operations that were tentatively scheduled for on Aug 20 at 6:00 a.m. A 500-yard safety zone remained in effect around the 'W Sapphire' in pos. 39.02333° N, 76.36833° W. Mariners were advised to avoid this area.A draft restriction has been established for vessels transiting within a 500-yard radius of the detached hatch cover, now located in pos. 39.20865° N, 76.52017° W. Vessels were restricted to a maximum navigational draft of 46.6 feet due to the depth of 49.7 feet at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). Crews are awaiting verification to confirm safe conditions before proceeding with further Coast Guard investigations aboard the 'W Sapphire:. The Coast Guard and partner agencies continued to actively monitor the situation and coordinate recovery efforts to ensure the safety of maritime operations in the area. Reports with graphics: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4279781/coast-guard-updates-safety-zones-and-draft-restrictions-following-w-sapphire-in/ https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4278939/update-coast-guard-partner-agencies-respond-to-vessel-explosion-in-baltimore-ha/
MSC PALERMO
The legal woes for the MSC were continuing in India, with the Kerala High Court continuing to side with plaintiffs and attach MSC vessels such as the 'MSC Palermo' and 'MSC Makoto II' as collateral for the growing number of claims after the sinking of the 'MSC Elsa 3'. Twice, the court has ordered ships detained at the Vizhinjam Port pending a bond from MSC. On Aug 14, was the latest court hearing after six separate admiralty claims were filed. According to the court papers, the suits alleged that fishing nets, wire ropes, and other fishing material became entangled with debris from the 'MSC Elsa 3'. The court issued an interim order to detain the 'MSC Makoto II' at the port pending a bond. Four Indian fishermen simultaneously had filed claims with the High Court for damages incurred to their fishing vessels. According to the individual claims filed with the court, the four individuals said their vessels had been damaged by debris floating below the surface after the 'MSC Elsa 3' went down. They also said that debris had become entangled in their fishing nets, causing severe damage. They also included claims for lost metal chains, ropes, and other fishing gear. The filings were timed to the call of the 'MSC Palermo' at Vizhinjam. They demanded the arrest of the vessel, until their claims could be heard by the court. The High Court found for the plaintiffs and ordered the detention of the vessel at the port on Aug 12. The company’s representatives were able to post a bond against the claims. The vessel was released and resumed its voyage on Aug 13 en route to Sines with an ETA as of Sep 4. These, however, were the fourth and fifth times that the court had detained an MSC vessel due to claims. In June, the 'MSC Polo II' was briefly detained for a claim by the Cashew Board, and four days later, the 'MSC Manasa F' was also detained. Both times, the company was able to post bonds for the release of the ships. The 'MSC Akiteta II' was detained in relation to the $1 billion claim filed by the state. MSC has not posted a bond to release the ship, which was originally detained on July 8. The ship remained at the Vizhinjam port as of Aug 16 with little prospect of being released in the short term.
ALFRED
A passenger has been rescued after falling overboard from the 'Alfred' on Aug 16 shortly after 1.35 p.m. in the Firth of Clyde on the Troon to Brodrick route. CalMac had informed passengers that the ferry’s arrival would be delayed due to an emergency incident. The passenger was picked up by a rescue boat which was deployed by the ferry crew. The 'Alfred' was rerouted back to Troon harbour after the rescue operation. The passenger, who was understood to be conscious, was passed to the Scottish Ambulance Service. Sailings of the 'Alfred' were delayed for the remainder of the day.
DISCOVERY
On Aug 20, Coast Guard representatives discussed the salvage of the 'Discovery' on the afternoon of Aug 19, ten days after it ran aground 60 feet off the Kewalo Basin Harbor, 1125 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814. During the salvage operation, a Coast Guard Station Honolulu boat crew had enforced a safety zone around the tug 'Pilani' (IMO: 9369186) and the passenger vessel. Multiple DLNR divisions as well as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) worked in coordination throughout the removal process. Divsion of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) marine unit officers secured the ocean waters in the immediate aftermath. During the salvage they helped create a waterside safety perimeter to keep the area clear of swimmers, surfers and boats. On shore, DOCARE officers secured a safety perimeter for over 24 hours on the day of the grounding and safeguarded the area again during the salvage. The Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) worked closely with the owner of the grounded vessel and USCG to protect the public health and safety of all recreational users in the area. DOBOR and USCG reviewed the salvage plan to ensure minimal damage to natural resources during removal. Report with photo: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2025/08/19/nr25-109/
VENTURA
The 'Ventura' had to be evacuated after a man claimed to have an explosive device on Aug 9, 2025. Police were called to the Mayflower Cruise Ferry terminal in Southampton. A 200 metre cordon was put in place around the 'Ventura' and the terminal to allow specialist officers to search a lorry at the location. A man has been arrested on suspicion of communicating false information and a public order offence. Searches have concluded and no such device has been located. The forces of the Hampshire Police were stood down. Normal operations at the port were resumed. Report with photo: https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2025-08-09/cruise-ship-evacuated-after-suspicious-activity
BNS POLLUX
The Belgian Navy announced on Aug 13, 2025, that it was monitoring the activity of the Russian research vessel 'Admiral Vladimirskiy' (IMO: 4616431) in the North Sea due to suspicions that it may be mapping critical European infrastructure. The "Pollux" has been deployed to the "Admiral Vladimirsky", which located in the exclusive economic zone of Belgium.
SKY WHITE
On Aug 8, 2025, the Customs Surveillance Service of the Spanish Tax Agency and the Civil Guard intercepted the 'Sky White', with the collaboration of Morocco, about 900 nautical miles west of the Canary Islands. The vessel was carrying around 3,000 kilos of cocaine, divided into 80 bales of different sizes. The operation benefited from an international collaboration between the police services of Morocco, France, the USA, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, as well as the Intelligence Center on Terrorism and Organized Crime (CITCO) and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N). Since the summer of 2024, the vessel had been suspected of being used for large-scale international drug trafficking, The five crew members were arrested .The operation was carried out as part of a case investigated by the Directorate of Customs Intelligence and Investigation (DNRED), in collaboration with Moroccan authorities, into the criminal group operating with the vessel.The case was linked to the investigation conducted in Spain by the Customs Surveillance Service of the Tax Agency and the Civil Guard, which was investigating the “Sky White” as a supply vessel responsible for delivering narcotics to other, smaller vessels in areas near the Canary Islands or the Iberian Peninsula. The investigation was supported by the police services of the United Kingdom (NCA), the USA (DEA), and Portugal (Polícia Judiciária), coordinated by CITCO and the Atlantic Drug Trafficking Analysis Centre. With the support of the Spanish Armed Forces, a boarding operation was set up on the vessel in international waters west of the Canary Islands. The operation was carried out from a navy vessel by members of the Civil Guard’s Special Intervention Unit. About 3,000 kilos of cocaine were discovered, hidden inside the ship's structure. The vessel was in a deplorable condition for navigation, with serious safety deficiencies that posed a major risk to the crew, made up of four people from Bangladesh and one from Venezuela. The operation concluded with the arrival of the Navy vessel in Tenerife to unload the drugs and place the arrested in pretrial detention. Reports with photos: https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/shipping/trois-tonnes-de-cocaine-saisies-sur-un-remorqueur-africain-au-large-de-lespagne-065f9028-785e-11f0-86b5-962552fd955f https://elpais.com/espana/2025-08-13/interceptado-con-3-toneladas-de-cocaina-un-barco-fantasma-que-surtia-a-las-narcolanchas-en-alta-mar.html https://www.elblogoferoz.com/2025/08/13/sucesos-interceptado-al-oeste-de-canarias-un-remolcador-con-tres-toneladas-de-cocaina/
ATLANTIC TREASURE
On the night of Aug 17, 2025, the 'Atlantic Treasure' started rapidly taking on water about 140 nautical miles off St. John's, on its way to the Grand Banks. A seawater pipe burst was thought to have caused the vessel to take on water faster than pumps could cope. The Skipper Noah Deveau and his crew tried everything to get the situation under control. The crew deployed two life-rafts as a precaution. Three people prepared all the safety gear while the rest of the eight-person crew worked to try to save the ship. The water was flooding the deck at the same time as the engine room, while the pumps were losing power, and the shgip was listing over hard. The crew moved to a life-raft while they still had functioning lights to guide them. Deveau had made contact with the Canadian Coast Guard out of Placentia, N.L., and other vessels, including the "Maid of Amsterdam" (MMSI: 316053143), another fishing vessel from Nova Scotia, which was 40 kilometres away. The fishermen had been wrapping up a 12-day trip to the Grand Banks for halibut and heading back to port in Cape Breton to beat the looming hurricane.The captain immediately turned around. It took three hours for the vessel to reach the life rafts. The weather was still unusually calm with a drizzle and only light wind.. With practiced maneuvers, the crew brought all castaways aboard early on Aug 18. Just hours later, Hurricane Erin was due to pass the coast with winds of up to 180 km/h. A Coastguard helicopter arrived on scene about 10 minutes after the rescue. The 'Atlantic Treasure' sank stern first, while the crews were still at the scene. Report with video: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/fishing-rescue-coast-guad-1.7611603
MSC MAKOTO II
The legal woes for the MSC were continuing in India, with the Kerala High Court continuing to side with plaintiffs and attach MSC vessels such as the 'MSC Palermo' and 'MSC Makoto II' as collateral for the growing number of claims after the sinking of the 'MSC Elsa 3'. Twice, the court has ordered the ships detained at the Vizhinjam Port pending a bond from MSC. On Aug 14, was the latest court hearing after six separate admiralty claims were filed. According to the court papers, the suits alleged that fishing nets, wire ropes, and other fishing material became entangled with debris from the 'MSC Elsa 3'. The court issued an interim order to detain the 'MSC Makoto II' at the port of Vizhinjam, pending a bond. Four Indian fishermen simultaneously had filed claims with the High Court for damages incurred to their fishing vessels. According to the individual claims filed with the court, the four individuals said their vessels had been damaged by debris floating below the surface after the 'MSC Elsa 3' went down. They also said that debris had become entangled in their fishing nets, causing severe damage. They also included claims for lost metal chains, ropes, and other fishing gear. The filings were timed to the call of the 'MSC Palermo' at Vizhinjam. They demanded the arrest of the vessel, until their claims could be heard by the court. The High Court found for the plaintiffs and ordered the detention of the vessel at the port on Aug 12. The company’s representatives were able to post a bond against the claims. The vessel was released and resumed its voyage on Aug 13. The 'MSC Makoto II' left Vizhinjam on Aug 16 en route to Haldia with an ETA as of Aug 20. These, however, were the fourth and fifth times that the court had detained an MSC vessel due to claims. In June, the 'MSC Polo II' was briefly detained for a claim by the Cashew Board, and four days later, the 'MSC Manasa F' was also detained. Both times, the company was able to post bonds for the release of the ships. The 'MSC Akiteta II' was detained in relation to the $1 billion claim filed by the state. MSC has not posted a bond to release the ship, which was originally detained on July 8. The ship remained at the Vizhinjam port as of Aug 16 with little prospect of being released in the short term.
ALFRED
The Älfred' 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.
DISCOVERY
The 'Discovery' ran aground approximately 60 feet outside the Kewalo Basin Harbor in Honolulu with the captain and one crew member aboard, on Aug 9, 2025. The on-scene weather at the time of the grounding was 5 mph winds and 8 to 10-foot seas with a building south swell resulting in 10 to 12-foot breaking waves on Oahu’s south shore. Two large waves disrupted the course, and the vessel lost propulsion once it was pushed aground. There were reportedly no mechanical failures prior to the vessel running aground. The on-scene weather at the time of the grounding consisted of 5 mph winds and 8 to 10-foot seas with a building south swell resulting in 10 to 12-foot breaking waves on Oahu’s south shore. Sector Honolulu command center watchstanders received a report at 8:25 a.m. Watchstanders directed the launch of a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Honolulu, but due to shallow water depth and sea state, the boat crew was unable to reach the 'Discovery'. Honolulu Ocean Safety Department jet ski crews arrived and confirmed that the two people aboard were uninjured. The passenger vessel that operates as a shuttle for Atlantis Adventures, could be secured to the seawall at Kewalo Basin awaiting commercial salvage. At 11 p.m, personnel with the Pacific Environmental Corporation (PENCO) removed all accessible petroleum products and eight marine batteries from the vessel. In total, PENCO removed 2,275 gallons of diesel fuel and 36 gallons of hydraulic oil. No pollution or sheening has been reported. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation were overseeing the vessel’s salvage. At about 6:25 p.m. Saturday, Cates Marine Services and the tug 'Miki’oi' arrived on scene and secured lines to the 'Discovery'. During efforts to tow the vessel off the reef, the cleats failed to hold, requiring the towing operation to halt. Report with video: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4270750/coast-guard-monitors-aground-passenger-vessel-in-honolulu/
SADAMARU NO.38
The 'Sada Maru No. 38' was in collision with a yacht on Aug 13, 2025, at 8.15 a.m., about two kilometers northeast of Hodojima Island, Tsukumi City, Oita Prefecture. The captain of the vessel has been arrested by the Japanese authorities after the fatal accident. The aggregate carrier transporting gravel struck the yacht amid poor visibility. The captain of the vessel notified the Japanese Coast Guard, stating that the yacht had disappeared and was believed to have sunk. The Coast Guard responded with six patrol boats and one airplane in an SAR operation. Around 10 a.m., the body of a 70-year-old man was recovered. He was reported to be in cardiac arrest and pronounced deceased at a hospital. After identifying the deceased person as Dr. Makoto Yamamoto, age 70, they were able to interview witnesses and determined that he was alone on the boat. Captain Yuki Mochizuki, age 28, was suspected of failing to take proper precautions. The Oita Coast Guard did not believe the 'Sada Maru No. 38' had slowed or stopped after the incident. The four other crew members aboard the vessel were interviewed to investigate the cause of the accident further. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzVrcT5LYBw
CIUDAD DE SOLLER
A fire broke out in an auxiliary engine on Aug 18, 2025, in the engine room of the "Ciudad de Sóller" on its voyage between Palma and València. There were no crew members in the engine room at the time of the incident. Eight fire fighters boarded the ship at the Terminal Transmediterránea. The Port's Special Emergency Plan (PEE) was activated by the Emergency Coordination Center of the Valencian Government. The fire was quickly extinguished, and the damage could be limited to the affected engine area. The vessel, however, was banned from sailing at the berth in the port of València, awaiting inspections to determine the extent of the incident and its return to service. There were no personal injuries reported, Both passengers and cargo from last night's Palma-bound ferry have been relocated to other vessels serving the València-Palma route. Meanwhile, the ferry "Ciudad de Barcelona," which last night served on the Valencia-Ibiza-Palma route, operated the reverse route on the Palma-Ibiza-València route, seeking to minimize the inconvenience caused by the incident on the "Ciudad de Sóller." Report with photo: https://www.europapress.es/comunitat-valenciana/noticia-extinguen-incendio-sala-maquinas-buque-puerto-valencia-20250818192841.html
NORDSTJERNEN
On Aug 19, 2025, at 6:45 p.m.,the "Nordstjernen" ran aground on the Warnow embankment when moving astern from berth 8 in Warnemünde into the fairway. Due to a technical malfunction, the engine did not respond when trying to move forward, and as a result, the ship struck the embankment on the opposite river bank, at buoy 24. Since the "Nordstjernen" was subsequently regained the ability to move forwar, it approached the nearest berth 7 under its own power. The Ship Safety Department issued a sailing ban. Initial investigations revealed that a malfunction in the pneumatic control of the controllable-pitch propeller was the cause of thefailure. With the approval of the Maritime Transport Authority, the "Nordstjernen" was towed to berth 46 in Rostock's overseas port on Aug 20 at 1:30 a.m. by the tug 'Fairplay 55' (IMO: 9021124). The extent of the damage to the vessel has not yet been quantified; the investigation was ongoing.
OTARIA
Beached at Alang 19.08.25 https://www.facebook.com/intractibleren/videos/1514979453009314?idorvanity=6884293942