on April 11, 2024, a fire broke out aboard the 'SeaRose FPSO' while undergoing a major refit in the drydock at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where it docked in January. About 50 firefighters responded to the call at 5.17 p.m. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) sent a specialist rescue team, a marine team and a number of supervisory officers. In addition it deployed an aerial appliance, a foam appliance and four pumping appliances.using breathing apparatus and water jets to put out the fire. The blaze was confined to a cargo tank being worked on by a shipyard subcontractor and has been deemed accidental. Reports with photos: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/harland-and-wolff-shipyard-evacuated-as-50-firefighters-extinguish-accidental-blaze/a1604659385.html https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-68794048
News
MSC ARMONIA
65 Bolivians who had arrived aboard the 'MSC Armonia', were finally deported from the port on April 11. Only four of the 69 Bolivian nationals who were on the ship, which docked in the port on April 2, have been allowed to stay. They are three siblings from the same family, and the daughter of one of these. Their parents are residents of Girona and the father has Spanish nationality. The rest, however, were taken by bus from the port where they have been held since the 'MSC Armonia' had docked. From there they were due to be flown to Santa Cruz. The cost of the flight will be covered by MSC. The cruise set sail from Brazil in mid-March, and was due to make a series of stops in the Mediterranean before reaching its final destination of Venice. When the ship arrived in Barcelona none of the 1,500 passengers were allowed to disembark due to the fake visas in possession of the group of Bolivians. The falsified documentation was not initially detected by MSC, even once the passengers had boarded and the ship had set sail. But when it was sent to the Spanish authorities ahead of the vessel’s arrival, the alarm was raised. The documents had been faked. The cruise ship was finally allowed to leave the port on April 10 with the other passengers aboard. The Bolivians, meanwhile, were held in the port until they were officially deported. The Spanish authorities rejected asylum requests that were filed by some of the group. They had been sold the tickets by a travel agent who claimed that the package included valid visas to live and work in Spain.
POSEIDON
About 100 Ukrainian refugees who have been staying on the 'Poseidon' in Urk for two years will soon have to move temporarily. The ship will undergo an inspection and maintenance. Another ship, the 'Alessia', will temporarily arrive in the port of Urk, which is slightly larger. The residents have already started preparations for the temporary move this week together with Caritas employees. The actual move to the 'Alessia' will take place on April 15, 20ß24. After the inspection and maintenance, the 'Poseidon' will return to the port of Urk in May. Then the Ukrainians will move back.
DALI
The Unified Command continued to remove containers onboard the 'Dali' and clear bridge wreckage at the Key Bridge incident site on April 11. Salvors continued to remove containers from the foreship as part of the effort to gain access to the portion of the Key Bridge that lies atop the ship. The transfer of containers from the 'Dali' will continue in the coming days, as weather permits. As of April 11, approximately 38 containers have been removed. The removal of the containers is a critical step required to safely move the 'Dali' and eventually fully re-open the Fort McHenry Channel. Removing containers allows for safe access to then remove the pieces of the Key Bridge that lie across the ship’s bow, taking weight off the ship and ultimately enabling the ship’s movement. In parallel, wreckage and debris removal continued at the site, including breaking up of submerged roadbed from span 19, and the removal of a section of span 17. The rubble and debris have been taken to Sparrows Point, Maryland for processing and recycling. While marine traffic is still limited, 69 vessels have transited through since the creation of the temporary alternate channels with the goal to open the limited access deep draft channel. The team of local, state, federal and community responders remained focused on the safe and efficient removal of debris and wreckage from the federal channel and waterway. The COTP issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners (BNM) via VHF-FM marine channel 16. Mariners are requested to monitor channel 16 for the latest information. Report with video: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com/post/update-12-multimedia-release-removal-of-containers-onboard-m-v-dali-and-bridge-wreckage-clearing-co
BAYERN
In the morning of April 11, 2024, a fire broke out aboard the FGS 'Bayern' in a dock in the overseas port in Bremerhaven. The Bremerhaven fire department was alerted at around 10 a.m. The fire broke out when a unit was being put into operation and was extinguished by the crew. Three people were exposed to smoke, and one person was taken to the hospital. A total of around 22 fire and rescue service personnel were involved in the operation. The police have started an investigation into the cause of the fire. The fire brigade had already been called to the naval ship on MArch 31 because of a fire. There was a slight development of smoke below deck. The operational security service and the Navy personnel had initiated initial firefighting measures and were able to make thework easier for the fire brigade. One person suffered smoke inhalation but was able to continue working.
RUTH PARK
On April 2, 2024, the 'Ruth Park' suffered a mechanical fault that resulted in it unexpectedly heading to starboard and then to port side. The 'Ruth Park' was sailing along the Parramatta River near the Gladesville Bridge when the vessel lurched to starboard before moments later heading in the opposing direction. After ensuring the two passengers on board had disembarked safely at Barangaroo wharf on April 2, the ferry was removed from service. The incident came two days after the 'Lauren Jackson' suffered a problem with its steering indicators near Barangaroo wharf in Sydney’s CBD on March 31, requiring a system reset.The 'Ruth Park' was tied up at the Balmain shipyard. According to the operator Transdev, the 'Ruth Park' experienced a mechanical issue, together with the effects of wash created by another passing vessel. The issue was caused by a faulty component has been resolved, with the component replaced, and the vessel was due to return to service following successful sea trials. An investigation determined the incident was not the result of any steering failure.
SUKHOTHAI
The commander of the HTMS 'Sukhothai' said on April 9 that he will resign his commission from the navy, accepting responsibility for the corvette’s sinking. The Royal Thai Navy blamed the catastrophe on Captain Phichitchai Thueannadee’s “reckless” decision not to dock the corvette at the nearest port, as well as heavy waves and unforeseen punctures. The captain would be detained for 15 days but would not face a civil lawsuit. The corvette could resist wave heights of up to 2.5 metres. However, on Dec 18, 2022, the waves were unusually high, reaching up to six metres as the corvette traveled from the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri to Chumphon province. Heavy waves destroyed the wave breaker in front of the corvette’s 76mm gun turret. The dislodged wave breaker also created a one-square-inch rupture in the vessel’s steel deck. An unnamed heavy and hard item also struck the gun turret, causing damage. The damaged turret also featured a hole that allowed water inside the vessel. An inspection also revealed two ruptures in the left gunwale, approximately five feet above the typical water level. The ruptures were produced by exterior and unidentified items, and had nothing to do with the corvette’s welded parts. The ruptures encompassed a total area of 80 square inches. The commander did not dock the vessel at the adjacent Bang Saphan port in Prachuap Khiri Khan province due to strong waves and a lack of tugboats to enable safe docking. He was unaware of the damages, and as a result, he decided to return the corvette back to Sattahip, despite the distance, in order to save the ship. The Royal Thai Navy investigation determined that his choice to return it to Sattahip was imprudent. The Bang Saphan police would examine criminal charges againsthim. Phichitchai apologized and stated that he and other crew aboard the corvette did their best to deal with the situation, which proved to be unmanageable. He stated that he opted to return the corvette to Sattahip because it was not listing at the moment, but weather conditions worsened later. Report with photos: https://www.chiangraitimes.com/news/navy-captain-of-sunken-navy-warship-resigns/#google_vignette
AIDALUNA
After the arrival of the 'Aidaluna' in Kiel on April 11, a man was taken in custody, when the ship had docked en route from Copenhagen. The 50-year-old was arrested by the federal police. The officers boarded the cruise ship around 10:30 a.m. When they checked the personal details of the passenger from Germany, they discovered that he was being sought. He is accused of embezzling money. The man was therefore placed in custody for remand. He was taken before the judge at the Kiel district court, who confirmed the arrest warrant. The man was taken to prison.
US GOV VESSEL
The USS 'Boxer (LHD-4)' has returned to San Diego, California, on April 11, 2024, after suffering an engineering casualty, forcing the amphibious warship to return for repairs. The USS 'Boxer' and elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit left on April 1 for a Pacific deployment that had been on hold due in part to maintenance issues on the big deck. Following the departure, the 'Boxer' operated off the coast of California recertifying Marines with MV-22B Ospreys after a grounding that was lifted last month. Navy officials did not detail the casualty, but it was thought that the casualty was related to the ship’s rudder. The repairs could take two to three weeks based on the early damage estimates. Marines and aircraft from the 15th MEU were offloaded from the 'Boxer' prior to its return. Report with photo: https://news.usni.org/2024/04/11/uss-boxer-headed-to-san-diego-for-repairs-pacific-deployment-stalled
LAUREN JACKSON
On March 31, 2024, the 'Lauren Jackson' suffered a problem with its steering indicators near Barangaroo wharf in Sydney’s CBD, requiring a system reset. Two days later also the ferry 'Ruth Park' was tied up at the Balmain shipyard. According to the operator Transdev, the 'Ruth Park' experienced a mechanical issue, together with the effects of wash created by another passing vessel. The issue was caused by a faulty component has been resolved, with the component replaced, and the vessel was due to return to service following successful sea trials.
HDMS IVER HUITFELDT
The Acting Chief of the Danish Defense, Michael Hyldgaard, has asked for more time to prepare and "quality-ensure" the report on the 'Iver Huintfeldt's deployment in the Red Sea and on the problems that emerged during combat. The statement has therefore been postponed. "It is absolutely crucial that we can professionally vouch for the product we have to send to the department. We need to coordinate with the Naval Command and the Ministry of Defence's Material and Procurement Agency to check and verify a number of information. That is why we have asked for the deadline to be postponed", accodring to Michael Hyldgaard. The case of the frigate Iver Huitfeldt's problems during combat in the Red Sea came to light last week, when the defense media Olfi was able to publish information about system failure and defective ammunition during a Houthi drone attack on March 9. It was also completely new information for Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who asked for an explanation of the case on April 9. The statement was leaked on Feb 10, which cited the statement that the Ministry of Defense had been informed of the technical faults on the ship, although Troels Lund Poulsen denied knowledge of the matter. A few hours later on the same day, the Minister of Defense received a new statement with a new explanation. The Minister stated at a press conference. Here he then announced that the Chief of Defense Flemming Lentfer was removed from his job. At the same time, he asked for a thorough explanation of the case, which has now been postponed indefinitely. “I take the matter very seriously. It is absolutely crucial that both I, as the responsible minister, and the parties in the Folketing are continuously informed of possible serious problems when we deploy Danish soldiers. The Defense Command has asked for more time to ensure the quality of the report. I have informed the parties of the Folketing about this today", said Troels Lund Poulsen on April 11.
SALVAMAR ADHARA
On April 11 a cayuco was located in the vicinity of La Restinga (El Hierro). The CCS Tenerife of Salvamento Marítimo mobilized the 'Salvamar Adhara', which escorted the boat to the port. There were 71 peodle aboard, among them one woman and several minors. The castaways were cared for by the health and safety teams, Report with photos: https://twitter.com/salvamentogob/status/1778387720269656168
IVNOSYS
On April 10, 2024, shortly before 10 a.m. the 'Ivnosys' caught fire on the Guadalquivir River two miles from Gelves after alliding with a high tension cable. The catamaran had left the Gelves dock bound for Isla Mínima shortly before 9:50 a.m. Its mast hit one of the high-tension cables that cross the river at the height of the Vega de Gelves.All eight people on board, six passengers, a skipper and a deckhand, jumped into the water to escape the flames and were rescued by a zodiac. Two have required health care on site without hospitalizing being necessary. Firefighters, rescue workers and police attended. To extinguish the fire, firefighters from the Mairena del Aljarafe, Santiponce and Sanlúcar La Mayor parks were working from the river bank, where the boat ran aground. The flames have completely destroyed the boat and it has been left semi-sunken. Firefighters have also worked to prevent the fire from reaching solid ground and approaching a nearby hayloft. In addition, a part of the municipality of Gelves has suffered a power outage due to this event, which was being recovered little by little through the work of Endesa technicians. The recent rains have caused the tidal coefficients to be significantly higher than usual. Reports with photos: https://www.gelves.es/es/actualidad/noticias/El-accidente-provocado-por-un-barco-al-chocar-con-un-cable-de-alta-tension-a-500-metros-de-Puerto-Gelves-provoca-un-apagon-en-todo-el-municipio/?urlBack= https://www.europapress.es/andalucia/sevilla-00357/noticia-catamaran-calcinado-gelves-sevilla-estaba-valorado-millon-euros-transportaba-turistas-20240410135937.htmls
ABDULLAH
The 23 Bangladeshi sailors of the 'Abdullah' offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on the hatch of the 'Abdullah', spreading tarpaulin, in the afternoon of April 10 with the permission of the pirates, officials of the owner of the ship, KSRM Group, and the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers Association confirmed. The sailors were doing well, and there was also a lot of progress in their rescue process. Report with photo: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/mv-abdullah-sailors-offer-eid-prayers-ship-826701
VOLGO-DON 5105
A water pipe in the Azov region could have been damaged by the 'Volgo-Don 5105' on April 10, 2024. The Southern Transport Prosecutor's Office investigated the incident, and an inspection of the implementation of legislation on navigation safety has been organized. A local state of emergency was determined in Azov due to the water main break. Rescuers delivered water to affected residents.
LIBERTY OF THE SEAS
Level Parker, the father of the 20 year-old Leion Parker, who was missing since he jumped off the 11th deck of the 'Liberty of the Seas', believes his son is still alive and may survived because he's a master diver who works on a commercial fishing boat. He also had multiple life rings thrown at him. US Coast Guard officials called off their search for Levion on April 9, five days after he jumped from the 11th deck of the ship. Francel Parker, who runs an AC business in Port Charlotte, Florida, has also slammed Royal Caribbean for serving his son booze: "I'd like to know how my son was served so much alcohol." The minimum age for drinking on Royal Caribbean cruises departing from the US and the Caribbean is 21. The 'Liberty of the Seas' was just hours from returning to Fort Lauderdale after a four-day cruise when dad Francel caught up with Levion and brother Seth, 18, emerging from a hot tub at around 3.30 a.m. He said to his dad, 'I'll fix this right now,' and jumped out the window in front of other passengers, 57 miles off Grand Inagua at 4 a.m. on April 4, while the hot tub was still packed with revelers. Report with photos: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13296965/Levion-Parkers-dad-believes-20-year-old-son-alive-jumping-Royal-Caribbean-cruise-ship-hes-master-diver.html
CONCORDIA BAY
The 'Concordia Bay' suffered a mechanical failure of its bow thruster on April 5, 2024, making the vessel unserviceable. The Falkland Islands Government (FIG) was notified by the Workboat Services Ltd. about the issue of the vessel, which has been contracted to undertake the Ferry and Coastal Shipping contract. The 'Concordia Bay' was brought back to Stanley on April 7 for investigations. The Workboat Services Ltd. were working with suppliers. All Ferry and Coastal Shipping services are suspended during this period. Once definitive timelines for repair are known, Workboat Services Ltd. and FIG will jointly advertise a revised schedule, taking into account urgent needs as a priority.
IDALINA
The Arcona 460 s/yy “IdaLina”, sailing on the Pacific, suffered a broken rudder shaft. A large hole in the hull meant that the ship ultimately had to be abandoned and sank. Arcona Yachts, the shipyard where the “IdaLina” was built, wanted to investigate the case. However, it was still unclear how the rudder shaft could have broken. The Arcona's rudder system comes from the Danish manufacturer Jefa. In the first few seconds of a video filmed by the owners and published on April 10, 2024, it can be seen that the rudder shaft is broken immediately below the point where the rudder quadrant sits on the shaft. The lower bearing probably tore a large hole in the hull. The crew, a man and a woman went into the life raft. Report with video: https://www.yacht.de/special/seenot/seenot-im-pazifik-erst-bricht-der-ruderschaft-dann-sinkt-die-arcona/
CUYAHOGA
The nvestigations into the fire on the 'Cuyahoga' in Ashtabula Harbor on March 15 were expected to move into a new phase next week, according to an Ashtabula Fire Department Invesigator. The Ashtabula Fire Department, the United States Coast Guard, and the National Transportation Safety Board all have jurisdiction in the case, as well as investigators from the ship's owners and insurance companies of all the entities involved.The vessel was docked for work at the time of the fire, with about two dozen workers doing repairs and another 15 crew members on board preparing to take the vessel to Erie for more work. At that time, a cargo hold caught fire. The first step after bringing the fire under control was to remove the 400,000 gallons of water and foam that were used to extinguish the fire.
ZAPOLYARYE
The 'Zapolyarye' sank in Murmansk on April 9, 2024. Rosprirodnadzor specialists conducted a thorough examination of the area where the ship has sunk in the Kola Bay of the Barents Sea. It had belonged to Vostok LLC, which is currently bankrupt. After the arrest, the ship was at the shipyard pier and probably sank due to its disrepair. Rosprirodnadzor took water samples both directly from the site of the shipwreck and five kilometers away for analysis. The contaminated area has already been treated with a sorbent, and oil booms have been installed around the vessel. The results of the study will make it possible to determine the level of threat to the environment and develop further measures. The North-Western Transport Prosecutor's Office, the Murmansk Investigation Department and the Western Interregional Transport Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia started an investigation into the incident. Report with photos: https://www.ecopravda.ru/rossiya/spetsialisty-rosprirodnadzora-vzyali-proby-na-meste-zatopleniya-sudna-v-murmanske/