The 'X Press Lhotse' with RMG export products on board, destined for Europe and the USA via Sri Lanka has been stuck at Chattogram port for two days due to non-payment of fines. The ship was scheduled to leave for Colombo port on May 15, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. with 1,450 TEU containers on board. Around 90% of the goods on board were ready-made garments. However, the vessel has been barred from leaving the port as it failed to pay Tk72.25 lakh in fines imposed by the Mercantile Marine Office, Chattogram, for not complying with rules at various times. The vessel had earlier transported goods from Chattogram port without obtaining a waiver certificate in violation of the Bangladesh Flag Vessels, (Protection of Interests) Act. Its shipping agent, Sea Consortium, was also fined several times in this regard. The ship, which was scheduled to reach Sri Lanka's Colombo port on May 19, was detained at the outer anchorage of Chattogram port. It was released on May 19.
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BORKUM
The 'Borkum' was anchored at Cabo Tiñoso in the waters of the Region of Murcia as of May 16. She had planned to moor in Cartagena at 7 a.m., but finally gave up making a stopover and announced that it was heading to Koper with an ETA as of May 22. From there the cargo will be taken to Prague. In its containers it transports mortar shells and projectiles for use in battle tanks. This was stated by the Ministry of Transport and confirmed by the Czech Government in a document, in which it also ensures that the cargo will be for its own use. The Sumar insisted that it must be ensured that the ship's cargo does not reach Israel and they have filed a complaint with the Prosecutor's Office to block it. The transport minister reproached them for confusing the ship with the 'Marianne Danica'. Report with photo: https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/internacional/2024/05/16/exteriores-deniega-escala-buque-armas-israel-no-dara-autorizacion-ningun-barco-situacion-1734310.html
HUMANITY 1
The “Humanity 1” has rescued 28 people from distress in international waters. Among the refugees in a small, overcrowded wooden boat, which was unable to maneuver and without rescue equipment, were pregnant women, small children and babies. The crew of the rescue ship “Humanity 1” took the people on board on May 16. The castaways were exhausted, some seasick and dehydrated, but in a stable medical condition. The Italian authorities assigned the “Humanity 1” Marina di Carrara as a safe port, which, according to SOS Humanity, is more than 1,150 kilometers ways from the rescue site, with an ETA as of May 21. The voyage would take four to five days. The captain asked the MRCC to assign a closer port.
CHRYSTAL ARCTIC
After six Somali pirates were apprehended by soldiers of the European force engaged in operation ATALANTE, they will be judged by Seychellois justice. Five were placed in pre-trial detention on the evening of May 15. The sixth, aged 20, was transported by helicopter to the hospital center. All were arrested on May 10 while trying to board the 'Chrystal Arctic.'. Their goal was to hijack the ship to demand a ransom. Report with photo: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/reunion/seychelles-six-pirates-interpelles-par-les-forces-de-l-ue-de-lors-de-l-attaque-d-un-petrolier-1488620.html
ABDULLAH
The 23 crew members of the 'Abdullah' met their families on the afternoon of May 14 as the vessel reached the Chattogram Port. The crew members received a warm welcome when the vessel 'Jahan Moni-3', carrying them from Kutubdia in Cox's Bazar, reached New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT)-1. The crew members will go to their respective homes. Care was taken to send them to their destinations safely. New crew members took charge of the 'Abdullah' on May 14 and sailed for the United Arab Emirates. Report with photos: https://www.voanews.com/a/crew-members-reunited-with-families-at-chattogram-after-pirate-captivity/7613312.html
ANDREW J BARBERI
The 'Andrew J. Barberi', which retired in 2023, was put up for public surplus auction this week by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Bidding on the ferry opened at $155,000. As of May 16, 2024, no one had made an offer. The vessel has been stripped of its propulsion and navigation systems. Its eventual new owner will need to tow the ship from its berth in St. George. https://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=3514658
ISLAND BIRI
On May 9, 2024, the 'Island Biri' ran aground on the coast of Lajala, Coron Palawan. An area of 255 square meters sauare meters coral reef was damaged by the fast craft. An administrative case was to be filed with the PCSD against the owner of the vessel as soon as the investigation has been completed. The collected fines will also be used for the rehabilitation of the damaged reefs, which serve as a home and breeding ground for various fish.
MARGARITAVILLE A.S.P
The 'Margaritaville at Sea Paradise' fell short during an unexpected health inspection from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 1, 2024. The examination was conducted by Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) officials. The incident report, available on the CDC's website, showed the ship was given a failing score of 83. An 86 is needed to pass. One of the complaints listed was the ship's whirlpools, designed to hold a maximum of four people, had six bathers. The report also highlighted some sanitation concerns involving food and drink on the cruise. An investigator was also concerned about whether a crew member had washed his hands while working with food. The gloves worn by the crew member handling the ice making components of the ice machines were stored with tools. It was unclear if the crew member washed his hands before putting on gloves. There were glove boxes for food handlers on the bulkhead next to the ice machines that could be used instead. Water bottles were also found stored on soiled pallets, while food preparation areas were also found to be soiled and/or poorly lit. Another crew member was unable to demonstrate competency about chemicals to clean lettuce. The crew member washing lettuce heads and immersing them in an antimicrobial solution for fruits and vegetables could not demonstrate competency in verifying the concentration of the chemical used. He could not use a test strip correctly to verify the concentration of the solution and did not know what an acceptable test result would be. The CDC also noted that a freezer, several refrigerators and multiple deep fryers were all out of service. Following internal policies, immediate corrective actions have been taken to address the issues identified in the inspection. Many of these issues have already been resolved, and the operator will be working with USPH [United States Public Health] for a re-inspection as soon as possible.
DALI
Unified Command officials continued to evaluate the 'Dali' on May 16 in preparation for refloating the vessel and clearing the federal channel. They have evaluated sonar and lidar imagery but are awaiting results from a dive survey before proceeding with the plans to move the 'Dali' to the Seagirt Marine Terminal in the Port of Baltimore. This diver inspection was a necessary and vital step in the complicated process of reopening the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in a manner that mitigates risk to the vessel once it’s carefully refloated and moved from its current position. To permit safe diver access to the Patapsco riverbed next to the vessel, Unified Command cranes must first remove submerged and unstable wreckage from the controlled demolition. Safety also dictated the securing or removal of severely damaged containers and overhanging wreckage from the initial bridge collapse onto the deck of the 'Dali'. This process was already underway and should be complete in the days ahead. During the complex operation of refloating the 'Dali', the Unified Command will continue removing wreckage in the central part of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. More than 365 vessels have transited the four Port of Baltimore temporary alternate channels. These transits for commercial and recreational vessels will continue during the ongoing process to refloat the M/V Dali and salvage operation to clear the federal channel. Nearly 50% of the 700-foot-wide Fort McHenry Federal Channel had already been cleared to an operational depth of 48 feet before the controlled demolition. The federal channel is expected to be fully capable of supporting all commercial vessels in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a minimum operational depth of 50 feet in the weeks ahead. The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
MARIANNE DANICA
The Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has confirmed reports that the 'Marianne Danica', which was carrying a cargo of arms to Israel, and had requested permission to call at the port at Cartagena on May 21, 2024, got the request denied on May 16. The ship had left Madras for Israel, carrying a cargo of about 27 tons of explosives.
SALVAMAR MACONDO
On May 17 at 4:09 a.m. the CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Las Palmas was notified of a cayuco warning 2.5 nautival miles from Mogán. The 'Salvamar Macondo' was mobilized to assist and located it. The boat with 126 sub-Saharan migrants, among them 12 women and one minor on board, was escorted to Arguineguín. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1791352460826599645
ANVIL POINT
On May 15, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard medevaced a 62-year-old critically ill crew member from the 'Anvil Point', en route from Dubai to Muara, off Kochi. Following the rescue operation, the patient was shifted to Renai Hospital in Ernakulam. The Coast Guard deployed the patrol ship 'C-410' for the operation. Report with photos and video: https://news.abplive.com/kerala/indian-coast-guard-evacuates-ill-crew-member-from-merchant-vessel-off-kochi-1687918