The crew of the 'Frio Ionian' along with the US Coast Guard rescued two mariners on March 4, 2024, approximately 1,726 miles east of Bermuda. Watchstanders with the Fifth Coast Guard District command center received an EPIRB alert from the 19-foot sailing vessel 'Lhor One' (MMSI: 228193640), en route from Gouadeloupe to France, at approximately 6 p.m. They alerted ships in the area to be on the lookout for the sailors and conducted a query of vessels from AMVER. They also directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina HC-130 Hercules airplane crew to assist. The airplane crew arrived on scene at 4:45 a.m. and established communications with the mariners, who reported they were taking on water after a lightning strike had cause a hole in their yacht. The aircrew also directed the 'Frio Ionian', an AMVER participating ship, en route from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Cristobal, towards the sailing vessel’s position. The 'Frio Ionian' arrived on scene at 10 a.m., and after the yacht was alongside, the crew, a 20-year-old and 24-year-old male from the 'Lhor One', safely boarded the vessel with no reported injuries. Report with photos: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3694512/coast-guard-good-samaritan-vessel-rescue-2-mariners-more-than-1700-miles-east-o/
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SANTA CRUZ
On March 3, 2024, a crew member of the 'Santa Cruz's was lost overboard from the 'Santa Cruz' off the Eastern Cape coast after the ship had sailed from Durban on March 1, en route to Cape Town, about 22 nautical miles east of Cape Recife, near Port Elizabeth. Despite exhaustive efforts, the search for the man, who has not been located, was aborted without success. The response was coordinated by the MRCC in Cape Town, which at 6.42 p.m. LT issued a call for assistance to nearby vessels. The fishing vessel 'Portunity' was the closest and first to respond, with additional resources from the NSRI in Port Elizabeth and other vessels joining the search efforts through the night. SAMSA added that despite the participation of up to six other vessels and extensive search operations conducted by the NSRI, the seafarer was not found. It was reported that at the time of his disappearance, he was not wearing a life jacket. The MV Santa Cruz is continuing its journey to Cape Town, where SAMSA will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
HUMANITY 1
The crew of the 'Humanity 1' said they were threatened by the crew of a Libyan Coastguard vessel as they sought to rescue 77 migrants from small boats. At least one person drowned and tens were forced back to Libya on March 2. The crew aboard the Libyan Coastguard vessel not only tried to hamper the rescue efforts of the 'Humanity 1', but also fired a shot into the sea, resulting in some migrants jumping into the water and at least one death. The captain of the 'Humanity 1' reported the events to the Italian authorities in charge of assigning a port for the disembarkation of the rescued migrants. Initially, the Italian authorities asked the vessel to sail to the port of Bari. While en route to the port, a storm hit the Mediterranean, and the authorities allowed the ship to divert to the much nearer port of Crotone, where it would arrive on March 4. Report with photos: https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/55591/libyan-coast-guard-accused-of-threatening-crew-of-rescue-ship-in-mediterranean
GNV CRISTAL
On March 1, 2024, a critical medical emergency unfolded on the 'GNV Cristal' necessitating a swift and coordinated rescue operation off the coast of Pyrénées-Orientales. A 75-year-old passenger exhibiting severe heart condition symptoms was airlifted to safety. The situation escalated when the ferry, en route from the port of Sète to Tangier, signaled for immediate assistance from the CROSS Med off the Pyrénées-Orientales, The decision to evacuate was promptly made following a doctor's recommendation. The rescue operation saw the deployment of the civil security helicopter, Dragon 66. The crew managed to stabilize and transport the patient to the Perpignan hospital,
NAVE CAIO DUILIO
On March 2, 2024, the 'Duilio' has shot down a drone of the Houthis, which was flying in the direction of the ship, about six kilometers away, implementing the principle of self-defense in reference to the Aspides mission. The drone had similar characteristics to those already used in previous attacks. The Navy thus defended the right to free navigation in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.
FREBERG
In the morning of Feb 29, 2024, the Port Authority of Milos was informed about a mechanical breakdown of the French flagged s/y 'Melchior' with one person on board southeast of Milos. The local emergency plan was immediately activated and the 'Freberg' was diverted to the postion, where it located the vessel and towed it to the Vani area, where the tow was taken over by the 'Kapitan Dionysis', which pulled the boat safely to the port of Adamas. The Milos Port Authority prohibited the sailing vessel from sailing until the damage has been repaired and a certificate of seaworthiness was presented.
AFRICAN HALCYON
The Dumai Naval Base in Indonesia's Riau province foiled a robbery attempt by pirates on the 'African Halcyon', which was anchored in the Malacca Strait's Dumai waters, on Feb 29, 2024. The pirates jumped into the sea and escaped on a speedboat as soon as the Dumai Naval Base's first fleet quick response team members arrived on the scene. The quick response team departed on a sea rider boat shortly after several crew members of the ship raised alarm when they saw the four pirates trying to climb on board the ship's deck. After thwarting the pirates' attempt to rob the ship, the Indonesian Navy launched a probe into the incident. Several navy personnel also remained on standby near the area where the ship was anchoring.
CG FORWARD
The 'Forward (WMEC 911)' returned to its homeport in Portsmouth on Feb 3, 2024, following a 75-day patrol of the Windward Passage. During the patrol, the ship intercepted five unlawful migrant voyages and rescued 33 migrants from one vessel taking on water. The 'Forward' provided essential life-saving equipment, to include personal flotation devices and dewatering equipment, to the migrants aboard. Patrolling in support of Homeland Security Task Force - Southeast and Operation Vigilant Sentry (OVS), within the Coast Guard Seventh District’s area of responsibility, Forward’s crew deterred illegal migration. By conducting routine patrols of the Windward Passage, the 'Forward' was able to maintain safety of life at sea and protect U.S. maritime borders. Additionally, the 'Forward' conducted interactions with valued partners and the local community during a port call to the Dominican Republic. Forward hosted Dominican Republic navy leadership aboard the cutter and discussed ongoing relationships within the region. The crew also participated in a community relations project held at a local orphanage in Maimon, Dominican Republic. They donated toys and home items as well completed renovation and restoration projects, building stronger relationships between partners. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3694393/us-coast-guard-cutter-forward-returns-home-to-virginia-after-lifesaving-deploym/
RUBYMAR
Yemen’s internationally recognised government warned of an environmental catastrophe from the cargo of fertilizer on board the 'Rubymar' on March 3. It was the first vessel lost since the Houthis began targeting commercial shipping in November 2023, forcing shipping firms to divert vessels on to the longer, more expensive route around southern Africa. The ship was carrying more than 21,000 tons of fertilizer when it came under attack. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, foreign minister in Yemen’s Aden-based government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia, said that the sinking was an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before. The release of some 41,000 tons of fertilizer into the waters of the Red Sea poses a serious threat to marine life, according to Ali Al-Sawalmih, director of the Marine Science Station at the University of Jordan.The overload of nutrients can stimulate excessive growth of algae, using up so much oxygen that regular marine life cannot survive, calling for an urgent plan to be adopted by countries of the Red Sea to establish monitoring agenda of the polluted areas in the Red Sea as well as adopt a cleanup strategy. The overall impact depends on how ocean currents deplete the fertilizer and how it is released from the vessel. The ecosystem of the southern Red Sea features pristine coral reefs, coastal mangroves and diverse marine life. British security specialist Ambrey confirmed on March 1 that it had received reports of another incident on the ship, during which it appeared several Yemenis were reportedly injured. Satellite imagery taken by Maxar Technologies has been reported to show new blast damage on the 'Rubymar' on Feb 29, not long before it became obvious the vessek was beginning to sink, while drifting not very far off the Yemen coast.
TAVRICHESKIY
The Russian Border Guards detained the 'Tavrichesky-M 0126' in the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation in the Barents Sea. Aviolation of fishing rules was detected on the vessel by ships and aircraft. During the control and verification activities, the crew of the 'Tavrichesky' did not obey the demands of the Border Guards. The fishing vessel, escorted by a patrol ship, has been directed to the port of Murmansk and placed under unloading control. An inspection was started, and based on the result a procedural decision will be made.
RED OSPREY
An air ambulance has landed near the Isle of Wight ferry terminal following a medical emergency on the 'Red Osprey' on March 4, 2024. The Kent, Surrey and Sussex helicopter has landed near Red Funnel's car ferry terminal and Venture Quays. Police have also been called. The passengers remained onboard the 'Red Osprey' at East Cowes. There were delays of up to two hours due to the medical emergency.
RED JET 6
A number of commuter sailings between West Cowes-Southampton have been cancelled in the morning of March 1, 2024, as an obstruction in an inner starboard jet unit limited the operating capabilities of the 'Red Jet 6', which was already running on three out of four engines. As a result, the 06:05 a.m., 07:15 a.m. and 08:25 a.m. sailings from Southampton have been cancelled, alongside the 06:40 a.m., 07:40 a.m. and 09:00 a.m. sailings from West Cowes. It was unknown at that time if there would be any further cancellations throughout the day.
SWEET MIRI
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) 'Beecroft' on March 2, 2024, announced the arrest of the 'Sweet Miri', suspected to be carrying 2000 tons of stolen crude oil. There were 12 Nigerians and one Ghanaian crew members on board. On Feb 25, the vessel was observed to have switched off its AIS to avoid detection. The vessel was arrested 174 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria, heading to Benin Republic. This necessitated the deployment of the Nigerian Navy Ship 'Aba' to investigate the vessel. Subsequently, it was found to be carrying products suspected to be crude oil. Thereafter, the NNS 'Sokoto' was deployed to double up the search and interdict the vessel. On arrival, it was discovered that it was carrying 2000 tons of suspected product without approval.” The FOC, in line with the directive of Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), opened the ship for other agencies to come and take samples and carry out their own independent investigations to find out the culpability of the vessel, which is owned by a Ghanaian and registered in Ghana by a Ghanaian company. Report with photos: https://onepageafrica.com/2024/03/03/nns-beecroft-arrests-mt-sweet-miri-in-suspected-2m-liters-stolen-crude-oil/
MARELLA EZSORER
On March 5, 2024, short after midnight the 'Marella Explorer', en rute from Puerto del Rosario to Arrecife, requested the medical evacuation of a passenger eight nautical miles south of Arrecife, requests medical evacuation of passenger. The CCS of Salvamento MArítimo in Las Palmas mobilized the SAR boat 'Salvamar Al Nair' which embarked the patient along with a companion and dropped them off at the Lanzarote Marina where an ambulance was waiting. Photo: https://twitter.com/salvamentogob/status/1764916776553283632
MSC SKY II
Houthi militants have attacked the 'MSC Sky II', which was traversing the Gulf of Aden en route from Singapore to Abu Dhabi, with two missiles 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden on March 4, 2024, at 12.50 p.m. GMT. The ship’s master reported two explosions. The first exploded a distance from the vessel’s port quarter, while a second struck and damaged the ship. The crew was fighting fire and smoke on board. No casualties have been reported. The vessel’s last AIS signal was sent at 1.15 p.m.
MV STAR LEGASPI
Beached at Chittagong 03/2024 https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3554741664742520&set=gm.10162867606693943&idorvanity=6884293942
GALAXY LEADER
The Yemeni Houthis announced on March 3 that they will only release the 25 crew members of the 'Galaxy Leader' if the Palestinian organisation Hamas agrees. “Given that the crew was operating on a ship related to Israel, their governments may make a request to the brothers in the Hamas organisation, and if they accept, we have no objections,” posted Nasr Al-Din Amer, a Houthi media official, adding that the Houthis have detained the commercial ship, which is linked to Israel, in support of Palestine and, therefore, the Palestinians are the ones entitled to decide. The ship has appeared in a number of videos on social media platforms after the Houthi authorities turned it into a tourist attraction in Yemen’s Hudaydah Governorate. The videos showed hundreds of citizens arriving daily on small boats to board the ship to take pictures and videos on board. The Houthi fighters have raised the Yemeni flag alongside the Palestinian flag on the ship, with photos of Palestinian children killed as a result of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. The company that owns Galaxy Leader released a statement that “all communications with the ship have been lost”, adding that as a shipping company, it will not comment further on the political or geopolitical situation.
MINCK
In the night of March 2, 2024, the CROSS Gris-Nez was informed that several migrant boats were in difficulties off the coast of Pas-de-Calais. The 'Minck' was deployed to investigate a boat off the coast of Grand-Fort Philippe. The crew noticed that the boat was deflated and had an engine failure. The people on board the boat requested assistance. The crew of the 'Minck' rescued the 20 castaways on board and took them to Dunkirk, where they were disembarked and taken care of by the departmental fire and rescue service and the border police. In the morning of March 3, the emergency medical aid service (SAMU) of the Somme relayed a request for assistance from another boat in difficulty off Pointe du Hourdel. The CROSS Gris-Nez then deployed the 'Seine' of the French Navy. Once in the area, the 'Seine' tried to get closer to the boat, but the falling tide and the water level did not allow that maneuver. At the same time, the Ault semaphore informed the CROSS Gris-Nez that the boat had run aground on a sandbank and that the passengers were isolated by the tide and were trying to return to the beach on foot. The CROSS Gris-Nez then sent the hovercraft 'Maxime Touchais' from the SNSM station of Berck and a semi-rigid from the Somme Departmental Fire and Rescue Service. The semi rigid 'SDIS 80' recovered the 11 castaways who were then dropped off at the Hourdel aid station and taken care of by emergency services. Later in the the day, a third boat was reported in difficulty by the CROSS Gris-Nez off the coast of Cayeux-sur-Mer. The 'Seine' was again tasked to provide assistance and rescued 47 people, who were dropped off at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, where they are taken care of by land emergency services.
FALK NJEMA
The 'Falik Ndjema' caught fire on Feb 29 in Daressalam. There was one deceased, Habis, a native of Mitsoudjé, while seven other passengers were seriously injured. Onstead of carrying the usual containers, the boat would have been loaded with livestock during the voyage. The exact circumstances of the fire which ravaged the ship remained unclear, but the ship was allegedly badly maintained. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ByguJNUz_E