International Vessel Casualties & Pirates Database For Year 2003 - Jan. Through Dec. 2003

The Forces of Pirates & Weather on Seaborne Commerce

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Year 2003 Vessel Cassualties & Pirate Attacks
January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003 May 2003 June 2003	July 2003 August 2003 Sept. 2003 Oct. 2003 Nov. 2003 Dec. 2003

Vessel Loss Dispatches For December 2003

"Stepping In It" - Dec. 2003

"Angel Fire" - Nov. 2003

"Singles Only" - single photos of disaster -- always new.

"Enjoy Your Flight!" - Oct. 2003 - wait to load.

Our The Cargo Letter reporter Rich. Baus visited Albany, Dec. 30 to witness progress on salvage of M/V Stellamare >> "Heavy lift barge crane "Chesapeake 1000" was hooked to forward crane mast of M/V Stellamare & had rolled it up & was steadying in place. Heavy lift barge crane "Weeks 533" was being moved into position along side to hook onto other ships crane mast to complete uprighting & to give upward lift. Guess is that if enough lift could be gained, the water should clear deck & the pumping out of hold started." >> M/V Stellamare now refloated. No word on last missing crew Follow the Story. (Wed. 31 Dec. 2003)

Press reports suggest terrorists may be planning to attack the new RMS Queen Mary II on or before her maiden voyage. Information said based on intercepted al-Quaida communication. Queen Mary II leaves England for Port Everglades, Jan. 12. Owners, Cunard, deny any specific threats. Details of the Queen & unfortunate deaths last month. (Tues. Dec. 30 2003)

Panamanian-registered 13.9gt tug M/V Marina Iris, Kobe for Singaporwith with 6 Indonesian crew -- issued distress signal 1:40 a.m LT -- belived sunk off Wakayama in Sea of Japan early Dec. 27 -- 1 crew rescued on raft by Japan Coast Guard. (Tues. Dec. 30 2003)

Vietnamese F/V, with 16 crew went missing on Dec. 23 -- found capsized off coast of S. province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Dec. 30 by rescue vessel with all 16 crew drowned. (Tues. Dec. 30 2003)

181gt South Korean cargo M/V Mun Chang Ho, 100 km NW of Hamada, Shimane Prefecture, Sea of Japan -- missing & believed sunk. (Tues. Dec. 30 2003)

4,356gt Panamanian-registered M/T Sun Venus, Yosu, South Korea for Kobe with 4,000 tons of ethanol &16 crew -- suffered explosion, Dec. 24, 12 km off Iwaishima Island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Sea of Japan -- 2 missing. (Tues. Dec. 30 2003)

M/V Stellamare UPDATE>> Seen at Hudson River passing under Mid-Hudson Bridge at Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Sun. Dec. 28.2003 , 14:30 Hr. >> "Heavy Lift"crane barge "Weeks 533" -- bound for Albany to help right M/V Stellamare. Lift capasity 1,000 tons. This is 2nd crane that they were waiting for & righting vessel should start this week. Two missing crew found -- one remains missing. From our correspondent Rich.Bause. Follow the Story. (Mon. Dec. 29 2003)

Greek 5,590gt passenger ro/ro M/V Express Apollon, aground at Serifos. (Mon. Dec. 29 2003)

St. Lawrence Seaway, which connects U.S. Great Lakes to Gulf of St. Lawrence & Atlantic Ocean, has closed it's 45th Navigational Season for winter. (Mon. Dec. 29 2003)

11,619gt downbound bulk M/V Buffalo (built 1978) grounded in lower St. Marys River near Pipe Island off DeTour, Michigan -- reported steering malfunction that caused grounding -- stern blocking downbound channel -- all traffic using upbound course. Buffalo unable to free her self & tug M/V Reliance<<webfeature, with barge PML 9000 departed Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. late Dec. 28 afternoon. (Sun. Dec. 28 2003) UPDATE>> 10 p.m. Buffalo pulled free from spot where she grounded early Dec, 28 afternoon. Big tug M/V Reliance arrived on scene 8 p.m. -- began pull of Buffalo off Watsons Reef in lower river N. of Pipe Island. -- vessel expected spend night there -- will wait for U.S. Coast Guard inspection before departing St. Marys River system. (Sun. Dec. 28 2003 PM)

Malaysian cargo M/V Pacific Valor, China for Malaysia -- lived up to its name on Christmas -- in rescue of 20 souls from 63gt ferry M/V Piary, with 67 passengers & 6 crew -- sank in bad weather in Sulu Sea off W. island of Balabac on Dec. 28 after reporting she was taking water in rough seas in S. Philippines -- 53 missing & presumed dead. (Sun. Dec. 28 2003)

IRAN DISASTER BOUND>> U.S. physicians & a rescue crew trained to search for survivors amid the wreckage of terrorist attacks & natural disasters are headed to Iran to help in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake which may have killed 20,000. The 73 members of Virginia Task Force One<<webfeature, left late Dec. 27 from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, but plane returned an hour later after smoke detected in cargo area. Task force members moved to different plane, according to U.S. Agency for Int'l Development, which is leading mission. Team finally got off the ground at 12:45 a.m. Dec. 28. (Sun. Dec. 28 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

22 Dec. 2003 at 0325 UTC in posn: 01:05S - 117:17E, Samarinda anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe -- broke open forecastle store & stole ship's stores & safety equipment. Police & authorities were informed & they boarded ship. Police chased pirate boat but failed to catch them. (Dec. 26 2003)

21 Dec. 2003 at 0400 LT in posn: 01:54S-116:37E, Apar Bay anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates armed with long knives in speedboat boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe -- threatened duty A/B with knife but he managed to warn bridge. Pirates broke open forecastle store & tried to steal life raft. Crew raised alarm & shore security guard fired warning shots. Pirates jumped overboard -- escaped empty handed. (Dec. 26 2003)

20.12.2003 at 0620 LT in posn: 01:08N - 103:30E, 7nm NE of Pulau Karimun Besar, Indonesia. Four pirates in unlit boat length about 8m tried to board general cargo ship underway from port quarter. Alert crew raised alarm & switched on deck lights. Boat increased speed, crossed ship's bow & fled. (Dec. 26 2003)

16.12.2003 at 1910 LT in position 22:12.7N - 091:43.2E, Chittagong anchorage 'B', Bangladesh. Nine pirates boarded bbulk carrier at forecastle -- tied up cadet & 2 shore watchmen & held them at knifepoint. C/O spotted pirates, raised alarm, sounded whistle & crew mustered. Pirates escaped empty handed in motor boats at 1930 LT. Incident reported to coast guard. (Dec. 26 2003)

16.12.2003 at 0430 LT in position 09:18S - 132:15E, Indonesia. Persons inside narrow long unlit speedboat attempted to board tanker underway. Crew directed searchlights. Boat followed the tanker for a while & fled. (Dec. 26 2003)

11.12.2003 at New Mangalore, India. Pirates attempted to board bulk carrier at anchor. Anti piracy watch raised alarm & crew mustered. Pirates aborted attempt & fled. (Dec. 26 2003)

Russian 3,000gt M/V Oka, Vladivostok, Russia to N. China's Tianjin municipality<<webfeature, Tanggu's Xinhe shipyard on Dec. 11, 2003, for repair -- suffered fire -- all crew & Chinese workers safe -- fire accidentally caused by repair workers. (Christmas 2003)

U.S. 87-foot F/V Siddie Goldens, with 3 crew, rescued by 87-foot patrol U.S. Coast Guard USCGS Ibis, Dec. 24, 30 miles off coast of S. New Jersey -- during tow, USCGS Ibis noticed that 69-foot scalloper F/V Tamara Lane, on fire -- Ibis immediately broke tow & responded to fire. Tamara Lane fully engulfed in flames & 2 crew rescued -- after launching 2 parachute flares, 3rd member of crew pulled to safety by Ibis. (Christmas Eve. 2003)

North Korean-flagged M/V Elizabeth (a North Korean "Elizebeth?), Port Said, Egypt for Bari, Italy, with cement & 8 crew, grounded on small rocky outcropping in strong gale with winds reaching 86km per hour S. of Greek island of Santorini early Dec. 24 -- taking on water. Greek Coast Guard helicopter plucked all Ukrainian sailors from wreck. From our correspondent Dan Massoni (Christmas Eve. 2003)

U.S. towboat M/V Trey Deloach, pushing 3 empty barges -- southbound in New Orleans Inner Harbor Navigation Canal -- empty tank barge Kirby 10315, hit approach to Florida Ave. bridge in New Orleans at 12:15 a.m. KIRBY 10315 partially blocking westbound vehicular approach to bridge which remains closed to vehicular & train traffic. From our correspondent Dan Massoni (Christmas Eve. 2003)

M/V Free Spirit, ex-Finland with timber &13 Russian crew -- diverted port of Corinth, in S. Greece, to avoid bad weather -- suffered fire at hold -- put under control by 3 port firefighting vehicles -- did not spread to rest of ship & crew safe. From our correspondent Dan Massoni (Tues. Dec. 23 2003)

The U.S. asked to spend millions of dollars to remove concrete-filled 140-foot F/V Victoria M, derelict mistakenly sunk in wrong spot -- hindering passage of vessels in Canadian fishing grounds in British Colunbia. Vessel sent to bottom in 1,500 feet of water 23 Nov. 2003 in routine permit procedure, but a mistake in permit caused it to be sunk on wrong side of Canada-U.S. boundary. Hulk about 60km off Cape Flattery in area used by Canadian trawlers, which drag bottom for groundfish. Canadian Coast Guard warned that sunken ship is "considered a hazard to fishermen." Well, at least she was named "Victoria!" (Tues. Dec. 23 2003)

God Save the Queen>> as RMS Queen Mary 2<<webfeature, -- biggest passenger ship ever constructed - double weight of RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 -- 3 times weight of RMS Titanic at 150,000 tons -- glided from the harbor at Saint-Nazaire on French Atlantic coast today. God's speed.

*Longest, tallest, widest & heaviest passenger ship ever built.

* The Queen Mary 2 has art gallery, with 300 works on show.

*5 swimming pools, 14 restaurants & 24 massage parlors.

* Theater with 1,000 seats; ballroom; a thalassotherapy clinic<<webfeature, (a what?); planetarium; 2,000 bathrooms & 3,000 phone lines.

* 1,300 crew & 3,000 passengers.

* Engines generate enough power to light city of 300,000 people.

* Passengers pay between US$2,752 & US$55,056 for 6 day crossing between Southampton & New York.

Is She Now To Be Known As The "Bloody Mary? This tag has thus far stuck. (Mon. Dec. 22 2003)

Indonesian M/V Burnama 01, with lumber, sank off General Santos City, Philippines. (Mon. Dec. 22 2003)

Mars probe Beagle 2 successfully detached from mother ship Mars Express, critical maneuver that put the European spacecraft on track for landing on red planet Dec. 25 -- unmanned probe, named for ship of naturalist Charles Darwin on his voyage of discovery in 1830s, will explore Martian soil to determine whether it ever supported life. After parachuting through atmosphere & using inflatable gas bags to bounce to soft landing, the 143-pound probe will flip open & begin scratching surface with robotic arm. Meanwhile, Mars Express will orbit 250 miles above with experiments. Entire fleet of Earth ships reaches Mars this Christmas. (Sun. Dec. 21 2003)

63gt Philippine M/V Piary, 68 passengers & approx. 10 crew -- no contact since morning when vessel radioed after strong waves smashed a hole in the vessel's hull -- taking on water while heading for Brooke's Point, off western Philippine island of Palawan from Cagayan de Sulu island group. (Sun. Dec. 21 2003) UPDATE>> Panamanian tanker M/T Pacific Valor, plucked 20 (32in total from all sources) survivors late Dec. 22 from choppy waters between Balabac Island at S. tip of Palawan & Malaysia's Banguey island, off N. tip of Borneo. No word on fate of rest of passengers & crew. (Mon. Dec. 22 2003)

The Chirstmas Tree Ship>> U.S. tug bearing Christmas trees will sail from Two Rivers to Manitowoc Dec. 21, to celebrate fabled S/V Rouse Simmons<<webfeature -- known as the lost "Christmas Tree Ship." S/V Rouse Simmons<<webfeature, among several schooners that carried Christmas trees from upper Michigan forests to lower Lake Michigan ports at beginning of the 20th century. S/V Rouse Simmons<<webfeature, memorialized in press as the "Christmas Tree Ship" after it sank off Two Rivers in a storm on Nov. 23, 1912. Capt. Herman Schuenemann & crew were lost. (Sat. Dec. 20 2003)

14,162gt Phillipines passenger ro/ro M/V Princess of Paradise (built 1974) aground in Phillipines (Fri. Dec. 19 2003)

79,552gt. crude oil M/T Geres (built 1989) under repair at Setubal -- 10 workers injured after explosion. (Fri. Dec. 19 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

11 Dec. 2003 at 0315 LT in position: 01:58.3N - 102:4.7E, Malacca straits. Pirates in unlit speedboat attempted to board bulk carrier underway. Duty officer raised alarm & increased speed. Crew mustered & directed search lights at vessel. After a chase of 20 minutes pirate vessel fled. Perhaps they knew it was Christmas! (Fri. Dec. 19 2003)

Port Huron pilot boat M/V Huron Belle, running close to shore on lower Lake Huron to avoid heavy seas, grounded Dec. 19, sustaining damage that put her out of service for rest of season. Pilot boat M/V Huron Maid, stationed in Detroit at the J.W. Westcott Co. dock, was sent to Port Huron to take her place. (Fri. Dc. 19 2003)

FedEx MD-10F, Oakland, Calif. for Memphis with 2 crew & 5 employees, caught fire & veered off runway while landing -- preliminary investigation indicated plane's right landing gear collapsed before fire began. Flames extinguished but plane heavily damaged -- several large holes burned in starboard fuselage -- blackened by smoke -- FAA images showed right wing on ground -- 1 minor injury during evacuation. Memphis-based FedEx owns world's largest cargo airline. Incident was 4th involving FexEd jet in 7 years. (Thurs. Dec. 17 2003)

133 gt hydrofoil M/V Delfini XXII<<webfeature (built 1992), Piraeus for Theodosia, aground while transiting the Dardanelles Strait, Dec. 17. (Thurs. Dec. 17 2003)

1.2401gt reffer M/V Ice Rose (built 1985), Guayaquil for St.Petersburg, bananas, had switchboard fire, Dec. 16 -- under repair at Aarhus. (Thurs. Dec. 17 2003)

Cambodian-flagged 98-meter oil M/T Africa, Athens for Port Said with 13 crew -- abandoned vessel drifting dangerously close to Greek island of Milos in Aegean Sea after mechanical breakdown -- 10 NM from island of Hydra. All rescued. Tow attempts continue. (Wed. Dec. 17 2003) UPDATE>> Greek maritime authorities say 2 attempts to tow M/T Africa to safety when it was 10 NM from island of Hydra, failed because of high winds. (Fri. Dc. 19 2003)

Japanese container M/V Tokyo Express, Shanghai for Japan, in collision with 80-ton F/V from Zhejiang Province on Dec. 15 afternoon. F/V sank immediately with 1 missing & 6 injured. (Wed. Dec. 17 2003)

M/T Navon Fennia, anchored 1 mile NE of Humber Light Float in Humber Estuary, UK, during crew change reported man overboard to UK Humber Coastguard -- RAF Rescue Helicopter "R128" from RAF Leconfield<<webfeature, (Haunted Control Tower?<<webfeature) scrambled -- crew rescued by vessel & "Rescue 128" then airlifted 53 year old rescued Finnish national crew to Grimsby Royal Hospital. (Wed. Dec. 17 2003)

603gt, cargo M/V Brake (built 1957), Hamburg for Vordingborg<<webfeature -- aground. (Tues. Dec. 16 2003)

Indonesian 100-ton wooden M/V K.M. Monalisa, with 116 passengers & 17 crew, Toli-Toli, in Central Sulawesi for Wani -- hit coral reef in Makassar Sea separating Sulawesi<<webfeature, & Borneo islands -- capsized leaving 2 dead & 2 dozen missing -- 61 police recruits aboard survived along with 28 passengers & all crew -- 2 passenger bodies found dead -- some 50 missing. (Tues. Dec. 16 2003)

U.S. New Bedford-based F/V Atlanta foundered & sank on Dec. 13 night, 27 miles S. of Chatham - 4 crew with "the fear of death in their faces" rescued from lifeboat -- 2 crew dead -- 3rd missing . (Mon. Dec. 15 2003) UPDATE>> Body found floating off Cape Cod identified as Capt. of F/V Atlanta -- another crew died after rescued from lifeboat & 3rd missing & presumed dead. (Wed. Dec. 17 2003)

227gt reffer M/V Sventa (built 1955) sank off coast of Estonia. (Mon. Dec. 15 2003)

17,636gt bulk M/V Argola (built 1978), with wheat, aground at Algiers. Crew rescued, Dec. 13. (Mon. Dec. 15 2003)

Philippine trawler F/V Alma-4, with 25 crew -- in collision with cargo vessel & sank before dawn off coast of Davao city in south Philippines - 3 missing. (Sun. Dec. 14 2003)

South Wales - Port Eynon and Horton inshore lifeboat, with 3 crew, capsized off beach at Slade. Swansea coastguards sent out Mumbles inshore lifeboat & all-weather lifeboat & rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor. All crew winched to safety, Dec. 13. (Sun. Dec. 14 2003)

1,739gt cargo M/V Harlan (built 1974), ex-Port Said suffered water ingress off Crete, Dec. 11. (Sun. Dec. 14 2003)

3:45 a.m. LAX Time - Saddam Hussein Captured !! (Sun. Dec. 14 2003 at 3:45 a.m.)

Latvian M/V Sventa, Latvian capital Riga for Saint Petersburg, Russia with 160 tons of sugar beets & 9 crew -- sank 16km off coast of Estonia -- crew abandoned aboard rubber life raft when water reached engine room -- picked up by Estonian coastguard helicopter. All safe. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

Port Everglades was site of death for Philip Davis, 51, VP of South Stevedoring Inc., a shipping company at port for 3 years. He was either run over by shipping truck or crushed between a truck & concrete post. Authorities are currently checking to see if there was a horse head in his bed. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

08 Dec. 2003 at 0025 LT in posn 01:11N - 126:52E, Molucca Sea, Indonesia -- Pirates in a motorboat attempted to board bulk carrier underway. Ship raised alarm, directed searchlights & activated fire hoses. Pirates aborted boarding & fled. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

 06 Dec. 2003 at 0130 LT at Georgetown anchorage, Guyana. Pirates boarded chemical tanker about to drop anchor with pilot onboard. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Pirates escaped with ship's stores. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

 03 Dec. 2003 at early morning at Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded tanker & stole liferaft. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

 01 Dec. 2003 at 0330 LT at Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia. During cargo operations 5 pirates in speedboat attempted to board tanker by climbing anchor chain. Anti piracy crew & policeman stationed onboard chased pirates & fired a warning shot. Pirates aborted attempt & fled. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

 01 Dec. 2003 at 1600 LT in position 04:49.8N - 098:33.7E, northern Malacca straits -- armed pirates in speedboat chased supply ship & ordered her to stop. When ship ignored & proceeded, pirates fired several shots. Two bullets hit helm & one killed 1 crew. Ship proceeded to Penang & lodged a police report. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

29 Nov. 2003 at 0200 LT at Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela -- pirates armed with knives boarded tanker at anchor -- took hostage duty A/B & tied him up. Pirates stole ship's stores & safety equipment & escaped. (Fri. Dec. 12 2003)

Historic Crosby Yacht Yard, Osterville, Mass., founded 1850, suffered rgging fire shooting flames 50 feet into the air & destroying 3 large boat storage sheds & some of luxury vessels stored for the winter. No injuries were reported. U.S. Coast Guard investigating. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

Suspected Terrorist Vessel? >> Bahamas registered bulk 17,429gt M/V Athena -- in ballast to load calcined petroleum coke (product produced in Bellingham) at Port Longview for Australia (Calcined coke used in metals industry) -- arrived in Columbia River, Dec. 4, -- met by patrol boats mounting machine guns & heavily armed Coast Guard boarding team -- decision for close watch on Athena stemmed from "intelligence tip." -- Dc. 6, U.S. Coast Guard said its team found nothing suspicious. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

UK F/V Onward Star -- 1 crew overboard just outside the entrance to Bridlington Harbor, Dec. 7. Coastguard launched Bridlington RNLI Lifeboat & Inshore Lifeboat, Flamborough Inshore Lifeboat. Coastguard Rescue teams from Bridlington, Flamborough, Hornsea & Humber Coastguard operations room staff all conducting a shore search and RAF Rescue helicopter 'R131' from Boulmer with Police helicopter 'Oscar 99' are covering area. No sign. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

Hang 'em High>> Australian pilot stranded in Antarctica should have abandoned his flight rather than land on the frozen continent, U.S. & New Zealand officials say. Adelaide adventurer Jon Johanson remains stranded Dec. 10, at the joint U.S.-New Zealand McMurdo-Scott base after making 1st Solo Flight Over South Pole in a home-built, single-engine aircraft. Johanson needs 400 liters of fuel to return home but both U.S.& New Zealand have refused to supply it as part of policy to discourage "tourists" to the base. The U.S. & NZ have offered to fly him back to NZ & then ship plane home at his own expense. NZ authorities have accused 47-year-old pilot of being irresponsible & ill-prepared, sentiments supported by the U.S. The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), which manages main U.S. research station in Antarctica, has offered Johanson passage back to NZ - where he started his historic trip - on a regularly scheduled flight. U.S. officials also are discussing possibility of sending pilot's aircraft back aboard supply ship that normally visits station in Feb., at end of each research season. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003) The Australian adventurer, stranded in the Antarctic for a week after becoming the first person to fly solo over the South Pole in a fixed wing aircraft, has arrived in New Zealand, using fuel from a British rival. (Sun. Dec. 14 2003)

Ed Note>> Tourist? How about "Adventurer" -- without question -- 50 years ago we would have seen Jon Johanson hailed as a hero & granted all the supplies, support & help he could ever need. Jon Johanson was going for a serious world record at great personal risk. He appears serious at reaching the goal. Are we now so very grown up & politically correct as to treat remaining world adventurers as criminals? It is not as if these overworked gaurdians have to fend off waves of weekly attempts to make the 1st Solo Flight Over South Pole! Geeez, give the guy some help. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

22m steel-hulled longline NSW trawler F/V Makaira, with 5 crew at sea for 6 days on tuna fishing run, Coffs Harbor on Dec. 5, for Evans Head -- erupted in flames 17 NM off Ballina, south of Byron Bay, Australia -- skipper & 4 crew clung to a liferaft as smoke billowed from vessel. Westpac Lifesaver rescue helicopter from Lismore sent to lift fishermen &endash; aged 16 to 40 &endash; to safety. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

Philippines M/V LCT Trinidad II, with 800 tons cement & 19 crew for Roxas, Mindoro -- encountered strong winds & heavy seas 5 NM NEof Boracay Island, Philippines, at 11 p.m., Dec. 7 -- sank 300km S. of Manila at 6 a.m. All crew rescued by PCG search & rescue teams -- 2nd time major vessel sank in Philippine waters in less than a month -- in Nov., a cargo vessel, M/V Isabela Adriana, with coconut oil sunk when fire occured aboard. From our correspondent Dan Massoni. (Wed. Dec. 10 2003)

289ft. Dutch bulker M/V Stellamare, at Port Albany dock on Hudson River with 661 tons of General Electric turbines &18 crew bound for Italy & Romania -- suffered cargo shift -- causing vessel to capsize -- 8 crew thrown into partly frozen water -- 7 rescued from ship, some by helicopter -- 15 safe -- 3 missing believed trapped inside hull where temperatures dipped to about 20 degrees. Rescue operations continue. (Tues Dec. 9 2003) UPDATE>> See our SINGLES ONLY<<webfeature, photo feature. (Wed. Dec. 10 2003) UPDATE>> Body believed to be that of a missing crew found Friday in cargo hold -- 2 more remain missing Misplaced G.E. generator now considered cause of loss. (Fri. Dc. 19 2003) UPDATE>> Second body found by divers. (Sat. Dec. 20 2003)

40,627gt M/V Mokihana (built 1983) in collision with coastal feeder container ship at Qingdao. (Tues Dec. 9 2003)

South Korea's King Sejong Base<<webfeature, on King George Island, at tip of Antarctica's peninsula stretching toward South America -- 7 of 8 South Korean polar researchers who disappeared at sea off Antarctica were rescued but another was found dead -- 3 researchers on rubber boat first went missing Dec. 7, after they reported heavy snow & strong winds. Another group of 5 sent to look for them following day, but lost contact as well -- also traveling in rubber boat. Russian & Chilean rescuers searching found 7 researchers alive, but 27-year-old Chun Jae-kyu dead in the sea. No further details available. (Tues Dec. 9 2003)

1,865gt general cargo M/V Farah Sea (built 1966) sank in Turkish waters. (Tues Dec. 9 2003)

836ft. Chinese 74,500 dwt bulk M/V Yong Kang (built 2001), at anchor awaiting Pier availability in Quebec Harbor -- winds gusting to 60 mph pushed vessel aground Dec. 6., off St-Jean Island of Orleans in Lower St. Lawrence River. Tug M/V Group Ocean from Quebec City assisted to free ship late Dec. 6 & escorted vessel to section 52 in St. Charles River Terminal of Quebec Harbor to partially offload cargo of nickel & bauxite. Preliminary survey indicates several fractures on bottom plates & a ballast tank is taking on water -- will sail to Becancour to offload remaining cargo -- then return to Quebec & final decision about repairs. (Tues Dec. 9 2003)

Indian cruise M/V Nancowri, on holiday cruise returning from Andaman islands<<webfeature, for Port Madras, discoverd murder -- happened Dec. 7 when Israeli, Cohen Yeol, sleeping alongside English girlfriend Carina Elizabeth on deck -- had set sail from Port Blair on Dec. 4. When she heard a struggle, Elizabeth opened her eyes to find Yeol dead with neck slit & a youth running away. She immediately raised an alarm. Elizabeth could not "firmly" point to any suspect in an identification parade involving ship's 1,200 passengers & 300 crew members but 7 people about whom she expressed "some doubts" detained for further questioning. (Tues Dec. 9 2003) UPDATE>> THE COOK DID IT! -- Ship's cook cook killed Israeli tourist Cohen Yeol while he lay sleeping aboard M/V Nancowri. The cook, Rajesh Paul, admitted murdering Yoel Cohen. Paul held grudge against 27-year-old Cohen stemming from differences arising during earlier voyages to Andamans<<webfeature, -- sliced Israeli's neck with kitchen knife. (Thurs. Dec. 11 2003)

130gt hydofoil ferry M/V Aligiulia (built 1991) caught fire shortly after deprture -- off Capri, France. Details pending. (Mon. Dec. 8 2003)

The Cargo Letter UPDATE>>

On 5 Dec. 2003 -- We posted this report -- "R/V NBP limped back to Lyttleton with 2 bad engines. One of the turbos apparently intent on feeding an engine all the fuel it needed. The overspeed shut down was with black gang in the galley fixin mid rats & neither could get to the ER fast enough to save the 2nd engine coupled to it's overachieving twin . Last word (two days ago) was that the 1st rebuild didn't go so well & is coming apart again. This was E-mail notice from the crew aboard." (Fri. Dec. 5 2003)

On 8 Dec. 2003 -- Capt Robert Verret II of R/V NBP posted the following:

"First of all, I am the Capt. here & I know none of my crew would write this report. I keep my crew informed of all that is happening. So all of my crew knew what is going on.  There is no 2nd hand information. But I would think that your organization specializes in Maritime Law, what is "the black gang" supposed to mean? I have been sailing 20 years & I have never heard of this term. And as I put in my previous e-mail (not received) , the incident happened at 07:00. When it referred to "fixin midrats", again inaccurate.  Midrats is served between 23:30 & 00:30. As I put the turbo was not the cause of failure. But for someone not know a lot of maritime things, if a person was to read this, it would seen that maybe human error caused the 2nd failure. That was not the case. And how it is stated: "This is E-mail notice from the crew aboard."  As you write to send an anonymous e-mail "to keep the maritime industry informed"?  Because as I wrote in my other e-mail (not received) , the only thing that was correct on your report was that 2 engines that we came into port on."

"Really I would like to know who wrote the report because it is obvious they are not a mariner, and probably got their information from a person whom is not a crew member.  They could have received their information from the local bar owner from what I know.  But in any event, I would ask you to forward my e-mail to their address, and if they would choose to get ahold of me, I can give them an accurate report. > Robert.Verret@nbp.usap.gov <

"CargoLaw", please do not think I am angry with you, I am just disappointed in the person who wrote you the report because it is so inaccurate. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. --

Capt Robert Verret II of R/V NBP (Mon. Dec. 7 2003)

Container M/V Seaboard Voyager -- in rough seas & bad weather off Cuban coast -- lost 4 containers 18 miles N. of Puerto de Tanamo, Cuba, Dec. 5, 2:18 p.m. -- containers believed 15 miles E. of Punta Miasi, Cuba. (Mon. Dec. 8 2003)

French hydrofoil M/V Aligiulia, island of Capri for Sorrento with 47 plus 6 crew, caught fire sending dozens of passengers scrambling to safety aboard inflatable life rafts -- some passengers plunged into sea in panic -- 30 minutes after all aboard had left M/V Aligiulia exploded in flames. (Sun. Dec. 7 2003)

Philippine flagged M/V Doña Trinidad, Cebu Island for Mindoro Island with cement & 19 crew, capsized & sank off Caticlan on Panay Island, about 300km (186 miles) south of Manila -- 19 crew rescued. (Sun. Dec. 7 2003)

U.S. 72-foot Long Island long-range trawler F/V Miss Judith, homeported in Freeport, N.Y., lost engines in big blow Dec. 5 night in perilous 60-mph wind gusts & 18-foot seas -- adrift 80 miles S. of Martha's Vineyard -- taken in tow by sister F/V Charlotte G to Point Judith, R.I. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

1000-foot M/V Edgar B. Speer lost starboard rudder Dec. 3 afternoon in lower St. Marys River near Lime Island. U.S. Coast Guard set up one way traffic in area because lost rudder could be an obstruction & hazard to navigation. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

29 Nov. 2003 at 0730 UTC in posn: 03:52N - 077:05W, Buenaventura Inner Roads, Colombia -- pirates armed with crowbars boarded a general cargo ship. Guard employed by the ship fired 2 warning shots. Pirates jumped overboard & escaped in a boat waiting with 3 accomplices. Master informed coast guard who sent a patrol boat to investigate. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

28 Nov. 2003 at 0205 LT at Lagos anchorage, Nigeria. Four pirates armed with knives boarded general cargo ship from a fishing motor boat. They threatened duty A/B and assaulted him causing head injuries. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Pirates stole 8 mooring ropes & escaped. Master tried to called Lagos port control but received no response. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

25 Nov. 2003 at 2250 LT in posn: 03:01S-106:58E, Selat Leplia, Indonesia. Five pirates with long knives & guns boarded container ship underway -- entered bridge took hostage & tied up d/o, A/B & cadet. Pirates forced d/o to take them to other officers cabins -- entered cabins of master, c/e, c/o, 2/e & stole personal belongings & cash. They took c/o to poop deck & escaped in waiting boat at 2310 LT. Bridge unmanned during attack. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

25 Nov. 2003 at 0315 LT in position 00:39.47S - 103:48.09E, 15nm off Muara Sabak, Jambi, Indonesia -- group of armed pirates hijacked tug & barge in tow. Pirates forced crew to jump overboard. All 14 crew managed to swim safely ashore. Barge had 78 containers loaded with rubber, plywood & betel nut. Barge subsequently located on 26.11.2003 near Dabo Singkep but tug still missing. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

24 Nov. 2003 at 1115 LT in posn: 08:36S - 137:14E, 20nm off False cape, Kolepon island, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Pirates in 2 fishing boats approached general cargo ship underway intending to board. Ship pursued evasive manoeuvres & crew mustered. Fishing boats fled towards shore. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

24 Nov. 2003 at 0540 LT in posn: 00:56.9N - 105:20.4E, 41 nm off Bintan island, Indonesia. Seven pirates with guns & knives boarded container ship underway -- fired shots at starboard bridge door & entered bridge & took hostage 2/o. Pirates broke master's cabin door & entered his cabin -- stole ship's cash & master's personal belongings. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

24 Nov. 2003 at 0130 UTC in posn: 09:21N - 013:39W, Conakry, Guinea. 15 pirates armed with high powered guns in 2 motor boats boarded bulk carrier at anchor -- took hostage 2 crew on deck watch & entered accommodation via bridge -- assaulted master & crew, ransacked cabins & stole ship's property & cash. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

22 Nov. 2003 at 2200 UTC in posn: 17:45N-054:31W, Caribbean Sea. Several pirates in boat of 30 meter boat chased yacht underway intending to board. Crew on yacht switched off lights & electronic equipment & reversed course. Boat moved away. (Sat. Dec. 6 2003)

MV Mokihana, in collision with coaster feeder container ship at Qingdao -- Dec. 2 -- just after taking pilot abord -- coaster took on water to point Master decided to beach vessel. Mokihana not allowed to depart Qingdao due to local Harbor Master investigation. (Fri. Dec. 5 2003)

R/V NBP limped back to Lyttleton with 2 bad engines. One of the turbos apparently intent on feeding an engine all the fuel it needed. The overspeed shut down was with black gang in the galley fixin mid rats & neither could get to the ER fast enough to save the 2nd engine coupled to it's overachieving twin . Last word (two days ago) was that the 1st rebuild didn't go so well & is coming apart again. This was E-mail notice from the crew aboard. (Fri. Dec. 5 2003)

U.S.1,492gt Ro/Ro ferry M/V Cape Henlopen (built 1944) Long Island Sound for Orient Point with 80 vehicles & 150 passengers -- Dec. 2 -- port bow door opened because hydraulic closing mechanism that holds it shut failed -- master turned vessel around in winds up to 40 mph & waves 6 to 8 feet to New London for repairs at company's shipyard -- completed overnight under U.S. Coast Guard supervision -- series of waves rolled into vessel & pushed at least 8 cars into one another. No injuries. Report form our Dan Massoni (Thus. Dec. 4 2003)

U.S. 6,174gt ice-breaking capabile R/V Nathaniel B.Palmer (built 1992) has limped back to port. Details pending. "Nathaniel B. Palmer" named to commemorate the American credited with 1st seeing Antarctica. (Thus. Dec. 4 2003)

F/V Panther -- 56km off Sumatra --4 pirates in motorized fishing boat opened fire late on Dec. 1 -- 27-year-old Filipino, fatally shot in chest -- attack occurred in Malacca Straits. Attacks near N. tip of Sumatra are often blamed on rebels from Indonesian province of Aceh. (Thus. Dec. 4 2003)

M/V Sko, Iligan City for Iloilo port with 45,000 bags of cement & 17 crew -- partially burned when one of its oxygen or acetylene tanks exploded while being used by welders -- huge fire -- while docked between Iloilo & Guimaras strait -- 4 crew injured. (Thus. Dec. 4 2003)

250-meter container M/V Zoey S, lost power& drifted toward rocks of Trial Island near Victoria. Ship within 400 meters of island when crew managed to get engines running again -- currently anchored off Victoria, waiting for safety inspection. (Thus. Dec. 4 2003)

87-ft. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Chinook<<webfeature, with 10 crew, homeport New London, Ct., aground after it broke free from mooring line at 8:30. Chinook on routine patrol in vicinity of Coddington Cove, R.I., and had been moored up for the evening. Two 41-ft. rescue boats from Coast Guard Station Castle Hill in Newport, R.I., are currently on scene to prevent or minimize any environmental damae & determine best method to re-float Chinook. Cause under investigation. (Wed. Dec. 3 2003)

M/V Sea Panther, Singapore for Mumbai with 14 crew -- 90 NM off Sumatra coast -- pirates attacked on high seas -- 27-year-old Philippine sailor shot dead in aborting boarding. We join the IBM in requesting Malacca Straits patrols by U.S./UK vessels. Here is terrorism. (Tues. Dec. 2 2003)

F/V Thane, with 22 crew. aground at Blue Horizon Bay near Port Elizabeth, South Africa in the early hours of Dec. 2 -- plans to tow her into deeper water at high tide -- all 22 crew members brought to safety. (Tues. Dec. 2 2003)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For November 2003

"DHL Airlines - On Time -- On Target" - Nov. 2003

"Angel Fire" - Nov. 2003

"Pelican's Peril" - collision on River Scheldt - Aug. 2003

"Singles Only" - single photos of disaster -- always new.

"Enjoy Your Flight!" - Oct. 2003 - wait to load

Limitation Action Filed ......... as facing more than US$2Bn in damages sought by victims of the Oct. 2003 Staten Island M/V Andrew J. Barberi (built 1981)<<webfeature disaster, financially strapped New York City has filed a federal petition to limit its liability under maritime law to the value of the vessel -- calculated at US$14.4M. Eighty-one court claims have been filed against the city stemming from the Oct. 15 ferry crash in which 10 people were killed & dozens injured, many with amputated limbs. A federal trial could take up to a year will determine if the city has properly invoked the petition. Review Our Feature. (Sat. Nov. 29 2003)

USS Cole & its crew of 340 pulled out of Norfolk, VA, for the destroyer's first overseas deployment since it was bombed by terrorists 3 years ago in Yemen's port of Aden. The Cole and two other destroyers in the Norfolk-based Surface Strike Group, the USS Thorn & USS Gonzalez, are now scheduled to head to the Mediterranean Sea for about 6 months. They officially are part of the USS Enterprise carrier strike group, which left in October. Review Our USS Cole Feature. (Sat. Nov. 29 2003)

Hong Kong-flagged M/V Maritime Friendship, at Dunedin's Port Chalmers, NZ -- suffered crane collapse 9.30pm, Nov. 29, while logs were being loading aboard. Workers aboard & on wharf had to dodge swinging boom -- pile of logs which rolled free of the ship -- 3rd incident this week aboard Maritime Friendship. Int'l Transport Federation also investigating claims ship's owners only paying seamen between 25% & 50% of their agreed rate. Great maritime friendship! (Sat. Nov. 29 2003)

Canadian tug M/V Sea Commander, Surrey, Canada for Eureka, Calif. with Canadian registered 380-foot log barge Ocean Oregon -- 2,000 logs went overside Nov. 13, drifting offshore in a W-SW direction approximatly 100-miles off Tillamook Head, Oregon. Logs were in bundles of 5 prior to falling overboard.  According to latest weather data from National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration the logs heading back out to sea & may not strike land for weeks. (Sat. Nov. 29 2003) Updated by Fred McCague (Mon. Dec. 1 2003)

Portland-based 360ft. sternwheeler M/V Empress of the North<<webfeature, with 58 passengers & 68 crew, developed steering problems Nov. 27 night 80 miles up the Columbia River from Portland -- ran aground injuring passenger & 2 crew -- vessel moved to barge dock & tied up. Injured hospital treated & released. LAST TIME>> On Oct. 24, 2003, while navigating through Ice Harbor Dam Lock on Snake River, vessel got stuck &endash; spent night there -- on 3rd day of 8 day cruise on Snake & Columbia Rivers. No injuries reported among 188 passengers & 84 crew (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

24 Nov. 2003 at 0630 LT in position 01:21.1N - 117:01E, 14 nm off Balikpapan, Indonesia -- pirates with guns & knives boarded tanker via hawse pipe --took hostage deck watch keeper at gun point -- stole ship's property & stores before escaping. (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

23 Nov. 2003 at 0400 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Six pirates with long knives boarded general cargo ship -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

22 Nov. 2003 at 2300 LT at Lagos anchorage, Nigeria. Pirates boarded tanker, stole ship's stores & escaped in waiting trawler. (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

19 Nov. 2003 at 2325 LT in position 01:17.9N - 104:06.1E, Eastern buoy, Singapore -- 7 pirates with long knives boarded tanker underway & stole ship's cash & escaped. (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

19 Nov. 2003 at 1200 UTC in posn: 30:58S-030:22E, port Shepstone, East coast of South Africa -- 6 pirates in speedboat trailed refrigerated ship & attempted to board. Crew raised alarm & activated fire hoses. Pirates aborted attempt. (Fri. Nov. 28 2003)

Democratic Republic of Congo M/L Dieu Merci ("Thank God" ), with 20 tons fish, maize, cocoa & some 450 souls transiting Lake Mai-Ndombe<<webfeature, (known as "Black Water") in Bandundu province 600km(360 miles) NE of capital, Kinshasa, capsized then disintegrated in high winds & driving rain -- hurling passengers into churning lake waters -- 163 drowned & scores more missing Nov. 26 -- 222 survivors. Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Humanitarian Affairs earlier told Reuters 2 ferries collided, but survivors said only 1 vessel appeared involved. Lake Mai-Ndombe<<webfeature, covers 888 sq. miles but doubles or triples in size during rainy season, currently lashing western Congo. (Thurs. 27 Nov. 2003)

Thanksgiving Day Dinner Menu for crew of South Bound U.S. merchant M/V Challenger -- U.S. Great Lakes - Nov. 27 2003

Appetizers: Oyster Cocktail * Shrimp Cocktail * Assorted Olives & Raw Vegetables

Soups: Oyster Stew & Chicken Noodle Soup

Entree: Roast Tom Turkey w/Sage Dressing & Wild Rice * Lobster Tail w/Butter Sauce * Baked Virginia Ham w/Pineapple Rings * Mashed & Sweet Potatoes * Buttered Peas * Squash * Giblet Gravy * Hot Dinner Rolls * Cranberry Sauce

Desserts: Mincemeat, Apple, Peach & Pumpkin Pies * Whipped Cream * Fruit Cake * Ice Cream * Chocolate Mints * Sugared Dates

Refreshments: Coffee, Tea, Milk, Hot Chocolate, Soft Drinks, Eggnog, Cigars, Cigarettes, Hard Candy, Gum

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY From America! There is so much for which to be thankful. Thanks to all our world crews at sea tonight. (Thurs. 27 Nov. 2003)

F/V Beira 3 (built 1953), with 19 crew held by pirates since June 8 2003 -- pirates refuse to release vessel until onwers pay undisclosed amount of fishing and ship chandling fees. Captors said to have given hostages permission to return to home port Mombasa by their own means. Situation aboard vessel appalling -- not enough food & fresh water for seafarers. (Wed. 26 Nov. 2003) UPDATE>> Payment demand is US$958,000 ! (Thurs. 27 Nov. 2003)

1,846gt general cargo RMS Voerde (built 1999) in collision with chemical tanker off Schevningen. (Wed. 26 Nov. 2003)

Philippine 498.29gt M/V Isabella Angelica, with 1,400 tons coconut oil for Batangas City port, 100km S. of capital Manila, caught fire & sank off Philippines' SE town of Barcelona on Nov. 25 --14 crew rescued, fate of Capt. unknown. (Tues. Nov. 25 2003)

Collision off Sulawesi in E. Indonesia -- vessel, with 30 passengers, illegally chartered, leaving Kendari port for Wowoni w/o proper permits or lights -- 1 dead & 9 missing -- sank after collision. 2nd boat, manned by crew of 6 but no passengers, also had no proper lights. (Mon. Nov. 24 2003)

Dutch river M/V Spes rammed a groyne (protective structure of stone or concrete; extends from shore to prevent beach from washing away) on the River Ems -- sinks, Nov. 21. (Mon. Nov. 24 2003)

United Arab Emirates flagged M/T NOORA 1, boarded & detained during a surveillance operation by Royal Navy's Type 23 frigate HMS Norfolk<<webfeature, -- found more than 300 tons of what is believed to be illegal Iraqi oil on vessel. Commander Tony Radakin, Commanding Officer of HMS Norfolk, said: "We are determined to ensure that oil exported from Iraq is done so legally & is used for benefit of the Iraqi people. (Mon. Nov. 24 2003)

Russian river-marine dry cargo M/V Chernomorsk, storm killed both engines & lost its anchor 30km N. of Cape Akhilleon -- sent distress signals from Kerch Straight -- recue completed Nov. 12. (Mon. Nov. 24 2003)

M/V Banga Lanka -- engine room caught fire at 3.20 pm at Jamuna Oil Co., Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a loud bang. As result, 4 crew working in engine room were injured, 1 critically -- firemen of tanker able to control blaze within 1 hour. M/T Shrotapriya, one lighter oil tanker unloading the imported cargo at the time. M/T Banga Lanka - ship of HRC Shipping Lines, seized on Nov. 8 last at Outer Anchorage of Chittagong Port for carrying illegal arms. (Sun. Nov. 23 2003)

Los Angeles 32ft S/V Azure, with Brian & Helen Moore of Cypress, CA -- went missing 1,000 miles NE of Oahu -- only trace was life raft -- strobe lights that may have been from life vests found by U.S. Coast Guard, Nov. 22 -- presumed lost. (Sun. Nov. 23 2003)

Italian cruise M/V Costa Classica<<LiveWebCam, with 1,000 passengers on Mediterranean cruise, cancelled scheduled port calls set for Nov. 22 & 23 in Turkish ports for security reasons after string of deadly bomb attacks in Istanbul. A number of Western countries have advised travelers to avoid Turkey after 53 people died & hundreds wounded in suicide bomb attacks against synagogues & British interests in Turkey's metropolis. (Sat. 24 Nov. 2003)

ALERT>> Civilian DHL freighter landed at Baghdad Int'l Airport Nov. 24 with wing on fire -- trailing thick smoke & part of wingtip missing as it overflew Baghdad's Mahmoudiya district prior to touch down -- pilot declared in-flight emergency -- not known whether flames caused by technical malfunction, or ground fire. All DHL crew safe. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003 PM)

Maltese-flag, Polish-owned M/V Kopalnia Borynia hit arrestor boom at Iroquois Lock<<webfeature, while upbound for Thunder Bay in U.S. Great Lakes -- extent of damage unknown but navigation suspended in area -- expected to resume Nov. 24. LT (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 Nov. 2003 at 2300 LT about 6 NM off Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam -- 5 pirates boarded container ship underway. Anti-piracy watch spotted & chased them. Pirates escaped empty handed. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

17 Nov. 2003 at 1920 UTC in position 06:01S - 105:54E, Cigading anchorage, Indonesia -- 6 pirates armed with knives, commenced boarding bulk carrier using ropes attached to hooks. When they were half way through, duty A/B raised alarm. Pirates abandoned boarding & escaped in boat waiting with 4 other accomplices. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

16 Nov. 2003 at 1055 LT at Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia. About 9 pirates climbed anchor cable of tanker. Alert crew raised alarm & pirates abandoned boarding -- 7 escaped in motorboat. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

14 Nov. 2003 at 0550 LT at Lawi-Lawi SBM anchorage, Indonesia-- 3 armed pirates in black motorboat boarded tanker -- broke forecastle locker and stole ship's stores -- threatened duty A/B with steel bars but he managed to raise alarm & pirates fled. Attempt to contact port authorities failed. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

11 Nov. 2003 at 2140 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- pirates armed with knives boarded multi purpose ship at forecastle -- broke open forecastle locker & stole ship's stores. C/o raised alarm & informed port control. Pirates jumped overboard & escaped in boat at 2234. Six shore watchmen kept away from pirates and did not intervene. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

11 Nov. 2003 at 1030 UTC during river passage, Warri, Nigeria. Pirates in 3 boats armed with machine guns surrounded refrigerated cargo ship & tried to block her passage -- minutes later pirates fired shots at hull. Ship increased speed & took evasive manoeuvres -- pirates stopped chase. Pilot aboard contacted authorities but no local assistance received. (Fri. 23 Nov. 2003)

Tribal militants armed with automatic weapons have seized 2 oil platforms in offshore waters of Nigeria belonging to ChevronTexaco, taking several workers hostage. (Fri. Nov. 21 2003)

Canadian barge crew removing buoy in Lake Superior -- swamped -- managed to climb on top of overturned barge -- noticed by a passing commercial fisherman, who called & aided in rescue -- also helped prevent barge from crashing into rocks until Canadian Coast Guard CCGC Thunder Cape<<webfeature, arrived on scene -- barge towed back to Thunder Bay late Nov. 17 night. (Thurs. Nov. 20 2003) Updated by our Pat Rivers-Bowerman (Mon. Dec. 1 2003)

42-metre gravel-hopper dredger M/V Karma, aground in Queensland River on Nov. 19. Officials report cause as bad Karma. (Wed. Nov. 19 2003)

Philippine M/L Susan, Sipalay City with 39 souls, battered by huge waves spawned by Typhoon Weng, sank off Pala&emdash;wan, Nov. 16 -- 22 passengers found in motor launch -- now 10 missing. Cargo vessels such as M/L Susan not supposed to take on passengers. Master succumbed to heart failure while being escorted with 8 survivors to Culasi town in Antique. (Wed. Nov. 19 2003)

37,482gt ro/ro M/V Knossos Palace (named for palace of King Minos<<webfeature, of Crete) (built 2000) caught fire off Greece at 0340 LT. Details pending. (Wed. Nov. 19 2003)

Emergency rescue under way E. of New Zealand after veteran solo ocean rower struck extreme weather & called for help -- Jim Shekhdar, on nonstop solo journey from S. New Zealand port of Bluff to Cape Town in South Africa, reported his vessel rolling several times in severe weather, which also broke his oars & swept gear from deck. He suffered minor head injury. New Zealand marine research ship R/V Tangaroa<<webfeature, diverted to assist Shekhdar, would reach him about 8pm today (1800 AEDT) (Mon. Nov. 17 2003) UPDATE>> 57 year old adventurer rescued well. (Wed. Nov. 19 2003)

27,088 dwt Hong Kong flag bulker M/V Tu King, ex-Guinea -- threw 8 African men overboard 7km off Brazil coast near Recife -- 6 men said they were beaten & thrown overboard, while 2 more apparently jumped off vessel of their own volition. Men stowed away on Tu King before it departed from Guinea, hoping to find jobs & opportunities lacking at home. Fishermen in N. Brazil rescued African men. Master could be charged with illegally transporting foreigners, which carries a possible prison term of between 1 to 3 years. (Sun. 16 Nov. 2003)

ALERT>> 150,000gt world's longest, tallest & most expensive passenger M/V Queen May 2<<webfeature, -- still in trials -- suffered gangway collapse at St. Nazarine, France -- 12 dead & 32 injured. (Sat. Nov. 15 2003) UPDATE>> Death toll is now 15. (Sun. 16 Nov. 2003) UPDATE>> French public prosecutor probing deaths said Nov. 17 -- gangway which collapsed under them was last-minute replacement. Gangway had been changed -- one that was in place on Nov. 15 was put up evening before at request of management who wanted gangway 1.4 meters wide, whereas 1st one was only a meter (3 feet) wide. Two inquiries into disaster under way, including criminal investigation into manslaughter & involuntary injury -- 48 people thought on gangway to Cunard's new flagship cruise liner at time. (Mon. Nov. 17 2003)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

10 Nov. 2003 about 1.5 miles from Dakar pilot station, Senegal. Pirates armed with knives boarded refrigerated ship underway. General alarm raised & crew mustered and chased pirates. Dakar port control informed who sent a police boat to escort vessel to berth. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

10 Nov. 2003 at 0400 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'B', Bangladesh. Pirates boarded container ship & stole ship's stores & safety equipment. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

09 Nov. 2003 at 2248 UTC in position 06:20.2N - 003:22.8E at Lagos roads, Nigeria. Pirates boarded chemical tanker from speedboat at poop deck & stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & pirates escaped at 2300. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

09 Nov. 2003 at 0510 LT at Balikpapan inner anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier under pilotage from anchorage to open sea. Threatened the anti-piracy crew with knives, broke in to store room & stole ship's stores. Master raised alarm, sounded whistle & crew mustered. Pirates escaped in a high platform boat. Pilot reported incident to port authorities who did not respond. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

07 Nov. 2003 at 2330 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- 10 - 15 pirates armed with knives & swords boarded general cargo ship. Crew fired distress rockets at them. Pirates stole ship's stores, jumped overboard & escaped in motorboat. Port control & coast guard informed. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

05 Nov. 2003 between 1800-2000 UTC in position 10:31.7N - 107:00.2E, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam. Pirates boarded chemical tanker during cargo operations -- broke engine room store padlock & stole spares. Master reported incident to local police. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

Finnland 217gt tug M/V Pegasos (built 1968) sank while providing assistance to container vessel at Helsinki. (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

Swedish-flag cruise M/V Silja Opera<<webfeature, Helsinki for St. Petersburg weekly, in collision, Nov. 12, with icebreaker M/V Yermak [named for world's first sea-going icebreaker SS Yermak<<webfeature] stationed at exit of St. Petersburg port. Silja Opera's lifeboats were damaged but the ship underway -- icebreaker's lifeboat deck also sustained damage. >> From our correspondent Dan Massoni. (Thurs. Nov. 13 2003)

No Trespassing>> Indonesian navy frigate sank Thai fishing boat on Nov. 7 that it alleged was illegally catching fish in Java Sea -- frigate towed boat into Java sea & fired on it, Nov. 7. During past month, Indonesia has either sunk or seized 16 foreign flagged vessels it alleged were fishing illegally. (Thurs. Nov. 13 2003)

2,457gt cargo M/V Anatolia I (built 1972), sank -- as one of several losses listed below -- off Istanbul --the Bosporus Strait was a bad place to be this week! (Wed. Nov. 12 2003)

26,732 dwt Georgian-flagged 171 meter bulk M/V Svatoy Panteleymon (built 1977), Tunisia for Ukraine with 25 crew in ballast, went adrift due to severe weather conditions as it was to set sail for the Black Sea -- ran aground Nov. 10, between Anadolufeneri & Yon Cape on Istanbul Strait - strait closed for 6 hours - 2 tugs on route to scene. (Tues. Nov. 11 2003) UPDATE>> Svyatoy Panteleymon broke in 2 & sank, N of Bosporus Strait - all 25 crew safe. (Tues. Nov. 11 2003 PM)

24,500 dwt Cypriot-flagged bulker M/V Mana (built 1979), Piraeus for Odessa, bad weather grounded Nov. 9 in the Bosporus Strait - still stuck off Zincirbozan Bay. (Tues. Nov. 11 2003)

330 gt, tug M/V Agis (built 1981), bound for Falkenberg -- barge laden with wood chips in tow, aground Nov. 10, off Landskrona. (Tues. Nov. 11 2003)

Hong Kong registered, S/V Freedom Fire, winner of just-concluded Hong Kong-Sanya Int'l Sailing Tournament, with 8 crew, has lost contact with headquarters at Circum-Hainan Island Int'l sailing event -- in stormy 3 meter waves off Basuo harbor of Hainan Island, in very S. of China. tonight when they started 5 day race with other 4 vessels. (Mon. Nov. 10 2003) UPDATE>> S/V Freedom Fire safe Basuo harbor of Hainan Island, in very south of China, all safe after battling 90 ft. seas. >> From our correspondent Mark Levdahl (Fri. Nov. 14 2003)

U.S. registered 70ft. dredger & barge, with 600 gallons of fuel, struck by tug at midnight Nov. 7, causing 600 feet of dredge pipe to break into 2 sections in St. Johns River between Blount Island & Intracoastal Waterway -- sections of pipe also hit Buoy No. 27 -- knocked off station. Port of Jacksonville reopened to commercial vessels at noon Nov. 7,12 hours after dredge capsized & sank near Blount Island. (Mon. Nov. 10 2003)

U.S. - Parker Drilling<<webfeature, offshore barge Rig18B (working for Apache Corp.) with 18 crew, caught fire today, in inland waters 14.5 miles S. of Amelia, LA -- crews still trying to extinguish fire & bring well head under control. Parker Drilling has 77 marketed rigs & employs 2,800 people worldwide. (Mon. Nov. 10 2003)

HMAS Geelong<<webfeature, crashed into wharf at Darwin Navy Base, Nov. 8 night -- returning from duties off Melville Island, N. of Darwin. (Sun. Nov. 9 2003)

Panamanian-registered M/V LT Peace & Japanese-flagged 299gt M/V Hoseki Maru (built 1993) in collision at 4:45 a.m. -- 1.8 km NW of Genkaijima Island, Fukuoka. M/V Hoseki Maru's bow slightly dented -- no crew on either ship injured. Professional negligence suspected. (Sun. Nov. 9 2003)

Thailand cruise M/V Yurika 98 -- explosion heard & suffered fire moored at Ban Bang Rong pier, Bangkok at 1.30am after crew & local people celebrated Loy Krathong festival. Arson might have stemmed from conflicts over boat services among operators -- same day, burning bottle of benzene thrown at another cruise ship moored at same pier. M/V Yurika 98 was lost. (Sun. Nov. 9 2003)

19 meter Fraserburgh registered UK F/V Hawthorn, wi