International Vessel Casualties & Pirates Database For Year 2004 - Jan. Through Dec. 2004

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Year 2004 Vessel Cassualties & Pirate Attacks
January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 June 2004	July 2004 August 2004 Sept. 2004 Oct. 2004 Nov. 2004 Dec. 2004

Vessel Loss Dispatches For December 2004

"Unstacked" - overboard with Dr. Beach - Nov. 2004

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

Singapore-based Sea Consortium's container M/V Jaami - entering Colombo just as Tsunami disaster struck -- pounded against breakwater -- crew abandoned vessel & Dec. 27, salvage operations reported about to start. Reports indicate both Chennai Port & Colombo Port likely to be operating near normally shortly. (Thurs. Dec. 30 2004)

Cement carrier M/V Sinar Andalas, with 23 crew, in Indonesian Port of Lhok Nga when when earthquake- triggered tsunami Dec. 25 -- M/V Sinar Andalas capsized -- only 4 rescued --19 missing. (Thurs. Dec. 30 2004)

South African trawler taking on water &in imminent danger of sinking in Francis Bay<<Webfeature, Dec. 28 -- Fire & Rescue crews initially used 2 pumps but they could not empty the boat fast enough. Vessel sank. (Thurs. Dec. 30 2004)

Philippine M/V Yellow Rose, Bohol for Cebu with over 76 passengers, ran aground off Nasuan island near Cordova, Cebu Dec. 28 -- at least 46 passengers rescued by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) -- some of seamen seemed drunk so it possible they could have lost track of trip. (Thurs. Dec. 30 2004)

13-meter trawler F/V Amanda found on rocks NE of Portland Island, close to Canoe Pass -- passengers on vessel had only life jackets & no cold-water survival gear --- Christmas presents were floating around inside -- M/V Mayne Queen ferry crew responded to mayday & launched rescue boat to recover people-- all rescued Dec. 24. (Wed.. Dec. 29 2004)

USS Boone (FFG-28)<<Webfeature,notified that 3 fishermen missing since Christmas Day from recreational fishing trip - located by Coast Guard crews searching from Homestead, FL to northern Palm Beach County for the past 2 days. U.S. Navy warshp safely picked up men & confirmed they were the missing trio. U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Miami enroute to transport survivors ashore. Initial reports survivors in good condition. Amazing rescue after 3 days in 40 degree water!!. (Tues. Dec. 28 2004)

Singapore-based Sea Consortium's container M/V Jaami entering Colombo just as tsuami struck -- pounded against breakwater -- crew abandoned vessel & yesterday salvage operations reported about to start. (Tues. Dec. 28 2004) UPDATE>> Early yesterday morning LT Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. and Sri Lanka Shipping Co. succeeded in refloating the partly sunken & grounded M/V Jaami in a controlled operation. The vessel, after having suffered hull damage, ended up aground off Colombo, Sri Lanka, with all compartments partly or completely flooded on the 26th of December. (Tues. Jan. 11 2005)

M/V American Republic, passing through Lake St. Claire for Cleveland -- issued mayday -- crew complaining of chest pains -- rescue helicopter launched from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit -- on scene -- rescue swimmer lowered to deck of vessel to assess -- transported to Selfridge Air National Guard Base & then to Mt. Clemons General Hospital via EMS. (Tues. Dec. 28 2004)

Australian super-maxi S/V Skandia abandoned ship & 628-kilometer Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race<<Webfeature, amid heavy seas in Bass Strait Dec.27, because damage to hydraulic ram knocked out boat's keel -- after giant New Zealand rival S/V Konica Minolta also forced to pull out of the race for Sydney to Hobart honors. çrew transferred to police rescue launch M/V Van Diemen, which had set off for stricken boat when distress call was received. Dramatic withdrawals left 90-foot super-maxi S/V Nicorette leading the race for line honors ahead of 60-footers S/V AAPT & S/V Brindabella. Nicorette skipper Ludde Ingvall said he expected to reach Hobart before midnight tonight. Vessels continuing to battle against gale force winds in Bass Strait & Tasman Sea, with gale force winds, thunderstorms & lightning overnight amid conditions described as worst since the 1998 race which left 6 sailors dead. A total of 45 boats have now retired. (Mon. Dec. 27 2004)

ALERT>> Major Earthquake, Measuring 9 On Richter Scale hit NW Sumatra Dec.26 morning, resulting in tidal waves & devastating disaster across region. Tourist resorts like Phuket affected. Legions of rescuers spread across Asia Dec. 27 after an earthquake of epic power struck deep beneath Indian Ocean, unleashing 20-foot tidal waves that ravaged coasts across thousands of miles, killed over 15,000 people (thus far reported) & left millions homeless in the 4th-largest temblor in 100 years. Death toll in 8 nations in southern Asia -- as far west as Somalia, on African coast, where 9 people reported lost -- steadily increased as authorities sort out far-flung disaster caused by Dec. 26 9.0-magnitude earthquake, strongest in 40 years. (Sun. Dec. 26 2004)

Chennai Port most affected by Sumatra tidal waves that lashed East coast Dec. 26 morning -- port operations suspended for 40 hours, since some more ripples are expected. Port Trust authorities survey damage to installations. Some Hyundai cars meant for export damaged -- area heavily silted --

Chennai Port: M/V ABG Keshav, M/V Canadian Express & M/V Gem of Tuticorin -- ships broke their moorings after 2 tidal waves &emdash; one at 9.00 a.m. & another at 11.00 a.m. -- ships collided with one another & also hit West Quay berth at Ambedkar docks & damaged a quay crane.

Chennai Port: Damage to Hyundai cars for exports was minimal -- had started process of loading over 1,000 cars when port hit by tidal wave -- ship had to de-berth. Though 10-12 cars' fenders were damaged when they bumped against each other --rest only got soaked. Hyundai officials were double-checking them to make sure there was no damage.

Chennai Port: Passenger M/V Akbar, damaged at Port Blair -- no passengers on board.

Chennai Port: Tuticorin Port<<Webfeature, damaged, while ship loaded with coal lost its moorings. (Sun. Dec. 26 2004)

Santa Arrives>> Russian unmanned cargo space ship Progress M-51<<Webfeature, with 2.5 tons food, water, fuel & oxygen --launched from cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in central Asia Dec. 24 -- successfully docked with the Int'l Space Station<<Webfeature. Russian & U.S. officials alarmed when learning earlier this month that Russian Salizhan Sharipov & American Leroy Chiao only had enough food supplies left to last them until mid-Jan 2005. Had mision failed, astronauts would have abandoned Int'l Space Sation<<Webfeature. Truly there is a Santa Claus! MERRY CHRISTMAS! (Sat.. Dec. 25 2004)

Spanish-flagged F/V Arnela radioed Spanish authorities for help when the 46-year-old became sick on Dec. 21 -- suffered burst ulcer with numerous complications. On Christmas Eve, Australian Customs team boarded F/V Arnela, operating in Int'l waters 200 NM (370 km) S. off Australian fishing zone. customs vessel, Oceanic Viking<<Webfeature, arrived in Fremantle Christmas Eve where the Portuguese fisherman immediately transferred to Royal Perth Hospital. Crewman in serious but stable condition & not expected to undergo surgery. They got him! Merry Christmas! Original Story<<Webfeature. (Fri. Dec. 24 2004pm)

U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak<<Webfeature, sustained heavy damage to several buildings due to high winds overnight. Wind gusts reaching over 90-miles-per-hour were recorded by the Kodiak Harbor Master. At 7am high winds blew the roof off the base commissary building's compressor room. Pieces of roof hit Northern Lights Recreational Facility across the street creating a 20-foot by 20-foot hole in the side of building -- also sustained water damage when a pipe broke on sprinkler system & flooded upstairs. U.S. Coast Guard has also received more than 30 calls reporting damage around base. Calls range from broken windows, missing siding & loss of heat to downed trees. Contractors working on cleaning-up debris & fixing any damage as soon as there is a break in weather. (Fri. Dec. 24 2004pm)

35,629gt Greek cargo M/V Loyd Diana (built 1989), voyage Taiwan, China, Hong Kong & Singapore / Europe with 4,000 containers & 30 crew -- on fire 575 miles S. of Colombo on Dec. 24 morning -- crew managed to knock off fire -- engine room suffered damage -- will be towed either to Dubai or other port for repair. Crew safe. (Thurs. Dec. 23 2004)

UPDATE>> M/V Selendang Ayu -- UPDATE>>Bow section sunk today --176,473 gallons of oil inside thought to have already spilled into Bering Sea. Focus upon a possible ecolological disaster. See Original Story Below. (Thurs. Dec. 23 2004)

Nigerian warship MK 9 Corvette NNS Enyimiri, undergoing local maintenance at the NNS Beecroft jetty in Apapa, Lagos -- exploded -- flames sending officers & crew scampering for safety. Naval officer working in engine spaces missing -- casualties expected. (Wed. Dec. 22 2004)

Malian ferry M/V, with unkonwn cargo & passenger number -- sank on remote Lake Debo<<Webfeature, one of a series of lakes on River Niger 700km NE of Malian capital, Bamako -- at least 23 people drowned, Dec. 14, probably from overloading. (Wed. Dec. 22 2004)

On Dec 21 & 22 -- French fishing vessels positioned themselves across NE-bound lane of English Channel traffic routing system off Boulogne, causing vessels to slow down & maneuver around them -- no attempt by French authorities to prevent or stop Monday's & Tuesday's actions which appear in blatant contravention of The Int'l Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea & thus of French law. Fishermen protesting about reduced cod quotas. Regarded as "dangerous" by UK Maritime &Coastguard Agency spokesman whose Dover VTS centre monitored events. Int'l Chamber of Shipping said: "We would view with concern any action impeding safe passage of vessels legitimately using a traffic routeing system." About 500 vessels pass through the Dover Strait every day. (Wed. Dec. 22 2004)

7,267dwt Vietnamese flag container M/V My Dinh, Quang Ninh Port for Haiphong with 37 containers & 26 crew -- in collision with Vietnamese rock -- 0945 LT Dec. 20 2004 -- Sank -- All crew safe. Pending polution information. No word from crew of rock. From our correspondant TT Tuyen in Vietnam. (Tues. Dec. 21 2004)

Russian-American Cooperation<<Webfeature>>Far-Eastern Marine Shipping Company's icebreaker M/V Krasin leaves Vladivostok Dec. 21 for Antarctic to rescue the U.S. polar McMurdo Station<<Webfeature. According to shipping company -- ordered by Russian government at request of U.S. Authorities for ice-breaker to assist in urgently resupplying U.S. Antarctic mission. McMurdo Station is major research center in Antarctic -- situated on coast of Ross Sea -- 2 U.S.Coast Guard icebreakers - Polar Sea & Polar Star - supply station with everything its crew needs for sustenance & research. However, Polar Sea undergoing overhaul, with the other icebreaker being unable to handle resupply mission on her own. Therefore, U.S. Authorities turned to Russian government for help. Russian & U.S. icebreakers slated to rendezvous<<Webfeature, in Ross Sea between Jan. 10 & 14, 2005. Feb. 1, Russian & U.S. icebreakers are to link up with American M/V Tern with 10,000t cargo. (Tues. Dec. 21 2004)

23 people drowned when overloaded river vessel sank Dec. 14 on remote Lake Debo<<Webfeature, one of series of lakes on River Niger 700km NE of Malian capital, Bamako. Police believe cause of sinking was overloading. (Tues. Dec. 21 2004)

UK -19 meter F/V Yves Marie Amil, with 3 crew, suffered explosion below decks --broadcast mayday message at 4.00 am this morning requesting urgent assistance -- thence drifting 8 miles S. of St David's Head. Milford Haven Coastguard launched St. David's lifeboat<<Webfeature, & scrambled rescue helicopter from RAF Valley. Passenger M/V Isle of Inishmore close enough to alter her course & assist -- on scene, she able to use powerful lights to find vessel & stood in lee of St. David's lifeboat<<Webfeature, protecting it from northerly force 6 winds for rescue -- all crew safe. F/V Yves Marie Amil still ablaze & drifting in southerly direction. (Mon. Dec. 20 2004)

U.S. - New Bedford F/V Northern Edge, with 6 crew -- issued distress signal to a satellite at 4:44 p.m. -- mayday followed soon afterward, indicating vessel sinking. Half-hour later F/V Northern Edge disappeared. With snow falling, winds up to 35 miles per hour & air temperature below freezing, U.S. Coast Guard sent helicopter, jet & 2 cutters to search for missing crew. Within the hour 91ft. F/V Diane Marie, another New Bedford fishing boat, recovered 1 of 6 crew of F/V Northern Edge. 5 Missing. Searching are USCGC Escanaba (WMEC-907)<<Webfeature, Boston-based 270-foot cutter & USCGC Tybee (WPB-1330)<<Webfeature, 110-foot patrol boat based in Woods Hole -- and many more official & private vessels. (Mon. Dec. 20 2004)

UK - F/V Audacious, with 3 crew -- sent distress signal 6.30 am -- Stornoway & South Lochs Coastguard Rescue Teams requested attend scene -- lifeboat on scene very quickly -- picked up 2 crew from rocks & 1 from water. (Sun. Dec. 19 2004)

Spanish-flagged F/V Arnela with critically-ill Portuguese fisherman 200 NM south of Australian fishing zone -- Australian Customs vessel Oceanic Viking<<Webfeature, patrolling remote Heard & McDonald islands when responded to emergency call -- medical staff now treating crew for complications from burst ulcer. (Sun. Dec. 19 2004) UPDATE>>fisherman remains "deeply unconscious" as F/V Oceanic Viking currently 800nm from Fremantle -- now expected to arrive late on Christmas Eve. God's Speed. (Tues. Dec. 21 2004)

Italian ferry M/V Florio, Palermo for Naples with 500 passengers, suffered fire that cut engines -- several people hurt when jumping into corridors while trying to reach upper deck -- 2nd ferry near M/V Florio & 2 tugs heading for crippled vessel, but rescue operations hampered by bad weather & rough seas. (Sat. Dec. 18 2004)

New Zealand ferry M/V Tiger III, with 59 passengers -- aground & sranded on rocks near Cape Brett Lighthouse<<Webfeature, -- substantial damage to one of catamaran's hulls & slight damage to other -- vessel stabilized & crews remained through night -- not yet clear whether engine failure caused accident. (Sat. Dec. 18 2004) UPDATE>> Vessel declared total loss. Fullers Bay of Islands now looking for replacement. Decision on removal of wreck to be made. From our correspondant Geoff Davies. (Wed. Dec. 22 2004)

PIRATE ATTACK>>Eastern Navigation Group tug M/V ENA Sovereign, Singapore for Indian port of Mumbai towing barge with 12 crew -- attacked by 20 Indonesian pirates with machine guns on 2 fishing boats in Malacca Strait. Pirates fired at vessel, damaging its communication equipment & ordered her to stop. Pirates boarded tug, seized documents & valuables before abducting Capt. & Chief Engineer. Pirates' modus operandi usually to kidnap senior crew & take ship's documents -- after few days, contact ship's owners to demand a ransom. (Sat. Dec. 18 2004)

544-foot chemical M/T Ievoli Splendor mooring up at Vopak Terminal in Deer Park, Texas -- in collision -- with moored Kirby Marine barge -- causing spill of heavy grade fuel oil C5. Captain of the Port Houston/Galveston closed Ship Channel at 11 p.m. from San Jacinto Port Dock 4 to Light 133 due to oil spilled from collision. (Fri. Dec. 17 2004) UPDATE>>Estimated 2,000 gallons of fuel were spilled.-- channel reopened. (Fri. Dec. 17 2004pm)

German tug M/V Julius, Elbe Harbor to Kiel Canal locks with 3 crew & barge in tow -- capsized & sank off Brunsbuettel Dec. 16 -- 2 rescued, but Capt. missing. Rescue M/V Hermann Helms, wreck search M/V Wega, multi purpose ship M/V Neuwerk & 2 SAR-helicopters searched until dawn. Wreck of M/V Julius located 11mt depth in Kiel Canal approach.Tow broke & Julius thrown on side by the current. (Fri. Dec. 17 2004)

28,426dwt bulker M/V Clipper Lancelot (built 19997), with maize & soya from New Orleans, grounded in Magdalena River, Columbia Dec. 9 -- 3 vessels unable to depart. Efforts to pull vessel from sandbank by 3 harbor tugs have so far been unsuccessful, with river current hampering operation. (Thurs. Dec. 16 2004)

125-ton jet-foil M/V Kobee 3, Hakata in Fukuoka for Pusan with 89 passengers -- off Tsushima Island hit whale -- discontinued voyage & entered Port of Hitakatsu on Tsushima Island where passengers changed to another vessel to travel to Pusan -- jetfoil sustained damage as result of accident -- whale disappeared shortly after the accident. (Thurs Dec. 16 2004)

Irish general cargo M/V Arklow Freedom, for quarry at Llanddulas<<Webfeature,in balast with 6 crew, suffered electrical failure -- currently at anchor 2 miles off coast & crew onboard are attempting to repair the fault. Holyhead UK Coastguard assisting. (Thurs Dec. 16 2004)

284,890 dwt, Kuwaiti-flag M/T Al Samidoon (built 1992) leaked estimated 100 tons of crude oil into Suez Canal following incident near Ismailiya<<Webfeature, late Dec.14. -- collision with either pier or dredger, rupturing tank. Entered with UK Club & classed by DNV. Reports say Canal staff engaged in clean-up work while 2nd company vessel preparing to take on M/T Al Samidoon's cargo -- 10 miles of Canal said affected by spill. (Thurs Dec. 16 2004)

50,242gt container M/V Hanjin Pretoria (built 2002), Busan & Shanghai for Long Beach, suffered serious engine failure Dec. 14, 1000 miles north of Honolulu -- has sought towage assistance (do you think?). (Wed. Dec. 15 2004)

Chemical M/T Levoli Splendor, for Vopak Terminal in Deer Park -- in collision -- with barge 9 p.m. near Lynchberg Ferry in Houston Ship Channel -- no injuries -- fuel seen leaking from large gash in tanker. (Wed. Dec. 15 2004)

St Vincent & Grenadines-registered 76-meter M/V Stina, with 6 crew, escorted to port after drifting in high seas off Argyll & Bute -- taken into Oban harbor<<Webfeature, after engine trouble 10 miles SW of Oban. (Wed. Dec. 15 2004)

Philippine M/L Dalisay, Sibuco, ex-Zamboanga del Norte with seaweed for Zamboanga City -- seized Dec. 12 by armed pirates -- Philippine Navy dispatched a PS-38 patrol boat to area. (Wed. Dec. 15 2004)

Norwegian flagged Coaster, in ballast with 6 crew, suffered engine problems & drifting close to Irish Island near Isle of Mull<<Webfeature,÷. -- Clyde Coastguard launched Oban Lifeboat<<Webfeature. Vessel broadcast a pan pan message, upgraded to mayday. Force 8 winds. (Tues. Dec. 14 2004)

Big Boy>> Remnant of largest iceberg ever recorded<<Webfeature, is blocking Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, threatening tens of thousands of penguin chicks with starvation & cutting off a supply route for three science stations. The iceberg, known as B15A<<Webfeature, measures about 3,000 square kilometers. It is largest floating thing on planet right now & contains enough water to supply Egypt's Nile River complex for 80 years. It is so big it has blocked wind & water currents that break up ice floes in McMurdo Sound during Antarctic summer, which begins later this month. U.S. McMurdo Station & New Zealand's Scott Base are located on the sound. Italy's Terra Nova base is nearby. The iceberg<<Webfeature, is in the path of 4 ships due to arrive in Antarctica in a month with fuel & food for the 3 stations. Scientists are looking into solutions, including breaking a 130-kilometer path through the ice. Iceberg B15A Feature #1<<Webfeature. Iceberg B15A Feature #2<<Webfeature.Iceberg Motion<<Webfeature. (Tues. Dec. 14 2004)

ANNOUNCED TODAY>> Remains of Marshall Mars<<Webfeature, one of largest seaplanes ever built, discovered on sea floor where it sank after catching fire in 1950. Mars<<Webfeature, was part of U.S Navy's trans-Pacific transportation plans in years between World War II & advent of jet aircraft. Flying behemoth had a 200-foot wingspan & once carried more than 300 passengers, a record at time. Wreckage discovered in Aug. by submersible from Hawaii Undersea Research Lab<<Webfeature. Sub was mapping wreckage field around sunken mini-sub that took part in Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Plane described as being large pieces in relatively good condition -- even still had much of aircraft's dark blue paint. Plane's crew escaped safely after making emergency landing at sea. (Tues. Dec. 14 2004)

WITH APOLOGY>> We were invaded by a virus which made it appear that we were posting your daily news each day -- when we were not. Thanks to our correspondant Onno Miedema the problem has been corrected. Please read postings to Dec. 7 wth care. The problem is now repaired, with all your reports saved. There have been many important events during this period. Geeez, it's never easy. McD

F/V Jann Denise II -- went missing last month -- wreck raised from seabed off coast of Tynemouth, UK on Dec. 12. Bodies not recovered. From our correspondant A.L. Griffiths (Mon. Dec. 13 2004)

Trawler F/V Star Mist II -- sank in rough seas late Dec. 10 off Brisbane, Queensland -- David Richardson, 36, straddled bamboo pole for 36 hours, drifting 55 NM before he was spotted Dec. 12 by another fisherman. Richardson was in Queensland hospital on Dec. 13 suffering dehydration, exposure & sunburn -- his 68-year-old father, George lost. From our correspondant A.L. Griffiths (Mon. Dec. 13 2004)

CSL bulker M/V Spruceglen aground Dec. 11 night in lower St. Marys River near Johnson's Point - bow grounded, with stern swinging partially across narrow channel. Heavy snow squalls, which sent some vessels to anchor, may have be factor in grounding. (Sun. Dec. 12 2004) UPDATE>> CSL's bulk carrier Spruceglen, which grounded in lower St. Marys River at Johnsons Point Dec. 12, got underway Dec. 14 for Thunder Bay, where she will enter drydock for inspection & repairs. (Tues. Dec. 14 2004)

UPDATE>> M/V Selendang Ayu - the sad result has not changed -- although a U.S. Coast Guard search continunes. Our 6 mates are lost. We mourn, but now focus must be upon a major ecolological disaster. See Original Story Below. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004) UPDATE>>Search for 6 missing crew now canceled - they are lost. (Sat. Dec. 11 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

04 Dec. 2004 at 1235 LT in posn: 06:02.9S - 106:53.3E, Tg. Priok anchorage, Indonesia -- 4 pirates armed with long knives boarded container ship & threatened C/O & bosun. Entered E/R, stole engine spares & escaped in speedboat. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

04 Dec. 2004 Malacca Strait. Several pirates armed with guns boarded tug towing barge in the Malacca Strait. Following a pattern repeated several times this year - kidnapped Master & mate, stole tug's documents & left. incident 1 of 5 that occurred in or close to Indonesian waters in week to Mon. Dec. 7. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

02 Dec. 2004 at 0130 LT at Lagos Roads, Nigeria -- 12 pirates armed with guns, knives & axes in speedboats approached tanker. 2/O directed searchlight but pirates boarded & rushed to bridge -- ordered 2/O not to raise alarm & threatened master with guns & a knife at his throat & demanded money. Also threatened C/O & demanded more money. Pirates stole all of ship's cash & then went through crews' cabins & stole cash & valuables - fled at 0145 LT. Master received knife wounds on throat & some crew assaulted. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

01 Dec.2004 at 1410 UTC at Kochi (Cochin) oil terminal, India. Pirates armed with knives boarded tanker at berth & stole ship's stores. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

01 Dec. 2004 at 1330 UTC in posn: 03:16N - 105:04E, Indonesia. Pirates in 2 speedboats attempted to board container ship underway. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses -- ship took evasive maneuvers. Pirates aborted attempt & fled. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

01 Dec. 2004 at 0130 LT at Dumai anchorage, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with guns & long knives attempted to board tanker from stern. Crew raised alarm & boarding averted. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

30 Nov. 2004 in posn 05:06N - 098:36E, Malacca straits. Several pirates armed with guns boarded tug towing barge. Kidnapped master & C/O, stole tug's documents & left. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

28 Nov. 2004 at 1915 UTC in position 03:12.01S - 116:21.27E, North Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia --10 pirates in 6 unlit speedboats boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe - stole large quantity of ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

M/V Listerlandet, with maltgrain, grounded N. of entrance to Kalmar Harbor<<Webfeature, -- S. of Öland bridge, evening Dec. No injury nor oil leak. Ship afloat early Dec. 10 morning. From our correspondant Per-Åke Kvick, Kalmar Maritime Academy. (Dec. 9 2004pm)

Panama-registered container M/V Hyundai Advance, Shenzhen for Singapore in collision with German-registered oil M/T MSC Ilona for Shenzhen -- in southern China near mouth of Pearl River, NW of Hong Kong. -- causing worst oil spill in 5 years --138,000 gallons of oil to leak from German ship. (Dec. 9 2004) UPDATE>> Panamanian-registered container M/V Hyundai Advance - fled after collision with German-registered M/T MSC Ilona. M/V Hyundai Advance intercepted by Chinese Navy Dec. 10 -- 2 hours after leaving site of collision in SW province of Guangdong without authorization. (Fri. Dec. 10 2004)

DISASTER From U.S. Coast Guard -- 9:45pm>> U.S. Coast Guard conducting rescue effort right now near Unalaska Island, Alaska -- 10 people aboard U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopter<<Webfeature, based out of Kodiak -- crashed in ocean while evacuating crew off grounded freighter M/V Selendang Ayu. Another helicopter from U.S Coast Guard cutter USCGC Alex Haley<<Webfeature, on scene, picked up 4 people -- taken them to Dutch Harbor<<Webfeature, for medical treatment -- conditions are unknown -- 6 aboard 1st helicopter are missing. Meanwhile, M/V Selendang Ayu has subsequently broken in 2 sections -- U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer along with Master remain aboard - as vessel approaches grounding & destruction! PRAY. The vessel is lost -- we pray the air & sea crews are not. (Wed. Dec. 8 2004 - 10:00pm) SEE UPDATES>>Continues Below

"On going on Shipboard. LORD, whom winds and seas obey,

Guide us through the watery way;

In the hollow of thy hand

Hide, and bring us safe to land."

Classics Ethereal Library server, at Wheaton College.

To the valiant U.S. Coast Guard crew who take what is given to them -- always giving back much more. McD

UPDATE>> There is no further news service or U.S. Coast Guard word at 1am Pacific Time. (Thurs.. Dec. 9 2004- 1am) UPDATE>>Master & rescue swimmer rescued. (Dec. 9 2004) UPDATE>> No further rescues.Our Mates are lost. But M/V Selendang Ayu appears to be losing much of nearly 500,000 gallons (2.3 million litres) of heavy bunker fuel oil she was carrying. Dissaster #2 (Fri. Dec. 10 2004) UPDATE>>Search for 6 missing crew now canceled - they are lost. (Sat. Ded. 13 2004)

U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Alex Haley<<Webfeature, & 3 tugs unable to halt M/V Selendang Ayu's approach to N. shore of Unalaska Island in Aleutian Island chain Dec.7 night. Crew able to drop one of ship's anchors in attempt to slow vessel but anchor broke. Two U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk helicopters in the air -- standing by for possible airlift of M/V Selendang Ayu's crew. Late Dec. 7 night tug M/V Sydney Foss successfully established tow on M/V Selendang Ayu. Tug slowed progress of M/V Selendang Ayu's drifting to 1 NM an hour, however 8-inch thick tow-line broke at 1:30 a.m. U.S. Coast Guard & ship's owners exploring every possible way to halt ship before it grounds on Unalaska Island. (Wed. Dec. 8 2004 - 9:00am)

738-foot Malaysian flagged bulk M/V Selendang Ayu -- began drifting toward Bogoslof Island, 50 miles NW of Dutch Harbor when main engine quit operating -- Kodiak-based US Coast Guard 283-foot medium endurance cutter USCGC Alex Haley at full speed toward Bogoslof Island to intercept vessel-- adrift for more than 13-hours. USCGC Alex Haley<<Webfeature, named after U.S. Coast Guard's 1st chief journalist, Alex Haley, the Pulitzer-Prize winning author of "Roots". (Tues. Dec. 7 2004)

EDIORS NOTE: More Wed. Dec. 8 2004 Are Below>>Placement due to M/V Selendang Ayu reporting.

55ft. F/V Lasqueti Isle -- sinking & onboard pump failed near Ocean Shores, Wash. Dec. 1 -- engine room & fish hold filled with 2,500 gallons of water. U.S. Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, Wash., launched a 23-foot utility boat & diverted 47-foot motor lifeboat & 52-foot special purpose craft, M/V Invincible, to help vessel. U.S Coast Guard Group/Air Station Astoria, Ore., also launched a HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to assist. F/V Lasqueti Isle able to control flooding in engine room, but required further assistance when pump failed. Crew of motor lifeboat transferred pump & 2 Coast Guard crew aboard F/V Lasqueti Isle to assist in dewatering vessel. Motor lifeboat escorted F/V Lasqueti Isle through 6-foot seas & winds of 10 mph., to marina in Westport Wash., where vessel moored safely. During dockside inspection source of flooding determined leak in shaft packing. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 8 2004)

Japan 5gt ferry M/V Kano Maru No. 2, Kuchinoshima for Nakanoshima Island with 5 passengers -- capsized at sea in Kagoshima Prefecture -- 53-year-old skipper drifted from accident site to Kuchinoshima by holding on to vessel's screw --2 swept away without life jackets. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 8 2004)

4,900dwt Chinese-controlled, St Vincent registered multi-purpose M/V Jin Man He, Kitakyushu for Fukuoka with 14 crew -- aground on Shika island at 0350 LT Dec. 7 -- oil spill described as ' massive.' -- hit reef 700m from Shika Island -- no injuries. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 8 2004)

Russian F/V Malakhit -- in distress in Barents Sea -- rescue services hoped water could be pumped ship for tow to Murmansk -- vessel capsized & sank 11pm LT Dec. 1 -- crew abandoned in life rafts --12 crew taken aboard M/V Kiev -- rescue operation complete Dec. 7 morning with all 18 crew rescued to Bear Island<<Webfeature, Norwegian waters, taken to Norwegian town of Kirkenes<<Webfeature. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004)

738-foot Malaysian flagged bulk M/V Selendang Ayu -- began drifting toward Bogoslof Island<<Webfeature, 50 miles NW of Dutch Harbor when main engine quit -- Kodiak-based US Coast Guard 283-foot medium endurance cutter USCGC Alex Haley<<Webfeature, making full turns toward Bogoslof Island to intercept vessel-- adrift for more than 13-hours. USCGC Alex Haley named after U.S. Coast Guard's 1st chief journalist, Alex Haley, Pulitzer-Prize winning author of "Roots". (Wed. Dec. 7 2004) UPDATE>>Master concerned that M/V Selendang Ayu may drift to Bogoslof Island if crew unable to restart engine within next 15 to 16 hours. USCGC Alex Haley expected on scene & will stand by to assist crew until vesssel's engine repaired. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004pm)

On The Job>>Famous salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla<<Webfeature, expected to arrive off Durban, South Africa, early Dec. 9 towing another tug M/V Numo & small tanker reportedly called M/T Nisha II. The Numo & Nisha II parted company during gale off East London, South Africa last week -- due to strong seas, tug unable to take up wire & renew tow. With Numo running low of marine fuel oil, owner radioed for assistance -- M/V Smit Amandla -- on standby in area of M/V BBC China casualty -- sent to assist. M/V Smit Amandla tug now taken up double tow of both M/V Numo & M/V Nisha II -- heading for Durban through rough seas. Meanwhile another Smit tug, Durban-based M/V Pentow Service, left Durban Dec. 6 to assistance of reefer M/V Snow Crystal -- suffered fire in engine room 150 miles NE of Durban -- fire since brought under control & M/V Pentow Service will assist reefer towards either Richards Bay or Durban. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004)

Chemical M/T Kissho Maru aground close to shore in Japan. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004)

Cargo M/V Al-Faizal Kadri, Mundra for Abu Dhabi with salt & 6 crew -- trapped in high velocity wind -- capsized near Jakhau on Dec.4. -- crew swimming for 4 hours -- kept afloat hanging on wooden planks & boxes -- adrift crew spotted & rescued by F/V Shiv Hari -- reached Okha port on Dec. 5. (Mon. Dec. 6 2004) UPDATE>>M/V Fazl e Kadri, Mundra port in Kutch for Karachi with 210 tons of salt & 10 crew -- capsized in Arabian sea, 30 NM off Jhakau port on Dec. 4 -- 6 crew rescued by fishermen -- 4 missing. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004)

M/V Fuyo Maru No. 3 -- out of control & drifted aground -- evacuated by helicopters in spite of bad weather conditions in Aomori Prefecture. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Dec. 7 2004)

Cargo M/V Al-Faizal Kadri, from Mundra for Abu Dhabi with salt & 6 crew -- trapped in high velocity wind -- capsized near Jakhau on Dec.4. -- crew swimming for 4 hours -- kept afloat hanging on wooden planks & boxes -- adrift crew spotted & rescued by F/V Shiv Hari -- reached Okha port on Dec. 5. (Mon. Dec. 6 2004)

45gt towboat 55ft. M/V Miss Vicky Lynn, with 4 crew pushing barges with scrap metal to Paducah-- sank in Tennessee River in 70 feet of water S. of the Gov. Ned McWherter Bridge near Paris Landing at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 6 -- U.S. Coast Guard closed river to traffic until towboat located -- initial reports indicated pipe broke, flooding vessel -- all 4 crew rescued. (Mon. Dec. 6 2004)

Carnival Corp.'s M/V Carnival Pride, 30 miles west of Ensenada, Mexico -- 37-year-old woman whose name not released -- believed overboard into Pacific Ocean. (Sun. Dec. 5 2004) UPDATE>> Rescue operation ended. (Sun. Dec. 6 2004pm)

Coastal M/V Fallon, with 5 crew -- between Karkar Island & Madang<<Webfeature, Papua, New Guinea -- dinghy came up behind & started firing shots on Dec. 3 -- pirates boarded & threatened Capt. -- hit him & then stole some cargo & money -- shot dead crewman in cold blood. (Sun. Dec. 5 2004)

Miami Air Lease - Convair CV-340<<Webfeature, - misspelled message "Eelect George W. Bush" running length of fuselage - had trouble with 1 of its 2 engines shortly after takeoff from Opa-Locka airport<<Webfeature, -- couldn't make it & splashed down in Maule Lake -- surrounded by condominium towers. Plane ended up several hundred yards from marina & farther away from high-rises, floating with half fuselage & tips of propellers rising above water. Amazing -- no casualties. (Sat. Dec. 4 2004)

M/V Kano Maru No. 2, with 5 technicians & crew, Kuchinoshima Island for Nakanoshima Island<<Webfeature, to equip each household there with an anti-disaster emergency radio receiver -- capsized off Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, following engine failure -- 5 technicians missing -- vessel found washed ashore on Kuchinoshima Island early Dec. 5. All had managed to cling to ship, but the 5 later washed away. (Sat. Dec. 4 2004)

1,513gt South Korea M/V, Jeju port to Ulsan in ballast with 10 crew -- suffered major fire -- units responding. No details. (Sat. Dec. 4 2004)

Unidentified freighter M/V, with 5 crew -- capsized & sank off Turkey's southern coast -- 1 survivor of 5-man crew -- bodies of 2 sailors washed ashore near Fethiye<<Webfeature. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

28 Nov. 2004 at 0145 LT off buoy no 19, Eskravos River, Nigeria -- 5 pirates armed with machine guns boarded refrigerated ship underway & took hostage watchman -- beat him up. Fired at crew, stole cash from ship's safe, ship's property & crew belongings before escaping. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

27 Nov. 2004 at 0910 UTC in posn: 05:02N - 098:28E, Malacca straits. Pirates armed with machine guns in fishing boat opened fire & boarded tug towing barge. Kidnapped Capt. & C/O & stole ships property -- escaped in their boat. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

27 Nov. 2004 at 0310 LT in position 01:46.4N - 102:39.4E, Malacca straits. Pirates inside unlit speedboat followed LPG tanker & attempted to board her. Crew directed searchlights & sounded whistle - pirate speedboat turned away. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

26 Nov.2004 at 0715 UTC in position 17:51.8N - 076:46.7W at Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica. One person boarded container ship at forecastle using grapnel hook. Alert duty crew raised alarm & intruder escaped via hawse pipe into speedboat waiting with 3 accomplices. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

25 Nov. 2004 at 2345 LT at Lagos anchorage, Nigeria -- 15 pirates armed with guns & long knives boarded tanker & took hostage. Duty A/B. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & locked accommodation doors. Pirates went to bridge & ordered D/O to shut all communication equipment -- took hostage master & manhandled crew. Forced master to open ship's safe & stole ship's cash, crew personal belongings & ship's property. Master & 3/O sustained injuries. All crew in state of shock. Pirates fled in 2 speedboats at 0030 lt. D/O called port control -- received no response. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

24 Nov. 2004 at 0100 LT at Georgetown anchorage, Guyana. Pirates boarded refrigerated cargo ship maneuvering with pilot on board -- broke lock on mast house but escaped empty handed when alert crew raised alarm. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

23 Nov. 2004 at 0425 LT at Kandla outer anchorage, India -- 3 pirates boarded LPG tanker -- stole ship's equipment & escaped. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

22 Nov. 2004 at 0055 LT in posn: 32:13.6S - 051:58.2W at Rio Grande anchorage, Brazil -- pirates inside craft attempted to board container ship from port quarter. Crew mustered & directed searchlights -- craft moved away. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

19 Nov 2004 at 0530 LT at berth no.1, New Mangalore port, India. Pirates boarded container ship, stole ship's stores & escaped. Master reported theft to port authorities. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

19 Nov. 2004 at 0015 LT at Dumai port, Indonesia -- 2 pirates armed with long knives boarded chemical tanker at berth. When C/O ordered them to disembark, robbers attacked him with knives causing serious injuries. Robbers escaped with cash & personal valuables. C/O received medical attention ashore. (Fri. Dec. 3 2004)

Canada has barred ships from Denmark, Faroe Islands & Greenland from its ports Dec. 2, escalating long-standing dispute over shrimp caught outside Canadian jurisdiction. Vessel from Faroe Islands had resumed what Canada considers illegal shrimp fishery in Int'l waters the previous day. But Faroese officials say they had no choice after Canada failed to fulfil its promise to back the small nation in its fight for fair share of European quota. (Thurs. Dec. 2 2004)

St. Vincents registered 2,900-ton contaner M/V Jin Man He, with 14 Chinese crew, aground 800 meters off Shika Island in Higashi-ku Province -- no injuries -- massive spill of fuel oil. (Thurs. Dec. 2 2004)

M/V American Cormorant, a 738-foot ship chartered by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command 'sank' off the southern coast of the United Kingdom in order to load eleven U.S. Army watercraft Nov. 30. (Fri. Dec. 31 2004)

A MISSING PIECE TO RETURN>> A very rusted & derelict M/V Calypso<<Webfeature, from which Capt. Jacques Cousteau conducted expeditions made famous in cinema & television documentaries in "The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau" got a new owner and new lease of life when it was purchased toady for a symbolic one euro. Buyer, U.S. company Carnival Corp., will give vessel a new US$1.3M lease of life. Calypso<<Webfeature, a converted U.S. Navy minesweeper, has been rusting for 6 years in La Rochelle harbor on France's Atlantic seaboard -- towed after sinking in Singapore harbor in 1996. When she launched in Seattle, Washington, USA, during World War II, no one suspected she would become one of the most famous ships ever. Built to serve as minesweeper for the British, to clear explosives from ports & harbors. Christened J-826, she was lowered into the water on March 21, 1942. She became a ferry, carrying people & cars between Malta & very small island of Gozo. While Calypso shuttling people between islands, Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a French Navy officer with a great curiosity about the sea. Cousteau had recently invented the AquaLung®, which let people swim freely under the water for the 1st time. Cousteau purchased Calypso<<Webfeature, & began to transform her into an expedition vessel. A vessel history followed whch involved each of us on a very prsonal level. She is truly the world's ship. Bravo Zulu! (Thurs. Dec. 2 2004)

Dutch M/V Stellamare capsized in the Port of Albany while GE generator was being loaded, with 3 Russian crew dead on Dec. 9 2003 in icy Hudson River -- but vessel under tow today from Albany for refit in Bahamas -- as M/V Nadalina S. -- now Bahamas registry. (Thurs. Dec. 2 2004)

Coastal M/T Stolt Tern, with 4,000 tons of gas oil &167 tons of diesel fuel oil, suffered slight damage to bow & took on small amount of water after running aground as it approached coast of north Wales -- stuck at breakwater, 2 miles offshore -- tug used to re-float. From our correspondant A L Griffiths.(Wed.. Dec. 1 2004)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For November 2004

"Unstacked" - overboard & Dr. Beach - Nov. 2004

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

For Reports From All Years

NOTE>> We're Back From Chicago -- See Nov. 17th, Below<<Webfeature, for the postings you missed

Argentine Navy vessel accidentally fired on a Brazilian Navy vessel during joint naval exercises off the Brazilian coast. Possible hits, ordinance & casualties not known. (Mon. Nov. 30 2004)

Manam island<<Webfeature off Papua New Guinea's north coast -- being evacuated as volcanic eruption continues, blanketing crops & polluting water supplies with ash, making island uninhabitable -- 1,300 people have been evacuated -- will take another 14 days to evacuate Manam island's 9,600 people, since they had only one boat which could hold just a few hundred people -- vessel can only make one trip a day to island. (Mon. Nov. 30 2004)

1,745-ton Panamanian-flagged cargo M/V HE XIN NO. 1 (built 1985), with 11 crew & sand from Hong Kong to Taiwan's S. port of Kaohsiung -- sank on Nov. 30 -- 7 crew were rescued while helicopter crews spotted 4 bodies on Dec.1 morning. From our correspondant Onno Miedema. (Mon. Nov. 30 2004PST) UPDATED>>(Wed.. Dec. 2 2004)

630ft M/V Chios Pride<<Photofeature, with 16,651 gross tons pig iron for Itaqui, Brazil, aground in Lake Michigan in 21 feet of water at channel entrance of the Menominee River<<Webfeature -- Selvick tugs worked all morning to free her, then USCG ordered engines all stop until a salvage plan in place. Pilot confident that with 3 tugs & shifting of ballast water they will free her. (Mon. Nov. 29 2004) UPDATE>> M/V Chios Pride<<Photofeature remained aground off Menominee Nov. 30 night. Efforts to free vessel began early Nov. 30 morning --not successful. Marine tug M/V Jimmy L standing by all night per U.S. Coast Guard order. Other tugs involved are M/V William C Selvick, M/V Jimmy L<<Photofeature and M/V Erika K. (Mon. Nov. 30 2004) UPDATE>> Freed on Dec. 2 morning. (Wed.. Dec.2 2004)

Taiwanese F/V Shin Jyi Wanq, with 8 crew -- exploded 92km off Costa Rican Pacific coast -- Capt. missing, along with his 7 Chinese crew. Costa Rican patrol boat Pancha Carrasco found floating, burned-out hulk of vessel -- fire had consumed entire ship. No trace of crew. (Sat. Nov. 27 2004)

Car ferry M/V Sardinia Vera, from UK with 200 passengers -- stranded off France for 9 hours overnight because another ferry M/V Dieppe had broken down & could not free berth in northern port of Dieppe. M/V Dieppe towed away for repair for electrical fault which immobilized her. (Sat. Nov. 27 2004)

Swedish M/T Brevik, for Skoghall in Lake Vänern with 2000 tons fuel oil -- grounded just outside port of Trollhättan early Nov. 25. Trollhätte Channel is link between Lake Vänern -- Skagerak & North Sea. From our correspondant Per-Åke Kvick. (Sat. Nov. 27 2004)

Marathon Oil operated Brae Alpha platform, with 181 crew in North Sea -- currently being evacuated due to gas release. Production shut down. Coastguard Rescue helicopter from Sumburgh currently carrying out operation of airlifting platform personnel to nearby platforms. An RAF rescue helicopter from Lossiemouth & a privately chartered civilian helicopter from Aberdeen on route -- will assist once on scene. (Sat. Nov. 27 2004)

Greek-owned, Cyprus-flagged M/T Athos I, bound for Citgo refinery in Paulsboro, spilled 30,000 gallons of crude oil into Delaware River at Paulsboro, N.J., spreading plume of sludge that extended 20 miles from Tinicum Island to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. (Sat. Nov. 27 2004) UPDATE>> Divers found 6 foot gash on tanker hull -- holes in below waterline cargo tank aft & in an outside ballast tank. (Sun. Nov. 28)

Catamaran S/V Broad Blue, for Lowestoft with 2 crew, issued Mayday on VHF channel 16 -- drifting for 11 hours with engine failure. Isle of Man registered LPG M/T Laura Kosan responded & standing by catamaran until arrival of Skegness RNLI Lifeboat. (Fri.. Nov. 26 2004)

Japan F/V Ryoanmaru No. 75, with 20 crew, seized by Russia's border security authority off Kamchatka Peninsula on suspicion that it caught more walleye pollack than the amount applied for. (Fri.. Nov. 26 2004)

Indian Registered M/T Jag Pratap -- reporting missing cadet, presumed overboard off Dover. Units searching include Coastguard tug Anglian Monarch, a French Customs vessel, the Coastguard surveillance aircraft, a French Navy Helicopter & a fixed wing aircraft from Fotoflight. Last seen at 10pm last night & found missing this morning. (Fri.. Nov. 26 2004)

50 Hour Miracle>> Joseph Dennis set out Nov. 24 morning to retrieve commercial fishing nets -- expected to return by noon, but engine failed -- boat drifted for 2 days. Canadian Coast Guard C-130 located Dennis just after 10 a.m. today. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit transported him to EMS in Sarnia, Ontario -- treated for mild hypothermia. (Fri.. Nov. 26 2004)

600-foot Panamanian bulk M/V Tai Harvest, issued radio distress call 30 NM off Northern California coast -- 2 crew sustained serious injuries, including broken neck, back & leg, after falling 50 feet into a cargo hold. U.S. Coast Guard Humboldt Bay launched an HH-56A helicopter & 47-foot motor life boat to conduct a medical evacuation by helicopter. (Thurs. Nov. 25 2004)

Happy American Thanksgiving! 81-foot tall ship, modeled after a 16th-century galleon S/V Raw Faith, Rockland, Maine for New Jersey, disabled by rudder damage in rough seas -- distress call was made but radio failed. U.S. Coast Guard Falcon jet from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod flew out & dropped radio by parachute. U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Dependable (WEMC-626)<<Webfeature,arrived & transferred crew onto the cutter, where Thanksgiving dinner was served. Vessel under tow. (Thurs. Nov. 25 2004)

Russian M/V West, sank during storm in Sea of Japan on Nov. 2 -- now unidentified assassin shot & killed owner in her home in Far Eastern Russian city of Nakhodka.<<Webfeature, on Nov. 21. Lyudmila Nikolayeva, 53, head of West-Line Company, was fatally wounded by 4 shots through window of her 1st-floor apartment. West-Line Company ship with 27 crew members aboard disappeared on Nov. 2 as it was en route to Japan with a load of timber. Only 2 crew were rescued. According to Nakhodka's acting prosecutor, several versions of her murder being considered, including contract hit. Indeed, this is the Wild, Wild Far East. From our correspondant Fred Mc Cague. (Thurs. Nov. 25 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

20 Nov. 2004 at 1040 UTC at Port Esquivel anchorage, Jamaica -- 4 pirates in an unlit speedboat approached tanker. Three pirates boarded & stole ship's stores. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Seeing crew alertness, robbers escaped with ship's stores. Port authority informed. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

17 Nov. 2004 at 0850 UTC in posn 06:58N - 058:02W, Georgetown Roads, Guyana -- pirates boarded general cargo ship at anchor from high speedboat. Duty A/B raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & escaped. Port control informed & coast guard boat arrived. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

38,250dwt bulker M/V Fedon (built 1980) unloading 36,000 tons of fertilizer -- suffered fire -- temporarily closing Tubarao Fertilizer Terminal at Vitoria, in Brazil -- biggest iron ore & coal terminal in South America. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004) UPDATE>>Fire started at Chief Enginier`s cabin around 01:40 hrs lt on Nov. 22nd, 2004 & spreaded though bridge deck corridor, destroyng 100% of bridge together with radio station & other cabins around. From our correspondant J. Diego. (Sun. Dec. 5 2004)

100% of bridge together with radio station & other cabins around.

S/V Goose, with 3 crew -- 2 of the 3 crew hypothermic & 3rd unconscious -- battling 10-foot seas & 30-knot winds -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Panama City received distress call at 3:15 this morning -- crew of U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter arrived on scene at 7:00 a.m. -- Coast Guard rescue swimmer lowered from helicopter into 10-foot seas, swam over to S/V Goose & climbed on board to stabilize the 3 men -- crew brought to Panama City Hospital & transferred to ambulance in stable condition. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

Swedish passenger M/V Casino Express, with 39 passengers & 27 crew -- heavy aground during storm in Gulf of Botnia outside Umeå in Sweden, Nov 24th. Evacuation is planned. From our correspondant Staffan Gullsby. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

Norwegian registered tug M/V Nestor -- aground outside Katthammarsvik<<Webfeature, east of Gotland in Baltic Sea -- rescue crews fear vessel may sink -- 5 of 6 crew rescued -- one crew reamins aboard -- trapped in a toilet, cannot evacuate due to extreme vessel list -- divers on way & planning to board vessel & knock in shut door, or extract trapped man via a vent. Weather condition so poor that M/V Nestor could not be approached by helicopter or boat. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004) From our correspondants Tim Schwabedissen & Staffan Gullsby