International Vessel Casualties & Pirates Database For Year 2005 - Jan. Through Dec. 2005

The Forces of Pirates & Weather on Seaborne Commerce

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Year 2005 Vessel Cassualties & Pirate Attacks
January 2005 February 2005 March 2005 April 2005 May 2005 June 2005	July 2005 August 2005 Sept. 2005 Oct. 2005 Nov. 2005 Dec. 2005

Vessel Loss Dispatches For Dec. 2005

"NO Rails" - destruction of New Orleans - Dec. 2005

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Antigua & Barbuda flag, 40,306gt. M/V APL Panama<< Webfeature, (built 2001) -- grounded on sand Dec 25 while inbound to the Port of Ensenada<< Webfeature. Master did not wait for port pilot & tugs -- she proceeded to enter port without them. Geeez!!! M/V APL Panama ran aground on Ensenada Beach<< Webfeature, outside breakwaters. No reports of heavy weather or fog. Two 5000-bhp Crowley tugs from Port of Los Angeles arrived today to try to free the vessel. All efforts to pull the vessel off the sandbank during high tide using services of tugs unfortunately failed. Discharge of some of the 900 TEUs on board being considered but will be difficult due to location of the vessel -- in the middle of nowhere. She is aground 200 ft from beach on sandy bottom. Geeeez, we've know for years that if you're at Ensenada<< Webfeature, -- and nothing is going on -- just go to the beach! Geeez -- M/V APL Panama did!! This event best describes my UCLA college days!! McD (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005) SEE THE PHOTO FEATURE<< Webfeature.

Yacht S/V Myra T -- suffered fire at berth in Vouliagmeni Greece. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

Panama flag 10,155gt. M/V Steel Trader (built 1974) -- in ballast -- suffered steering problems Dec. 12 & towed to Kingstown Bay St Vincent -- then to Curacao -- welding of the rudder only repair. Reported Dec. 30. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

39,710gt. Norwegian-registered NYK Line car carrier M/V Anna, in ballast with 4,000 vehicles capacity & 30 crew -- anchored off Minami-Izucho, Shizuoka Prefecture, Dec. 24 -- after she lost power and went adrift in gale -- towed toward Omaezaki. No casualties or further disruption. Now on her way to U.S. from ports of Mizushima, Okayama Prefecture, Omaezaki, Kawasaki and Nagoya. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

Danish chemical M/T Sydstraum, with 2000 tons industrial alcohol -- aground in Baltic off the Danish island Lolland<< Webfeature, on Dec 28 -- refloated same day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

26 Dec.2005 at 0230 LT at Bontang anchorage, Indonesia -- 8 pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastle -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

18 Dec. 2005 at Palembang anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates hijacked M/T Sedfast<< Webfeature, with 16,585mts vegetable oil. IMB piracy reporting center co-ordinated search -- ship subsequently located on Dec. 24, with cargo intact & crew unhurt. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

16 Dec. 2005 at 0630 UTC, Kingston harbour, Jamaica -- 5 pirates armed with assault rifles in 25 ft canoe with outboard motor boarded yacht at anchor -- took substantial equipment at gunpoint & escaped. Jamaican authorities informed. No injuries to crew. (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

German flagged 58mt. M/T Gudrun (built: 1982), with 700 tons diesel oil, ran aground in the morning of Dec 26 on the way from Brunsbuettel to Bremerhaven in the Elbe estuary on Scharhoern reef. The ship (homeport Cuxhaven)-- stuck fast with a list to port. Multi purpose M/V Neuwerk which came to prevent a possible oil pollutin also ran aground in the midday. In the evening 2 tugs succeeded in refloating M/T Gudrun with rising tide. Scharhoern reef - which is well known as a graveyard of ships - is often used by smaller ships to shorten the way to the river Weser. Possible cause for grounding may have been extreme low water caused by a severe eastern wind. Rescue ships M/V Hermann Marwede & M/V Hermann Helms of DGzRS were also on scene. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Wed.. Dec. 29 2005) UPDATE>> Towed into the "Amerikahafen" in Cuxhaven on Dec 28 by tugs M/V Taucher Otto Wulf 3 & M/V Bugsier 15 after having been salvaged the day before. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

Pleasure M/V Panductduc struck log floating in Columbia River & taking water -- communications with vessel lost at 11:40 p.m. Dec. 27-- MAYDAY to mariners was issued and a 25ft. response boat from Coast Guard Station Portland launched to search. An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., at 4:28 a.m., to assist in the search. Search was suspended at about 9 a.m. Dec. 28. (Tues.. Dec. 28 2005)

Another Tragedy On The Anniversary>> indonesian mechanised fishing vessel F/V Patropil, with 6 crew hit a ship & sank off the coast of the southern Kollam district -- 1 crew who clung to a water container, was picked up by a passing vessel after more than 5 hours. The crew of F/V Patropil, all hailing from the tsunami village of Alappad, were hurrying back to attend the Tsunami Memorial services -- to gather at the place when the ashes of 28 women & children lay interred -- after a 9 day fishing operation. Now, one year later, another tragedy. (Mon.. Dec. 26 2005)

Barge Lansdowne located at the foot of Sassafrass Street, Erie, PA, sunk -- locked in the ice with superstructure is above water & 2 railroad cars located on the stern partially submerged -- rumored oldest barge (or steamer hull) on Great Lakes. Salvors Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd lending assitance. (Mon.. Dec. 26 2005)

77mt. China registered M/V, Shantou for with 3,400 tons of clay from Shantou Laizhou of Shandong with 13 crew -- equipped with GPS satellite navigating system and electronic maritime maps -- capsized in high winds Dec 21, when she tried to anchor at Longkou Port of Yantai. Search called off for crew. (Mon.. Dec. 26 2005)

63-foot Capetown yacht S/V Soshie, with 2 crew & Boxer dog, suffered engine room fire near Duiker Island, about 2 sea miles from Hout Bay -- 2 & dog rescued. Vessel taken in tow. (Mon.. Dec. 26 2005)

M/V Steenborg ran aground on Dec 23 at 7 a.m. on the Harriersand in the river Weser near Brake. At 5.50 p.m. the ship was refloated by tugs & proceeded to Bremen. Cause of the grounding was electrical failure. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sun.. Dec. 25 2005)

M/V Shanghai Pride, with 11,000 tons of bagged rice suffered collision S. of Sri Lanka during. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage & Sri Lanka Shipping Co. were contracted to assist in resolving the situation concerning the vessel and her crew and cargo during end Nov. -- Dec. 17 successfully moved the M/V Shanghai Pride into Colombo port as next step into salvage operation concerning this collision damaged vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sun.. Dec. 25 2005)

New Zealand 13mt F/V Mi Jay, with 3 crew, departed Nov. 22 -- set to return Dec. 6 -- 2 bodies found in raft Dec. 22, off Kaikoura<< Webfeature, but 3rd crew missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . Search had suspended Dec. 17. (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

S/V Lullaby, struck submerged object & quickly sank Dec. 21, 120 miles south of Bermuda --contacted Rescue Coordination Center in Bermuda with an iridium satellite phone. C-130 able to establish communications with the 2 adrift sailors via captain's hand held VHF radio & remained on scene until M/V Sol Do Brazil arrived & took them onboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

1,570gt British flag oil M/T Blackfriars, with 8 crew, grounded off group of rocks known as Eileanan Dubha<< Webfeature. Coastguard tug M/V Anglian Prince successfully towed off Dec. 21, to anchorage position 2 miles E. of the Kyle of Lochalsh in Balmacara Bay -- some damage to fore peak seawater ballast tank. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen & Fred Caygil . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

67ft. F/V Sky Sun, with 6 crew, grounded 2 miles south of Cape Kumukahi Point on the Big Island, Dec. 19. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005) UPDATE>> Unable to salvage the vessel, and are making plans to remove the wreck. (Mon.. Dec. 26 2005)

Spanish Navy ship at NW port of El Ferrol suffered explosion Dec. 19 -- 2 sailors dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

246mt. American flagged 90.000gt M/V Eagle Karina stranded near Southern Bozcaada Island at entrance of Dardanelles strait Dec. 18, & was refloated same day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

16mt. F/V Christina with 3 aboard issued Mayday, Dec. 18 -- helicopter from RAF Wattisham was scrambled & lowered pump -- vessel towed back to Great Yarmouth. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

26mt. Banff registered F/V Sovereign went aground east of Fraserburgh with 5 crew Dec. 18 -- currently listing 30 degrees to port with its engine room flooded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

Greenpeace M/V Esperanza -- in collision -- with Japanese whaler M/V Kyo Maru 1 in Polar Sea when this ship tried to pass M/V Esperanza & thereby crossed her course. No injuries. Both ships could continue their voyage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Sat.. Dec. 24 2005)

Sri Lankan Navy clashed with Tamil Tiger rebel movement off the country's northwestern coast Dec. 22 -- 1 sailor wounded & 3 missing after 10 rebel boats attacked 2 navy craft. But the Tamil Tiger rebel movement said Dec. 22, that the 3 sailors had drowned & blamed the Sri Lankan Navy for starting the firefight. Rebels began fighting in 1983 for a separate homeland in the N. & E. for ethnic Tamils, who claim discrimination at hands of the Sinhalese majority. The conflict killed some 65,000 people before Norway mediated a truce in Febr. 2002. (Thurs. Dec. 22 2005)

Mingyang Shipping Co. Ltd of Wenling City, cargo M/V, Shantou of Guangdong Province for Laizhou of Shandong with 3,400 tons of china clay sunk in Longkou sea area in east China's Shandong Province -- ship trying to anchor at Longkou Port Dec. 21 evening when it sheered by strong winds & listed by huge wave, spilling all 14 crew into sea --13 missing. (Thurs. Dec. 22 2005)

Slovakian cargo M/V Polana -- for Agigea port on Romania's Black Sea coast, with wheat, caught fire & sank after refueling with diesel oil at Ruse, Bulgaria, on S. coast of the Danube. (Tues. Dec. 20 2005)

British-registered M/T Blackfriars, Loch Inver for Pembroke -- ran into trouble in severe winds at 2120 GMT on Dec. 20 -- 5 crew taken off vessel by lifeboats, while 3 members remain aboard. Coastguard tug will attempt to re-float the tanker at high tide at 1000 GMT on Dec. 21. From our Correspondent Fred Caygill. (Tues. Dec. 20 2005)

75,719gt. St. Vincent & Grenadines bulk M/V P. Mouzelis (built 1981), with iron ore -- suffered water ingress in forepeak & No 1 hold 30 miles from Kaohsiung 19 Dec 2005. Proceeding to China. (Tues. Dec. 20 2005)

22,683gt. Panama chemical/oil M/T Antonis A (built 1982), for Turkey & Ukraine with 37,000 tons palm oil, entered Suez Canal, northbound, at 1300, Dec 15. About 1320 same day vessel contacted canal banks, causing her to lose half of rudder & sustain damage to her bow & stern -- large cracks in the bow. Salvage assistance rendered by Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature, -- vessel is now safely anchored at Suez Anchorage. (Tues. Dec. 20 2005)

Great Lakes Slump>> A stormy Nov. took its toll on the movement of dry-bulk cargos on the Great Lakes in U.S.-Flag vessels. With 60 vessels idled more than 5,000 hours during the month, the major U.S.-Flag carriers moved only 9.5 million tons of dry-bulk cargo in Nov. a drop of 16% compared to a year ago. Even when weighed against the month's 5-year average, the Nov. 2005 float was more than 11% off pace. Iron ore suffered the greatest decline in Nov.. Loadings fell more than 21% compared to both a year ago & the month's 5-year average. While weather delays were the primary cause for slump, trade was further impacted by lengthy repair on a 1,000-foot long U.S.-Flag Laker dedicated to moving iron ore. For the year, U.S.-Flag carriage on the Great Lakes stands at 98.4 million tons, a decrease of 3.3% compared to same point in 2004 (Tues. Dec. 20 2005)

Marine Air Disaster>> Chalk's Ocean Airways << Webfeature, twin-engine Grumman G-73T Turbine Mallard<< Webfeature, with 18 passengers, including 3 infants & 2 crew -- went down around 2:30 p.m. after taking off from Miami for the island of Bimini in the Bahamas -- within sight of the beach. U.S. Coast Guard said 19 bodies found. Witnesses saw the plane flying low with white smoke trailing & flames coming from the bottom. The right wing then fell off after an explosion as the plane went down. Fight went down near mouth of Government Cut, a channel that cruise ships & freighters take past South Beach into the Port of Miami. The channel is up to 30 feet deep near the crash site, but parts of the plane could be seen in shallower areas. Chalk's Ocean Airways flies between Miami & Bahamas, using planes that take off & land on the water. Chalk's aircraft have been featured in TV shows such as "Miami Vice." Its seaplanes take off in view of the port and the multimillion-dollar homes that dot islands in the bay. Founded by Arthur "Pappy" Chalk<< Webfeature, in 1919, the airline thrived during Prohibition, taking bootleggers, their customers & customs agents to Bimini. Its most famous passenger was Ernest Hemingway, who flew to Bimini to go big-game fishing. One of its planes was hijacked to Cuba in 1974 & the company has since had a policy of not carrying enough fuel to get to Havana. The airline was sold to Resorts Int'l, which owned properties on Paradise Island. Donald Trump bought it in 1988 & sold it a few months later to Merv Griffin. The owner as of 1995 was Seth Atwood of United Capital Corporation of Illinois/Atwood Enterprises. Photos of the Grumman G-73<< Webfeature. Pan Am G-73<< Webfeature. (Mon. Dec. 19 2005)

UK 16mt. F/V Christina with 3 crew slowly making way back to Great Yarmouth under tow -- result of ingress of water. Rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham scrambled & lowered pump aboard vessel -- crew then felt they were in position to make their way home alone. (Mon. Dec. 19 2005)

Philippine ferry with 66 passengers & 9 crew -- from the island of Jolo to S. city of Zamboanga -- propeller broke & drifting -- spotted by Philippine Navy Patrol ship Magat Salamat<< Webfeature, -- patrol ship towed ferry to Zamboanga city on Dec. 16, and the passengers were given medical care. (Mon. Dec. 19 2005)

26mt Banff registered F/V Sovereign went aground near Cairnbulg Point, east of Fraserburgh with 5 crew -- Aberdeen Coastguard sent the Fraserburgh & Peterhead Coastguard rescue teams to the scene to assist on the shoreline and requested the RNLI all weather Fraserburgh lifeboat to attend. (Mon. Dec. 19 2005)

Fiji government ship M/V Natokalau has ran into trouble, requesting help from her sister ship, M/V Raiyawa, which was in Lau waters as well. M/V Natokalau left for a tour of the S. Lau Group on Dec. 12, with a government delegation on board -- reportedly carrying more passengers than it is certified to hold. (Sun. Dec. 18 2005)

New Zealand F/V Mi Jay -- on fishing voyage from Nelson for 12 days -- due back in port on Dec. 6 -- lost -- search suspended Dec. 17 -- no sign of vessel or crew since November 22. (Sun. Dec. 18 2005)

PIRATES FIGHT OVER RANSON $$>>> F/V Zhong Yi 218, F/V Xinlianfa 36 & F/V Cheng Lien Feng held by Somali pirates near Koyama Island, Kismayo, since August 15 -- militia groups are have clashed over cash paid as ransom to secure release of 48 sailors held hostage in Somalia. At least 2 killed in gunfire between Juba Valley Alliance (JVA) and "National Volunteer Coast Guard" (NVCG). NVCG has been holding captive the 48 Asian seafarers, while demanding ransom that was initially placed at US$500,000, but later scaled down to US$50,000 per vessel. All the 48 crew reported safe but vessels moved elsewhere. (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

U.S. Coast Guard' s newest cutter, Great Lakes icebreaker USCGC Mackinaw WLBB-30http://www.uscg.mil/d9/glib/s ran into a seawall Dec. 12, causing damage to her bow -- 10-by-10-foot section of bow dented. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

1,798gt Cambodian-registered M/V Alteza, Russian Far East Port of Vanino for Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture with 8,500 logs & 19 crew -- whooops! -- 21km NE of Cape Echizen in Fukui Prefecture -- when she spilled the logs -- 750 logs from her deck just before 6 a.m. & 250 more fell into sea 1hour later -- listing ship arrived in Tsuruga << Webfeature, just before noon. (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

Philippine Navy patrol ship Magat Salamat returning from border exercises with the Malaysian Navy when it spotted ferry floundering in rough seas near Pilas Island on Dec. 14 -- rescued 75 people drifting, slowly filling in water in Sulu Sea for over a day -- patrol ship towed the vessel to port. (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

Dutch-flagged M/V Victoriaborg on Dec. 14, struck one of gantry cranes used to unload ships in Port of Duluth<< Webfeature, pushing it 8 feet down the dock at Clure Marine Terminal with damages of about US$10,000. (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

Efforts continue to salvage M/V Maritime Lady From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 14 2005)

U.S. F/V Captain A.B. ran hard aground at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Capt. & a crewman were cited for falling asleep at helm of the vessel. Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the grounding. U.S. Coast Guard will ensure that the 4,400 gallons of fuel and 300 gallons of lube oil aboard F/V Captain A.B. not spilled during salvage of vessel. (Thurs. Dec. 14 2005)

Chinese trawler F/V Da Yuan Yu No. 139 -- after repeated calls & signals to stop ignored -- South African Protection Vessel Victoria Mxenge<< Webfeature requested assistance of the SANDF, 3 NM off Cape St Francis on Dec. 13. When vessel continued to flee, 2 fisheries inspectors dropped aboard by SA Air Force helicopter. -- vessel now controled & escorted to Port Elizabeth where full inspection will be conducted. Skipper facing criminal charges for fleeing when South African fisheries inspectors ordered the vessel to stop for inspection. (Thurs. Dec. 14 2005)

15mt. Belgian trawler F/V Noordster Z122 -- capsized tonight in English Channel off Dover -- Capt. trapped below & knocking for help -- Royal Navy divers tried desperately to reach skipper but found him dead in the water -- 3 confirmed dead 11 miles S. of Beachy Head. Young fisherman survived night at sea clinging to hull of capsized trawler --thinking he could hear his uncle, the captain, trapped below & knocking for help. (Thurs. Dec. 14 2005)

Russian F/V, with 15 crew off sank off Russia's South Kuril Islands, off Kunashir Island, near Japan on night of Dec. 10-11 -- 5 dead -- 2 missing & 2 in serious condition. (Thurs. Dec. 14 2005)

20,381gt. bulk M/V Mount Athos (built 1983) grounded at Mile 83, River Orinoco, at 2316, local time, Dec 4. Lloyd' Standard Form salvage contract signed with Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature (a good show) & vessel was successfully refloated last night. No damage or polution reported. Vessel expected to be redelivered to its owners today. (Wed. Dec. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Successfully refloated. No damage or polution reported. Vessel expected redelivered to owners. - Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

998gt. general cargo M/V Nina 1 (built 1984) -- in collision -- with 6030gt. general cargo M/V Aleksandrov (built 1989) near buoy 98 Kallolock, Antwerp as M/V Aleksandrov departed. M/V Nina 1 engine rom under water -- hole on starboard side & sinking -- later stabilized -- 1 injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 14 2005)

15,145gt M/V CP Valour (built 1979) -- aground Dec. 9, at Praia da Faja, north of Fayal Island -- general cargo in containers & on starboard side signs of oil probably coming from vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Powerful Russian oceangoing tug M/V Fotiy Krylo failed her attempts until Dec. 15, 600ft. containership M/V CP Valour, with 800 containers that ran aground last week in Portugal's mid-Atlantic Azores Islands. Crew of 21 remained aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Dec. 17 2005) UPDATE>> Local dredger on scene on sand removal works around casualty, Dec. 18. Multi-purpose cargo vessel M/V BBC Canada also underway from Algericas to collect cargo containers from vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Dec. 24 2005)

60ft. towing vessel M/V Skat -- in collision Dec. 11 -- with commercial 75ft. shrimp boat F/V Johnny T. Kiten, with 3 crew -- in the pass 8 miles S. of Bay St. Louis, Miss. Shrimp boat reportedly pinned underneath the towboat at this time. Search continues for 2 missing shrimpers, Master's wife & deckhand. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 13 2005)

Tug M/V Yaroslavets stranded Dec. 8, 300 meters off Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland. Refloating operation underway. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 13 2005)

Danish F/V Unique sank Dec 1. The Danish fishing inspection vessel POUL LØWENØRN remarked wreck north of Bogene in the traffic lane to Fredericia. Crew of 2 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 13 2005)

Royal Caribbean cruise ship M/V Jewel of the Seas<< Webfeature -- pulled into Nassau, the Bahamian capital --less Canadian woman who may have fallen overboard -- Jill Begora, 59, reported missing by her husband Dec. 11, morning. Searches continue. (Sun. Dec. 11 2005)

13m steel New Zealand F/V Mi Jay, with 3 crew set off 3 weeks ago -- lost around S. coast of the Chatham Islands -- low fog & poor visibility -- search called off. (Sat. Dec. 10 2005)

Jamaica-flagged 15,502gt bulk M/V Vertigo (built 1986), Baltic for Houston with cargo steel products including pipes -- in collision Dec. 7 -- with Liberia-flagged 17,458 gt. bulk M/V Ziemia Lodzka (built 1992), Casablanca for Swinoujescie with phosphate. M/V Vertigo sank within 1 hour as result & part of wreck is above water -- all crew rescued. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005) UPDATE>> 14 Filipino seafarers survived accident off coast of Agersoe, Denmark arrived in Manila Dec. 8. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005) UPDATE>> Collision caused considerable damage around hold 3 & 4 loaded with some 25,000 tons of steel products. This in turn caused these aftermost 2 holds to become flooded, resulting in the vessel coming to rest partly submerged on a bank just outside the shipping route. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage immediately mobilized in a skeleton salvage team from Denmark in order to take initial action. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 13 2005) UPDATE>> Preparations under way to bring out large plate of over 100sq. mt. to secure this over the hole in vessel. Water inside No. 3 & 4 cargo holds to be pumped out. Tug M/V Fenja attending position to stand by with pump. Bulk M/V Ziemia Lodzka arrived at Sczceczin Dec. 12. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 15 2005) UPDATE>> SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. started pumping operations on the semi-sunk freighter VERTIGO at 14.00 LT on Dec. 23. Pumps were started in earnest on holds 3 & 4 after considerable pumptests executed upto that time had confirmed the patch to be sufficiently in place to allow a successfull relfoating operation. SvitzerWijsmuller salvage tugs M/V Skuld Fenja & M/V Freya which had been mobilzied in to the site especially for the operation. After the vessel was releaed from her anchors -- towage started along a pre-determined and well-planned route to Fredericia. The convoy arrived off Fredericia during the late afternoon of Christmas day -- berthed alongside -- Dec. 26vessel at 12.00 LT redelivered back to her owners. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen . (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005)

Inter-island Fiji ferry M/V Sandy with 150 passengers onboard --- believed drifting in waters between Kadavu & Beqa -- yet to pin point her location. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005)

Yacht S/V MR Z (built 1998) -- casualty in Croatian waters -- casualty details pending. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

02 Dec. 2005 at 0200 LT in position 10:19N - 108:50E, off Vietnam, South China Sea. Pirates in a fishing boat attempted to board LPG tanker underway using a hook attached to a rope. Master altered course to prevent boarding. After a few attempts fishing boat gave up & fled. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005)

01 Dec. 2005 at 1745 LT in position 01:42.4S - 116:38.5E, Adang Bay Anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates armed with guns & knives boarded bulk carrier at the poop deck and stole a liferaft. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered but robbers threatened them with guns & escaped in their boat. Port control informed. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005)

30 Nov. 2005 at 0710 LT in position 06:00.6S - 106:54E, Tanjung Priok Anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded container ship & entered accommodation. They stole safety equipment & escaped. Master tried to contact port control but received no response. (Fri. Dec. 9 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK>> M/V Sirchai Petroleum II -- on way to deliver fuel to fishing vessels in S. Somalia, near Haradhere on Nov. 7 morning -- attacked by Somali pirates -- hijackers appeared & master started speeding -- pirates sprayed ship with bullets, but speed saved vessel & her 10-man crew. She is currently anchored at port El-Maan and is expected in Mombasa today -- condition of the ship is not yet clear. (Thurs. Dec. 8 2005)

UK F/V Janus, with 2 crew, SSW of St Catherines Point, Isle of Wight -- broadcast mayday at 7.00 pm Dec. 8, which was picked up by Solent Coastguard -- Yarmouth all weather RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch by Solent Coastguard -- arrived shortly afterwards & undertook difficult operation of transferring fishermen from their vessel onto lifeboat. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 8 2005)

Nelson UK F/V Mi Jay, fishing grounds off the Canterbury coast for tuna with 3 crew --no contact since she left port Nov. 22 -- believed might have been 1st time the other 2 of crew men had also gone out fishing on steel hulled vessel before. (Thurs. Dec. 8 2005)

Chinese M/V, northern Qingdao Port for Jiangsu Province, east China with 5,500 tons of mineral ore -- encountered storm 30 sea miles NE of the estuary of the Yangtze River near Shanghai -- all 17 crew thrown into the sea, but 12 lifted to the land by helicopter & rescue ship -- 55 missing. (Wed. Dec. 7 2005)

PIRATE RELEASE>> Thai M/V Torgelow, with sugar & 10 crew released by Somali pirates after tribal leaders intervened to free the ship. No word on any ranson paid. At least 6 vessels continue to be held. (Wed. Dec. 7 2005)

F/V Norwood reported taking water & sank off Hartlepool on UK coast -- F/V Stella Maris recovered 1 crew & another was alongside F/V Lucia but due to the heavy swell he could not be hauled onboard -- 1 missing. (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005)

11gt. South Korean F/V 109 Tae Sung, with 8 crew capsized Nov. 5 morning in winds of more than 43.2 kph & 4-mt.-high wavesoff Kagoshima Prefecture, 480 km west of Cape Bono --4 rescued & 4 missing. (Wed. Dec. 7 2005)

52mt. Icelandic F/V Hringur (built 1997) grounded early in morning off Copenhagen. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage<< Webfeature in a quick operation succeeded in refloating Dec. 3. (Wed. Dec. 7 2005)

UK F/V Quiet Waters, with 4 crew -- called mayday on VHF Channel 16 reporting ingress of water 20 NM east of the Isle of Barra -- taking to vessel's liferaft -- Stornoway Coastguard replied to the Distress call and put out a Mayday Relay broadcast. F/V Gleaner responded to Mayday Relay broadcast. F/V Quiet Waters is currently still afloat, but low in the water. Rescue vessels remain on scene in gail force winds. UK Coastguard tug HMS Anglian Prince has arrived. (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005)

2,540gt. Dutch 88mt. M/V Artemis, from Belt with peat -- approaching Holtenau locks of Kiel Canal ran aground off Laboe near Kiel Dec 6 at 4 p.m. Rescue M/V Berlin came from Laboe & tugs were called which were expected in the evening -- M/V Falckenstein & M/V Bülk got ship free during the night. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005)

26,666gt Jamaica-flagged 160mt. M/V Vertigo, for Huston in the Great Belt off Denmark -- in collision -- with 26264gt. Liberia-flagged 180mt. M/V Ziemia Lodzka, for Polish port of Swinoujscie. M/V Vertigo seriously damaged & started listing seriously & ran aground -- crew of 23 abandoned ship in the boats -- rescued by roro-ferry M/V Stena Carrier & taken to Danish port Korsoer. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005)

German tank M/V Lina Müller, Gent for Salzgitter -- ran aground on Dec 6 at 06.30 a.m with 1135 tons petrol. Tug M/V Zephyros in vain tried to pull ship free. Tugs of salvage companies Multraship, Terneuzen & Polderman, Hansweert, were more successful at 7 p.m. Ship had rested on even keel on sandbar & lying high and dry at low tide during the day. She was towed to Zijpe close to Bruinisse for inspections. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005) UPDATE>> M/ Ziemie Lodzka allowed to resume her voyage in the morning of Dec. 8. M/V Vertico sank with its stern on 55.13 N 11.05 E. First the oil on board has to be lightered. lightered. Wreck marked with 4 buoys. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 8 2005)

Gravel freighter M/V Fukuyoshi Maru No. 85, with 4 crew in inland sea area off Oita Prefecture, Japan Dec. 5, -- skipper warned of imminent capsizing via moblie phone -- abandoned vessel -- 2 crew rescued & 2 missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005)

1,652gt. general cargo M/V Trizan (built 1967) Porto Lagos for Turkey with 1657 tons of cotton seed, -- ran aground off coast of Potamias, Thasos Island Nov. 24 -- 7 crew rescuded in 8 8 Beaufort gale -- master, chief & 2nd engineer remain on board -- North Aegean Consortium for Salvage & Towag -Gigilinis Shipping Group<< Webfeature tugs M/V Dimitrios & M/V Theodoros along with a team of divers & specialized personnel dispatched to site from port of Kavala -- grounded vessel broke in two between holds 2 & 3. Some cargo fell into the sea. All bunkers successfully transferred to tug M/V Dimitrios. Tug M/V Europe arrived Nov 26 & engaged in operation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 6 2005)

Moroccan Navy vessel Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah (ex-U.S. Newport Class large land ship), with 250 crew. Taking on water in engine room from unknown source at 5 p.m.60 NM north of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico contacted U.S. Coast Guard on VHF radio Channel 16, the international hail & distress frequency.  United States Coast Guardsmen --helicopters, jets & cutters rushed to aid of Moroccan navy vessel -- Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico & HU-25 Falcon jet from Air Station Miami dropped a total of 3 dewatering pumps to the vessel. U.S. Coast Guard also diverted Coast Guard Cutters USCGC Sapelo, USCGC Ocracoke & USCGC Confidence to assist as well as 2 commercial vessels participating in the Automated Mutual-assistance M/V Rescue. Crew of M/V Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah able to get flooding under control by 6:58 p.m. -- making her way to port of San Juan. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Sapelo<< Webfeature, escorting vessel, making sure she safely returns to port . From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 6 2005)

Great Lakes Welland Canal<< Webfeature, is reported to be having a problem at Lock One. It appears that the gates will not close -- M/V CSL Niagara has been in the lock since 7:03 a.m. Dec. 5 morning. At least eight other vessels are affected by the delay -- backed up as far as Lake Ontario to the north, and Lock 5 to the south.. (Mon. Dec. 5 2005)

North Korean registered 1,652gt general cargo M/V Trizan (built 1967), Lagos, Greece, for Turkey with 1.657 tons cotton seed, drifted while anchored near Thasos Island grounded at Potamia bay -- early morning Nov 24, tugs M/V Dimitrios & M/V Theodoros along with a team of divers & specialized personnel dispatched to site from Port of Kavala. During the night, due to the bad weather conditions prevailing in the area -- grounded vessel broke in two between holds 2 & 3. Some cargo fell into the sea but no major oil pollution was observed initially. Tug M/V Europe sailed Port of Thessaloniki, headed for site of casualty -- arrived Nov 26 & engaged in operation. In the weekend, Nov 26-27, strong winds & bad weather prevailed in area. Various works were performed in site, but main task was to further seperate the 2 parts of casualty. Anti pollution measures continued to be in force. On Nov 28, 2 parts of casualty further seperated. (Mon. Dec. 5 2005) UPDATE>> Capsized wreck of M/V Maritime Lady in Cuxhaven while trying to close one of two large holes in the hull -- suffered fire -- successfully extinguished by fire brigade. Bad weather may furthermore hamper the salvage. According to time schedule intended to turn hull today. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 15 2005)

80,7mt. M/V Maritime Lady(built 1984), with fertizer -- Elbe towards North Sea -- rammed -- by container 6326gt. M/V Arctic Ocean (ex-M/V Norasia Arabia) (built 1995) just left Brunsbuettel locks of Kiel Canal coming from the Baltic. As a result -- M/V Maritime Lady capsized -- her 7 crew rescued -- wreck drifted sinking condition with the tide towards the North Sea. M/V Maritime Lady struck again by 20,000gt. M/V Sunny Blossom (built 1986)-- which grounded after this collision. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Dec. 5 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Sunny Blossom freed by tugs. M/V Maritime Lady has settled on the ground of the River. Elbe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Dec. 6 2005) UPDATE>> Wreck of M/V Maritime Lady which sank Dec 5 off Kiel Canal locks in Brunsbuettel was given up by her Norwegian owners Maritime Management in Alesund day after incident -- ship already had a grounding in 1999 in the St. Lorenz stream in Canada. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 7 2005) UPDATE>> Salvage of the sunken M/V Maritime Lady off Brunsbuettel got out of schedule due to bad weather. Sheerleg "Samson" arrived in Brunsbuettel in the morning of Dec 11, but then could not be attached to the Danish cran barge "DBB Lift 1", which had already been positioned above the wreck. Divers inspected the hull & noticed that 5 of 8 hatches were gone -- thus also the complete load of 1805 tons fertilizer. M/V Sunny Blossom still in Brunsbuettel -- 2 screws of the propeller are missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon.. Dec. 12 2005) UPDATE>> Dec 12 the sheerlegs Samson & crane DBB Lift 1 raised the wreck of M/V Maritime Lady in the Elbe at about 12 a.m. Ship brought "as is" to Cuxhaven, where she arrived at 7 p.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Dec. 13 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Maritime Lady is a new attraction in the Amerikahafen in Cuxhaven since it reached the port in the night of Dec 13. Inspections have confirmed that ship's rudder was hit by M/V Sunny Blossom as she collided with the capsized wreck one hour after M/V Arctic Lady had torn open the cargo hold. The large hole has to be shut now and fixing points attached to the hull so that it can be turned into an upright position by the sheerlegs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Dec. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Capsized wreck of M/V Maritime Lady in Cuxhaven while trying to close one of two large holes in the hull -- suffered fire -- successfully extinguished by fire brigade. Bad weather may furthermore hamper the salvage. According to time schedule intended to turn hull today. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Dec. 15 2005) UPDATE>> In spite of strong wind the sheerleg Samson succeeded in turning around the wreck of the sunken "Maritime Lady" in Cuxhaven. Until night the salvors had worked on fixing the ropes, then the ship turned around within 45 minutes & to be pumped out Dec 16. Then inspections are to commence. They will be difficult as the wheelhouse is completely destroyed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Dec. 17 2005)

52 meter long (1977 build ) Icelandic F/V Hringur -- SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage<< Webfeature. Dec 3 in a quick operation succeeded in refloating the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Dec. 5 2005)

Chinese F/V , with 11 crew -- sent distress call -- capsized in storm 30 sea miles off Zhoushan Island -- all crew rescued from the cold sea. (Sun. Dec. 4, 2005)

Chinese M/V. with sand & 17 crew -- capsized in strong gales along with a cold front from Siberia, 30 NM northeast of Yangtze River estuary -- 12 rescued & 5 missing. (Sun. Dec. 4, 2005)

11gt. South Korean F/V 109 Tae Sung, with 8 crew -- capsized 7:35 a.m. 480km W. of Cape Bono in winds more than 43.2 kph & 4-meter-high waves -- 4 recuded, 4 missing. (Sun. Dec. 4, 2005)

La Spezia, the Georgia-registered bulk cement carrier M/V Margaret dragged her anchor in high winds, hit pier & sank in shallow water just off the Venice commercial port. (Sat. Dec. 3, 2005)

4,441gt. Malta flag chemical/oil carrier M/T Sichem Fenol (built 1985), in ballast -- almost run into pier just outside Hook of Holland. Therefore tugs of Kotug were necessary to guide her into Rotterdam harbor again -- assisted back to Rotterdam by tug due weather & strong current 25 Nov 2005. Sailed 26 Nov. (Sat. Dec. 3, 2005)

13.25mt. Sweden 42 class yacht, S/V Caliso, with 6 crew -- reported taking on water Nov. 30, 300 miles W Cape Verde islands -- skipper made decision that best course of action to abandon vessel. Distress message received by 89014gt M/T Endless -- diverted her course to rendezvous with yacht arriving at 5pm Nov. 30 evening, -- maneuverd alongside tanker -- crew evacuated. Sailors will be landed at tankers next port of destination in 8 days time. Credit for rescue & all coomunications coordination to UK Falmouth MRCC Operations<< Webfeature. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

PIRATE RELEASE>> Kenyan-owned freighter M/V Torgelow, Kenyan port of Mombasa for Mogadishu with 850 tons general cargo -- hijacked last month off Somali coast -- released Nov. 30 by Somali pirates along with crew of 10 -- Reuters reports no ransom had been paid. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

137 Years Ago>> 173ft. S/V Cortland was only a year old when she sank on June 20, 1868. The 173-foot, 3-masted bark was one of largest sailing vessels on Great Lakes. She was carrying iron ore in dark & drizzle off shore of Lorain, on course to pass the passenger steamer SS Morning Star. The ships collided, sinking both & killing 38 people. Bodies washed ashore for weeks. Only SS Morning Star was recovered. Lake Erie is full of sunken ships, between 1,500 & 3,000. Only about 400 have been found, and not all of those have been identified. Now S/V Cortland has been found in 60 feet of water using sidescan sonar imaging. Divers are carefully guarding location of the wreck. This is the Holy Grail of Great Lakes marine history. BRAVO ZULU! (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

24 Nov. 2005 during early morning, in position 20:38.1N - 106:52.6E, Haiphong anchorage, Vietnam. Pirates boarded container ship & stole ship's stores. Port authorities informed. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

20 Nov. 2005 at 0600 LT at Bontang anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded LPG carrier & stole two life rafts and escaped. There were numerous small fishing crafts in the vicinity. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

24 Oct. 2005 at 0430 LT at Lagos anchorage 15 nm from port, Nigeria. Ten pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier at stern from speedboat during heavy rain -- threatened duty A/B & escaped with ship's stores. Port control responded after 3 hours & asked master to contact agents. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

03 Sept. 2005 at 0400 LT at Total jetty, Douala, Cameroon. Three piratews armed with knives & spears boarded offshore tug. Confronted duty A/B and bosun, stole ship's property & escaped. (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

Malayan cargo M/V in collision Dec. 1, with South Korean trawler -- 30km off the island Jindo. Only 1 of crew of 14 of trawler rescued, 13 sailors missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

54mt. German coaster M/V Holmer Ferry, with stones & 4 crew -- ran aground twice on Nov 30 close to German North Sea peninsula Nordstrand. Capt. decided to take route through some shallows & stuck fast. Rescue boat M/V Vormann Leiss of the DGzRS salvaged the ship. During this time the wind blew with 5 Bf. Shortly after being towed off the sand. Capt. of M/V Holmer Ferry then ran her agound a 2nd time -- managed to get her free -- buth M/V Vormann Leiss escorted the coaster to port at Holmersiel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

141mt. M/V Shanghai Pride, with rice -- in collision off Sri Lanka some time ago -- caused considerable damage to her side with 2 of 5 holds being flooded. The vessel limped back to off Colombo. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage<< Webfeature, & her Sri Lankan partners Sri Lanka Shipping Co. instructed on Nov. 29, to start up salvage operations. Additional equipment has been mobilized in from the SvitzerWijsmuller warehouses in Singapore & The Netherlands. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

South Korean fishing vessel -- in collision with -- Malaysian freighter M/V Bung Mas Lapan, China for Japan, in the south sea of Korea -- 20 NM off Chin Island, 472km S. of Seoul, South Cholla Province. South Korean F/V has 13 missing. (Thurs. Dec. 1, 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For Nov. 2005

M/V Brian Hartley broadcast emergency assitance request Nov. 29 -- sighting of red flares -- UK Humber MRCC requested immediate launch of Whitby RNLI lifeboat -- HMS Severn<< Webfeature, responded & stood by vessel while she sinks & position will be passed to the Hydrographic office. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 30, 2005)

M/V Ocean Voyager -- Sank 300 miles offshore of Iran Nov. 29 in 11 meter seas -- water started flooding engine room -- Non-essential personnel, immediately transferred to chase boat, M/V MICLYN Searcher. Meanwhile, crew continued to try to contain the flooding. MAYDAY calls were issued, First to respond was combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3)<< Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 1, 2005)

39,043gt Norwegian-owned, Hong Kong registered car carrier M/V Dyvi Baltic (built 1989) -- willl undergo repairs to her rudder in the Port of Durban after cracks were discovered Nov. 29 -- thought the ship will be out of action for at least a month. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 30, 2005)

General cargo M/V Shanghai Pride, with 11,500 tons rice -- in collision with -- bulk M/V Salam 4 -- with fertilizer -- off S. coast of Sri Lanka, close to Dondra Head. Both vessels lying in anchorage. Understand repair work to M/V Salam 4 has commenced NOv. 13, while the owners of Shanghai Pride are still negotiating with regard to repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 30, 2005)

Danish M/V Sarah Rousing -- obviously did not stop fast enough Nov. 28, when she entered New South Lock of Kiel-Canal in Kiel-Holtenau -- in collision -- with stern of St.Vincent-flagged M/V Silver Pearl. M/V Silver Pearl suffered gash on starboard side. Both vessels underway into the Baltic Sea coming from the North Sea anchored on Holtenau roads. Until the damage assessed both ships arrested by police. M/V Silver Pearl allowed to resume voyage. M/V Sarah Rousing had only minor damage bow &meanwhile allowed to leave Kiel towards the East. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 29, 2005)

Salvage tug M/V Smit Rhone -- sailing in Dutch Amazone Harbor<< Webfeature, suffered engine room fire. Tug M/V Texelbank in the neighbourhood assisted -- tug safely brought alongside & CO2 system activated. RPA patrol vessels RPA 15 & RPA 16 proceeded to scene & RPA 15 assisted fire brigade extinguishing fire. Cause of the fire is under investigation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 29, 2005)

Japanese M/V Kinei Maru No. 8 -- in collision -- with 298gt F/V Kazuyoshi Maru No. 3 -- off Hofu, Japan on night of Nov. 21. F/V Kazuyoshi Maru No. 3 capsized with 2 dead. 77-year-old freighter Capt. Yamaguchi of M/V Kinei Maru No. 8 arrested Nov 27 on suspicion of professional negligence. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 29, 2005)

250-foot barge Piney Point being pushed by the tug M/V Barbary Coast -- 1.26 million gallons of hot liquid asphalt ran aground in Upper James River, 5 miles south of Richmond, Va. Nov 28 - ran aground in vicinity of Meade Landing State Park, at about 4:30 a.m. Nov. 28 morning. U.S. Coast Guard pollution investigators are on-scene. One tank damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 29, 2005) UPDATE>> U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USGCC Chock, homeported in Portsmouth, Va.patrolling the 2-mile safety zone around the barge. Recreational traffic must get permission from the crew of the Chock before transiting the area. Response to this incident is a unified effort, with resources on scene From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 30, 2005) UPDATE>> Cleanup crews completed pumping approximately 750,000 gallons of liquid asphalt from the damaged bargespilling an estimated 45,000 gallons of its cargo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Dec. 2, 2005)

40-foot wooden dragger F/V Giovana engulfed in a harrowing blaze 12 miles off Gloucester -- Capt. John Sanfilippo, 60, managed to jump into a survival suit before diving overboard -- passing good Samaritan boat F/V Carla Maria plucked from icy waters. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod helicopter & 2 Coast Guard boats respnded. Capt. Samaritan doing well. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 28, 2005)

19-foot F/V Coabia Release Me -- fishing with 4 aboard -- 12 miles off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. -- failed to return & missing -- 47-foot motor life boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Ponce Inlet, Fla., HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., and Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Shrike, homeported in Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- all assisting in the search for missing men. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 28, 2005)

25ft. M/V Eye Catcher -- afire 1 mile off off of Koko Head Nov. 27 -- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center scrambled HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point & 41-foot utility boat -- suppressed fire - 3 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 28, 2005)

285gt general cargo coaster M/V Allora (built 1964), Gdansk for Otterbacken with sodium carbonate, ran aground in lat 58 47N, long 13 11E --in bad weather on lake Vänern << Webfeature, in mid-Sweden, 80 NM ENE from Gothenburg , just after midnight Nov. 24 -- considerable damage to her hull. M/V SITC Bangkok refloated Nov. 28, by tug, M/V Pacific Champion.

375gt Honduras-flagged cargo M/V Moby Dick, Black Sea port of Odessa for Beirut with construction material & steel pipe -- sent emergency signal after she began to take on water, 25 NM west of Tilos -- airlifted to safety by helicopter to nearby island of Rhodes, Greece. (Sun. Nov. 27, 2005) UPDATE>> Taken in tow Nov. 28 by tug M/V Megas Alexandros to Levitha Island, where she anchored in lat 37 01N, long 26 28E. Inspection by divers under way. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 1, 2005)

Pirates Free Vessel>> a Ukrainian cargo Liberian flag M/V Panahia, South Africa to Turkey with iron ore & 22 crew -- seized nearly 40 days ago, on Oct. 18 , off coast of Somalia, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said late Nov. 27. Not immediately clear if the US$700,000 (euro585,000) ransom demanded by pirates had been paid, although earlier officials in Kiev had said Ukrainian company ready to pay. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said the ship escorted away from the Somali coast overnight with all crew safe by French vessel -- Ukrainian Defense Ministry expressed thanks to French officials for their assistance. BRAVO!! (Sun. Nov. 27, 2005)

Rentrans Cargo Antigua-flagged container M/V Paper Moon, from the Baltic for the Kiel Canal with paper, ran aground approaching Kiel in morning hours of Nov 26 close to Neu-Stein, l/h Buelk. Now anchored off Kiel Holtenau for further inspections --no pilot aboard --bridge officer had 2.63 promille alcohol -- only embalmers do better. Bt it's onlly a paper moon! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Nov. 27, 2005)

F/V San Giuseppe Star, between Ulladulla and Bateman's Bay when steering locked 6.30pm -- stranded along with 2 disabled boats & dismasted yacht in rough seas off the New South Wales south coast -- rescuing UK patrol boat also developed mechanical problems, leaving her & 4-man volunteer crew stranded with the trawler. (Sun. Nov. 27, 2005)

Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate homeported in Mayport, Fla. USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58)<< Webfeature, with embarked helicopter detachment patrolling in the Caribbean Sea near the Greater Antilles islands encountered Venezuelan-flagged F/V Dona Malula on Nov. 14 found to have a broken propulsion shaft that could not be repaired at sea & found to also have a 20-inch crack in hull that was letting in water faster than could be pumped out. Ship's master & his crew then embarked USS Samuel B. Roberts. Commanding Officer of Samuel B. Roberts, Cmdr. Bernard M. Gately Jr. then directed that the ship be reported as a hazard to navigation so no other ship would be endangered if the ship did not sink on its own. (Sat. Nov. 26, 2005)

Danish edible oil 1,733gt M/T Orateca (built 1982), with molasses -- suffered engine failure in North Sea -- now in tow of UK Coast Guard tug . (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

St. Vincent & Grenadines flag 2,441gt M/V Nadja (built 1985) ran aground outside Terneuzen at 1900, Nov 24. Vessel refloated & towed to Ghent. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

Yan Meizhong, new owner of Chinese M/V, with sand & 9 crew -- capsized on the Yangtze River Nov. 24, detained for illegally running business without any license --8 crew remain missing -- Capt., Engineer of turbine & 6 others -- vessel pulled onto the river bank, awaiting salvage. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

20 Nov. 2005 at 0345 LT at Umm Qasr anchorage, off no 2 buoy, Iraq. Five heavily armed pirats boarded bulk carrier from starboard quarter -- took hostage 2 duty crew on deck & went to bridge where they held 2/O & 2 seamen at gunpoint. They went to master's cabin & stole master's property and cash from ship's safe. Proceeded to C/O´s cabin & stole cash. Robbers escaped in their speedboat. Master & crew received serious injuries. Crew contacted coalition forces who provided medical assistance. Injured crew are recovering onboard. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

19 Nov. 2005 at 2200 UTC in position 29:43.4N - 048:37.5E at Umm Qasr anchorage off no 5 buoy, Iraq. Three pirates armed with machine guns & pistols boarded bulk carrier at bridge deck & took 2/O hostage -- forced him to take them to master's cabin. Threatened master with machine guns & stole ship's cash and master's personal property. Then assaulted 2/O & stole his cash & property. Master & 2/O suffered injuries. Pirates damaged all radio equipment -- took the 2/o to forecastle & then escaped in a waiting speedboat. Master activated SSAS & notified RCC Australia. Later naval ship in area came to provide assistance. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

19 Nov.2005 at 2000 LT in position 10:19N - 075:23W at Cartagena Bay, Colombia. Four pirates boarded tanker from forecastle. Duty watchmen raised alarm. Robbers broke padlocks of forward locker & stole ship's stores together with safety equipment & escaped. Coast guard & port authorities notified & both came onboard within 30 mins to investigate. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

North Korean M/V Sea Magic, with 5 crew ran aground Nov. 23, on a sandbar off Thassos, Greece. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

45ft. S/V Joy for All, from Glastonbury, Conn with 3 crew -- reported loss of main sail, engine & steering -- disabled 180 miles N. of Bermuda amidst 20-foot seas & 50-knot winds. M/V Patriot in the area agreed to assist. S/V Joy for All's master made repairs to rudder & will motor back to Bermuda. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

12mt. S/V Erika, with 8 crew -- dismasted 100km W. of Crete during the night from Nov 23 to 24 -- intensive search by the 110,852gt German container 110852gt M/V MSC Chicago, M/V Hongkong Express & Greek warship Hydra. Hydra was on scene & able to rescue crew with her helicopter. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

40mt. British registered coaster M/V Nordstar aground at Lochaline, Sound of Mull. Clyde Coastguard sent the Lochaline Coastguard Rescue team & requested the launch of the Tobermory RNLI all weather lifeboat to the scene. M/V Nordstar managed to float free at 6:35 p.m. Nov. 24 -- now at anchor in Lochaline. No damage. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

M/V Kiperousa UPDATE>> Almost 1200 large logs from the shipwrecked bulker remain unaccounted for. Total recovered cargo of about 20,000 tons of hardwood logs from Gabon in West Africa will become available for sale at auction to be held at East London. According to ship's manifest 1197 logs remain unaccounted for & believed to be either in ship's holds under water, or may have sunk at sea. Thought all the 'floaters' that washed overboard have been recovered although there are reports of some logs floating perpendicular in the water or slightly below the surface, which makes them difficult to see & navigational hazard to ships operating along the coast from north of East London to Cape Agulhas. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005) Follow This Story

Ferry M/V Stena Forerunner -- suffered fire while lying in the Kiel-Holtenau locks of the Kiel Canal -- smouldering in a switchboard. Due to the effective fire fighting by crew, fire extinguished fast -- little damage -- able to continue her voyage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

Liberia-flagged M/T Sperchios successfully refloated at 1:50 p.m. Nov 23 from Guayanilla Bay in S. coast of Puerto Rico after running aground Nov. 21, morning. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

28ft. S/V Camelot -- sails blown & lost engine power in 12 to 15-foot seas & gale force winds -- 280-miles east of Cape Canaveral, Fl. M/V Asphalt Victory heard crews call for help & relayed message to U.S. Coast Guard rescue coordinators at Coast Guard's District Seven command center in Miami. M/V Asphalt Victory steamed off her course to assist. Rescue coordinators launched a C-130 rescue airplane & an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Clearwater, Fla., to assist in search. U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter working out of Bahamas was also launched to assist. M/V Asphalt Victory arrived at S/V Camelot's position & reported seas were too rough to take off crew. Bahamas-based helicopter crew hoisted crew to safety in heavy seas & weather shortly thereafter. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

Glastonbury, CT. 45-ft. S/V Joy for All -- disabled 180 miles N. of Bermuda, in 15-foot seas, with winds 30-50 knots. Master reported loss of his main sail, engine, & steering. M/V Patriot in area & agreed to assist . U.S. Coast Guard C-130 airplane from Air Station Elizabeth City, NC, launched to locate vessel & provide air cover during rescue. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005)

Japanese 4-ton F/V Kazuyoshi Maru No. 3 -- found 20 km off Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture -- capsized --2 dead -- damage to vessel indicates she may have been involved in collision -- coast guard investigating case as hit-&-run. (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005)

Japanese 19-ton F/V Riko Maru -- capsized 5 km NE of Noshappu Cape -- 2 dead. (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005)

5,000-ton Chinese M/V Anjin , Shanghai for Singapore with steel & 22 crew -- sank Nov. 22, 300km (185 miles) offshore of Vung Tauoff S. Vietnam -- 9 rescued by relief ship from Vietnam-Russia joint venture oil company VietSovPetro operating in the region. (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005) UPDATE>> Singapore sent 10 rescue boats to search for missing crew members. The boats gave up their search Nov. 24.. 12 Missing, including Capt. (Fri. Nov. 25, 2005)

Coaster M/V Natalie (IMO #8906224)Kantvik for Taalintehdas (both in Finland) in ballast -- ran aground W. of Finnish port Russarö, near Hanko, night of Nov 22. -- holed in hull. Later she was able to get off the ground without help & reached Hanko same morning. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005)

China Shipping Container Lines M/V Xin Qin Huang Dao (V.0031 E), Hong Kong for Loong Beabh --lost 6 containers overside Nov. 18. Claim of heavy weather will likely be disputed by cargo interests. (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005) UPDATE>> Determined that upper container in 6 container stack exceeded stack weight by 159% -- broke twist locks & tore deck pads when 6 container stack broke loose & toppled overside. (Wed. Nov. 23, 2005)

Liberian M/T Sperchios, with 320,000 barrels of crude oil -- grounded at 7:30 a.m., Nov. 21-- 1.5 miles S. from the Port of Guayanilla in S. coast of Puerto Rico -- grounding of vessel currently under U.S. Coast Guard investigation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005)

F/V Catherine & Rebecca -- and F/V SS Melon II -- both of Gloucester, Mass. -- in collision -- 7 miles east of Rockport, Mass. F/V SS Melon II sank. All rescued by U.S. Coast Guard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005)

New Bedford, Mass. 42-foot scalloper F/V Seldom Home -- taking on water at 4:33 a.m. Nov. 20. 87-foot patrol boat from Woods Hole USCGC Hammerhead able to control flooding -- safely escorted vessel to port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005)

Crusie M/V Royal Pacific -- removal of the wreck of the cruise vessel which capsized in the port of Kaohsiung, Korea, in July 2005 was completed Oct 11. In 1st weeks of August SMIT Salvage was contracted by the P&I club to remove the constructive total loss vessel. Salvage team & 1,000 ton sheerleg crane "Smit Cyclone" were mobilized to remove wreck. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005)

Somali Pirates Release >> Maltese registered oil M/V San Carlo -- back on its way to South Africa, Nov. 20 -- not clear whether ransom had been paid for release of vessel & crew of 24 -- hijacked a month ago as it was on its way from the United Arab Emirates to South Africa. (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

M/V Samar Star, Samar province for Cebu -- suffered fire at 11:08 a.m. at Pier 2 Cebu City Port shortly after docking, Nov. 21 -- no injuries -- Cebu Coast Guard launched investigation into incident. (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

M/V Maersk Ensenada (built 1998) -- grounded on Cuba during Hurricane Wilma end October. SvitzerWijsmuller salvage experts flown to Cuba and a tug & barge were loaded with a considerable amount of special salvage equipment, flown in from SvitzerWijsmuller warehouses in the area. Salvage team flown in consisted of a salvage master, a naval architect & salvage divers and technicians. Upon arrival of the tug, barge and equipment on site, the N. coast of Cuba, the salvage operation continued in full force. Operation concerned so-called 'regaining-buoyancy' techniques & environmental precautionary actions which included cargo discharge, removal of bunkers & pressurising breached tanks; most of the double bottom of the container vessel breached. With all preparations executed the planned refloat operations last Nov. 16, succeeded in freeing the vessel during 1st controlled attempt. Container vessel subsequently towed to Havana to be re-delivered in drydock for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

106mt container M/V Passadena, Hamburg for Bremerhaven -- in collision at Port of Bremerhaven -- with 269mt. conatiner M/V CP Ambassador -- both ships damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

2667gt, Antigua-flagged 88.2mt cargo M/V Fehn Star -- in collision Oct. 16 -- with the German 904gt river M/V Holsatia -- leaving Port of Harburg for Sittingbourne. M/V Fehn Star leaving its berth stern 1st, when strikingt M/V Holsatia on way from Sandau Harbor to Salzgitter port was hit amidships. Stern of M/V Fehn Star slightly damaged -- ship returned to Hamburg for inspections. Both ships meanwhile left harbor after completion of inspections & repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

SAD END>> Wreck of famous luxury liner SS American Star<< Webfeature, -- which ran aground off Fuerte Ventura years ago is finally collapsing, Nov. 2005. Foreship has started to fall onto its port side, planks from the ship litter the beach. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen See Maritime Matters.(Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

M/V Arco Axe (length 99mt) -- aground in outer harbor of Dutch port of Vlissingen at 07.30 p.m. Tug M/V Walcheren was at grounding site within short time & succeeded in getting free essel shortly after the grounding. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

M/V Samar Star on voyage from Samar province -- arrived at Pier 2 of Cebu City Port -- shortly after docking suffered fire. (Sun. Nov. 20, 2005)

441ft. K-Sea Transportation << Webfeature, barge, with 5 million gallons of thick oil -- capsized 100 miles E. of Galveston -- starboard cargo tank contained about 563,000 gallons of oil damaged sometime after barge capsized -- 4 mile safety zone around barge in effect & U.S. Coast Guard is investigating incident. (Sun. Nov. 20, 2005)

Tug M/V Holly Ann heading S. along the shore of Lake Michigan near Holland towing 2 hopper barges -- 1 barge broke free & presently beached at Holland State Park, just north of breakwater for Holland harbor entrance -- tug lost power & steering -- tug & remaining barge pushed inside breakwall & on rocks which protect the structure -- other barge broke loose & driven on beach to the N. Plans to remove unknown at this time. (Sun. Nov. 20, 2005)

PIRATE RELEASE>> Maltese-owned M/T San Carlo, with cargo of gas & 24 crew -- freed by Somali pirates after holding them hostage for almost one month off Somalia's north-east coast -- making way to her original destination South Africa. Still 6 ships being held along with crews by pirates. Thousands of merchant ships move down past Somali coast to the Cape of Good Hope every year.(Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

Republic of Korea cargo vessel sank with crew in lifeboats -- COSCO container vessel received SOS signals on its way back from Australia on Nov. 19 -- found a sinking ship at 12:20 -- COSCO vessel resued 20-- 1 missing. (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

Chinese M/T Tong Cheng 818 with 799 tons of liquidized gas from Dalian, Liaoning Province caught in cold front from Siberia on Nov. 14 -- swamped during bad weather in East China Sea, 100 sea miles from Sheshan Hill . All 14 crew saved from the sinking vessel by rescuers from the Shanghai-based Donghai Rescue Bureau on Nov. 14. Rescue boats & crane ship managed to approach M/T Tong Cheng 818 next morning. With winds still blowing at up to 88km an hour, rescue work progressed slowly -- crane finally raised ship early Nov. 18 morning. (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

Chinese cargo vessel, with 4,880t of steel materials -- in collision with container ship -- after losing control on Huangpu River about 6:15am Nov. 18 morning. (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

14,236gt container M/V SITC Bangkok (built 2002), Thailand for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam -- grounded Nov. 1, in lat 09 59.01N, long 103 08.44E, on Nov 11. Salvage crew on scene & tug proceeding from Singapore. Cargo, some refrigerated not affected . Still aground. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005) UPDATE>> M/V SITC Bangkok refloated Nov. 28, by tug, M/V Pacific Champion. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 1, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

ALERT>> Somalia - NE &Eastern Coast >> 32 incidents have been reported since 15 March 20005. Heavily armed pirates are now attacking ships further away from the coast. Ships not making scheduled calls at Somali ports are advised to keep at least 200 nm from the Somali coast.

07 Nov. 2005 at 0600 UTC in position 04:28N - 048:01E, east coast of Somalia. Pirates hijacked general cargo ship underway -- demanded ransom for release of vessel. This is 4th incident off Somalia since 05 Nov. 2004 in this area. Ships again advised to keep at least 200 nm off Somali coast. (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

Swedish 158mt. RoRo-ferry Nordoe-Line M/V Finnsailor (built 1987), Luebeck-Travemuende (Germany) for Malmoe with trucks -- in collision Oct. 13 -- with Malta-flagged Polish 199mt. M/V General Grot-Rowecki, for Ventspils -- tug M/V Fairplay 25, environment protection ship M/V Arkona, the rescue boat M/V Theo Fischer & patrol boat M/V BG 26 as well as a police helicopter rushed to scene. M/V General Grot-Rowecki suffered flooding in a hold after ballast tank on port side torn open. Both vessels towed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

M/V Enol Frio -- underway to India for scrap under her own power suddenly started taking water under South African coast, SMIT Amandla SKUA & with some pumps vessel pumped to a stable position again. M/V Enol Frio will carry on her voyage when repairs are completedv -- dispatched the tug M/V Pentow to assist. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

1,900dwt. Antgua flagged coaster M/V Helse (built 1992) (Ex- Hanse Carrier) (home port St. Johns) -- in collision Oct. 18 with -- west jetty of German port Buesum at 1 p.m. when entering port. Both jetty & ship were severely damaged -- bow damaged when hitting jetty at right angle -- had on board a pilot. Police started investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK>> Greek registered vessel, chartered by Messrs Yinka Folawiyo & Sons Ltd, M/V Media K, with 14,100mt bulk cement -- raided by armed priates who stormed vessel outside bar, some 15 NM outside Lagos Port Complex, Nigeria -- delayed at sea for some days, owing to port congestion being experienced in Nigeria currently. Captain Fassulis Hristos, a Greek national, was very reluctant to talk to authorities. Although no life was lost during raid, Daily Sun newspaper reports that pirates collected reasonable ransom from vessel for her release. (Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005)

Vietnam origin M/V Bright Sun (ex-M/V Loukia G & M/V Star Michalis -- built 1985), with 22 crew, sank off the coast of Laoag City -- crew rescue difficult 25km (15 miles) from Laoag city in N. province of Ilocos So. off Philippine coast -- reported Nov. 17. Vessel details no known. At least 1 crew missing. (Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005) UPDATE>> Ship's engineer is still missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005) UPDATE>> Body of ship's engineer Jerome Classens, who fell overboard near St Francis Bay last week, has been found. (Tues. Nov. 22, 2005)

14,236gt Turkish flag container M/V Bangkok (built 2002), Thailand for Ho Chi Minh City (built 2002) -- aground in lat 09 59.01N, long 103 08.44E off Cambodia, on Nov 11. Vessel's cargo, some of which is refrigerated, not affected & holds reportedly sound. Lloyd's Standard Form salvage contract has been signed with Smit Salvage BV. Some lightering will be carried out onto local vessels to facilitate refloating. Salvage crew on scene & tug is proceeding from Singapore. Reported Nov. 15.(Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005)

Great Lakes tug M/V Kurt R. Luedtke, Sandusky for Cleveland -- lost her tow -- 150-ft. by 50ft.spoils barge found stuck in shallow water in Sandusky Bay, 2-3 miles from Sandusky docks. (Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005)

80-foot commercial trawler F/V Anita Sue, with 3 crew -- suffered engine room fire 36 miles W. of Tillamook Head, Ore. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria launched an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter & Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat to assist -- dropped hand held radio & equipment. Master of F/V Anita Sue used hand-held radio to report that fire had extinguished & vessel was in need of a tow. U.S. Coast Guard obliged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005)

Ro/ro M/V Santa Emma departed in tow of anchor handling tug/supply M/V Rig Deliverer on Sep 21, as one half of tandem tow with bulk M/V Willowglen, bound for Alang, to be broken-up Oct. 7. M/V Santa Emma now owned by Rikan Shipping. There were no crew on either M/V Santa Emma or M/V Willowglen. Following received from Ponta Delgada MRCC (ex-USS Co.Maheno), timed 1746hrs., UTC>> Result of bad weather last night, ro/ro M/V Santa Emma sank in lat 36 53.3N, long 28 14.4W.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Nov. 17, 2005)

MUTINY CASE DECIDED>> Taiwanese F/V Full Means 2 -- Chinese cook convicted Nov. 16, of killing her captain & 1st mate -- Shi Lei, 24, faces up to life in prison for each of 3 counts of violence against maritime navigation. Following the stabbings, Shi took control of at knifepoint & ordered crew to sail to Shanghai, China, where he intended to escape. Crew members subdued Shi 2 days later, tied him up & voted to come to Hawaii. Ship was met by U.S. Coast Guard 69 miles south of Hilo & escorted to Honolulu Harbor. Captain's body thrown overboard & never recovered, while body of 1st mate ound inside ship's freezer. (Wed. Nov. 16, 2005)

Great Lakes tug M/V Kurt R. Luedtke backtracked its original path, did not locate garbage barge she had under tow -- somewhere between Sandusky & Cleveland -- crew does not know where she was lost. Follow your nose. (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005)

M/V Xian Feng Hai No. 1, with 13 crew -- made emergency call to Shanghai-based Donghai Rescue Bureau, saying vessel being battered by huge waves & high winds at 3:40am on Nov. 14 -- rescue helicopter pulled 2 sailors from huge waves before noon No. 14, after their life raft capsized -- 1 of 2 sailors pronounced dead on arrival. Chinese rescue helicopter continued to search for 11 missing sailors from M/V Xian Feng Hai No. 1 on Nov. 15, despite cloudy weather. (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005)

U.S. F/V Fuchsia, reported man overboard Nov. 14, at 4.31am, 34 NM south of St Francis Bay, San Francisco. National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)<< Webfeature, has now called off its search. (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005)

U.S.Kodiak-based F/V Hustler sank Nov. 12, near Afognak Island -- crew rescued & treated for hypothermia. U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak found men floating on debris. (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005)

225mt. Panama-flagged bulk M/V Ever Mighty (bult 1996), with with 63,000 tons of coal, ran aground off the Danish island Samsoe Nov 11, still stuck fast on Hatter Rev.Danish authorities looking for suitable lighter vessel which can dig the load of 63,000 tons coal out of holds to decrease weight of ship. Environment protection M/V Marie Miljø is on scene. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005) UPDATE>> Cargo discharge will start Nov 16 --weather permitting -- weather is very bad at the moment. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 16, 2005) UPDTE>> Lighter ship M/V Aalmeergrach arrived after improvement of weather. As soon as authorities approved plans, 8500 tons of coal should be lightered. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Nov. 19, 2005) SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. at 23.20 LT on 19/11 refloated grounded bulk carrier M/V Ever Mighty in a controlled operation using 4 tugs -- vessel thereafter was towed to Kalundborg Fjord for completion of salvage services. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 21, 2005)

5,370gt Malta flagged timber carrier M/V Black Pearl (built 1980), Finland for Algeria with timber -- cargo reportedly shifted & part lost overboard in 49 01N 05 43W t-- 45 miles north-west of Ushant -- Master called French Coast Guard to report a main engine failure & loss of 2000 M3 of wooden planks overboard -- vessel listing 35 degrees as result of the cargo shift -- taken in tow of tug M/V Abeille Bourbon -- arrived Brest at 1100, local time, Nov 13. (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Black Pearl taken in tow of tug M/V Abeille Flandre -- arrived Brest Oct 13 08 a.m. with a 20 degree list. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005)

Historic replica ship the S/V Duyfken aground in Perth's Swan River -- rescued by Western Australia's water police. S/V The Little Dove, a replica of the original Duyfken ship which in 1606 became the 1st European ship to visit & chart Australian shores, became stuck on sand bar near Pelican Point near Melville in Perth's south. Passengers aboard had to be towed free by water police -- appeared shifting sand in river had been responsible for groudning. UPDATE>> From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

160mt. M/V Spirit of Alpha (built 1984), with with 21,300 tons clinker, aground off Padang, Sumatra Nov. 7. SvitzerWijsmuller salvage tug M/V Albatros (10,000 HP) will be mobilized in from Singapore with the necessary additional salvage equipment. M/V Spirit of Alpha by chance, is a full sister of M/V Kiperousa. The latter vessel ran aground off South Africa mid this year & after another salvor was unable to refloat her, SvitzerWijsmuller South Africa was instructed to discharge as much as possible remaining cargo (logs) from her and weaken her structure. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005) UPDATE>> SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. succeeded in refloating the with clinker loaded M/V Spirit of Alpha at midnight during the first planned & controlled attempt that was executed of Padang, Sumatra (Indonesia). In order to achieve a refloating condition about 4,500 tons of cargo needed to be lightered from the vessel. (Fri. Nov. 25 2005) UPDATE>> The lightered cargo taken out to enable refloating of the vessel was re-loaded & dive surveys had indicated that the vessel was in a proper condition to complete her loaded original voyage. She departed Nov. 29 more or less immediately after the re-delivery. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Dec. 1, 2005)

56-foot landing craft M/V Hustler began taking on water 10 a.m. Alaska time -- OCT. 12 -- S. of Izhut Bay near Afognak Island in Gulf of Alaska -- 2 crew able to make a quick distress call before vessel sank -- HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak able to locate both atop piece of debris after boat sank -- Jayhawk crew deployed a rescue swimmer to assist crew into rescue basket. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

2,0783gt Swedish 158.4mt ferry M/V Finnsailor, German port Travemuende for Swedish Malmoe with 52 passengers & 24 crew -- in collision in the southern Baltic -- with Malta-flagged, Polish freight M/V General Grot-Roweck for Port of Ventspils. M/V Finnsailor suffered some damage above waterline -- able to proceed further to Malmoe. M/V General Grot-Roweck had leaks in ballast water tanks & suffered water ingress in 2 cargo holds -- ship remained stable -- able to head for Polish port Swinouscie. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

Valletta homeport M/V Evermighty, Ventspils, Litva for Polish port Britské with 63.000gt of coal -- aground in the Baltic Oct 12 - stuck fast east of the Danish island Samsoe -- ship developed slight list to port, but did not leak oil. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

74ft. F/V Lade Becky began taking on water 11 miles E. of Cape May, N.J. HH-65C Dolphin helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Airstation Atlantic City dropped 2 dewatering pumps to the vessel to keep the flooding under control. 47-foot Coast Guard rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Cape May escorted F/V Lade Becky into safe port in Cape May, N.J. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

Three yachts in the around-the-world Volvo Ocean Race sustained storm damage Nov. 13 during the 1st day at sea. Disney-sponsored S/V Pirates of the Caribbean & S/V Movistar, Spanish entry, were expected to repair damage in port. S/V Pirates will attempt repairs most likely in Lisbon, while S/V Movistar will head to Cadiz on SW tip of Spain. S/V Pirates is taking in water & S/V Movistar has damage to its swinging, or canting, keel. Damaged yachts were about 160 nautical miles out at sea. (Sun. Nov. 13, 2005) UPDATE>> S/V Premier Challenge of Australia was also damaged in the storms. (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

Maersk Line is poised to tighten its stranglehold on container shipping with a new generation of ships able to load up to 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). 1st of this revolutionary series, probably a shortened version, will be delivered in early 2006, giving Maersk a lead time of at least 4 years over any other line. (Sun. Nov. 13, 2005)

441-foot oil barge DBL 152, with 5 million gallons of a thick petroleum product known as #6 fuel oil, left Houston shortly before midnight Nov. 10, en route to Tampa -- hit debris in the water that gouged a 30-foot by 6-foot hole in starboard bow -- 30 miles off coast of Louisiana -- U.S. Coast Guard said underwater surveys had shown that oil continued to leak from barge & black patches of oil extended 3 miles southwest of vessel. Cleanup operations to continue. N.Y.-based K-Sea Transportation owns the barge, said Nov. 13, the leak appeared intermittent because the oil was thick & sticky. National Response Corp. contractors hired by K-Sea had placed 2,000 feet of containment boom around barge to contain spill & skimmers were on scene to remove surface oil.(Sun. Nov. 13, 2005) UPDATE>> Chainsaw handlers from which it broke lose were M/V Maersk Seeker & M/V Maersk Lifter.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005) UPDATE>> Despite the efforts of response crews who worked throughout the night, the double-hulled tank barge DBL 152 rolled on to its side at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 14 - debris gouged a 35-foot long by 6-foot wide hole in starboard bow, puncturing both hulls & damaging the #1 cargo tank with 300,000 gallons of oil in damaged tank. Amount of oil that leaked out is unknown -- 2,000ft of containment boom placed around the barge to contain the spill, & oil skimmers are on scene to remove the surface oil. DBL 152, owned by K-Sea Transportation<< Webfeature, of New York, is not obstructing marine traffic. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005) U.S. Coast Guard Alert>> Advising fishermen not to fish in vicinity of 29 8.8 degrees north, 093 14.9 degrees west, 32 miles south of the Calcasieu Pass, La. There is a strong possibility of heavy grade oil floating partially submerged or on bottom in area due to the spill from the tank barge DBL 152. (Tues. Nov. 15, 2005) UPDATE>> Diver survey of the barge on Saturday evening discovered a 2.5-foot by 8-foot hole in the top of the number three starboard cargo tank.  It also had been damaged sometime when or after the barge capsized, and it contained approximately 564,000 gallons of oil. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. . Nov. 22, 2005) UPDATE>> Rough weather continues to hinder the salvage & recovery. Today, seas subsided enough for divers to begin reconnecting lightering hoses to the DBL 152.  Lightering is the process of transferring oil cargo using hoses & pumps.  The majority of the oil from the DBL 152 will be lightered prior to salvaging of the barge.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Nov. 30 2005)

Spain's King Juan Carlos gave the signal Nov. 12, to start the 7-month, 36,000-mile Volvo Ocean Race<< Webfeature,marking the 1st time in 22 years the race has started outside Britain. Sweden's S/V Ericsson - winner of last week's in-port race & Disney-sponsored Pirates of the Caribbean led the 7 multimillion-dollar yachts out of the port, accompanied by hundreds of small craft & watched from shore by an estimated 70,000 spectators. The 1st leg takes the yachts 6,400 NM (7,365 miles) to Cape Town, South Africa. The full race is due to finish in June at Swedish port of Goteborg, after some 31,250 NM (36,000 miles) of sailing. (Sat. Nov. 12, 2005)

200 people airlifted from an offshore Pipelaying barge LB 200 which broke loose from its tow lines amid rough waters in the North Sea. Pipelaying barge, operated by Stolt Offshore, had 265 workers on board when it came loose from 2 tug ships about 170 miles NEt of Aberdeen this morning. The Maritime & Coastguard Agency, which was alerted to the situation, said the 170-meter semi-submersible barge had since drifted into Norwegian waters. (Sat. Nov. 12, 2005) UPDATE>> From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Nov. 14, 2005)

Mother Ship?>> Somali pirates attacked more 5 ships in the past week in a sharp rise of banditry apparently directed from a mysterious "mother ship" prowling the busy Indian Ocean corridor. Most vessels escaped, but one was commandeered, bringing to 7 the number of vessels now being held captive along with their crews by pirates plundering the failed state's coastline -- 9 ships, including 2 Arabian dhows seized -- 5 vessels were attacked in past week alone including attempt Nov. 5, to board the Bahamas-registered M/V Seabourn Spirit, with151 Western tourists. This would explain how pirates could loiter 100 miles of the Somali coast.(Fri. Nov. 11, 2005)

58ft. F/V Bold Contender -- issued call on VHF Channel 16 at 7:45 a.m., stating that vessel taking on water & need of assistance off of Lincoln City, Ore. Crew rescued by U.S. Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat & 30-foot surf rescue boat from Station Depoe Bay -- F/V Bold Contender now partially submerged & adrift 5 NM off of Lincoln City, Ore. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 11, 2005)

Panama registered 3,043gt M/V Vera 777 (built 2005) -- disabled & adrift due to steering failure Nov. 3, off Paracel Island South China Sea, south of Yongxing Island of the Xisha Archipelago -- driven by strong current of wind & drifted at for 40 hours at speed of 6 sea miles per hour -- South China Sea Rescue Bureau of China's Ministry of Communications -- immediately sent a rescue team -- her 15 sailors saved, after 40 hours of drifting, by Chinese rescuers. (Fri. Nov. 11, 2005)

Thirty years ago today &emdash; Nov. 10, 1975 &emdash; the M/V Edmund Fitzgerald<< Webfeature, a massive 729-foot ore carrier, sank in the E. end of Lake Superior during fierce storm that pounded the ship with 30-foot waves. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

Ro/Ro 6,753gt M/V Agios Efstatios (built 1975) with passengers & vehicles -- develped a list off Keratsini. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

06 Nov. 2005 at 0648 UTC in position 02:29.3N - 048:28.2E, east coast of Somalia. Pirates armed with rocket launchers & machineguns fired upon RO/RO ship underway. Master took evasive maneuvers & increased speed to maximum. Pirates' boats fell behind & ceased firing. Bridge windows damaged due to gunfire. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

05 Nov. 2005 at 1200 UTC in position 04:26.3N - 054:14.6E, off east coast Somalia. Bulk carrier underway spotted craft drifting 16nm away. When ship came close, craft suddenly increased speed & chased bulk carrier. Master took evasive maneuvers, increased speed & moved away from coast. Pirate craft continued chase until 1400 UTC before moving away. Craft had one derrick -- master suspects may be a mother ship to launch speedboats who attack ships. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

05 Nov. 2005, around 0225 UTC, in position 02:59N - 048:01E, 70 nm from east coast of Somalia. Six heavily armed pirates in 2 boats chased cruise ship, M/V Seabourn Spirit underway -- fired with rocket launchers & machine guns causing damage to ship's side. Master took evasive maneuvers & sailed away from coast. Pirates aborted attempt & fled. One crew sustained injuries to his hand. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

31 Oct. 2005 at 1900 LT at Basrah oil terminal Alfa anchorage, Iraq -- pirates armed with machine guns & knives boarded tanker -- tied up 2 crew at forecastle & entered accommodation. Then they took 3 crew as hostage & went to master's cabin & fired shots at stairs. Robbers ransacked master's cabin & escaped with ship's safe. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

30 Oct. 2005 at 0130 LT at Bahia del sol, El Salvador -- armed pirates boarded yacht at anchor -- broke in to skipper's cabin. Alarm raised & robbers jumped into water leaving behind 2 machetes. Accomplice waiting in fishing boat picked them up. Robbers then fired gun shots at yacht before leaving scene. No injuries to crew. Incident reported to authorities who began patroling anchorage during night. (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

British registered 40mt coaster M/V Nordstar, with salt & 4 crew -- aground at Lochaline, Sound of Mull on the evening of Oct 9 -- reported to the Clyde Coastguard at 6:16 p.m. to have run aground by the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry. Clyde Coastguard sent the Lochaline Coastguard Rescue team & requested launch of Tobermory RNLI all weather lifeboat M/V Nordstar managed to float free -- now at anchor in Lochaline. No damage has been sustained to the coaster -- heading for the Isle of Skye. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Nov. 10, 2005)

Chinese cargo M/V Liaopuyun-777 -- design capacity of 95 cargo tons-- with 77.6 tons cargo -- while offloading 100 tons of bricks at Changhai County Haiyang Island port in Dalian city, Liaoning province -- capsized -- all 46 crew thrown into sea, but 27 rescued -- bodies of 2 men & 2 women recovered by Nov. 9 evening, with more believed trapped inside or underneath vessel -- cargo ships in China forbidden from carrying passengers -- but 39 of those aboard were passengers. Vessel belongs to belongs to Shunda Shipping Co -- 19 missing. (Wed. Nov. 9, 2005) UPDATE>> Death toll now 18, with 1 still missing. (Fri. Nov. 11, 2005)

Antigua & Barbuda 6,406gt container M/V Maersk Ensenada (Built 1998) -- grounded on rocky bottom approx. 60 miles W. of Havana on Oc t. 26 -- some equipment to be used in salvage has not yet arrived. Lightening of fuel & containers commenced Nov 6 -- not known when vessel will be refloated. (Wed. Nov. 9, 2005)

German Navy<< Webfeature, task force off Horn of Africa keeping watchful eye on German cruise vessel in the area, M/V Deutschland, Cyprus on Nov. 9, for Dubai via the Red Sea, after pirates attacked a U.S. ship off Somalia -- according to owner Deilmann shipping Co. (Wed. Nov. 9, 2005)

F/V Zenith BF106 suffered fire in Fraserburgh harbor -- no casualties. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Wed. Nov. 9, 2005)

In the TRANSAT RACE<< Webfeature,>> Trimarans Swiss-registered S/V Orange Project & S/V Foncia capsized W. of the Bay of Biscay early Nov. 8 morning -- 280 miles SW of Isles of Scilly -- French helicopter airlifted crews from life rafts dropped by an RAF Nimrod plane & a 3rd yacht S/V Sodebo lost her mast was towed to safety by a French fishing boat -- truly awful storm. It's also is an amazing story of survival for these sailors who spent 6 hours clinging to their vessels in freezing waters of Atlantic. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005pm)

Norwegian registered M/T Sten Odin, with mixed cargo of 8494 tons of gas oil & Jet A1 (aviation fuel) & 16 crew -- broken down 39 miles SW of Sumburgh Head -- drifting NE at rate of 2 knots --when tug has arrived on scene, should be able to re-assess situation & decide whether vessel will be towed. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005pm)

Unidentified S/V making maden voyage in Lake Michigan -- near Milwaukee break wall -- 55 year-old man is missing after falling overboard from his sailboat which he had reportedly been building for years. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005pm)

Former New Zealand frigate HMNZS Wellington will be sunk off Houghton Bay on Sat. 12 Nov. 2005, at 3pm, weather & sea conditions permitting -- crowds of spectators are expected to head to the South Coast to watch the sinking. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005pm)

M/V FB Al Medina, Guptachhara ghat of Swandip for Chittagong, with 50 tons of goods & 100 passengers -- capsized in Swandip channel of the Bay on Nov. 6 afternoon -- at least 40 people missing. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005)

2,890gt Panama registered Chemical/Oil Carrier M/T Stainless Dolphin (built 1979), Euboea, for Syria with Sunflower oil, 15 crew & 1 passenger -- gounded by forepeak off the islet Agios Nikolaos, 2 NM from the area of Glifas, Greece -- patrol vessels from Coast Guard of Stylida & Volos immediately proceeded to area. (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005)

M/T Maersk Holyhead -in collision with -- Liberian M/T Pequot, with coal on Venezuela's Lake Maracaibo<< Webfeature, Nov. 6, but authorities expected key oil shipping lanes to be unaffected by accident. Venezuela, world's No. 5 oil exporter. Lake Maracacibo<< Webfeature. Collision caused a hole in the Danish ship's starboard side above & below waterline -- carrying about 12,345 tons of propane (Mon. Nov. 7, 2005)

U.S. 55ft. F/V Sea Witch, with 10,000 pounds fish -- battled waves at times were 20 feet & winds measured 50 to 65 miles per hour -- single wave blew out windows in bridge damaging most of vessel's electronic systems. One radio survived, dangling from wires on boat's ceiling -- radioed for help & got an answer from nearby fishing vessel -- crew quickly donned survival suits -- U.S. Coast Guard responded --crew pulled from water -- taken back to their homeport in Gloucester, Mass. (Sun. Nov. 6, 2005)

PIRATE CRUISE SHIP ATTACK>> 10,000gt luxury 440ft cruise U.S. owned M/V Seabourn Spirit<< Webfeature, on a 16-day cruise out of Alexandria in Egypt with 300 mostly American & all terrified passengers for Kenyan port city of Mombasa, narrowly escaped seizure by gunmen 160km off pirate-infested Somali coast --at least 2 boats closed in on the vessel & opened fire with machine-guns &rocket-propelled grenades. M/V Seabourn Spirit<< Webfeature, sped off to high seas at flank speed amid a trail of gunfire -- Capt. made distress call & later switched off radio communication to avoid being traced by hijackers -- gunmen sailing in 3 boats later abandoned chase as they could not venture into high seas -- no one injured in botched hijack. So stupid to sail these waters with paying passengers. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005) UPDATE>> 1 crewmember of M/V Seabourn Spirit injured by shrapnel during pirate attack. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005pm) UPDATE>> Reports now put passenge manifest at 151 & 161 crew -- at least 3 rocket-propelled grenades hit ship, 1 in a passenger state room. Vessel expected to reach the Seychellest<< Webfeature, on Oct. 8, & then continue on previous schedule to Singapore (Sun. Nov. 6, 2005) UPDATE>> unexploded rocket ... is embedded in some of passenger accommodation of the ship. (Mon. Nov. 7, 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Seabourn Spirit utilized a new sonic device which SMASHED the attack, known as a Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD<< Webfeature, is a so-called "non-lethal weapon" developed for the military after the 2000 attack on the USS Cole<< Webfeature, in Yemen as a way to keep operators of small boats from approaching U.S. warships. Makers of the device compare its shrill tone to that of smoke detectors, only much louder -- but directed with pinpoint accuracy. One female passenger reported that she escaped injury because she was taking a bath, and not in the ship's stateroom where an explosive landed. The LRAD vibrates your scull! (Mon. Nov. 7, 2005pm) Update>> Your editor has given numerous interviews to the world press over this M/V Seabourn Spirit incident in the last 2 days . It is quite sad that the VOICE of The Cargo Letter should be heard only after a luxury cruise ship near miss -- there being so many merchant sailors who have been killed in cold blood with no public notice in recent years. McD (Tues. Nov. 8, 2005pm)

Int'l Maritme Bureau>> CONTINUING ALERT -- Somalia - NE & Eastern Coast -- "Twenty five incidents have been reported since 15 March 2005. Heavily armed pirates now attacking ships further away from Somalia coast. Recent incident took place 120 nm off the eastern coast. Ships advised to keep as far away as possible from the Somali coast." >>> Despite these warnings, operators of M/V Seabourn Spirit<< Webfeature, Miami-based Seabourn Cruise Line<< Webfeature, a subsidiary of Carnival Corp -- deliberately took her passengers into harms way. Not Our idea of a pleaure cruise. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005pm)

"Modern High Seas Piracy" -- a presentation report from The Cargo Letter which you can't miss. (Sun. Nov. 20, 2005)

Mother Ship?>> Somali pirates attacked more 5 ships in the past week in a sharp rise of banditry apparently directed from a mysterious "mother ship" prowling the busy Indian Ocean corridor. Most vessels escaped, but one was commandeered, bringing to 7 the number of vessels now being held captive along with their crews by pirates plundering the failed state's coastline -- 9 ships, including 2 Arabian dhows seized -- 5 vessels were attacked in past week alone including attempt Nov. 5, to board the Bahamas-registered M/V Seabourn Spirit, with151 Western tourists. This would explain how pirates could loiter 100 miles of the Somali coast.(Fri. Nov. 11, 2005)

Int'l Maritme Bureau>> CONTINUING ALERT -- Somalia - NE & Eastern Coast -- "Twenty five incidents have been reported since 15 March 2005. Heavily armed pirates now attacking ships further away from Somalia coast. Recent incident took place 120 nm off the eastern coast. Ships advised to keep as far away as possible from the Somali coast." >>> Despite these warnings, operators of M/V Seabourn Spirit<< Webfeature, Miami-based Seabourn Cruise Line<< Webfeature, a subsidiary of Carnival Corp -- deliberately took her passengers into harms way. Not Our idea of a pleaure cruise. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005pm)

36-foot commercial F/V Lady Diane, home port is Jacksonville, had 3 crew on board when transmission trouble left the boat adrift in open waters. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Shrike already away from Cape Canaveral Port when crew heard the call. USCGC Shrike towed F/V Lady Diane back to Mayport, where another Coast Guard vessel then towed her safely to the Jacksonville Marina around 3 a.m. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005)

Unidentified M/V ferry, ex- Jangisar, Pakistan -- taking villagers to funeral -- capsized in Arabian Sea off southern Pakistan on Nov. 3 -- at least 70 dead as result of tide hit. Accident coincided with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, normally a joyous occasion following Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Navy divers were still at scene working to rescue any remaining survivors & recover the bodies of victims, Pakistani Navy said. How much can these people take? (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005)

Bulk M/V Furness Karumba, left Moroccan port of Laayoure for industrial port of Kwinana, 20km south of Perth Oct. 7 with rock phosphate -- 2 stowaways found dead in cargo hold -- men apparently suffocated -- crew heard noises coming from the sealed hold full of fertilizer -- geeeez -- what a way to go. (Sat. Nov. 5, 2005)

9,603gt South Korean ferry M/V Panstar Dream (built 1997 ex-Sun Flower Kuroshio), Osaka for Busan with 347 passengers & crew -- in collision with -- South Korean cargo 2,603gt freighter M/V Korex Incheon, port of Mishima Kawanoe, Ehime Prefecture, also for Busan with 12 crew early Nov. 3 in the Kammon Strait between Japan's Honshu & Kyushu islands. Freighter smashed into port side of ferry -- caused a 1-meter-long hole in the ferry but neither ship in danger of sinking. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

Scottish trawler F/V Harvest, British zone in the North Sea, to Peterhead with 6 crew, sunk after collision with 85mt. supply vessel M/V Strilmøy, for Stavanger in the North Sea, E Shetland Islands at 7 a.m. Nov. 4 morning in poor visibility with fog but calm seas and a slight sea swell. No injuries. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

31mt Cambodian general cargo M/V Galina, with 8 crew -- drifting towards land 4 miles S. of Dodman point, SW England. Lost all power on Nov. 3. 2 RNLI lifeboats sent to scene with aim of securing line if necessary. No further details at present. M/V Galina is in ballast & wind blowing at 40 knots from the SSW -- drifting at a rate of 1.5 knots. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

Container M/V Bunga Pelangi suffered 4 overside containers off Littlehampton, W Sussex England earlier this week -- releasing thousands of toy pink hippopotamuses, red turkeys & Christmas decorations -- part of a cargo of 60,000 toys, worth £100,000, lost when ship shed 4 containers in rough seas on way to Southampton on Oct. 31. The Shropshire firm which ordered the toys said locals could keep one each and give the rest to animal charities. Rosewood Pet Products said it could help make Christmas a good one for dogs and cats in rescue homes & shelters.Expect more hippos at W Sussex. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Oct. 2005 at 2030 LT in position 20:47.8N - 017:01.8W, off Nouadhibou inner anchorage, Mauritania. Eight pirates in wooden boat fitted with outboard motor approached bulk carrier. Two robbers boarded via anchor chain. Duty a/b noticed & raised alarm. Robbers escaped in their boat. Port control informed. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

27 Oct. 2005 at 0836 LT in position 08:41.565S - 115:43.911E, Lombok strait, Indonesia. Pirates armed with guns in a speedboat fired upon a chemical tanker underway. Bridge window was destroyed by gunshots. No injuries to crew. Several fishing boats were in the vicinity. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

27 Oct. 2005 between 0001 - 0100 LT in position 01:59.6N - 118:08.7E, off Muara Pantai, east Kalimantan, Indonesia. Pirates boarded a bulk carrier at anchor during cargo operations -- stole forward liferaft & ship's stores and escaped in their speedboat. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

26 Oct. 2005 at 1810 LT in position 06:09N - 053:45E, 250 nm off east coast of Somalia. Five speedboats flashed lights at tanker underway and chased her. One boat increased speed and came close on port beam. Crew switched on deck lights and ship moved further away from the Somali coast and boat gave up chase. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

23 Oct.2005 at 1800 UTC at Zhanjiang no. 2 inner anchorage, China. Pirates boarded a tanker via hawse pipe -- broke open forward locker & stole ship's stores. Several small fishing boats were in vicinity. Authorities informed. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

THEY SAY>> NCL's new cruise M/V Norwegian Jewel<< Webfeature, is the most luxurious cruise vessle ever built -- you be the judge. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

Pakistan's Indus river ferry -- sank Oct. 28 near S. town of Thatta<< Webfeature,70 km E. of Karachi -- 60 people drowned -- accident came 4 weeks after an earthquake killed more than 73,000 people in the country's northern mountains. Vessel overlaoded. Vessel believed taking people to shrine to mark Oct. 28, Eid al-Fitr holiday)<< Webfeature, which follows Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

2,456gt Dutch asphalt tanker M/T Stella Rigel (built 1988), with with 3,800 tons of bitumen -- 25 miles W. of Milford Haven ran into crank shaft difficulty early on Nov. 4 -- adrift without power in Irish Sea -- 7 crew airlifted by helicopter while 4 remained aboard to pilot vessel. Ship being towed into Milford Haven by tug. No injuries. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

Good Samaritan Hero>> 45ft. yacht S/V Serafin, with 2 crew -- adrift without steering 2.5 NM off Waterfall Bluff near Port Grosvenor, Australia. In gusting 50 knot SW winds & rough sea conditions -- container M/V Alexa managed to secure towline to S/V Serafin & began towing her making slow progress in the direction of Port Elizabeth. NSRI Port St John's Station Commander, said: "On arrival on-scene we were met by this monstrous ship towing a little yacht behind it. I can only describe the seamanship of the Master & crew of M/V Alexa as incredible." The man & woman on board S/V Serafin taken to shore & yacht moored in river mouth. (Fri. Nov. 4, 2005)

4,478gt Panama-registered ferry M/V Al Kahfrain -- suffered fire on Oct 31 off Hurghada, Egypt -- underway from Suez to Saudi-Arabia without passengers. The crew of 58 rescued. Ship was built 1967 as M/V Ulster Queen in Birkenhead, Ireland -- able to carry 1998 passenger -- used between Belfast & Liverpool until 1981. Lateron it became M/V Med Sea, M/V Al Kahera, M/V Ala Eddin & M/V Poseidonian as which she traveled for 10 years between Igoumenitsa & Brindisi. Now her fate is uncertain. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs., Nov. 3, 2005)

40gt ferro-cement yacht S/V Spinner Tonga -- began taking on water NE of Coles Bay -- crew reported not in danger & on-board pumps were handling water intake. When & police search & rescue helicopter reached the scene, the 3 crew had made way into life raft & activated beacon. Helicopter winched crew to safety, battling 2 meter swell & winds of 25 to 30 knots. (Thurs., Nov. 3, 2005)

Australian prawn trawler F/V Arafura --suffered terrifying experience before she sank on Nov. 2, night, in Gulf of Carpentaria in NE Australia -- skipper was last off boat & knee-deep in water when he made leap to rescue ship. "I was making a last-ditch effort to try and save my vessel," Skipper Steve Wylie said. (Thurs., Nov. 3, 2005)

110-foot commercial yacht S/V Cedar Island -- for Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- began taking on water 47-miles E off Winyah Bay 28 Oct. -- ship's propellers became caught on unknown object -- lost ability to steer & began rapidly taking on water in 10-foot seas. 270ft cutter USCGC Legare (WMEC 912)<< Webfeature, of Portsmouth, Va. resonded to dewater. S/V Cedar Island broke free of its obstruction at 4:15 p.m. -- towed to port for inspection. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs., Nov. 3, 2005)

Dutch container M/V Stitch Hopper -- sank in sea-canal Bruxelles-Scheldt on Oct 27. During the following days the container load removed & ship raised by two floating cranes Nov. 2. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs., Nov. 3, 2005)

M/V Kapitonas Marcinkus suffered fire on board while down bound in the Brockville Narrows, Great Lakes. U.S. Coast Guard confirmed incident of engine room fire. (Wed., Nov. 2, 2005)

7.2mt. F/V Kaima 2 has not been seen since it left for fishing expedition off Eucla<< Webfeature, 1,400km east of Perth coast Oct. 31. (Wed., Nov. 2, 2005)

32-year-old Frenchman who set out alone from Japan in rowboat 129 days ago arrived offshore on Nov. 2, and F/V Miss Linda towed him last 50 miles to land. Emmanuel Coindre achieved his goal of rowing across some of the stormiest waters in the Pacific, but unfavorable winds & rough water blew him about 400 miles north. Coindre posted regular updates from his trip on his Web site<< Webfeature. Original target was San Francisco, but weather blew him far past target. (Wed., Nov. 2, 2005)

Countryman & McDaniel Law Offices Give Birth>> May God Bless this new joy to the world! Welcome baby SKYE ROBERTS -- 7 pounds 5 ounces -- joining our firm at 6:05 p.m Nov. 1 2005 !!!!!!!!! Mariners throughout time have wished only for fair SKYEs & a following sea. This new enterprise will light the path of proud parents Mary & Cameron Roberts, Esq. , a partner of Countryman & McDaniel -- and for us all. Congratulations on your new daughter tonight. In the true maritime tradition -- baby SKYE is named for the Isle of Skye<< Webfeature, off the the Highlands of Scotland!!!!!!! Please Send Your Conratulations For The New Maritime Arrival << Send Your Letters!!

We wish you always fair Skyes & Happy Birthday our darling,

Countryman & McDaniel (Tues.., Nov. 1, 2005)

Ocean Africa Container Lines<< Webfeature. M/V Doria grounded herself off Angola but was able to return safely to Durban with cargo intact & under her own power where ship entered Eldock floating dock Oct 31.Work on assessing damage to vessel's hull & effecting repairs expected to take at least a month From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.., Nov. 1, 2005)

Greenpeace flagship M/V Rainbow Warrior accidentally struck coral reef in a central Philippines marine park while on a trip to expose impact of climate change in Asia -- has agreed to compensate the park -- aground Oct. 31, at the Tubbataha National Marine Park, a World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, 400 miles SE of Manila, damaging a thousand-square-feet area of the reef -- blamed the incident on a faulty maritime chart that showed the Rainbow Warrior was supposed to be 1.5 miles away from the reef when it ran aground -- blamed incident on faulty maritime chart that showed M/V Rainbow Warrior supposed to be 1.5 miles away from the reef when it ran aground. (Tues.., Nov. 1, 2005)

Australian F/V Eucla -- lost 1,400km E. of Perth, Oct. 30, afternoon 50km off WA/South Australia coast. (Tues.., Nov. 1, 2005)

M/V Umfolozi, which sank in the Walvis Bay harbour on Sep 17, is being refloated but will most likely be scrapped since it is too old for further use. After cargo on board removed, 29 containers placed back on the vessel to stabilize her. Water will now be pumped out of vessel while it is brought to the surface slowly to prevent her from capsizing. Process will be completed by Nov. 9.. M/V Umfolozi declared a constructive total loss. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.., Nov. 1, 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For Oct. 2005

U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command << Webfeature, combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3)<< Webfeature, grounded while departing Malakal Harbor, Palau, at 1 p.m. local time, Oct. 27. No reported injuries or indication of leakage from the ship. Local tug boats will assist the ship in freeing itself. USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3)<< Webfeature, is a combat logistics force ship, specifically designed to deliver large quantities of frozen, chilled & dry provisions, ship's store resale items, technical repair parts, & general use consumables to fleet task forces operating at sea. Cargo stowage capacity exceeds 596,000 cubic feet. With this stowage capacity, the ship can provide the major portion of logistics requirements for modern naval vessels. This enables naval combatants to remain at sea for long periods. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

South Korean freighter M/V Samho Brother UPDATE>> Capsized on Oct. 10, with 3,140mt of benzene & 105 tons of fuel oil & diesel. Combat capability of the Taiwan air force & army aviation came under question after two F-16 Falcon jet fighters & one AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopter failed to set the vessel alight. The Taiwan military has decided to withdraw temporarily from mission to sink capsized South Korean freighter. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005) Follow Our Story<< Webfeature.

Canadian Victoria-class sub HMCS Windsor<< Webfeature, was brought "to emergency stations" during another electrical glitch that caused a transformer to melt and smoke in the vessel's engine room. Incident occurred as the submarine was below the surface. Four navy subs have had history of glitches since they were acquired from Britain in a US$891M deal. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

M/V Torgelow Update -- Somali warlords holding ship with 9 Kenyans have now placed ransom demand -- amount unknown -- 1st time since hijacking of 3 Kenyan ships started 3 months ago that the captors have asked for ransom -- vessel was captured on Oct. 8 between Haradheere & El Maan port. 17 Kenyan & 3 foreign captives in 2 ships were set free 2 weeks ago, some after 3 months in captivity. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

British frigate HMS Cumberland<< Webfeature, encountered smugglers -- British Royal Marine snipers firing from Lynx helicopter blasted out speedboat's engines Oct. 28, 100 miles off coast of Nicaragua in Caribbean & seized U$353M worth of cocaine. Armor-piercing shots crippled all 4 outboard motors & allowed a Navy team from HMS Cumberland, to arrest gang of drug traffickers as they raced across the ocean in speedboat. Operation supported by U.S. Coast Guard. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

Malta flagged 3,629gt general cargo M/V Sea Hawk 2 (built 1976) with wheat -- grounded near Molyvos Lesvos Island 23 Oct 2005, LOF Oct. 24 -- refloated Oct. 29 2000, local time, Oct 28, and is now in port at Mytilene. Vessel prohibited from sailing, pending inspection. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

5,089gt German 135,69mt freight M/V Mystic (built 1988) suffered fire Oct 29 while lying in Szczecin, Poland, at a shipyard. Fire started in a storeroom & extended to a cargo hold. Fighting the fire was complicated due to very high temperatures. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

German flagged 3,180gt research M/V Alliance (built 1988) grounded near Pianosa Island Tyrrhenian Sea 24 Jul 2005 -- loss reported 27 October 2005 by Lloyd's -- vessel under repair through Sept. (Mon., Oct. 31, 2005)

SPECIAL EDITOR NOTE>> This feature was dark throughout the week as your Libby Thompson gathered all the news & contributions for posting on our Oct. 29 return from the airport. McD

HURRICANE WILMA PORT STATUS: Much progress made by U.S. Coast Guard, the Army Corp. of Engineers and the NOAA in getting the ports affected by Hurricane Wilma operational again. The Port of Miami, Port Everglades and Port of Key West have all been restored to full operations without restrictions. Port of Palm Beach and the Fort Pierce Indian River Terminal are open to vessel traffic, daylight hours only. Miami River is open to vessel traffic. Miami River bridges open, but some operating on emergency power. (Sat., Oct. 29, 2005).

74-year old mariner Vic Gillings was rescued Oct. 19th by U.S. Coast Guard after getting caught in a nor'easter off the Massachusetts coast in his 38-year old, 33-ft ketch the Sara Gamp for three days. The Sara Gamp's sail was shredded, the engine dead, winds were at 70 mph and the veteran mariner was freezing cold and hallucinating. USCG helicopter rescued Mr. Gilllings from the water and transported him to a hospital in Boston where he was treated for hypothermia. He was grateful for the rescue, but regretfully left the Sara Gamp adrift at sea. (Sat., Oct. 29, 2005)

The 1,400 Hurricane Katrina evacuees who have been living aboard Carnival Cruise Lines Holiday are happy to be back in Mississippi today. The ship had been docked in Mobile, Alabama since Katrina hit, but FEMA finally cleared the Holiday to dock at the Port of Pascagoula, MS. (Sat., Oct. 29, 2005)

UPDATE: The Ukraine company that owns M/V Panagia, which was hijacked by Somali pirates on October 18th off the Somali coast, has agreed to pay a $700,000.00 ransom to free the 22 crew. Crew said to be in good condition. (Sat., Oct. 29, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

20 Oct. 2005 at 0747 UTC in position 02:13N - 049:44E, Somalia -- product tanker attacked by pirates armed with guns. Tanker hijacked and proceeded to unknown location. Further details awaited. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

18 Oct. 2005 at 1250 UTC in position 06:59.18N - 051:08:39E, approx. 90 miles east of Somali coast -- pirates armed with guns in speedboats fired upon bulk carrier. Hijacked carrier & took her close to Somali coast. Further details pending. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

18 Oct. 2005 at 0040LT at Umm Qasr anchorage, Iraq -- Robbers armed with AK-47s in a blue-hulled boat boarded a general cargo ship and took hostage c/o, bosun & an a/b. Went to bridge and demanded money from master. Fired gunshot, stole ship's cash and escaped. Master heaved up anchor and remained adrift. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

28 Oct. 2005 at 0345 UTC in position 09:17.6N - 012:45.2W, Conraky anchorage -- 3 robbers in speedboat armed with billhooks boarded bulk carrier. 2 robbers assaulted duty watchman & stole ship's store. D/O raised alarm &mustered crew. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped. D/O called port control but received no response. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

A 30-year memorial service for 720-ft steamer Edmund Fitzgerald will be broadcast in a live webcast from the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, to remember the 29 crew lost in the famous Lake Superior shipwreck. The service will commence with the ringing of the Edmund Fitzgerald bell 30 times -- once for each of the 29 crew members and a 30th ring in remembrance of all mariners lost on the Great Lakes. Services are scheduled for Nov. 10th at 7:00 p.m., and you can watch the Live Web Cast (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

Chemical tanker Philip Essberger ran aground on sandbar, carrying a load of aethylen and soda products on Oct. 27 on the Westerschelde (where some weeks ago the M/V Fowairet came to grief). Tugs Barracuda and Braakman succeeded in freeing the ship. The Philip Essberger was anchored afterwards and inspected by divers. Not yet known if the ship will be able to proceed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

Bahama-flagged doubled-hulled tank M/V Alfa Italia ran aground on the River Elbe on Oct. 27 due to a technical failure of the rudder. Tugs Bugsier 15, Bugsier 20 and Butzfleth freed the ship and escorted it to Hamburg for inspection. Damage was minor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

F/V Minch Harvester placed a Mayday call to UK Coast Guard when their vessel began taking on water and sinking. Humber Coast Guard made a relay Mayday broadcast, and two German warships, the FGS-Weiden and the FGS-Groemitz, responded. Humber Coast Guard helicopter lowered a pump to the vessel, and the German crew was able to save the F/V Minch Harvester from sinking and escort the vessel and crew to port. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA PORT STATUS: Port of Miami open for business during daylight hours only with traffic restricted to 32-ft draft. Port of Key West and Miami River closed. Port Canaveral open during daylight hours with traffic restricted to high tide drafts of 38-ft. Port Everglades open for vessel traffic, but entry processing taking place at the Miami Free Trade Zone until further notice. Port of Palm Beach fully operational. Port of Fort Pierce (Seaport) not operational at this time. Miami International Airport back to full operations. Port of Tampa, Port of St. Petersburg and Port Manatee all open without restrictions. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: The U.S. Coast Guard's ability to monitor VHF & HF radio communications from Venice, Florida to Everglades City, Florida has been restored. VHF and HF communications in the area were disrupted yesterday. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

22 students aboard the training vessel SSV Corwith Cramer, as part of the "SEA Semester" program run by Falmouth-based Sea Education Association, rescued 49 Haitians adrift in a disabled and dismasted sailing vessel 45 miles north of Jamaica. After consultation with U.S. Coast Guard determined there were no USCG ships available in the area to rescue the Haitians, the students aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer brought the Haitians on board and transported them to Port Antonio, Jamaica. The school has commended the students for their competence, courage and humanity. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

UPDATE: [See our original story about the S/V Niobi on Oct. 21, 2005] Controversy arose over ownership of the 41-ft vessel after it was claimed that the crew of the F/V Amy Philbrick, which rescued Asher Woods after his father had fallen overboard and drowned, had claimed ownership of the S/V Niobi under a "finders keepers" maritime law. However, attorneys for the crew of the F/V Amy Philbrick strenuously denied that the crew had made any such claim and that the law would not apply in this circumstance, in which Asher Wood and his father did not intentionally abandon the boat. The crew of the Amy Philbrick has agreed with Mrs. Wood, however, that they should be compensated for cutting short their fishing trip to help her son and tow the S/V Niobi to shore. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

18 days after a Gurgaon sailor vanished from the M/V Spar Cetus off the Lithunian Port of Klaipeda, his body was recovered today two miles from the port. His family suspects murder and is asking Lithuanian authorities to investigate. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

Woman aboard Seattle-based fish processor M/V Excellence sustained severe injuries when her legs were crushed after getting caught in machinery on board the vessel while in the Bering Sea for pollock fishing season. Woman was transferred to a hospital in Anchorage where she is reported to be in good condition but facing a long road to recovery. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

UPDATE: The wreckage of the M/V Selendang Ayu which ran aground December 8, 2004 off Unalaksa Island has now vanished from the surface of the sea. U.S. Coast Guard estimates 1,000 gallons of emulsified oil over a 3-mile area. Heavy weather has prevented pollution survey crew from landing on beach, but further attempts will be made. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

Mediterranean Ports of Barcelona, Tarragona, Murcia, Castellon, Gandia, Dnia, Valencia, Malaga, Almeria, Alicante, Bilbao and Pasajes were sealed off for a third consecutive day by fishermen protesting fuel prices. Negotiations continue between the government and the fishermen's unions. Barcelona-bound cruise ship M/V Crystal Serenity carrying 950 mostly American passengers was diverted to Gibralter. Cruise ship M/V Costa Magica which was to have carried 700 mostly Spanish passengers from Palma was unable to leave because of the blockade. Cruise ship M/V Eurostar Barcelona was forced to dock at French Port of Toulon and transport passengers by taxi to Barcelona. The ferry Murillo was stuck in the Port of Barcelona with 302 passengers, and a tanker carrying sulphuric acis and nitrogen is likewise stuck in Port of Barcelona. The blockage is reportedly costing the Port of Barcelona alone 3 million euros per day in lost trade. (Wed., October 26, 2005) UPDATE: The blockade has ended, following an agreement that the government would subsidize 9.5 center per liter of diesel to the fisherman, an increase of 3.5 cents. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: Associated Press is reporting a capsized ship in the Port of Miami and cargo containers knocked off their blocks. Nearly 3 million Floridians remain without power. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says, "We're all hurricaned out." (Wednesday, October 26, 2005)

The body of a woman believed to have been aboard missing 6m aluminum boat Malu Sara has been found floating in Indonesian waters. Five Australians, including a 4 year old girl, were making the 90km trip from Saibai Island to Badu Island when their boat experienced engine trouble. If the body turns out to be that of one of the missing boaters, it will be the first sign of the boat and passengers in nearly two weeks. (Wed. Oct. 26, 2005)

Coast Guard aircraft from Sacramento and M/V Cape Nelson responded to an emergency beacon and rescued four fisherman from a sinking vessel hundreds of miles off the California shore today. One of the fisherman has minor injuries and all are being transported aboard the Cape Nelson to its next port. (Wed., October 26, 2005)

The master of a 34-ft fishing vessel was brought to safety on Oct. 22nd after his wooden-hull boat, the F/V Tillimac, capsized at the entrance of the Yaquina Bay bar in Newport, Oregon. A 47-ft motor lifeboat from Coast Guard Yaquina Bay was escorting the Tillamac across the bar when the vessel capsized. The crew of the lifeboat immediately rescued Michael Riddell from the 19-25 foot waves. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed., October 26, 2005)

A 16-year old Lebanese fisherman who was aboard F/V The Mohana has not been seen October 22nd, and a forensics team has reportedly discovered blood and bullet holes on the boat. The Mohana is said to have been located near an Israeli vessel near the floaters dividing Israeli and Lebanese waters. (Wed., October 26, 2005)

Algerian-flagged M/V Ain Temouchent and the 31 crew members have resumed their voyage to Argentina after 10 days in Nigerian waters. A distress call was sent from the M/V Ain Temouchent when it ran short of diesel fuel following a dispute between the ship's owners and agents. Tugboat M/V Priye arrived with diesel to bunker the vessel, at which time it sailed out of Lagos waters. (Wed. October 26, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: Clearwater, Florida Coast Guard Air Station helicopter-rescued James Quist from 34-ft boat Catherine James after hurricane winds caused him to break anchor. Mr. Quist was suffering from hypothermia, and the HH-60 Jayhawk transferred him to emergency personnel on shore. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues., October 25, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: 37-ft sailboat Puddle Hopper also broke free of its moorings near Geiger Key, Florida. Clearwater Coast Guard again came to the rescue and rescued two people and a cat with the HH-60 Jayhawk. One passenger reported injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues., October 25, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: Cruise ship itineraries have been disrupted by Hurricane Wilma due to the closure of the industry's two biggest ports: Port of Miami and Port Everglades, as well as temporary closure of Port of Tampa. Port of Cozumel in Mexico is another major cruise stop and damaged facilities there have further disrupted cruise itineraries. Some passengers have been kept on-board longer than expected, and other passengers had to choose between shortened trips leaving late or refunds. Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean appear to have been most heavily affected by the port closures, while Norwegian Cruise Lines reports only that it had to change ports of call for two ships sailing out of Houston. (Tues., October 25, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA PORT STATUS: Miami Int'l Airport will resume limited commercial and cargo operations from a single concourse while repairs are made. Port of Miami opened to vessel traffic during daylight hours to vessels with a draft of 32 ft. or less. Port of Palm Beach reopened to daylight operations only. Port Everglades remains closed. Miami River remains closed. Port of Key West remains closed. Port Canaveral is open during daylight hours to vessels with a draft of 34 ft or less (during high tide, 38 ft or less permitted). Port of Tampa was closed on Monday due to heavy weather, but was undamaged. (Tues., October 25, 2005).

A one-day labor strike held up operations at the Durban Container Terminal in South Africa. 11 vessels will be delayed by a day or more. The affected vessels are M/V Ever General, M/V MOL Niger, M/V MOL Oueme, M/V Safmarine Tugela, M/V MOL Volta, M/V MSC Angela, M/V MSC Gina, M/V Terra Bona, M/V Trave Trader, M/V MSC Gabriella and M/V P&O Nedlloyd Teslin. (Tues. October 25, 2005)

Malta-flagged cargo ship M/V Seahawk II grounded near Molyvos Lesvos Island on October 23, 2005. Salvage commenced. (Tues. October 25, 2005) UPDATE: No pollution reported, but booms have been placed around vessel as a precaution. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA: A fleet of houseboats in North Bay Village, FL was practically destroyed, with at least a dozen houseboats sunken or turned into piles of debris. An 81 year old man was pulled from the debris of a houseboat, and a man's body was found floating near a submerged sailboat. One boat owner now left homeless described the hurricane experience as being "like a million planes going over at once. I watched the boats all go down." (Mon. October 24, 2005)

HURRICANE WILMA PORT STATUS: Miami Int'l Airport closed until further notice. Keywest Int'l Airport: Closed. Port of Miami-Dade: status undetermined. Port Everglades: closed to shipping traffic. (Monday, October 24, 2005)

14,921-gt stranded bulk carrier M/V Kiperousa, which ran aground off the East London coast on June 7th, has almost completely disintegrated in bad weather, causing ship to break up & spilling a large number of logs. Helicopters are monitoring the logs to ensure they do not block the port entrance. A 10-ton log caused severe internal injuries to a 9 year old girl when it rolled across her as she was swimming at Nahoon Beach. It is believed that approx. 95% of the logs have now been removed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., October 24, 2005) UPDATE: The wreck of the M/V Kiperousa has broken into several parts, leaving only the bow & stern visible. An SA Maritimes spokesman says that it could take up to 3 years before further Acts of God free the remaining logs from the wreckage. (Thurs., Oct. 27, 2005)

4 fishermen were recovered from a rescue raft by Coast Guard helicopter 102 miles east of Gloucester, Massachusetts after their 43-ft fishing vessel F/V Danny Boy II began taking on water. The Danny Boy was partially submerged by the time they were rescued. The fishermen were reported to be in good condition, due in part to wearing cold-water immersion suits and a timely Mayday call from nearby F/V Joker on their behalf. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. October 24, 2005)

33-ft wooden fishing vessel F/V Cyanna Lei sank at 2:00 a.m. on October 21st at a marina in Brookings, Oregon. The Cyanna Lei was believed to have about 25 gallons of diesel fuel and 10 gallons of hydraulic fluid onboard, so environmental assessment and clean-up have been commenced. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., October 24, 2005)

UPDATE: Dredger Puerto de Altamira, which had been semi-sunken in Veracruz, Mexico since mid-September, was successfully refloated on October 22, 2005 and moved to the berth of a local shipyard. Hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico had resulted in delays in refloating the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., Oct. 24, 2005)

Hot on the heels of last week's drama of Russian trawler F/V Electron fleeing with 2 Norwegian inspectors aboard (see story & updates on Oct. 21), Norwegian Coast Guard detained Russian fishing boat F/V Kapitan Gorbachev and transport vessel Dmitry Pokramovich on October 24th in the Barents Sea after the ships entered the 12-mile exclusion zone without permission. (Mon., October 24, 2005) UPDATE: Bail has been paid for the ships to Norwegian authorities, pending the case going to court. Russian owners hope the ships will be released soon. (Fri., Oct. 28, 2005) FURTHER UPDATE: The Dmitry Pokramovich has detained pending confirmation of bail being posted. (Sat. Oct. 29, 2005).

A fishing vessel located the four missing scuba divers from 28-ft Advance One which had been missing since October 22nd off Belize. Three of the scuba divers survived, but an Indiana woman died in the mishap, in which the four divers apparently tried to swim to shore. It is unclear whether the incident was caused by Hurricane Wilma passing nearby or engine troubles. (Mon., October 24, 2005)

1 man is dead and 3 injured after motorboat Ready to Jet collided with their 30-ft German racing shell on the Harlem River. The four oarsmen were former college athletes who had kept up their rowing workout in the busy waters around Manhattan in the shell. Some witnesses stated that the shell riding low in the water would have been difficult for the motorboat operator to see. (Mon., October 24, 2005)

An unnamed cargo vessel ex-Taiwan has been sealed off by the Veterinary Division of the Ministry of Health at the Freeport in Malta after port workers about to begin transshipment discovered a number of dead birds feared to be carrying the deadly bird virus. The vessel and surrounding area have been sealed off, and the exposed workers have been decontaminated and quarantined. (Sun. Oct. 23, 2005).

UPDATE: We have been bringing you the story of the "hit & run" by M/V Zim Asia which left 7 Japanese fishermen dead (see October 2 and October 3). When M/V Zim Asia docked at Haifa, Israel at 6:30 a.m. on October 23rd, the captain, first mate and the lookout who was on duty at the time of collision were all taken into custody by Israeli Police for questioning. Investigators were also conducting a search of M/V Zim Asia's captain. (Sun. Oct. 23, 2005).

200th Anniversary Ceremonies>> Oct. 20 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar<< Webfeature. On Oct. 21, 1805, the British Royal Navy commanded by Lord Horatio Nelson<< Webfeature., destroyed the combined forces of the French and Spanish fleets off the Port of Cadiz, northwest of the Straight of Gibraltar. The demolition of the French Navy meant that Napoleon's army could not cross the English Channel, thus making his long-relished invasion of Great Britain impossible. The great day was not only a victory for Great Britain, but for the world. (Thurs. Oct. 20 2005) UPDATE>> Queen Elizabeth II lit a beacon at sunset on Oct. 21 beside the flagship on which Admiral Horatio Nelson died leading Britain to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar<< Webfeature. 200 years ago. The beacon she lit by the HMS Victory (The World's oldest commissioned warship)<< Webfeature in the southern English port of Portsmouth was the first of 1,000 1st being set ablaze nationwide to mark the day the British navy battered a combined French & Spanish fleet off the Spanish port of Cadiz in 1805. THIS IS HISTORY (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

9.990gt 886 TEU container M/V Laura Ann (built 2002) in collision Oct. 21 evening with 14.397gt freight M/V Paros (built 1997 Canada) in Kiel Canal close to Fischerhuette. M/V Laura Ann pushed into embankment & secured there by 2 tugs with severe damages. The canal totally blocked for some time. M/V Paros able to proceed to Brunsbuettel for inspection. M/V Laura Ann pulled free at about 20 a.m. on Oct 22 & towed to Kiel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

Chinese F/V Trump Pescotire off the Mormugao harbor -- suffered quarrel with a violent end, when chief officer allegedly stabbed the ship's fitter in the chest with a 33-cm long knife to death early Oct. 21 morning. The fitter died on the spot. Harbor police has arrested chief officer -- investigations in progress. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

17,672gt Malta-registered M/T San Carlo, Bahrain foir South Africa with gas oil & 25 crew attacked by pirates 160km off coast of Somali "capital" Mogadishu on Oct. 19. Officials point out that there is no such vessel registered under the Maltese flag. Officials suggest posible confusion with M/V Pagania - SEE BELOW. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

UK charter M/ Duke issued Mayday off Beachy Head Oct. 22 -- waves had hit & washed over the deck -- passengers waited on a life raft -- Dover Coastguard co-ordinated the rescue then took them to Sovereign Harbor. No injuries. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

UK F/V Kalbarri suffered fire off the Hebridean island of Eigg -- crew found floating in liferaft by local ferry M/V Ossian of Staffa & airlifted to hospital by helicopter. Stornoway Coastguard received a report of a red distress flare to the west of Eigg at 0810 BST on Oct. 22. F/V Kalbarri being towed to Mallaig. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)UPDATE: Salvors succeeded in raising the foreship and placing it on a pontoon. Attempts continue to salvage the stern. (Sunday, October 23, 2005)

SEA CHASE>> Follow This International Incident -- as cowardly Russian F/V Elektron flees to Russia with 2 kidnapped Norwegian inspectors aboard. OUR STORY How could Russia justify this result ? .(Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 Oct. 2005 at 0330 LT in position 06:02.87S - 106:53.57E, Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Pirtates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier from an unlit boat -- threatened crew with knives & stole life raft. They were in the process of stealing ship's stores but alert crew thwarted attempt. Robbers escaped in their boat. Master called port authorities on vhf radio but received no response. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

13 Oct. 2005 at 1230 LT at Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Six pirates boarded bulk carrier at stern. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & robbers fled. Master contacted Customs patrol boat near by & the boat chased robbers for few minutes -- gave up the chase. Jakarta port informed. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

13 Oct. .2005 at 0500 LT, Sunda straits, Indonesia. Unlit boat chased bulk carrier underway. Alert crew raised alarm, directed search lights & activated fire hoses. Boat aborted the chase. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

12 Oct. 2005 at 1830 UTC in position 05:01N - 111:27E, South China Sea. Three speedboats doing over 23 kts approached bulk carrier underway. Ship took preventive measures & boats moved away. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

12 Oct. 2005 at 1600 LT, Marka anchorage, 50 nm south of Mogadishu, Somalia. Six pirates armed with guns hijacked general cargo ship loaded with U.N food aid cargo. Pirates sailed ship to Barawa. Unconfirmed reports say after negotiations ship was released on 14.10.2005. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

12 Oct. 2005 at 0240 LT at Dar es Salaam anchorage, Tanzania. Three pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker via hawse pipe -- threatened duty A/B & stole ship's stores. Port control informed & patrol boat arrived for investigation. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

11 Oct. 2005 at 0300 LT at kandla anchorage, india. Seven pirates boarded general cargo ship & broke into store room. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

41ft 2-masted S/V Niobi, with father & son -- from warm-weather home in Rockland, Maine to winter quarters 120 miles away in Rye, N.H. -- boat usually stocked with life jackets & foul weather gear, but equipment missing & may have been stolen before men set sail Oct. 15 from Rockland, Maine -- seas of 4 to 5 feet with winds gusting to 29 mph -- 20-year-old lawyer Stephen Woods (55) disappeared with his father -- son found alive in vessel 5 days later -- 130 miles from shore, but the search for the father was called off. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK>> Maltese-registered M/V Pagania, South Africa for Europe with iron ore -- 90 NM (167km) off Somali coast, near Puntland region -- seized by Somalia pirates -- demanded US$700,000 ransom for her release. At least 23 hijackings & attempted seizures recorded in the area since mid-March 2005, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Time to do something. (Thurs. Oct. 20 2005)

Cruise ship M/V SuperStar Virgo, Singapore for Port Klang -- in the Straits of Malacca -- rescued 3 crew of sinking fishing vessel. (Thurs. Oct. 20 2005)

Coasterer M/V Ilona M -- sank Oct. 14, with a load of 1200t gravel in River Ems near Rhede on evening of Oct 14. Ship ran agorund on side of river with bow, then stern pushed onto other side of river -- due to current ship subsequently broke in two -- River Ems blocked by wreck since. There are 70 ships are waiting for passage in direction of Emden port in the locks of the Dortmund-Ems-Canal, 40 more in the area of the Eemskanal amd the Delfzijl locks in the Netherlands. Two floating cranes were ordered to raise the wreck, a task which is not easy due to the current. Wreckage now removed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 20 2005) UPDATE>> salvage of M/V Ilona M failed. Wreck shall be cut into 2 halves now & then the river cleared. Recommencement of shipping is not expected before Oct 27 Thurs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. Oct. 22 2005)

56ft Ketch S/V Seafarer 2, with 4 crew -- rescued Oct. 16, by UK Fowey lifeboat, 4 miles south of Fowey -- crew were bailing with buckets with water gaining, and the vessel's speed was decreasing due to amount of water aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 20 2005)

BREAKING NEWS>> a FedEx-contracted Cessna Caravan freighter<< Webfeature, -- had just departed Austin Bergstrom Int'l Airport & was flying at 7,000 feet when it lost power, according to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety. Pilot Michael F. McKenna, 61, tried to make an emergency landing at Georgetown Municipal Airport. Instead, the plane struck utility pole 20 miles north of Austin, then crashed with its nose on the home's sidewalk and most of the fuselage & tail jutting along the roof. Plane was headed to Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. FedEx had contracted with Baron Aviation<< Webfeature, which operated the plane. Capt. McKenna was treated for minor injuries & released from a hospital. No one inside the home was hurt in the crash Oct. 19 night. Capt. McKenna made the classic good landing -- he walked away. Bravo! (Wed. Oct. 19 2005)

SEA CHASE>> Follow The International Incident -- as cowardly Russian F/V Elektron flees to Russia with 2 kidnapped Norwegian inspectors aboard. OUR STORY. (Tues. Oct. 18 2005)

A SEA CHASE ENDED>> Indonesian boat fishing illegally off the Australian Northern Territory -- Australian Customs Service patrol boat spotted the Indonesian ice boat Oct. 18, afternoon near the Wessel Islands in the Arafura Sea & fired warning shots -- vessel failed to respond & Australian Customs gave chase. When Customs & navy officers tried to board the boat, crew allegedly used burning anti-boarding poles, as well as knives &machetes, to try to stop them. "The fishing boat crew deployed anti-boarding poles & set them on fire," a Customs spokesman said, referring to sharp sticks that circled the exterior of the vessel to prevent anyone boarding. The vessel, with 9 Indonesian crew aboard, now under tow back to Darwin by brand new Australian navy vessel HMAS Armidale<< Webfeature, -- due to arrive in Darwin Oct. 19. Bravo Zulu for the 1st voyage ever of HMAS Armidale<< Webfeature. (Tues. Oct. 18 2005pm)

UK F/V Coastal Surveyor -- found on fire & grounded, with 2 crew, 100 yards offshore near Carloway, on W. coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, on Oct. 15, afternoon. Stornoway Coastguard received telephone call from skipper of F/V Jacomar II, reporting that F/V Coastal Surveyor aground & afire at Loch Roag, Isle of Lewis with 2 people could be seen on deck. Coastguard rescue helicopter Mike Uniform from Stornoway scrambled & coastguard rescue teams from Breasclete, Ness and Bragar attended. The 2 casualties were airlifted from vessel & landed at Breasclete, "safe and well". (Tues. Oct. 18 2005pm)

Egyptian passenger El Salam Maritime Transport<< Webfeature, 5,857gt M/V Salam 95<< Webfeature, Saudi Arabian Red Sea port of Jiddah for pilgrimage to Islam's holiest sites in Mecca, Saudi Arabia -- with 1,443 Muslim pilgrims collided with Cypriot cargo M/V Jebal Ali (entering Red Sea after crossing Suez Canal from Mediterranean) at entrance to Suez Canal late Oct. 17, causing stampede among passengers that killed 2 people & injured over 40 -- vessel began sinking after collision gouging 5 meter diameter hole in her side into which sea water flooded into engine room near Port Tawfiq, at Canal's S. entrance 80 miles E. of Egyptian capital, Cairo. At least 20 rescue boats rescued bulk of the 1,350 passengers from M/V Salam 95 before vessel sank 3 hours later.120-mile Suez Canal, which is passage for about 7.5% of world sea trade. (Mon. Oct. 17 2005)

SEA CHASE>> Russian trawler F/V Elektron -- stopped on suspicion of illegal fishing in the Barents Sea on Oct. 15 -- fled with 2 Norwegian inspectors aboard. Norwegian coast guard vessel Tromsoe considering firing warning shot in direction of F/V Elektron, a move which could spark a diplomatic spat between Norway & Russia. But the trawler then changed its route on Oct. 16, "going back and forth" without a real course. In Moscow an official at Russia's navy headquarters said Russia's navy would not interfere in the Elektron affair. An official with Russia's Arctic regional border guard told Interfax news agency that Norwegian & Russian officials were coordinating their response & that captured Norwegian inspectors' lives were not at risk. "The Norwegian inspectors on board the trawler are alive and well. They are not threatened by anything," Interfax quoted unnamed official. Russian Navy won't assist? We thought better of the Russian tradition - these are criminals. Geeez! Pray. (Mon. Oct. 17 2005) UPDATE>> Russian trawler accused of illegal fishing off Norway fled toward its own waters Oct. 18 with Norwegian vessels in pursuit, aggravating a long-standing dispute between the countries. Russia's navy would not interfere, but it dispatched an anti-submarine ship to patrol its northern waters to ensure foreign ships do not enter, naval spokesman Igor Dygalo was quoted as saying by Interfax. Let's see -- Russia will "not interfere" -- but it will not let the Norwegian Navy intercept in Russian waters. (Tues. Oct. 18 2005) UPDATE>> F/V Elektron has reached Russian waters -- accompanied by the Russian anti-submarine frigate Admiral Levchenko which joined her at midnight, "crossed into Russian territorial waters at 0328Moscow time (2328 GMT Tuesday) and are going to Murmansk along the border," said Russian spokesman. Will reach Murmansk Oct. 19 evening. What next for 2 Norwegian inspectors aboard? (Tues. Oct. 18 2005pm) UPDATE>> The 2 captured Norwegians were placed on a vessel that was sailing home. The Russian anti-submarine frigate Admiral Levchenko accompanied the vessel to the edge of Russian territory in order to ensure, a source in the Northern Fleet told Interfax, that the Norwegians left its waters "safely." We are disappointed over the incredible vilolations of Int'l aw by Russia. (Fri. Oct. 21 2005)

HOLIDAY IS OVER>> Cruise Control, which claimed to be the UK's biggest independent cruise retailer, has folded with debts of more than £10 million -- company & its tour businesses Cruise Promotion & Cruise Egypt were put into voluntary liquidation after major investor plunged it into red by withdrawing funding of £4m. (Mon. Oct. 17 2005)

U.S. 54ft. F/V Two-Star -- aground Oct. 16, near entrance of Kewalo Basin, Alsaska, with engine problems -- all 4 crew swam to shore safely & reported no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Oct. 17 2005)

Panamanian cargo M/V, Ulsan, Republic of Korea, to E China's Ningbo with 4,000 tons of pitch & 21 crew -- ran on reefs in Luhuashan waters near estuary of the Yangtze River early Oct. 16. Shanghai Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Communications immediately mobilized 5 rescue ships to the site -- in 8 Beaufort Scale -- all crew rescued -- salvage continues. (Sat. Oct. 15 2005)

48ft. Alaskan F/V MRS, out of Wrangell with 3 crew -- sinking near Grindall Island & abandoning ship on Oct. 14 -- U.S. Coast Guard Ketchikan & crew of F/V Lady May rescued all crew -- vessel mostly submerged, but not completely underwater. (Sat. Oct. 15 2005)

STAR SHIPS - CHINA'S GREAT STEP>> China's Shenzhou 6 spacecraft encountered what Xinhua News Agency calls "rough weather" Oct. 14, preparing emergency measures in case conditions worsened, as the 2 Chinese astronauts completed their 3rd day in orbit without a hitch -- capsule performed delicate operation to adjust orbit earlier in day, and its 2 astronauts were well-rested & in good health. The Shenzhou - or Divine Vessel - capsule is modified version of Russia's Soyuz. The secrecy-obsessed Chinese government hasn't announced when astronauts will return to Earth. But the official Xinhua News Agency provided oblique hints, issuing weather reports for landing site in the grasslands of China's Inner Mongolia for Oct. 16 & Oct. 17. Frankly, we don't get the "rough weather" part for space travel. What? OK, did you even know that a Chinese space mission blasted to space on Oct. 11? (Fri. Oct. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Shenzhou 6 spacecraft now in 4th day of earth orbit. Still no official word on when astronauts Fei Junlong & Nie Haishen might land. Bravo Zulu for these brave astronauts ! (Sat. Oct. 15 2005) UPDATE>> China's 2nd manned space mission returned safely to Earth early today after successful 5-day flight, in the latest chapter in China's ambitious drive to become a global space power. Astronauts Fei Junlong & Nie Haisheng were given a clean bill of health after the re-entry capsule of their Shenzhou VI spacecraft glided to Earth on a parachute, ending up in Inner Mongolia. BRAVO BRAVO ZULU!! Shame on the world press for not covering this great accomplishment.(Mon. Oct. 17 2005)

GRAND ARRIVAL>> Alexandria Bay Fire Dept. in Virginia -- never got the chance to use its brand new US$235,000 fire boat before she partially sank, just after arrival Oct. 14. The vessel, which is docked at Bonnie Castle Yacht Basin, heavily damaged. Officials spent 90 minutes pumping water out of vessel before using a forklift to raise her from floor of the marina -- boat's US$38,000 diesel pump destroyed. Well, the 1st day went well. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

5 Oct. 2005 at 0220 LT at Chennai anchorage, India -- 10 pirates in a fishing boat/country craft attempted to board tanker at stbd quarter. Duty A/B raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers fled in their boat. Port control informed & police launch arrived 30 mins later to investigate. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

4 Oct. 2005 at 1830 UTC in position 00:08.7N - 117:35.6E, Bontang anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded tanker -- tied up duty A/B to anchor cable & stole ship's stores. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

34,000-dwt Panama registered handysize bulk M/V Chang An, for China with 26 crew -- suffered fire off St Kitts on Oct. 9 night after engine room explosion caused serious damage -- 2 crew suffered injuries. Attempts to restrict fire by sealing hatches activating CO2 system failed -- fire spread to the ship's cabin & mess room -- accommodation understood to be 70% damaged by the fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

3,200gt container feeder 91mt. M/V Virtsu (built 1996), with 266 TEU -- ran aground on Oct 14 at 3.45 a.m. on S. side of the canal close to Fischerhuette -- ship stuck fast in an angle of 45 degrees. Tug M/V Kitzeberg from SFK, Kiel, is trying to get the ship free. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

ALERT>> UN relief vessel M/V Miltzow released by pirates -- see just below. (Thurs. Oct. 13 2005)

Alaska F/V Yvonne Denise, with 3 crew -- disabled & adrift. Oct. 11, near Point Alava on Revillagigedo Island -- crew abandoned ship wearing survival suits. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka helicopter crew arrived on scene & airlifted crew safely to Ketchikan. F/V Yvonne Denise drifted aground & capsized. (Thurs. Oct. 13 2005)

Thailand flag 4,685gt M/T Tasco 1 (built 1995), with bitumen -- grounded off Shanghai -- now for Salvors Shanghai Salvage. (Thurs. Oct. 13 2005)

ALERT - Pirates Take 2nd UN Aid Vessell>> St Vincent & Grenadines-registered M/V Miltzow, with 10 crew -- offloaded 400 tons of the total 850-ton cargo of food aid in the port of Merka, 100km S. of Mogadishu, when 6 armed pirates stormed ship & forced her to leave port, the World Food Program said. 2nd UN-chartered vessel carrying aid for hunger-stricken Somalis was hijacked on Oct. 12 at a small port south of Somalia's coast, becoming 4th ship to be seized in region since June. Moments after seizure, Yusuf Indha Adde, the governor of the Lower Shabelle region, immediately sent 2 boats to pursue the vessel but there no reports of the outcome. Somalia has been without a government since 1991. The Int'l Maritime Bureau said at least 22 attacks recorded off Somali coast since 15 March & urged ships in the area to stay as far as possible from shore & keep to the minimum the use of radio communication. (Wed. Oct. 12 2005) UPDATE>> Somali pirates abandoned a UN-chartered food aid vessel they hijacked earlier this week -- pirates left M/V Miltzow just hours after Somalia's transitional prime minister made urgent plea for foreign warships to patrol coast & bring end to a surge in violent attacks on commercial shipping in Somali waters. (Thurs. Oct. 13 2005) UPDATE>> Hijackers Oct. 14, released a U.N.-chartered M/V Miltzow carrying food aid & crew of 10 following successful negotiations with a Somali businessman. Not aware any ransom was paid. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

Al & Alma's Supper Club & Charter Cruises<< Webfeature, in Mound, Minn. yachts, including M/V Avant Garde on Lake Minnetonka cruise for Minnesota NFL Vikings football players<< Webfeature, -- became so out of control that crew members on the 2 yachts were offered money for sex & feared for their safety -- over 90 aboard -- sources said it appeared sex acts took place between consenting adults & that no felony-level crimes had been committed -- sex toys all over the deck -- was likely that misdemeanor charges involving lewd behavior could be filed against some players within a week. Vessels had been cruising only for 40 minutes when supervisors on shore were told of the party & ordered the captains to return. Sounds like "Off Sides" & "Intentional Roughness". (Wed. Oct. 12 2005)

U..S. S/Y Wind Rose, with 3 crew -- disabled in rough seas 600 yards off Flagler County coast, Florida. U.S. Coast Guard swimmer boarded the 50ft vessel after the captain reported did not have full maneuverability & could not cut engine or strike sails -- 1 injured woman -- too dangerous for winch -- assisting the boat to Ponce Inlet, where rescue personnel will be waiting. (Wed. Oct. 12 2005)

67.5mt. Norwegian flag 1,924gt offshore supply M/V Lady Elizabeth, Den Helder (Netherlands) for Yarmouth with 14 crew & 311 tons marine diesel &5,000 litres of lube oil aboard -- ran aground, Oct. 10, 2.5 miles ESE off Yarmouth. Vessel currently pumping off ballast, in order to assist with hoped for refloating at next high tide -- weather conditions southerly force 5, visibility moderate. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Oct. 12 2005) UPDATE>> Norwegian offshore supply MV Lady Elizabeth (built 1983) refloated successfully in the early hours of Oct. 13 after running aground off the UK -- operated by Farstad, was reported stuck 2.5 miles east of Yarmouth on Oct. 13 evening. Yarmouth Coastguard pumped off ballast &refloated at high tide, 0249 hours GMT. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

2,418gt chemical M/T Samho Brother (built 2003), Korea for Taiwan with 3,140 M/T Benzene -- in collision with -- 10,926gt M/T Hong Kong (built 1996) -- minor damage. M/T Samho Brother has capsized -- likely that vessel & cargo a total loss -- but if not, potential claims for salvage & General Average arising from this incident. Salvage security will need to be provided to release the cargo. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

Powerful explosion damaged unmanned French customs patrol boat moored in Bastia's old harbor late on Oct 8, amid heightened tension on Corsica over the the privatization of a state-owned ferry company. Explosion blew a 40-centimeter (16-inch) hole in the ship's side at deck level, as well blowing out most of the windows. Corsican separatists frequently target bomb attacks on unoccupied administration offices in their quest for independence for the island. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

3948gt container M/V Xiang Tu (built 1986), Japan for China with containers -- suffered fire, abandoned & adrift lat 33 58.5N, long 129 11.6E. All crew rescued but vessel adrift & afire Sept. 26. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

General cargo 3847gt M/V Pacific Rainbow (built 1980), Russia & China for Vietnam -- conflicting reports that she has lost her rudder &/or suffered engine failure. She is currently adrift & all crew have been rescued & transferred to another vessel as of Sept. 23. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

Cypriot flag 20,083gt bulk M/V Kyriakos M (built 1976), for Umm Qasr, Iraq with 34,000mt rice -- grounded at bouy No 5, Umm Qasr. A Salvage contract signed with Tsavliris, Greek Salvors on Sept. 6. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

Norwegian M/T Torill Knutsen -- aground in the Kiel-Canal on Oct 7, in position between Gruenenthal Bridge & Fischerhuette, where ship stuck fast in embankment for hours. Then the ship managed to free itself with little damage -- cause was a damaged compass, then the ship came off course in dense fog. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

8,414gt general cargo M/V Sturdy Falcon (built 1980), Vietnam & Singapore for West Africa with bagged rice -- reported ingress of seawater into cargo hold # 1 following damage to her shell plating. Ingress was stemmed by construction of a cement box however, vessel has called at East London (S.Africa) for discharge of cargo & to effect repairs as of Sept. 19. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005)

The Continuing Plight of 2,757 TEU M/V Fowariet -- had on board almost 2,000 containers, 127 of them with hazardous cargo. After the grounding, the vessel - which also sustained a cracked fuel tank resulting in oil leakage which was contained by anti-pollution craft with sweepers - was held in Flushing harbor. There, using three floating cranes, the joint salvors offloaded the deck cargo of 600 containers into barges in order to reduce the vessel's draft sufficiently to enable it to be shifted & moored at Flushing's Verbrugge Terminal. At Verbrugge, the oil was pumped out of the vessel's damaged and leaking tanks, and into a lightering tanker, attended by salvage craft, oil booms & onsite anti-pollution craft, and some temporary sealing repairs were effected. About 1,000 more containers were offloaded at Verbrugge, leaving on board 297 boxes (containing non-hazardous cargo) in an attempt to evenly distribute the stresses on the vessel's damaged hull during transit. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 11 2005) FOLLOW OUR STORY

S/Y Nauti Gal, Durban for Trinidad via Cape Town, St Helena & Fernando do Arhona with 3 crew -- sank in South Atlantic W. of Namibia -- Norwegian car carrier M/V Tristan diverted to look for vessel after receiving a request from the South African Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) -- man & woman drowned shortly before they could be rescued by the M/V Tristan -- sole survivor taken on board the rescue ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005)

Vessel, from Guinea Conakry with arms & other military hardware including uniforms capsized Oct. 6, in the West African State of Guinea Bissau, Radio France Int'l (RFI) recently aired. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005)

Lane Lines << Webfeature, 12,891 gt Greek ferry M/V Ierapetra L(built 1975)<< Webfeature, with 170 passengers & 62 crew ran aground 400 meters off the harbor of Rhodes in the Oct. 9, morning -- Greek Coast Guard evacuated the ship with some boats & brought the people into Rhodes. No injuries. Tugs started attempts to get the ship, which was not severely damaged, free. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005)

M/V David V, with 2 crew -- suffered fire near St. Mary's Point, Alaska, Oct. 5, Good Samaritan crewmen safetly recovered the 2 M/V David V crew from thier life raft. U.S. Coast Guard Station Juneau rescue boat crew & an Air Station Sitka Jayhawk helicopter crew also responded to the vessel fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005)

New Zealand-based S/Y Janette Gay, with 2 crew, Lyttelton on South Island for Cook Islands -- issued mayday call this morning, Oct. 10 -- several hundred kilometres NE of the Chatham Islands<< Webfeature -- yacht battling heavy seas & strong winds. Satellite distress beacon had been activated, but problems with radio meant she was unable to receive messages from rescue center. New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft was preparing to leave Auckland to locate the yacht, which is about 780km from the Chathams. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005) UPDATE>> Powerful winds & 46ft. swells on Oct. 10, forced a cargo 5,000gt M/V Maunakea to abandon efforts to rescue 2 injured New Zealanders from damaged yacht in South Pacific. One rescue attempt nearly wrecked yacht, so freighter's captain & yacht's skipper decided not to try again in current weather conditions. Yacht's mast snapped in storm conditions Oct. 9 night & she has been wallowing since then in heavy seas 485 miles NE of Chatham Islands & 310 miles E of New Zealand. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005) UPDATE>> P&O Nedlloyd container M/V Encounter, for Panama, arrived alongside the yacht about 6pm (1500 AEST) with help from a New Zealand Air Force Orion circling overhead in seas between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. All safe. As well as losing her mast, S/Y Janette Gay has part of her cabin missing & rigging is dragging behind the vessel. (Mon. Oct. 10 2005)

Undidentified New York charter boat captain & 1 of 2 passengers missing & presumed drowned after vessel caught in a whirlpool & capsized in lower Niagara River near Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, Oct. 8. Charter Capt. Joseph V. Marra Jr. of Lewiston heard their cries & maneuvered his boat into the currents, where he reached over with help from his passengers & pulled 1 passenger aboard. Capt. Marra then attempted to save the next passenger, but she vanished into the water. "The boat flipped upside down. They were yelling for help," said Capt. Marra, who was visibly shaken as he spoke of the rescue. "I grabbed one person & we got him in the vessel, and we tried to get the woman. We almost got her, and then she went down." (Sun. Oct. 9 2005)

Yacht S/V Janette Gay, Lyttelton for the Cook Islands issued a distress call has an injured skipper (Back injury) -- S/V Janette Gay activated the EPIRB in heavy seas & high winds -- has since been dismasted. A Roual New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft located the vessel 780 km NE of the Chatam Islands -- is hoped another vessel will locate yacht to pick up the 2 crew at 7.30pm NZDT. From our Correspondent Geoff Davies. (Sun. Oct. 9 2005)

South African F/V Perkop 2 -- suffered injury to fisherman -- amputated his finger after it caught in winch. NSRI launched rescue mission from Hout Bay in Western Cape. (Sat. Oct. 8 2005)

Staten Island Ferry M/V John J. Marchi -- for Manhattan with hundreds of passengers broke down Oct. 7 morning & drifted in Hudson River toward Statue of Liberty before tugs accompanied her to Staten Island. "The lights went out & everything just stopped and that's it," said Alan Aitken, 40, a tourist from Edinburgh, Scotland. No one was injured. The 400 passengers on board were diverted to other vessels. Accident under investigation. M/V John J. Marchi made its inaugural trip on May 202005, -- had her power restored less than 10 minutes after losing it & returned to St. George terminal in Staten Island under her own power (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

2 Oct. 2005 at 2000 UTC at Chittagong anchorage 'B', Bangladesh. Pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship at stern. Crew raised alarm & robbers escaped with ship's stores. Coast guard informed. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

01 Oct.2005 at 1200 LT in position 06:11.4N - 097:06.3E, Northern tip of Sumatra, Malacca Straits. Ten pirates in a fishing boat chased supply ship underway. Crew activated fire hoses & master took evasive maneuvers. Attempted boarding aborted. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

30 Sept. 2005 - Hijacked M/V Prima Indah -- departed Bangkal palam for Singapore on 30.09.2005 with cargo of 660 mt tin ingots. On 30 Sept 2005 at 1300 UTC pirates armed with guns hijacked ship in position 01:28.6S - 106: 41.1E, Indonesia -- 14 crew set adrift in fishing boat & landed safely at island. Ship & cargo missing. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

M/V Prima Indah Description:

Vessel name : Prima Indah ex. Name : Egn-i

Flag : Indonesia

POR : Palembang, Indonesia

IMO # : 9040651 c/sign : yhrf

Off # : 2004 dd no. 1831/l built : 1991

Grt : 940 holds : 2

Nrt : 453 type : general cargo

Loa : 59.43 m beam : 10.80mt

Draft : 5.35 m cargo gear : 1 x 4 ton swl ph325

Color : superstructure/accommodation : white, hull : light blue

Funnel : blue with alphabets "PJS" painted on it

By now Pirates may have changed name, flag & possibly she has been repainted.  (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

30 Sept. 2005 at 2320 UTC in position 05:05N - 051:05E, 150 miles off eastern coast of Somalia. Pirates in fishing boat attempted attack bulk carrier underway -- came within 1.7 nm & master took evasive maneuvers.  Pirates chased ship for 2 hours & finally aborted attempt. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

30 Sept. 2005 at 0330 LT at Abidjan anchorage, Ivory coast. Pirates armed with big knives boarded bulk carrier & stole ship's stores. Crew mustered & robbers jumped into water & escaped in their boat. Port authority informed who advised master to drfit 10-15 nm away from anchorage area. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

29 Set. 2005 at 0500 LT at Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam. Pirates boarded container ship & stole ship's stores. Master informed authorities. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

28.09.2005 at 2310 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Pirates armed with long knives in boat approached general cargo ship. D/o raised alarm & crew mustered at poop deck. Robbers using long bamboo pole attached to a hook attempted to board.  Alert crew used dunnages to prevent boarding & robbers fled after 15 mins. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

28 Sept. 2005 at 0550 LT at anchor off Balikpapan, Indonesia -- Pirates armed with machetes boarded tanker via anchor chain & stole forward liferaft -- tried to steal ship's stores but were spotted by duty watchman. Robbers left machete on board & escaped in boat waiting with accomplice. Pertamina PFSO informed. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

27 Sept. 2005 at Escravos anchorage, Nigeria. Pirates armed with guns boarded tanker & shot 2 crew. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

DRAMATIC EVENT>> Unidentified yacht -- believed South African sunk 300 miles NW of Namibian coast with loss of 2 lives. The Wilhelmsen Wallenius car carrier M/V Tristan diverted to assist yacht & arrived on scene Oct 5 but owing to high swells of between 4 & 5 metres unable to come alongside safely & take off crew. Remaining overnight on station following morning brought similar sea conditions but before crew of 3could be rescued -- yacht sank Oct. 6, taking 1 person down with it, a woman attached to the yacht by her safety cord, while 2nd crew not wearing a life jacket drowned before he could be reached. Third crew, male was picked up & taken aboard M/V Tristan. Name of yacht & identities of those on board was not available tonight. M/V Tristan will be arriving at Port Elizabeth 2 days later than scheduled on Sun, 9 October because of the rescue effort. The Maritime community puts life above money -- as a law of the sea. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

M/V Prinsenborg -- grounded Oct. 6, on River Weser Oct 5 -- inspected by divers in Bremerhaven Oct 6 -- only minor damage found -- ship resumed her voyage with 6000 cubic mtrs wood to Baltimore. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005)

13,340gt Wagenborg Shipping, Dutch M/V Prinsenborg (Call sign PBJF, IMO number 9213090) for Columbus quay in Bremerhaven -- ran aground Oct 5 on River Weser close to Brake near buoy 46 -- vessel manged to get free on her own power -- assisting tugs thanked. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 6 2005)

32ft. F/V Margaret Ann, with 3 crew -- sinking 2 miles SW of St Annes Head -- abandoning to life raft -- made a MAYDAY broadcast to other vessels in area -- UK Angle RNLI Lifeboat on scene confirmed vessel had sunk -- retrieved large items of floating wreckage -- all crew in raft picked up safely, uninjured, by range safety vessel M/V Smitt Merion -- taken ashore at Neyland where met by Dale Coastguard Rescue Team. (Thurs. Oct. 6 2005)

German container M/V Cast Prosperity (in charter of CAST, Canada, oficially M/V Eilbek) in collision with chemical M/T Hyde Park on St. Lorenz River, Canada. M/V Cast Prosperity damaged on starboard side, so that 50 tons of steel will have to be replaced -- accident happened when one ship tried to pass the other. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 6 2005)

Indonesian Navy patrol vessel apprehended M/V Maju Jaya with 50,000 liters of kerosene & 65,000 liters of diesel in Malacca Strait waters -- another vessel seized in Maluku waters. Ships were seized for allegedly hoarding fuel & smugglingin wake of the tsunami. (Thurs. Oct. 6 2005)

49mt gravel M/V Torksey, Hull for Plymouth with 5 crew -- lost all power & drifted off Sizewell, Suffolk, UK -- aground on beach at Dunwich -- taken on water & dragged its anchor, but without any power, tide placed her on beach -- no main engine, no working generator, no navigation lights & no VHF communication. UK Thames Coastguard informed some men, an electrician and a plumber, were recruited from a pub in Bridlington to make up the crew. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

Florida 89ft. shirmper F/V Eric H, suffered fire 90 miles west of Naples, Florida -- all 3 crew missing from Freeport, Tx. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

Australian cargo M/V NT Express -- reversed engines into collision with fishing boat in Darwin Harbor on Sept. 12. Sri Lankan national, Capt. Bandara Dugganna charged with maritime offences today for failing to keep proper look-out, failing to avoid collision & failing to proceed at a safe speed -- facing maximum 2 years in prison or US$10,000 fine. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

Australian 12.3mt. sloop S/Y Warlord, Eden, on the NSW S. Coast for Hobart with 3 crew on Oct. 3 -- feared missing in Bass Strait, off Tasmania -- found safe Oct. 5 after using strait islands to shelter from wild weather -- sloop had sustained minor damage & low on fuel after crossing Bass Strait in rough weather. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

Durban S/Y Moquini, with 6 crew -- remains missing after she went missing & search abandoned -- after Mauritius to Durban Yacht Race 2005<< Webfeature --last made contact with race organizers. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

110mt hopper dredger Puerto De Altamira, sank in Port of Veracruz after having sustained hull damage in early Sept with her stern onto sea bottom & bow still floating -- during passage of Hurricane Rita -- SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage contracted by Mexican based (Dutch) Boskalis Group company Dragamex to refloat. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues Oct. 4 2005)

GlobalSantaFe has located its 2 missing jackup rigs in shallow waters off Louisiana Coast, 80 miles from their drilling sites. The GSF Adriatic VII & GSF High Island III appeared have sustained severe damage during Hurricane Rita, but thorough assessment required before company can determine extent of damage & economic feasibility of repairs. Assessment teams boarded & inspecting the rigs. GlobalSantaFe safely evacuated all personnel from 9 jackup rigs & 4 semisubmersible rigs in its U.S. Gulf of Mexico fleet in advance of Hurricane Rita -- relocated an ultra-deepwater drillship away fromthe storm's path. All of company's rigs insured under a hull & machinery policy subject to a total deductible of US$10M for this event. The 2 missing jackup rigs had combined net book value at June 30, 2005, of US$22.2M & insured for a total of US$125M. Rigs contributed US$5.3M of company's total US$135.3M of net income for 1st 6 months of 2005. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 4 2005)

National Boat Liquidators -- disposing of vessels lost in the Hurricanes Katrina & Rita. We post this for your interest, not their profit. (Mon. Oct. 3 2005)

Pirate Release UPDATE>> UN World Food Program<< Webfeature, cargo M/V Semlow -- hijacked by Somali pirates in June has now been freed -- all 8 Kenyan crew, Tanzanian engineer & Sri Lankan Master reported all safe & well by owner Motaku Shipping Agency. Hijackers have disembarked & security people from El Maan port have embarked. Ransom paid? Follow The Story. (Mon. Oct. 3 2005)