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

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Vessel Loss Dispatches 2005

Jan. Through Dec. 2005

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Year 2005 -- The Cargo Letter

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Vessel Loss Dispatches For Dec. 2005

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Cruise Ship Pirate Attack On M/V Seabourn Spirit News Story will continue to head our news at this time >> See M/V Seabourn Spirit below for the Current News.

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

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)

Pirate Hijacking>> Indonesian-registered M/V Prima Indah, ex-Pangkal Balam port in Indonesia with 660 tons tin ingots & 14 crew -- boarded by rmed pirates off Bangka island in Indonesian waters shortly after Sept. 30 departure -- all crew set adrift in boat but now safe in Indonesia. Cargo said woths millions of dollars. Int'l Maritime Bureau said in July waters off Indonesia are world's most prone to pirate attacks, recording 42 attacks - or 33% of the global total - in 1st half of 2005. (Mon. Oct. 3 2005) UPDATE>> Indonesian cargo M/V Prima Indah -- hijacked off Bangka Island on Sept 30 with about US$6 million worth of tin on board has been found, sunk in shallow water in the area where it was hijacked. Soon after the Sept 30 hijacking, the Prima Indah's crew was released & taken by small boat to a nearby island, but no trace of ship & cargo despite an extensive search. Assumption had been that cargo discharged & sold at a remote location, with vessel turned into a 'phantom ship' operating under a false identity. However, seems that for some reason pirates may have decided to sink the ship & abandon any plans to dispose of the cargo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 14 2005)

300ft Romanian 4 deck luxury Danube cruise M/V Oltenita, Romania for Austrian capital Vienna with 77 passengers from Belgium and Denmark & 42 crew, suffered fire & gutted after Capt. managed to maneuver her to a river bank -- where pniced tourists fled -- near Slovak capital Bratislava -- 1 body found in cabin - thought to be crew - 7 hours after blaze broke out in ship's kitchens at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT). (Your Editor cruised the Danube on a similar vessel, 120 days ago in the same position -- fire safety was paramount. Despite the tragedy, this ia a safe & 1st class way to travel. McD) (Mon. Oct. 3 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Oltenita was 40 years old & once was favorite riverboat of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu<< Webfeature. (Mon. Oct. 3 2005pm) OUR PICTURES<< Webfeature.

MAJOR LAKE LOSS>> Shoreline Cruises 39-year old tour vessel M/L Ethan Allen<< Webfeature, with 46 passengers on Lake George<< Webfeature --launch capsized at 3pm near Bolton, New York -- multiple fatalies -- as many as 20. (Sun. Oct. 2 2005) UPDATE>> 47 were aboard & 19 dead. (Sun. Oct. 2 2005) UPDATE>> 49 elderly Michigan tourists -- 21 dead. (Sun. Oct. 2 2005pm) UPDATE>> In addition to vessel being one crew short at time of capsizing -- officials now say that vessel was overloaded -- because Americans now weigh more per person than when M/L Ethan Allen was ogiinally licensed! U.S. Coat Guard will examine all new licenses in view of this new finding. Geezz - call the food police! From our Sr. Correspondent Libby Thompson. (Tus. Oct. 4 2005)UPDATE>> Shoreline Cruises permit pulled. Dead were 19 elderly from Michigan & 2 from Toledo, OH. At time of incident, vessel was short 1 crew - material as additional crew may have lessened loss of life. (Wed. Oct. 5 2005)

53ft ketch S/V Rebel -- scuttled by husband Mark Bridgwater, 49, who used axe to destroy a seacock, -- when he learned estranged wife Tracey, 42, advertized vessel at bargin price -- quayside crane used to recover her from the water on Sept. 28, in operation expected to cost £10,000. Yacht had been used to sail around Mediterranean as family home. (Sun. Oct. 2 2005)

Breaking First Law of The Sea? >> 41,507gt Israeli-registered Zim Container Line container M/V Zim Asia, with 20 crew, ex-Seattle passed through site off northern Japan where Japanese 19-ton F/V Shinsei Maru No. 3 capsized this week, killing 7 crew off coast of Nemuro, Hokkaido, docked in southern South Korean port of Busan Oct. 2. Officials suspect cargo vessel ran down the capsized fisher -- and ran. A collision mark & an approximately 1-meter-long crack were found on fisher's starboard side. A radar station managed by a local fishery cooperative detected a ship near the site that abruptly changed direction at around 2:30 a.m. Sept. 28. Several large ships in are at time -- but only M/V Zim Asia found with marks of collision. From our Correspondent A L Griffiths. (Sun. Oct. 2 2005) UPDATE>> Israeli ship M/V Zim Asia has now been accused of a hit & run on the high seas which killed 7 Japanese fishermen. (Mon. Oct. 3 2005)

UK F/V Acorn' INS 237, with 6 crew -- issued mayday - taking water in North Sea -- coastguard pump lowered onto vessel has helped crew deal with their situation, another fishing vessel has offered assistance in escorting the 'Acorn' to port for repairs. (Sat. Oct. 1 2005)

Tug M/V Jupiter 6, from Walvis Bay, with 12 crew at end of Aug, towing the 16 000gt bulk M/V Satsung to India for scrapping in India -- disappeared. M/V Satsung found drifting in Indian Ocean like a ghost, her tow wire hanging down into the sea. South African tug currently steaming to scene. Originally set sail from Cuba before stop at Walvis Bay. (Sat. Oct. 1 2005)

2,757 TEU M/V Fowariet --UPDATE (Sat. Oct. 1 2005) UPDATE>> left Vlushing & headed with aid of 2 tugs for Rotterdam with 297 containers remaining on board for more stability. Two more tugs, the oilfightingship, M/V Arca, 2 fast boats & rescue boat M/V Zeemanshoop from Breskens -- in attendance, a runner crew including engineers, divers &salvage inspectors on board M/V Fowairet -- Further plans about a possible repair unknown. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Oct. 7 2005) Our Story

Vessel Loss Dispatches For Sept. 2005

Yacht S/V Loper -- grounded in River Scheldt in June. Being recoverd by Salvors Multraship Towage & Salvage (Fri. Sept. 30 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

20 Sept. 2005 at 0230 LT at Chittagong outer anchorage, Bangladesh. Six pirates boarded tanker & broke open forward store & tried to steal ship's property.  Alert crew raised alarm. Robbers fled empty handed. (Fri. Sept. 30 2005)

10 Sept. 2005: missing tug & barge. Tug M/V Marco Polo 43 & barge Marco Polo 48 in tow from Gresik Java, Surabaya to Jakarta have gone missing since 10 Sept. 2005. (Fri. Sept. 30 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

44-foot F/V Vega, ex-Seward Sept. 20. for Sitka -- flooded -- massive U.S. Coast Guard efforts to rescue 2 crew in Prince William Sound. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Sept. 29 2005)

50ft Canadian F/V Scotian -- reporting vessel taking on water 65 miles W. of Long Beach, Wash. -- crew donned lifejackets & activated emergency position indicating radio beacon -- crew transferred aboard M/V Scotian over to the motor lifeboat & returned on Sept. 29 to to U.S. Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri.. Sept. 30 2005)

3,948gt container M/V Xiang Tu (built 1986), Japan for China -- caught fire & adrift -- all crew rescued Sept. 26. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

General cargo 3,847gt M/V Pacific Rainbow (built 1980), Russia & China for Vietnam --lost her rudder and/or suffered engine failure.  She is currently adrift -- all crew rescued & transferred to another vessel. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

8,414gt genera container M/V Sturdy Falcon (built 1980), Vietnam for Singapore & West Africa with bagged rice -- reported ingress of seawater into her cargo #1hold following damage to her shell plating. Ingress stemmed by construction of a cement box. Vessel called at East London (S.Africa) for discharge of cargo & to effect repairs on Sept. 19. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

M/V Fowariet -- UPDATE (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005) UPDATE (Sat. Oct. 1 2005)

Exactly 11 years after M/V Estonia disaster -- 18345gt Estonian Ferry M/V Regina Baltic came to grief off Sweden heading for Tallinn. The 145 meter vessel had problems with the electricity evening of Sep 27 -- machine failed, ferry ran aground off Stockholm, Sweden. The ship was built as M/V Viking Song in 1980 at Wärtsilä Yard Helsinki &later became M/V Braemar -- then connected for 5 years Kiel & St. Petersburg as M/V Anna Karenina. Since 1996 she bears the actual name & is running for Estonian Shipping, Tallinn. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

Passenger ro/ro M/V Arion, 11152 ts, that had grounded on Feb 11 at Cape Korakia, Chios -- refloated on Sep 16. The vessel then departed under tow of tug M/V Megas Alexandros bound for Aliaga, Turkey, for demolition. On March 13 Matsas G. Loucas Salvage & Towage Maritime Co, who undertook salvage operations, stopped its work as refloating of vessel was considered impossible due to the severity of the grounding. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

EDITOR NOTE>> There will be no update for Sept. 28 -- The home of your editor is in the evacuation zone of the Los Angeles wild fires. I'll be back to you. McD (Wed.. Sept. 28 2005) UPDATE>> All is well. although fires continue. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005)

Japan 19gt F/V No.3 Shinsei Maru, left Hokkaido Sept. 26 -- but did not return -- capsized in waters north from Japan, killing 5 crew members & leaving 2 others missing -- bodies of 5 crew found trapped in overturned vessel (Tues. Sept. 27 2005)

M/V Fowairet, London for Antwerp, with 1200 containers, of which 10% contain dangerous & inflammable goods -- grounding near Buoy 53a in River Scheldt on Sep 20 -- decision made Sept. 23, on discharge of containers from vessel now moored on buoys in Sloe harbour at Flushing -- situation not stable -- decided Sept. Sept. 26 that total discharge of vessel could take long time. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Sept. 27 2005)

34 foot coble F/V Ashleigh Jane, at Newbiggin & Wansbeck, close to Sandy Bay -- became clear vessel had neither lifejackets nor radio on board & crew were having difficulty in keeping away from rocks despite putting anchor out. Rescue helicopter from UK Humber Coastguard scrambled -- vessel's crew were contacted to fire off a flare to alert approaching aircraft -- responded by saying they also had no flares. Mayday signal broadcast into area to alert other passing vessels -- however there was no response. F/V Ashleigh Jane's crew advised by the Coastguard to put on colored oilskins in order for approaching rescue units to be able to see them clearly -- Newbiggin lifeboat found the vessel & managed to attach a tow after she had run onto rocks -- vessel then towed homeward. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Sept. 27 2005)

Somali gunmen who hijacked a UN-chartered food aid vessel M/V Semlow in June have seized another commercial M/V Ibnu Batuta off E. coast of lawless Horn of Africa nation, near the Port of El Maan, near Mogadishu. M/V Ibnu Batuta transporting cement from Egypt to Somalia when it was attacked late Sept. 24, is being held near the town of Haradere, 185 miles N. of Mogadishu, along with the UN vessel. Number of crew aboard, tonnage of ship's cargo & registration were not immediately known. Follow M/V Semlow saga<< Webfeature. International Maritime Bureau said at least 21 attacks recorded off Somali coast since March 15 & urged ships to stay as far as possible from shore. (Mon. Sept. 26 2005)

Houston Ship Channel<< Webfeature, reopened today to vessels with draft of less than 35 feet -- U.S. Coast Guard. That's only for daylight tug and barge traffic, however. (Mon. Sept. 26 2005)

Chinese maritime police captured Vietnamese cargo vessel, with 726 tons of coal & 11 crew, operating in Gulf of Tonkin off N. coast of Vietnam that rammed & sank a Chinese fishing boat off the N. Vietnamese coast, then failed to help rescue its crew, Chinese media said. (Mon. Sept. 26 2005)

Durban yacht S/Y Moquini, with 6 on board, missing since 16 Sept. while in annual Mauritius to Durban race of Royal Natal Yacht Club<< Webfeature, -- news received from search aircraft yacht had been spotted in search box identified as an area in which missing yacht might be found. Position of spotted yacht is 280 NM off Durban on straight line course for S. tip of Madagascar. This was area identified by rescuers as where S/Y Moquini could be -- assuming she was badly damaged & limping home at slow speed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Sept. 26 2005) UPDATE>> search for the missing S/Y Moquini & 6 crew called of this evening -- racing committee said experts consulted before taking tonight's decision -- aircraft unable to find any trace of yacht following a report on Sept. 25 that a yacht had been seen along probable path between Madagascar & Southern Africa. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Sept. 27 2005)

33-metre luxury sailing yacht 133gt Grand Banks schooner S/Y Mieke -- until recently South Africa's last remaining commercial fishing vessel operating under sail -- converted by Cape St Francis businessman to become a luxury fitted cruising yacht sailing in Mozambique & Indian Ocean island waters -- sunk NE of Beira<< Webfeature,-- all 6 crew able to scramble into rubber inflatable shortly before S/Y Mieke sank & made their way ashore. (Mon. Sept. 26 2005)

28ft. S/V Saranadie, Biloxi, Miss. for Panama City, radioed U.S. Coast Guard Sept. 14, that sole sailor experiencing stroke-like symptoms. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile immediately issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) to vessels nearby to render assistance, & consulted a Coast Guard flight surgeon who recommended airlifting McMillen to shore for further medical treatment. U.S. Navy ship USS Bataan (LHD 5)<< Webfeature, reported itself only 7 miles from Gary McMillen, 59, & responded. USS Bataan launched an H-60 helicopter at 8:53 a.m., airlifted McMillen at 9:30 a.m. & flew him to USNS Comfort hospital ship T-AH20<< Webfeature, - placed in care of Navy medical officers. (Sun. Sept. 25 2005)

USS Alabama (BB 60)<< Webfeature, has weathered the storms at Mobile -- but with damage to her support facilities. Bravo Zulu! (Sun. Sept. 25 2005)

American Assn. of Ports<< Webfeature,-- Hurricane updates. (Sun. Sept. 25 2005)

Egyptian cruise M/V Helio, suffered fire on Sept. 24, morning, but 86 Irish tourists rescued safely in Aswan in southern Egypt where the Luxor-Aswan Nile cruise docked -- fire broke out in stern of vessel owned by Travco Travel Agency<< Webfeature. Six fire brigades rushed to scene & all tourists were rescued & moved to a nearby hotel. Initial losses estimated at US$175,438 but there were no losses in human lives or luggage -- fire damaged kitchen, restaurant, 8 cabins & the engine. (Sat. Sept. 24 2005)

Anchorage based U.S. Coastguard Maritime Safety & Security Team (MSST) boat capsized with 4 crew aboard while enforcing the security zone around the Alyeska terminal<< Webfeature, in the Port of Valdez, Sept. 20. Two additional nearby MSST boat crews recovered the 4 crewmen from the water. Crewmen from the capsized boat were transported to the hospital for precautionary screening and released.  One crewman suffered minor abrasions to his head & hand. (Sat. Sept. 24 2005)

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) general cargo M/V Melissa, Russia for Istanbul with 8 crew -- found half-sunken in middle of sea off Sinop province -- all crew rescued & hospitalized in Sinop -- survivors said water started to ooze due to hole in cargo hold -- had to abandon ship -- impossible to repair. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

Suspension of Jones Act>> If Hurricane Rita disrupts U.S. petroleum supplies, the Bush administration may again waive a restrictive shipping law so foreign vessels can transport crude oil & gasoline between U.S. ports, a government source said Sept. 23. After last month's Hurricane Katrina, the administration temporarily suspended the Jones Act<< Webfeature, which mandates that only U.S.-owned ships carry passengers & cargo between U.S. ports. That waiver has expired, except for moving loaned crude oil from the government's Strategic Petroleum Reserve<< Webfeature, to refineries that lost supply due to Katrina. Waiving the law again is an option for the administration if Rita causes similar supply disruptions, but no decision has been made yet whether to do so, according to a government source knowledgeable about the matter. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

ALERT>> Chinese F/V Fuyuan 123 taken under fire by Indonesian Navy & detained crew 19Sept., in Arafura Sea off the Papua Island -- wounding 2 crew. The 10 crew including wounded still detained in Indonesia. Immediately after incident occurred, Chinese Foreign Ministry & Chinese Embassy in Jakarta lodged solemn representations to Indonesia in objection to the incident. Indonesian Navy fired 13 rounds at the Chinese boat for illegal fishing after vessel refused to heave to. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

Canadian frigates began heading home from the storm-ravaged U.S. Gulf Coast Sept. 23, after waiting to see if they were needed in the region as Hurricane Rita barreled toward the Texas coastline. HMCS Toronto<< Webfeature, & HMCS Ville de Quebec<< Webfeature, had been berthed in Mayport, Fla., since Sept. 20, as Defense officials watched track of the powerful Category 3 storm, which was downgraded from a monster Category 5 hurricane. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 Sept. 2005 at 2210 LT at Cochin oil terminal, India. Eight pirates boarded tanker at berth during cargo operations & escaped with ship's stores. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

16 Sept. 2005 at 1220 LT in position 05:10N - 004:03W, anchored off Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Three pirates armed with knives & steel bar boarded chemical tanker via anchor chain. D/O raised alarm; crew mustered & secured access doors. Robbers escaped empty handed in small boats at 1245 LT.  Port control informed. Master heaved up anchor & proceeded south to drift. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

14 Sept. 2005 at 1400 LT at Jakarta breakwater entrance, Indonesia. Seven armed pirates boarded bulk carrier entering port. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

14 Sept. 2005 at 0415 LT at Tanjung Priok tanker anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia. Four armed pirates boarded product tanker -- broke into E/R & threatened crew with pistol -- stole engine spares & escaped. Port control informed. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

13 Sept. .2005 at 2140 UTC at Chennai outer anchorage, India. Four pirates boarded general cargo ship via poop deck. Crew spotted & raised alarm.  Robbers escaped in speedboat empty handed. Authorities informed & marine police arrived for investigation. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

13 Sept. 2005 at 0200 LT at Mahajunga port, Madagascar. Eight pirates boarded tanker at berth -- broke open bosun store & stole ship's stores -- escaped in boat. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

48ft charter UK yacht S/Y Aislig Bheag -- at 1240 Sept. 22, reporting electrical fire & required immediate evacuation. UK Clyde Coastguard advised skipper of vessel to ensure that all onboard had lifejackets on & launch liferaft on lee side of vessel -- fire had been put out but still smouldering -- 8 people onboard evacuated to Oban RNLI Lifeboat<< Webfeature, & yacht was towed back into Oban by the lifeboat -- 4 treated for smoke inhalation at Oban Hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Sept. 23 2005)

34-ft-sloop S/V Irish Mist -- sent mayday call when heading from Virginia for Sweden on 42.58N 042.59W -- motor damaged & ship sprang leak. Container M/V Ducan Island came to her aid Sept. 17 -- but while attempting to climb onto the ship -- rescuing crewman fell back into sea & drowned. S/V Irish Mist went adrift afterwards, but was still seen afloat 2 days later. At the time of the accident waves were 2-3 m high -- wind was up to 20 knots. Exact cicumstances of the incident are a bit mysterious. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Sept. 22 2005)

Capt. Asking Directios Before Running Aground>> UK yacht S/Y Sinoma on passage from Crinan to Falkirk with lady Capt. & 3 teenagers on board -- asking if she had a problem. She informed Clyde Coastguard that she was aground somewhere on River Clyde. She was requested to remain on vessel with teenagers. All rescued. UK Helensburgh Coastguard rescue team were able to walk out to the vessel & secure it until it re-floated on next tide. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Sept. 22 2005)

UK F/V Pisces hit land off Strathy Point, on north coast of Scotland & sank -- UK Aberdeen Coastguard reacted with speed -- all rescued in the middle of the night by Thurso Lifeboat<< Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Sept. 22 2005)

Indonesian warship opened fire on Chinese fishing fleet from its 20mm gun -- suspected of using illegal nets, killing 1 crew & wounding 2 others -- 4 Chinese fishing boats did not respond to radio & visual signals from the warship & tried to flee after warning shots were fired on Sept. 19 in Arafuru Sea off Papua Island -- 3 other fishing vessels escaped from the scene & Indonesian naval vessels in area searched for them. (Thurs. Sept. 22 2005)

8,328-gt charter to Durban-based, Cyprus flagged Ocean Africa Container Lines<< Webfeature, container M/V Umfolozion( built 1982) Walvis Bay bound for Cape Town Sept. 16 -- in collision with -- National Ports Authority dredger M/V Ingwenya outside Walvis Bay -- outside Walvis Bay -- no injuries -- both vessels able to enter harbor. M/V Umfolozion currently sitting in safe position on her bottom at shallow berth, with her decks & superstructure above waterline. Fuel leaking from rupture in tanks but this has been contained by means of booms surrounding the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005)

4,8154gt container M/V Fowairet ran aground on Sep 20 one hour after flood when passing the Dutch river Schelde upstream, close to buoy 53a. Tugs M/V Barracuda, M/V Gent, M/V Evergem, M/V Zeeland, M/V Drado, M/V Walcheren, M/V Union Diamond, M/V Lieven Geveart & M/V Union 9 -- all these tugs gathered around the fully loaden M/V Fowairet which is listing a bit to port. A 1st attempt to get the vessel free failed. The weather on scene is calm. M/V Fowairet of United Arab Shipping has a length of 276.5 meters & draught of 12.4 meters. She was built in 1998 at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005) FOLLOW OUR STORY<< Webfeature. UPDATE>> M/V Fowairet is currently reported to be breaking up. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005PM) UPDATE>> unloading of the 600 containers from the decks of containership onto barges was completed -- by salvor combination of Multraship & the Unie van Reddings-en Sleepdienst. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Sept. 29 2005) UPDATE>> Multraship Salvage, working under LOF2000 with co-contractors URS Salvage & Maritime Contracting, has moved the containership M/V Fowairet to the Verbrugge Terminal at the port of Flushing. (Sat. Oct. 1 2005)

General cargo M/V Dongjin Phoenix still aground, but salvage company on scene & conducting fuel oil removal operation. M/V Dongjin Phoenix suffered fire Sep 4. Tug M/V Koyo Maru dispatched to assist but unable to take vessel in tow due to high seas. M/V Dongjin Phoenix subsequently grounded in Shughenjima shallows, near tGoto Islands. German M/V NYK Prestige on route to Busan rescued the 14 Korean & Chineses sailors from wreck -- on fire & in threat of sinking. M/V NYK Prestige sailing under time charter with M/V NYK, Japan, Osaka for Busan, when at 1440 hrs, Sep 4, a mayday message on VHF was received from M/V Dongjin Phoenix, stating: "Distress, vessel on fire" and shortly after: "Vessel slowly sinking". Distance between vessels was 6 NM & the distance to Busan was about 50 NM. Winds were force 7 (near gale) and there was a high swell. Capt. Jantzen communicated with the Korean Capt. Kim Yeion Keun, and was advised that crew of M/V Dongjin Phoenix were to abandon their sinking vessel into lifeboats & liferafts. M/V NYK Prestige diverted towards position of the distress. Upon arrival at scene, rescue was effected. In just 1 hour & 42 minutes after receiving the 1st mayday message the 14 Korean seamen from the lifeboat & rafts were safely onboard M/V NYK Prestige. However, 1 Korean seaman missing. UPDATE>> Unmanned M/V Dongjin Phoenix drifted ashore on Sep 6. Before, fire was almost extinguished. Operations being made more difficult by appraoch of a typhoon, which was generating heavy seas. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005)

U.S. F/V Perseverance -- abandoned vessel after she struck rock &began taking water in the Icy Straits<< Webfeature, Alaska -- all rescued by crew of F/V Whittle Wall & taken to Hoonah. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005)

Tugboat M/V James, with 3 crew -- capsized in San Antonio Bay -- 20 miles SW of Port O'Connor in Intracoastal Waterway -- all crew recovered without injury by tug M/V Amanda. Three tugs towing a drilling platform in tandem when M/V James overturned in channel. M/V James has estimated 1,500 gallons of fuel remaining aboard & containment boom has been placed around vessel. U.S.Coast Guard working with owners to coordinate salvage & cleanup. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005)

>>> We Appreciate the Postings of your favorite Visiting Editor Libby Thopmson -- Sept. 19 to Sept 20 2005 - Below

Qatar-flagged container M/V Fowairet, with 2,000 containers -- 120-200 of with toxic materials -- ran aground near Port of Antwerp. Shipping on the Westerscheld River was blocked; Port of Antwerp nearly unreachable all day. Fuel tanks cracked; 600 tons of diesel escaped. Rudder failure is suspected cause. Crew evacuated -- ship began breaking up & feared she would split in half. After several unsuccessful attempts to free the ship with 11 tugs, salvage companies have finally refloated the Fowairet and towed her to Port of Flushing. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005).

8,414gt M/V Sturdy Falcon (built 1980), Vietnam - Singapore for West Africa with bagged rice -- sustained damage to shell plating & suffered seawater filling one of the cargo holds. Construction of a cement box effected a temporary repair, but M/V Sturdy Falcon has called at East London, South Africa to discharge its bagged rice cargo & get repaired. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005).

Barge James Prior, with gravel, crashed into Battersea Bridge<< Webfeature, over Thames River during London's evening rush hour. Wheelhouse severely damaged, but no pollution or injuries reported. The James Prior was wedged under one of the arches of the bridge, but tug Rose Steel was successful in removing the barge as the tide went out. Master of the vessel passed breathalyzer test, and the Port of London Authority will continue investigation of incident. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005).

706-ft tug-barge combo M/V Joseph H. Thompson ran aground just inside the Duluth Harbor. Efforts to free vessel continue. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005) UPDATE>> Tug had disengaged from barge and was seen pushing one other side of the barge trying to get the barge loose. The barge is lightering some of its cargo onto the closest piece of land. (Thurs. Sept. 22 2005)

38-ft tuna charter F/V Sydney Mae II capsized, broke up & sank in extreme fog in Winchester Bay, Oregon. Capt. & another man rescued, but a man & woman found dead miles away from the site of the accident, & another crew missing. Exact cause of accident is unknown & witnesses unable to provide details due to zero visibility and "horribly bad" conditions. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005)

20-ft sailing F/V Pelican was struck by lightning off Dana Point, California during the rain & electrical storm that hit the area due to the remnants of Mexican Hurricane Max. Distress call that the vessel taking water was received from 4 crew by U.S. Coast Guard, who sent an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter & CG Cutter USCGC Narwhal<< Webfeature. U.S. Naval hovercraft joined in the search, but no signs of the vessel or crew have been located. (Tues., Sept. 20, 2005) UPDATE>> Entire operation now deemed hoax. These people should be shot for such a prank. (Wed. Sept. 21 2005)

68-ft. tourist cruise ship Miner's Castle had an engine fire and became disabled -- while viewing its namesake Miner's Castle near Marquette. Sister ship, the Miss Superior, returned both the 76 passengers and the Miner's Castle back to the Munising Dock, where Sault Ste. Marie Coast Guard will investigate the incident. (Tues. Sept. 20, 2005).

Panamanian passenger boat, with more than 150 aboard, developed engine trouble, stalled, filled with water and sank en route to Panama City from the island of Taboga. Distress signals were sent immediately and all passengers and crew were rescued. However, maritime authorities state that the ship had been ordered not to sail due to deteriorating structural conditions, the vessel was overcrowded, and that vessel owner will be severely sanctioned. (Mon. Sept. 19, 2005)

Panama-flagged M/T Abber 32 -- intercepted by police near Jakarta under suspicion of siphoning subsidized diesel fuel to supply the ship rental business -- investigation is ongoing. (Mon. Sept. 19, 2005)

UPDATE: Conflicting reports on whether the Somali pirates who hijacked U.N. food supply ship M/V Semlow have now docked at El Maan, Somalia or whether they have anchored offshore because the jetty at El Maan cannot accommodate a ship of its size and because it doesn't have offloading facilities so everything must be done manually. It is anticipated the pirates will release the Kenyan crew, have Somali clan elders distribute the stolen cargo, then release the ship. (Mon., Sept. 19, 2005)

Fire broke out in the engine room aboard Cebu City, Philippines-bound M/V Our Lady of Fatima Sept. 18, with more than 500 passengers aboard. Panic reportedly ensued amongst the 500+ passengers, but fortunately crew members quickly extinguished the blaze & no one was injured. Extent of damage is being assessed. Cause of fire unknown, but Philippine officials are saying it was not an act of terrorism. (Mon., Sept. 19, 2005)

M/V Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., heading upbound from Lake Huron made contact with M/V Roger Blough as she was heading upbound from Lake Michigan in lower St. Mary's River on the morning of Sept. 18 in fog. USCG directed both vessels to go to anchor for inspection. M/V Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. had some scrape marks & M/V Roger Blough had a 60-ft crease in the hull above waterline. Neither vessel took on water -- they were allowed to proceed. (Mon. Sept. 19, 2005)

Tugboats pulling LNG (liquified natural gas) carrier M/T Disha crashed into a jetty at Dahej on Sept. 18 and damaged India's busiest LNG terminal. Spokesperson for gas transporter GAIL reports that tugboats hit the Dolphin Piles of the jetty as the LNG ship was casting off after unloading the cargo. Foreign firms have been approached to assess & repair the damages to terminal. (Mon. Sept. 19, 2005).

Avast, me hearties! Monday, September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. More information Here. (Mon. Sept. 19, 2005).

Carnival Cruise Lines luxury ships M/V Ecstasy & M/V Sensation have been put into service to house 3,700 city workers & their families, after evacuees from the Gulf Coast chose to stay in the Houston Astrodome and other shelters rather than be at sea, where they would have greater difficulty reestablishing their lives and reconnecting with family. FEMA paid Carnival $192 million to charter the ships for evacuees and Carnival rebooked 100,000 passengers in the effort. Meanwhile, 150 Mississippi evacuees have now boarded Carnival Lines M/V Holiday, which can accommodate over 1,400 passengers. (Sun. Sept. 18, 2005).

Australian Federal Police arrested 3 men in connection with US$4.7M worth of the drug ecstasy stowed in a container intended to hold furniture. Customs received a tip, which led to the discovery of the illegal cargo on the container ship from Belgium. (Sun. Sept. 18, 2005).

A small ship rammed into oil tanker Chaoyangping on Sept. 17 on the Huangpu River, China, creating a 1-meter hole in the right of the tanker and causing a 50-ton oil spill. The tanker's chief says the small ship was warned to swerve, but failed to do so. Investigation underway. (Sun. Sept. 18, 2005)

8328-gt container ship M/V Umfolozi, built in 1982, on charter to Durban-based Ocean African Contatiner Lines collided on September 16th with National Ports Authority dredger Ingwenya near Walvis Bay, Africa. Both ships returned to harbor with no serious injuries or fatalities. M/V Umfolozi is leaking fuel and clean-up operations have commenced. Damage to dredger Ingwenya is believed to be minimal. (Sun. Sept. 18, 2005) UPDATE: M/V Umfolozi sustained a large fracture on its starboard side and is now subject to tidal flow in all holds and the engine room. 225 TEUs of cargo removed from the flooded vessel. 100 tons of fuel have leaked in Walvis Bay. Anti-pollution vessel M/V Nataniel Maxuilili is assisting with environmental clean-up and booms have been laid. (Tues., Sept. 20, 2005).

Int'l Maritime Organization --new site. (Sat. Sept. 17 2005)

Unidentified M/T in collision with yacht off the Isle of Wight -- mast of yacht became entangled with ship's anchor & broke off, after vessels collided in Sandown Bay<< Webfeature, on Sept. 17, morning. UK Bembridge RNLI lifeboat<< Webfeature, scrambled to scene & took yacht crew to shore. (Sat. Sept. 17 2005)

Great Lakes tug M// James A. Hannah, with liquid asphalt -- suffered fire in boiler Sept. 16, as tug & barge approaching Lock 2 while downbound in the Welland Canal. St Catharines Fire Dept. on scene quickly & local Police cordoned off area. All safe. (Sat. Sept. 17 2005)

40ft S/Y Classic Wave, ran aground on SW tip of Isle of Kerrera near Oban, Scotland at1220 BST on Sept. 17. UK RNLI Oban lifeboat, which brought crew to safety, made several unsuccessful attempts to pump water out of the yacht before abandoning her. (Sat. Sept. 17 2005)

Russian M/V Nekrasov -- dangerously overloaded & allowed to carry no more than 33 tons of cargo -- was carrying 92 tons of fruit & vegetables -- capsized & sank in Russian far northern river Port of Dudinka<< Webfeature -- 7 rescuded -- but over 20 thought to be aboard. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

M/V Ali Alhadid -- flooding & in need of immediate assistance in Persian Gulf -- all crew rescued by USS Princeton (CG 59)<< Webfeature & M/V Ali Alhadid saved by pumps & U.S. Navy expertise supplied .(Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

12 Sept. 2005 at 0330 LT in position 03:17s - 116:23e, Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia -- 4 pirates boarded bulk carrier -- broke open bosun store & stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

11 Sept. 2005 at 0415 LT at Tg. Mangkok, Sebuku island, Indonesia. Pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier at anchor -- held duty A/B & stole ship's stores. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

08 Sept. 2005 at 2235 UTC in position 17:52.8N - 077:06.2W, Port old harbour, Jamaica. Four pirates armed with knives & hooks boarded tanker moored to buoy. Alert crew raised alarm& robbers escaped empty handed in an unlit speedboat. Harbor authorities informed.

06 Sept. 2005 at 2050 LT at Cochin, India. Several Pirates boarded a container ship at berth -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Local authorities informed. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

19 Aug. 2005 at 2000 LT at Ho Chi Minh City port, Vietnam -- 2 pirates armed with knives & swords boarded bulk carrier moored to buoy. One robber tried to attack duty A/B who ran away & raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped with ship's stores. Police came for investigation next morning. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

04 Aug.2005 at buoy no. FC-02, Ho Chi Minh City port, Vietnam. Pirtates boarded bulk carrier moored to buoy -- broke store locks & stole ship's stores. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

31 July 2005 at 1900 LT at Buoy no. 39, Ho Chi Minh City port, Vietnam. Four pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier moored to buoy. Duty officer & crew gave chase. Robbers escaped with ship's stores in a small boat.  Port control informed. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

30 July 2005 at Xingang port, china. Pirates boarded bulk carrier during cargo operations & stole ship's equipment. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

29 July 2005 at Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Four pirates boarded bulk carrier. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

10 July 2005 at 0200 LT at Ho Chi Minh City port, Vietnam. Two pirates boarded bulk carrier moored to buoy during cargo operations with barges alongside -- broke open forepeak store & stole ship's stores. Duty officer raised alarm & robbers escaped. (Fri. Sept. 16 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Semi submersible oil rig Artic 1 in the Gulf of Mexico -- broken loose from her moorings & pushed on top of a wellhead by Hurricane Katrina -- just refloated by team of Smit Salvage<< Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

Filipino crew of 3 Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessels seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia in mid-August are serving as intermediaries in negotiations with their abductors because of their knowledge of English. Since 12-member crew can speak English, they are tapped to serve as interpreters between Somali gunmen & the Taiwanese ship officers. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

UK Tug M/V Anglian Sovereign<< Webfeature, which ran aground off Scottisch coast Sept. 3, arrived Rotterdam for repair on Sept. 14 being towed by the tug M/V RT Magic. M/V Anglian Sovereign severely damaged in foreship, especially on starboard & still down by the bow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

PIRATE RELEASE>>St Vincent & the Grenadines M/V Semlow, with Int'l relief aid -- hijacked by pirates more than 2 months ago as she transported food aid to Somalis -- vessel has now been released & now on way to Elmaan, a port north of Somali capital Mogadishu. In Aug. agreement said reached to release ship & 10 crew, but the hijackers then reportedly disagreed over whether to see through the release without demanding a ransom. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

600ft. berthing barge Artship, used to allow vessels to moor in deeper water further off of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal pier -- sank off Mare Island, Vallejo CA --no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

M/V Ladoga-101, Finnish port Vuoksi for English port Sherihamn via Saima Channel with 1641 tons steel & 270 tons carving wood -- entering Gulf of Finland -- holed having collided with unidentified object -- Capt. decided to strand the ship to avoid water entry. Accident are under investigation. M/V Ladoga-101affecting navigation in the channel as it is stranded in the fairway. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 15 2005)

In The Gulf-- Thousands of 1 x 40' cargo containers are lost after Katrina -- but you knew this already -- we're working with agencies to find out where they are. (Wed. Sept. 14 2005)

UK Registered F/V Jeniver -- taking in water & lost electric power so could not use VHF radio -- skipper only able to give estimated position between Isle of Arran & Ayrshire coast -- informed UK Coastguard that would have to abandon ship -- UK Clyde Coastguard rescuded all crew from raft. Vessel sank. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 14 2005)

Chinese luxury Yangtze river M/V Galaxy No.2<< Webfeature, with 163 passengers & crew -- aground & sank Sept. 3 -- reports unclear, but all rescued before vessel broke in two & sank. (Wed. Sept. 14 2005)

NEW ORLEANS UPDATE>> Louis Armstrong New Orleans Int'l Airport<< Webfeature, reopened to commercial flights Sept. 13, for 1st time since Hurricane Katrina struck more than 2 weeks ago, & Port of New Orleans<< Webfeature, was also back in operation as flooded-out New Orleans struggled to get up & running again. Shipment of steel coils left tport by barge Sept. 12, bound for a Hyundai auto plant in Greenville, Ala.. The port expected arrival of 1st cargo ship since the hurricane late Sept. 13, and at least 3 more ships by week's end, Arriving ship was carrying up to 500 containers of coffee & wood products from Argentina, Brazil & Mexico. Port of New Orleans is gateway to a river system serving 33 states along the Mississippi River or its tributaries. The port also connects to 6 railroads. FOLLOW our earlier coverage of Hurricane Katrina from Aug. 29 to Sept. 11 2005. (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

inland cement-laden clinker M/V Manirul Islam with 11,000 metric tons of cement clinker &13 crew -- sank in Khasiachar of Ramgoti upazila near Meghna channel Sept. 13. Vessel loaded clinkers from lighter vessel M/V Lin Dos at outer anchorage of Chittagong -- capsized under influence of strong current accompanied by stormy weather & shortly sank in Meghna channel. All rescued. (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

North Korean flagged cargo M/V Tenecitis, Algeria for Hereke, Canakkalewith 2,000 tons scrap metal -- broke down as passing from Canakkale Strait -- tug M/V Kurtarma-2 dispatched. M/V Tenecitis will drop anchor near Gelibolu (Gallipoli) against any possible danger & be allowed to leave following necessary procedures. (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

30ft. sloop S/Y Skua -- issued several 999 calls Sept. 12, reporting large explosion & fire on yacht in Mill Rythe near Hayling Island -- UK Solent Coastguard immediately scrambled Coastguard Rescue helicopter India Juliet from Lee on Solent, Hayling RNLI lifeboat, Hayling Rescue boat, Chichester Harbor Patrol Launch along with Hayling Coastguard Rescue Team, Police, Fire Service & Ambulance. Vessel was fully ablaze -- 1 casualty recovered -- search continues -- vessel sank. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

38mt coastal M/T Cora (built at Gluesing yard), with diesel oil, ran aground in morning hours Sep 11 on river Weser close to Brake due to engine failure -- no chance of getting free. With the rising flood salvage attempts should be undertaken, after which ship should be towed into yard for inspection. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

M/V Kiperousa UPDATE>> Efforts at recovering the balance of cargo from grounded log ship M/V Kiperousa<< Webfeature, &endash; as between 6,000 & 7,000 West African logs remain on board beneath decks - received yet another setback when 2nd barge arrived at the weekend with extensive damage from its journey from the Middle East. 84m barge GC55 arrived in tow to the Bahrain-registered offshore supply tug M/V Zakher Delmon after encountering rough seas en route to South Africa & resulting in damage to the barge that will require repairs in the port's dry dock. Survey conducted this week & owners to decide whether to repair the barge. 2nd, smaller Durban-based barge, Jumbo already on site & cleared a small number of logs from M/V Kiperousa. Salvage firm of SvitzerWijsmuller<< Webfeature, holds current Lloyd's LOF contract for salvaging under deck cargo. Salvage experts fear another storm will destroy stricken vessel, which has severe fractures throughout the vessel -- also fear this would release the logs into surf with likelihood of them becoming a navigational hazard to shipping along the coast. Several years ago when another logger sank in the south Mozambique channel, logs continued to wash up for months along 2,000-km of S. African coast from Mozambique to S. Cape, creating hazard to shipping & even resulting in a fatality among swimmers on a Cape beach. M/V Kiperousa<< Webfeature, went aground off Eastern Cape coast near village of Hamburg on 7 June 2005 while en route from West Africa to Far East with a planned call at Durban for bunkers. Remaining oil on board vessel was successfully removed by the Tsavliris salvage team<< Webfeature, then employed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. FOLLOW OUR STORY (Tues. Sept. 13 2005)

37ft. S/V Vioarmy, with 13 aboard, ran aground at entrance to Keehi Lagoon, near Honolulu -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Honolulu<< Webfeature, successfully rescued all evening of Sep 10. No Injuries.

F/V Blue Sonata, with 3 crew -- issued distress call on VHF radio -- taking in water & required urgent assistance of UK Portland Coastguard -- only able to give an estimated position South of Lulworth. Seconds later the vessel capsized &sunk and at this point the Coastguard lost communications with them -- 1 of 3 crew missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Sept. 12 2005)

19mt longliner St. John's-based F/V Melina and Keith, with 8 crew -- capsized & sank in calm seas off the coast of Newfoundland while fishing for shrimp -- all 8 crew clung to boat for several hours before it sank -- 4 crew brought on board F/V Lady Charlotte Star, fishing vessel that rushed to area after emergency beacon went off 200km E of Gander -- 4 missing -- 400mt-long oil slick at site. One crew is a fisheries observer. (Mon. Sept. 12 2005)

20,083gt. Cypriot flag bulk M/V Kyriakos M (built 1976), for Umm Qasr, Irag with 34,000mt rice -- grounded at bouy No 5, Umm Qasr<< Webfeature, - Sept. 6 -- Salvage contract has been signed with Tsavliris.<< Webfeature, Greek Salvors. (Mon. Sept. 12 2005)

28-foot charter F/V Augusta D with 6 people aboard returning to Nikolski when vessel beset by 25-30 knot winds & 8ft seas -- passengers donned survival suits near Nikolski, Aleutian Islands -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk crew from Air Station Kodiak here, rescued NFL Hall of Fame star Larry Csonka<< Webfeature, & others from vessel near Nikolski on Umnak Island in the Aleutian Islands. Csonka, former member of the Miami Dolphins football team<< Webfeature, & host of the television show "North to Alaska" has a son who is a Chief Warrant Officer serving in the U.S. Coast Guard.  (Mon. Sept. 12 2005)

Resuming Our Reporting Today -- CargoLaw Regular Postings Begin Above - Hurricane Katrina Specific Reports Below.

SPECIAL NOTE>>The Vessel Losses Are At>> YOUR DAILY INCIDENTS NOT AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA From Aug. 29 To Sept. 12 2005 ARE BELOW< click there. PLEASE READ OUR REGULAR DAILY NEWS<< Webfeature - Including Pirate Reports....some amazing events are listed!.


SPECIAL Gulf Disaster Coverage From Aug. 29 to Seot. 12 2005 Hurricane Katrina

Directly below are Hurrican Katrina Notices only.

SPECIAL NOTE>>The Vessel Losses Are At>> YOUR DAILY INCIDENTS NOT AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA From Aug. 29 To Sept. 12 2005 ARE BELOW< click there. PLEASE READ OUR REGULAR DAILY NEWS<< Webfeature - Including Pirate Reports....some amazing events are listed!.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Mississippi River is now open in both directions to ships with a draft of 35 feet during daylight hours. Now that a route has been re-established to the Port of New Orleans and other ports on the lower Mississippi River, the port is bringing together all of the pieces that will allow it to be a major force in the reconstruction of New Orleans. The Port headquarters building now has power, and the Louisiana State Police SWAT team has opened a temporary headquarters.(Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

Docks in Morehead City, N.C., are booming this week, as longshoremen unload twice the amount of rubber that normally passes through the port. Port of Pensacola in Florida has increased cargo traffic by about 60%. Companies are calling to see how much more steel, lumber & other products it can handle. They are receiving cargo once headed for New Orleans or Pascagoula, Miss., & Gulfport, Miss., before Hurricane Katrina swept through, forcing shippers to divert to docks elsewhere. New Orleans is believed to be just weeks away from reopening, but there's no guess when the 2 Mississippi ports may again operate. Panama City has turned away cargo it's not equipped to handle & for the 1st time is accommodating small container ships that carry textiles to Mexico and return with finished products. Ports at Fort Lauderdale, Miami & Tampa, Fla., also will probably see cargo once destined for storm-ravaged docks. In Tampa & at the Virginia ports of Newport News, Norfolk & Portsmouth, shipping companies have asked about making deliveries of fresh produce, frozen poultry, rubber, plywood & other products. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

U.S. Coast Guard --total of number people rescued by boat & aircraft has risen more than 100 since Sept. 7, bringing the total number of people rescued to more than 23,909.(Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

23,386gt Malta flagged bulk M/V Polyhronis (built 1980), in ballast -- aground on banks of Mississippi River, W.of New Orleans in Hurricane Katrina Sept. 2 2005. Salvage undertaken. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

UPDATE>> Port of New Orleans set to resume commercial operations to load and unload vessels as early as Sept. 9 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, its director of operations Paul Zimmermann said Sept. 7. (Wed. Sept. 7 2005pm)

UPDATE>>Port of New Orleans, the crucial transport link for the nation's farmers & manufacturers, re-opened to military vessels Sept. 6, but remained closed to commercial traffic. It may take 1 or 2 weeks until the port, which handles more tonnage than any other in the United States, will again be able to load and unload the rubber, chicken, soybeans, coffee, plywood, steel rods and other commodities that companies ship around the world. Buildings & cranes need repairs. More electricity, staff & temporary housing for 1,000 essential personnel are needed. Port personnel also have been fighting fires at wharves along & industrial canal. The re-opening cannot come soon enough for some farmers, whose peak harvest time starts next month. The New Orleans Port facility is tied by waterways, roads & rail lines to farms and businesses throughout the South & Midwest. It is the top port for some commodities, such as exported soybeans, corn & rice. (Wed. Sept. 7 2005)

Canadian ships headed to the U.S. Gulf Coast to deliver aid to the hurricane-devastated region might have to duck into port or head further out into the Atlantic to avoid a storm gathering strength off Florida. Fleet navigating officer on board HMCS Athabaskan said Wednesday that the convoy of vessels was assessing the situation in N. Florida, where the tropical storm Ophelia was moving slowly & erratically but carrying winds of 80 km/h. Ophelia, the 15th named storm of the season, was centred 135km east-northeast of Cape Canaveral midday Sept. 7. (Wed. Sept. 7 2005)

Historic Gesture>>As laden with humanitarian aid for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, a Mexican military unit planned to cross into U.S. territory today for the first time in more than 150 years. Carrying nearly 200 unarmed soldiers, doctors, nurses & engineers, the convoy of dozens of trucks was to enter Texas at Laredo Sept. 7, with mobile kitchens, water treatment plants, bottled water, blankets & canned food for people displaced by Katrina. Officials at the Mexican Consulate in Houston said the convoy was headed toward San Antonio. "We are sending the help wherever the U.S. authorities request us to," said Carlos Gonzalez, Mexico's Consul General in Houston. The soldiers' arrival in Texas will mark 1st time that the Mexican military has entered U.S. territory since 1846, when troops briefly crossed into Texas early in the Mexican-American War &emdash; the 1848 treaty ended conflict. Welcome friends! (Wed. Sept. 7 2005)

Oakland's Crowley Maritime Corp.<< Webfeature, with its shipping service at the Port of Gulfport in Mississippi disrupted because of damage from Hurricane Katrina, has shifted operations to Port Everglades at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Wed. Sept. 7 2005)

Hurricane City

Hurricane Katrina Survivor Database

Hurricane Katrina Locator Links - there are many

U.S. Coast Guard - To report Missing From Huricane Katrina

Limited Waiver of U.S. Coastwise Trade Restrictions

Louisiana Offshore Oil Port - the Loop

Maritime Law Assn. of The U.S. Emergency Message Board

Naval Station Norforlk Information Page For Hurricane Katrina.

Oil Rig & Platform Evacuation Statistics For Gulf Crisis

Status of Oil Rigs

Port of New Orleans

New Orleans Visitors Bureau

Post Katrina Satellite Survey of Gulf Port, MS - devastation is seen, but some were spared baed on distance from the coast - contributed by Hilde Krause of Roanoke Trade Insurance.<< Webfeature. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Port of New Orleans has been reopened on a limited basis. One official says riverfront terminals survived in fairly decent shape & are still workable. However, they need electricity & manpower. Senior staff members at the Port have established a headquarters in the Administrative Office Building & other members are working from remote locations. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation Maritime Administration is working to use generators to supply the electricity & will provide ships to house port workers. Another challenge is a shortage of diesel fuel. The Port has asked the Dept. of Homeland Security to procure fuel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 1st priority of the Port will be handling 9 government ships carrying relief cargo. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Facts about the Port of New Orleans:

_About 6,000 seagoing vessels pass through the Port of New Orleans annually.

_The port handled 31.4 million tons of cargo in 2004, up 5% from 2003, with imports accounting for 72% of the traffic.

_It's the largest tonnage port in the U.S., handling nearly 200 million tons of commodities annually, including import petroleum products & export grain.

_Hurricane Katrina interrupted farm shipments through New Orleans, where more than half of the nation's grain exports depart for overseas.

_Freight railroads with lines through the New Orleans area damaged by Katrina were detoured as far north as Chicago.

_New Orleans currently ranks 3rd among Gulf Coast cruise ports with 26% of market share. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Traffic Less Interrupted On The Mississippi River By Hurricane Katrina>> as ships began returning to normal this week, despite stranded & missing barges and submerged obstructions in the Gulf of Mexico. "The river is OK." said Army Corps of Engineers spokesman John Hall. Nonetheless, the Mississippi River near New Orleans was open in daylight hours only & restricted to vessels with hulls that extended no deeper than 39 feet beneath the surface. Ocean-going ships that draw 45 feet of water typically ply these waters. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Cruise Ship Relief Plan ON Hold --as plan to move thousands of Hurricane Katrina evacuees from the Astrodome to cruise ships was put on hold Sept. 6, after many of them objected, some because they were terrified by the thought of living on the water. "I can't live over water. I can't swim," said Donna Smith, 24. "I wouldn't want to see no more water. I saw enough already." Others said they wanted to stay at the Astrodome so that they could concentrate on finding lost loved ones, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. And some simply wanted a little stability after so much turmoil. Carnival Cruise Lines had provided 3 ships to the federal government the M/V Ecstasy, M/V Sensation & M/V Holiday for 6months to be used as shelters for up to 7,000 hurricane refugees. We feel for these people, but we would rather have the private cabin, TV, private shower, ship board meals & air condonditioning. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy Relief - with many of these units on scene or on route to scene from 1st day - you just don't read about them. We are slow to report, not them to respond.

U.S. Navy evacuates medical cases. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy Sea Bee Force Joins Relief (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy Shipards join relief (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Joint Task Force Katrina - many of these ship have been serving for days now.

USS Harry Truman (CVN 75)<<Webfeature, flagship prepares to deliver fresh water to Gulf. FULL STORY

U.S. Naval Air Station Pensacola<<Webfeature. FULL STORY(Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Naval Air Station New Orleans <<Webfeature. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20)<<Webfeature, arriving in the Gulf. FULL STORY (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy amphibious assault vessel USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7))<<Webfeature, arrives to conduct hurricane relief. FULL STORY (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

U.S. Navy amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46)<<Webfeature, based out of Little Creek, Va., has been conducting search & rescue (SAR) operations in support of Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts. FULL STORY (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

PHOTO FEATURE>> U.S. Navy Sailors help a New Orleans citizen up through open well deck aboard dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46). Tortuga is transporting Hurricane Katrina victims to ship where they are given hot meals, showers & beds to sleep in.

USS Bataan (LHD5)<< Webfeature, continues Katrin resue effort. FULL STORY (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Huge U.S. Navy LCAC Vessels<<Webfeature, Support Gulf Relief -- as supported by local merchants' donations, Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWC PC)<<Webfeature, rallied personnel Aug. 31 to load Landing Craft, Air Cushion, (LCAC) with food & fresh water for transport to residents devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Currently, 3 LCACs from NSWC PC are participating in relief effort. They are being crewed by NSWC PC civilian Navy personnel &by Navy personnel from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 from Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Norfolk, Va<<Webfeature.(Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Oil Coming Back >> Half of the Gulf Coast refineries damaged by Hurricane Katrina begin to ramp up production this week. Industry experts have this message: be patient. "What you've got are a whole series of requirements & processes and that takes days, if not weeks," said John Felmy, said the American Petroleum Institute<< Webfeature. The going is also slow for the restoration of offshore oil & gas production. Almost 70% of normal oil production & half of the natural gas output remains shut down, according to the U.S. Minerals Management Service<< Webfeature, which said activity is slowly recovering. (Mon. Sept. 5 2005)

Status of Primary Waterways Sept. 5 &endash;

Lower Mississippi River &endash; Open to ship, tug & barge traffic with the following restrictions: a safety zone is in place from Southwest Pass to mile marker 235 preventing vessels with a draft greater than 35 feet from transiting the river. Transits are allowed during daylight only, & one-way traffic is required in 3 areas.

Gulf Intercoastal Waterway &endash; The Gulf Intercoastal Waterway west of Harvey Lock is open. The Harvey Lock east to mile marker 60 remains closed. (Mon. Sept. 5 2005)

98mt. Australian Defence Force high-speed M/V Incat<< Webfeature, helping in Hurricane Katrina relief effort off coast of U.S . State of Louisiana -- operating with the USS Bataan (LHD5)<< Webfeature, with helicopters from both ships flying medical evacuation, and search & rescue missions. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

U.S. Navy Task Force continues steaming from Norfolk Navy Station<< Webfeature to New Orleans for relief.

Naval Station Norforlk Information Page For Hurricane Katrina. (Sat. Sept. 3 2005)

Ghost Ship - photo feature (Sat. Sept. 3 2005)

U.S. government has chartered 3 luxury cruise liners -- M/V Ecstasy, M/V Sensation & M/V Holiday -- for the next 6 months to provide temporary housing for victims of Hurricane Katrina, from Carnival Cruise Lines. M/V Ecstasy & M/V Sensation, have a maximum capacity of 2,606 each & will be based in Galveston, Texas, while the 3rd vessel M/V Holiday, has a maximum capacity of 1,800 -- likely to be docked in Mobile, Alabama. The company said people who had trips canceled on the three ships could receive a full refund or book a trip on another cruise ship. Some future travelers being switched to another vessel. Carnival crews will operate the ships which will be at the disposal of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. (Sat. Sept. 3 2005)

STATUS UPDATE>> Lower Mississippi River has been reopened to deep draft vessels with a 35-foot draft maximum for one way daylight traffic only.

Port of Mobile is reopened to barge traffic only.

Port of Pascagoula, Miss., is reopened to vessels with 12-foot draft maximum.

Port of Pensacola, Fla., and Destin/Panama City, Fla., are reopened to vessels with a 31-foot draft maximum.

Only the Port of Gulfport, Miss., remains closed to all traffic.

U.S. Coast Guard assests on scene -- 29 Coast Guard cutters, 52 aircraft, 2,200 personnel, 500 recalled reservists and numerous aids to navigation teams & incident management teams. U.S. Coast Guard air operations rescued 1,245 people & conducted 385 sorties Sept. 2, bring the total of lives saved by boat & air to more than 9,500 people since Aug. 29.(Sat. Sept. 3 2005)

Oil Rig & Platform Evacuation Statistics For Gulf Crisis (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

Minerals Management Serviece (oil production platforms)
Emergency Information Page

U.S. Coast Guard (District 8) UPDATE>> More than 4,000 people have been rescued as of Sept. 2, from rooftops, flooded neighborhoods & hospitals throughout the Gulf Coast region since rescue operations began Aug. 29, and joint-agency rescue operations are continuing day & night. The Coast Guard is placing a priority of evacuating patients from hospitals & is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to deliver food & water to stranded survivors. More than 23,000 pounds of water have been delivered thus far. Coast Guard assets & personnel from all over the country have been deployed to the area. Many were in place before the storm hit, and more are on their way. 48 aircraft from 9 air stations are on scene conducting search, rescue & humanitarian assistance operations. 270-foot Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Spencer<< Webfeature. arrived in the New Orleans area last night to provide communications and logistical support to Coast Guard rescue personnel -- 24 other cutters are operating in the Gulf of Mexico, with 8 more en route. Waterway surveys continue.

Port of Destin/Panama City now open to vessels with a 34-foot draft or less The status of all other ports & waterways has not changed. Port of Mobile is open to barge traffic only.  Surveys of the Mississippi River are continuing.

Port of New Orleans -- 90 vessels waiting to enter. U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans establishing a task force to work with maritime industry and the New Orleans Port Authority<< Webfeature, to prioritize how those vessels will be allowed into port once the river reopens.

Louisiana Offshore Oil Port offloaded oil Sept.1, night for the 1st time since the hurricane; 4 more vessels are there waiting to offload.

Special Report On Oil & Natural Gas Impact From Hurricane Katrina<< Webfeature. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

World Response To Hurricane Katrina >> In an accelerating drive, more than 50 countries have pledged money or other aid to help Americans recover from Hurricane Katrina. The pledges blur political lines. Cuba & Venezuela have offered help despite differences with Washington. Oil giant Saudi Arabia & tiny countries like Dominica are among nations making pledges. If so, one wonders why OPEC countries would not drop oil prices by at leat 20% on US$70 per barrel oil -- which costs them US$4 in production cost. Australia announced a donation of US$8M ($A10 million) to the American Red Cross. "The United States is so often at the forefront of Int'l aid efforts to help less fortunate nations," Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said. France, "determined to show its solidarity with the United States," offered a range of aircraft & 2 ships, with helicopters & planes capable of airlifting tons of supplies, a disaster unit with 20 soldiers, a civil defence detachment of 35 people and an airborne emergency unit, the French Embassy said. Canada is loading 3 warships and a Coast Guard vessel in Halifax with emergency supplies & food and will dispatch them Sept. 6, to Louisiana. Japan will contribute US$200,000 ($A262,777) to the American Red Cross for its relief operations. Upon request, Japan is prepared to provide up to US$300,000 ($A394,166) worth of tents, blankets, power generators, portable water tanks & other equipment. By Sept. 2, offers had been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Guatemala, Paraguay, Belgium, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Italy, Guyana, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Austria, Lithuania, Spain, Dominica, Norway, Cuba, Bahamas, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ecuador, Iceland, India, Jordan, Luxembourg, the Philippines, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand & Turkey. America Thanks Her Friends. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

Three Canadian warships & a Canadian Coast Guard vessel are being packed with relief supplies -- will head toward Louisiana to aid hurricane relief efforts there with 1,000 personnel from Halifax on Sept. 6, and arrive in the Gulf area 4days later. Operation Union will provide humanitarian aid, along with divers & engineering expertise for reconstruction -- along with 3 Sea King helicopters to ferry personnel into devastated areas. Canadian Coast Guard ship HMCS Sir William Alexander will sail along with the Canadian Navy vessels, HMCS Athabaskan<< Webfeature, HMCS Ville De Quebec<< Webfeature, & HMCS Toronto<< Webfeature. Thanks Canada! (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

At least 20 oil rigs & platforms are missing in Gulf of Mexico & a ruptured gas pipeline is on fire after Hurricane Katrina tore through the region. "We have confirmed at least 20 rigs or platforms missing, either sunk or adrift, & one confirmed fire where a rig was," U.S. Coast Guard at Louisiana said. Over 91% of normal daily crude oil production in the Gulf -- 1.5 million barrels -- is now shut down, & more than 83% of natural gas production. Many are lost at sea. In response, the U.S. government prepared Wednesday to open its emergency oil reserves for the first time in a year to keep supplies running to those refineries still operating. The United States keeps 700 million barrels of oil stored in four underground salt caverns on the Texas and Louisiana coasts to cushion oil markets during supply disruptions. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve<< Webfeature., which was created during the 1970s oil shocks, was last used after Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, when five million barrels of crude oil were released. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

U.S. federal government has asked whether cruise ships could be used as emergency shelters or help Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in some way -- Carnival Cruise Lines -- world's largest cruise line -- said that although "to undertake such an endeavor would involve many complicated issues, we are actively taking a look at it." (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

Hurricane Katrina damaged or displaced an estimated 58 Gulf of Mexico oil platforms & drilling rigs, the American Petroleum Institute<< Webfeature, said., Among those, 30 rigs & platforms have been reported lost. One of the more significant reported losses is from Houston-based Apache Corp. Apache said it lost 8 platforms that produce 7,158 barrels of oil & 12.1 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. That's about 10% of the lost oil production & 2% of the shut-in gas reported earlier this week Earlier, Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc's Ocean Warwick was found about 100km from its original position near Dauphin Island off coast of Alabama. Diamond also had another rig, Ocean Voyager, break from moorings, but tug boats bringing it to shipyards for further assessment. (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

Shipments of grain & other commodities have languished on barges on the Mississippi River since Aug. 27, unable to pass through the New Orleans ports closed by Hurricane Katrina. It remained unclear on Sept. 1, when the ports will reopen for business, raising questions about what will happen with this year's upcoming corn & soybean harvest. While alternative ports in Houston, Corpus Christi & Tampa say they're ready to handle incoming ships, New Orleans ports are critical to what goes out, industry experts say. New Orleans traditionally has handled more than half of country's grain exports to overseas destinations. It doesn't look like ocean freight will ship out of that area for some time. A world food crisis may result. (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

U.S. military will increase the National Guard force in hurricane-ravaged U.S. Gulf states to 30,000 amid growing lawlessness in New Orleans & mounting relief needs, and it dispatched an aircraft carrier to the region, officials said on Sept 1. This would bring to nearly 50,000 the number of part-time Guard & active-duty military personnel committed to the biggest domestic relief & security effort in U.S. history afte onslaught by killer Hurricane Katrina. Louisiana & Mississippi were hardest hit. (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

U.S. Navy is sending 4 ships carrying water & other supplies to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina, while medical disaster teams & Red Cross workers from across the country converged on the devastated Gulf Coast region. The Red Cross, which sent in 185 emergency vehicles to provide meals, reported it had 40,000 people in 200 shelters across the area. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said medical specialists from Washington state were joining similar teams called in from Massachusetts, New Mexico, Ohio, North Carolina, Oklahoma & Florida to assist people in damaged areas. FEMA said it has 500 trucks of ice, 500 trucks of water and 350 trucks of military meals ready to eat scheduled for distribution in the next 10 days. Four Navy amphibious ships were to leave Norfolk, Va., for deployment on the Gulf Coast. Pensacola U.S. Naval Air Station in Florida will be a base for relief effort. (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

Maritime Law Assn. of The U.S. Emergency Message Board (Wed. Aug. 31 2005)

RIG UPDATE>>At least 20 oil rigs & platforms are missing in the Gulf of Mexico & a ruptured gas pipeline is on fire after Hurricane Katrina tore through the region, a U.S. Coast Guard official said Aug. 31. "We have confirmed at least 20 rigs or platforms missing, either sunk or adrift, & 1 confirmed fire where a rig was," said Petty Officer Robert Reed of U.S. Coast Guard. Among firms reporting missing rigs was Newfield Exploration Co., which said aerial survey of its operations in the E. Gulf showed that one of its platforms at Main Pass 138 "appears to have been lost in the storm". Noble Corp. said its semi-submersible rig Noble Jim Thompson, which was contracted to a unit of Anglo-Dutch giant Shell, had broken loose & was 27km adrift of its normal Gulf location. Shell's giant Mars platform was said by analysts to have suffered "extensive damage". "Some of our facilities have been damaged & production is halted while we begin assessments & run checks," Shell CEO Jeroen van der Veer said. (Wed. Aug. 31 2005)

Houston port officials bracing to handle an upswing in cargo as result of shutdown of ports in Louisiana & Mississippi. For example, cargo M/V Indotrans Flores, originally bound for New Orleans & Port of Pascagoula in Mississippi, now scheduled to be unloaded at the Port of Houston Aug. 31, with 3,000 tons of rubber & 2,000 cubic meters of timber destined for delivery in Oklahoma. Houston Port officials noted that variety of cargo shipments originally bound for New Orleans, Mobile, Gulfport and Pascagoula are being redirected to other ports. Houston Port Authority already received additional cargo from ships that were coming to its Barbours Cut Container Terminal but were also planning to unload some cargo at New Orleans. Port officials notified by a few carriers of plan to unload additional cargo at Barbours Cut<< Webfeature.. (Wed. Aug. 31 2005)

13,000-ton exploratory oil platform PSS Chemul, owned by Mexican state oil company PEMEX, had been dry-docked atop a leased barge at Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co. when it broke free Aug. 29, 11 a.m. Hurricane Katrina storm surge was so strong that it pushed platform a mile or more up Mobile River, against current -- crashing into one of Alabama's largest bridges, a key route for hazardous waste shipments along Gulf Coast -- closed for much of Aug. 30. Two lanes of the Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge reopened Aug. 30 night after engineers determined bridge safe. Alabama's only cable-stayed span, it is the route used for hazardous material to bypass the Wallace Tunnel on Interstate 10 in downtown Mobile. (Tues. 30 Aug. 2005)

USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park<< Webfeature, has suffered immense damage from Hurricane Katrina as the killer storm ripped through the Central Gulf Coast area August 29, 2005. A storm surge of at least 10 feet coupled with triple digit winds has dealt the Park a crippling blow. Unofficial surge is the largest ever recorded in Mobile Bay. Initial damage assessments show Battleship ALABAMA (BB-60) has shifted position & listing some 5+/- degrees to portside or landside -- aft concrete gangway leading up to the ship has been critically damaged. The Aircraft Pavilion has significant damage to all sides & may be complete loss. Many aircraft & displays inside the Pavilion severely damaged. Submarine USS DRUM (SS-228) has apparently suffered little, if any, damage. (Tues. 30 Aug. 2005)

Hurricane Katrina Survivor Database<< Webfeature. (Tues. 30 Aug. 2005)

SPECIAL>>> Hurricane Katrina's crippling impact on the transport sector is being felt along most of the U.S. Gulf Coast and far inland, with the nation's biggest & world's 5th biggest port by volume (not by container, where the Long Beach/ Los Angeles Complex is #1) shut to commerce until further notice. U.S. Coast Guard ordered all ports shut from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Pensacola, Florida ahead of the storm, which battered the coast with 140-mph winds as it roared ashore early Aug. 29, just E. of New Orleans<< Webfeature. City of New Orleans -- Martial Law Declared. New Orleans Visitors Bureau<< Webfeature, with updated news.

City of New Orleans<< Webfeature, official city site. Hurricane Katrina Official City of New Orleans Site<< Webfeature.

The stakes are huge. About 6,000 sea-going vessels pass through the Port of New Orleans<< Webfeature, annually, loaded with bulk cargoo & manufactured good destined for ports & rail hubs along the 14,500 miles of inland waterways that serve the South &Midwest. The Port of New Orleans alone handled 31.4 million tons of cargo in 2004, up 5% from 2003, with imports accounting for 72% of the traffic. Early reports indicate storm & flood damage from Katrina may be less than 1st feared. The worst case scenario has been avoided. New Orleans can be used as a base for damage assessment. Had the city been severely flooded, that would not have been an option-- although the levee systems are starting to fail. That's the good news.

The bad news is that 1 million to 1.5 million barrels per day of refinery capacity is off line, the driving factor behind the latest surge in oil & gasoline prices. Another big concern for the markets is the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port<< Webfeature, or LOOP, which has been shut for almost 2 days. About a million barrels a day, or 11%, of U.S. crude oil imports pass through the LOOP, the nation's only deepwater tanker terminal.

Fears of silt clogging ship channel The status of the outermost ship channel leading through the delta into the Mississippi is another cause for traders to worry. If blocked by heavy silting from the storm, it could prove a major blow to the nation's economy. The entrance to the channel has never been hit before by the full force of a Category 5 hurricane<< Webfeature.

A 2-day closure would be a best-case scenario. If we're in a worst-case scenario, we've got several weeks of not being able to move ships on the river. And this is just as the grain harvest is getting underway. Heavy silting, typical in flood conditions, could clog the channel, forcing engineers to dredge a new one, a massive undertaking that could take up to 2 months. Such a closure would effectively cut off bulk import & export markets from just east of the Rockies to west of the Appalachians, driving up the cost of the storm that many economists already are predicting will cost the overall economy US$30Bn. Crops with the greatest exposure are corn, soybeans & cotton, most of it bound for Europe & Asia. The U.S. is the world's biggest exporter of agricultural items by both volume and value. Any interruption to these exports, used extensively in feed, could have a big impact on global food costs. (Tues. 30 Aug. 2005)

Official U.S. Coast Guard Management Site For Hurricane Katrina<< Webfeature.. (Mon. Aug. 29 2005)

We recommend you log on to -- Hurricane City<< Webfeature. - for weather, live radio & live cams from affected areas.

See our own Freight Detective Meteorologist<< Webfeature, for the best hurricane & reated weather links links.

U.S. Coast Guard ordered all ports shut from Morgan City, Louisiana, to Pensacola, Florida ahead of Hurricane Katrina, which battered the coast with 140-mph winds as it roared ashore early Aug. 29, just east of New Orleans. Word of damage to 25% of U.S. oil supply from Gulf is awaited. (Mon.. Aug. 29 2005)

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>>INCIDENTS NOT AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA -- Aug. 29 2005 To Sept. 12 2005>>>>>>>>

September 11 Memorial

M/V Ali Alhadid in Arabian Gulf waters -- flooding in engine room & installed bilge pump inoperable -- USS Princeton (CG-59)<< Webfeature, responded to a distress call -- U.S. Navy crew worked to dewater engine room with Ali Alhadid's engineers to repair the vessel's installed bilge pump. After several hours of work in sweltering engine room, bilge pump was repaired. Sun. Sept. 11 2005)

General cargo M/V Dongjin Phoenix, suffered fire in No 1 hold in lat 34 40N, long 130 02E, at 1400, Sep 4. tug M/V Koyo Maru dispatched to assist but unable to take vessel in tow due to high seas. M/V Dongjin Phoenix subsequently grounded in the Shughenjima shallows, near Goto Islands<< Webfeature. No injuries & no oil spill has been observed acording to Lloyd's Agents.(Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

20,083gt. Cyprus bulk M/V Kyraikos M (built 1976), with 34,000 tons rice, -- grounded near buoy no.5 in port of Umm Qasr in Iraq on Sept, 7. Refloated early Sept. 8 & presently anchored, awaiting berth to discharge her cargo. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

76-meter Cambodian-flagged vessel F/V Taruman, boarded on Sept. 6 & being escorted to Hobart by the Austalian armed government patrol vessel M/V Oceanic Viking<< Webfeature -- vessel apprehended 12,000km S. of Hobart after an investigation involving New Zealand -- suspected illegal fishing in Australia's Macquarie Island Exclusion Economic Zone. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

02. Sept.2005 at 0200 UTC in position 06:05N - 003:24E, off Lagos, Nigeria -- 4 pirates in wooden boat armed with long knives boarded container ship drifting 19 nm off Lagos. Alarm raised, crew mustered & robbers escaped. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

UK F/V Blue Sonata -- taking in water and required urgent assistance -- vessel capsized & sank. UK Portland Coastguard scrambled Coastguard Rescue Helicopter Whiskey Bravo & Weymouth RNLI inshore and all weather lifeboats to the scene. Survivors reported 3rd member of crew missing, having last been seen going into cock pit to retrieve life jackets seconds before vessel sank. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

31 Aug. 2005 at 0130 LT in position 15:01N - 041:53E, about 150 miles NW of Bab El Mandeb TSS, Southern Red Sea. Pirates in a boat attempted to board a bulk carrier underway from stbd side. Master took evasive maneuvers; crew mustered, directed search lights & activated fire hoses. Pirates then tried to board from stern but aborted attempt at 0215 LT. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

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UK registered F/V Intrepid, with 2 crew --rescued by UK Wick lifeboat minutes before vessel exploded in a ball of fire on Sept. 9 & sank in flames off Caithness coast. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

20,083gt. Cyprus flagged M/V Kyriakos M (built 1976) with 34,000 tons rice -- ran aground at buoy No.5, Umm Qasr, Sep 6. Salvage services awarded under Lloyd's Open Form<< Webfeature to Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature,. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

40-ft. Bronze age replica S/V Majan<< Webfeature, with 8 crew -- sank, 6 miles off Sur coast, almost 11 hours after it was flagged off from Sur -- although vessel, a reed boat modeled on vessels that plied the seas more than 4 millennia ago, developed a leakage, it was only when the water came up to the upper deck that the crew got off the vessel -- all crew safe. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

10m F/V Blue Sonata -- taking in water & then lost contact off Lulworth, Dorset -- capsized & sank before rescuers UK Portland Coastguard winched a 30-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman to safety -- believed the 51-year-old skipper, of Weymouth, was trapped on the deck as it sank. The coroner has been informed. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

Russian cargo Progress M-54<< Webfeature, blasted off Sept. 8, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome<< Webfeature, in steppes of Kazakhstan carrying supplies for the Int'l Space Station -- with 2.8 tons of fuel, food, water & technical supplies. Cargo also included replacement cartridge for station's oxygen generator. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

56,738gt. Italy flagged ro/ro M/V Grande Amburgo (built 2003) Hamburg for Antwerp, grounded in River Scheldt, near buoy 47 in Sept, 2 -- refloated 2130 with help from 4 tugs -- arrived Antwerp Sep 3. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005)

3,098gt. South Korean flagged M/V Dongjin Phoenix (bulit 1985) with general cargo & 15 crew -- suffered fire in hold in Sea of Japan -- 34 16 N 129 49 E Sep 4 2005 -- abandoned about Sept. 6 -- salvage operations more difficult by appraoch of a typhoon, which is already generating heavy seas -- last report is fire continues to burn & all crew rescued without injury. (Thurs. Sept. 8 2005) -- UPDATE>> M/V NYK Prestige, on route to Busan, rescued 14 Korean seamen from general cargo M/V Dongjin Phoenix, on fire and sinking. M/V NYK Prestige, under the command of Captain Bernd Jantzen, sailing under time charter with NYK, Japan, from Osaka to Busan, when at 1440 hrs, Sep 4, a mayday message on VHF was received from M/V Dongjin Phoenix, stating: "Distress, vessel on fire" and shortly after: "Vessel slowly sinking". The distance between the vessels was 6 nautical miles & the distance to Busan was about 50 nautical miles. Winds were force 7 (near gale) and there was a high swell. Captain Jantzen communicated with the Korean Captain Kim Yeion Keun, and was advised that the crew of M/V Dongjin Phoenix were to abandon their sinking vessel into lifeboats & liferafts. M/V NYK Prestige diverted to towards position of the distress. Upon arrival at the scene, a rescue was effected. In just 1 hour & 42 minutes after receiving the 1st mayday message the 14 Korean seamen from the lifeboat and rafts were safely onboard M/V NYK Prestige. However, 1 Korean seaman missing. (Fri. Sept. 9 2005)

Scott Oil Platform, 117 miles NE of Aberdeen -- evacuated 140 oil workers -- airlifted following a suspected gas leak -- Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd, said no injuries & there had been no fire or explosion as result of incident. (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

P&O Cruises cruise 240mt. M/V Pacific Sky -- aground on the Isle of Pines<< Webfeature, at 1330hrs Sept. 5., S. of Noumea , Tahiti -- refloated at 0900, Sept. 6, with the help of 2 tugs from Noumea.(Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

Famous emergency tug M/V Anglian Sovereign ran aground on Sept. 3, evening & 200 tons of fuel leaked into water at Oxna<< Webfeature-- 13-man crew sent mayday & UKcoastguard rescue helicopter from Sumburgh airlifted them to safety -- Capt. later managed to refloat vessel and get into Scalloway Harbor -- skipper of tug breathalyzed & arrested following incident. Fish farmers in area stopped feeding their stock & suspended harvesting until water samples have been taken. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues. Sept. 6 2005)

200 Somalis & Ethiopians, including children, left Somalia's semiautonomous Puntland region in 2 boats Aug. 31 for Saudi Arabia -- 18 smugglers &emdash; armed with guns, daggers & clubs -- appeared to be trying to avoid detection when they forced passengers into the Red Sea while the vessels were 10 miles from the Yemeni coastline -- leaving at least 57 dead &100 missing. (Mon. Sept. 5 2005)

Taiwanese-registered F/V Chung Yi 218, F/V Cheng Ching Feng & F/V Hsin Lien Feng 36, with dozens of seamen -- seized separately last month & by Somali pirates have demanded a ransom of US$1.5m for the vessels & hostages. Philippine foreign office identified those holding Filipinos as rebel "Marehan soldiers" who boarded Taiwanese vessels at Somali port of Kismayu<< Webfeature. The other crewmen also being held were Indonesians, Vietnamese & Chinese. (Mon. Sept. 5 2005)

Chinese F/V exploded & sank on the East China Sea on Sept. 5, morning -- 14 fishermen, including 1 seriously burned, jumped into sea -- 10 minutes later, fishing vessel from Taiwan passed through area by chance -- found the 14 victims & rescued them. (Mon. Sept. 5 2005)

USS Philadelphia (SSN 690)<< Webfeature, traveling on the surface of Persian Gulf -- in collision with -- Turkish-flagged M/V Yaso Aysen. USS Philadelphia<< Webfeature, conducting surface operations on way to Bahrain for a scheduled port visit. No injuries. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

Nahshul type Israeli Navy boat has sunk Sept. 4, night in Eilat's harbor after water began penetrating the boat for unknown reasons -- sank -- crew rescued with no injuries reported. Israeli Navy investigating circumstances of unusual accident. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

23mt. long-line F/V Devocean -- aground at Moreton Island, N. of Bulwer & off Redcliffe coast in New South Wales -- all 3 crew rescued. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

224ft. U.S. government research M/V Hi'ialakai returning to Honolulu for repair, cutting short a 35-day voyage to NW Hawaiian Islands -- suffered fire in main control room Sept. 1. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

UK Coastguard Emergency Towing vessel M/V Anglian Sovereign ran aground on the Island of Oxna<< Webfeature, 10 miles W. of Scalloway -- vessel is currently surrounded by booms in Scalloway Harbor & mechanical equipment deployed to deal with pollution. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

240-meter P&O Cruises Australia M/V Pacific Sky, departed Brisbane on 9 night South Pacific cruise with 1,289 passengers & 615 crew -- aground onto sand at Isle of Pines<< Webfeature, in S. of New Caledonia on Sept. 4 -- refloated -- no damage. (Sun. Sept. 4 2005)

South African Port of Richards Bay<< Webfeature, reopened to shipping after being closed for 24 hours following the fatal crash of the marine pilot transfer helicopter at the entrance to the harbour on Sept. 3, afternoon. Civil aviation authority accident investigators arrived at the Zululand port to start a detailed probe into the cause of the crash, which claimed the life of the helicopter's engineer. (Sat. Sept. 3 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Aug. 2005 at 0230 LT anchored in posn 29:43.7N - 048:39,1E, buoy no. 3 and 5, Khawr Abd Allah, Iraq. Three pirates armed with machine guns & steel bar boarded a LPG tanker -- smashed bridge window & held 2/O and master at gunpoint -- fired a shot at Master missing his shoulder by 20 cm & forced him to open safe & stole cash. Robbers then threatened C/E & escaped at 0315 LT stealing ship's stores. Master reported to coalition forces who asked him for details of attack. Master advised ships not to anchor in this area during night hours. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

25 Aug. 2005 at 1300 LT in posn 21:36N &endash; 091:19E, Chittagong, Bangladesh. Several pirates in 2 fishing boats attempted to board general cargo ship underway. Crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses & fired 1 rocket flare. Master took evasive maneuvers and after 35 mins boats moved away. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

25 Aug. 2005 at 0100 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- 7 pirates armed with long knives & jungle bolos approached tug underway. Three robbers boarded, stole stores & escaped. Later coast guard arrived for investigation. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

25 Aug. 2005 at 0225 UTC in posn 17:48.5N &endash; 077:06.5W, Rocky point anchorage, Jamaica -- 3 pirates in an unlit speedboat attempted to board bulk carrier via anchor chain. Alert duty crew raised alarm & boarding averted. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

25 Aug. 2005 at 0140 UTC in posn 06:18S &endash; 003:22E, off Lagos, Nigeria -- 3 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker undergoing STS operations -- threatened duty crew, stole ship's stores & escaped in speedboat. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

16 Aug. 2005 off Kismayo port, Somalia. Pirates hijacked 3 deep sea fishing vessels. They are holding crew members as hostages. Further information is awaited. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

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670-ton Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea cargo M/V , with 15 crew, anchored at the Dayaowan bay in Dalian, Liaoning Province in NE China -- started to set sail at 9:00 p.m. Sept. 2 -- suddenly tool starboard list -- capsized & sank within minutes -- chief engineer missed & presumed dead. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

Chinese 76mt cruise M/V Galaxy II -- traveling in Yangtze River on Sept. 1, from Yichang in fog -- ran aground near Chongqing. Salvage workers attempted on Sept. 2, to secure M/V Galaxy II, a 5 deck vessel originally with 163 passengers & crew on board -- 90 passengers, mostly from Germany, were evacuated in ships responding to scene after M/V Galaxy II sent signals for help. Vessel may be pulled off in Oct. 2005. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

23,235gt. Cyprus registerd M/T Baltic Captain I (built 2001) -- hard aground Sept. 2, off Pelican Island in Houston Ship Channel Texas. LOF signed with Titan Maritime (UK) Ltd. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

Royal Caribbean's cruise M/V Monarch of the Seas (built 1991), just docked at Port of Los Angesles with 2,500 passengers & 850 crew after sailing on Mexico's Pacific coast -- suffered 3 crew dead after they repaired waste pipe aboard -- overcome within 30 seconds by hydrogen sulfide in toxic sewer gas, which occurs in sewage. The broken line expelled about 5 gallons of raw sewage & unknown amount of gas in propeller shaft tunnel. Los Angeles County Fire Dept. acted with spped, but nothing to be done. No passengers injured. (Fri. Sept. 2 2005)

China evacuated nearly 790,000 people (a rare "Black Alarm") as powerful Typhoon Talim slammed into E. coast on Sept. 1, after barreling across Taiwan, where it left 2 dead & dozens injured. Talim was forecast to be the strongest storm to hit China this season & the observatory in Fujian province issued its highest-level alert, warning of potential landslides, flooding & widespread damage, Xinhua news agency said. With a radius of 250km, Talim was packing centre winds of up to 144km per hour.(Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

224-foot U.S. government research ship M/V Hi'ialakai -- suffered fire in the main control room 3 days into voyage -- returning to Honolulu for repair, cutting short a 35-day voyage to NW Hawaiian Islands & to French Frigate Shoals. (Thurs. Sept. 1 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For August 2005

September 11 Memorial

"Backhaul !" - for Aug. 2005

Damaged BP oil platform Thunder Horse>> See Our Photo Feature (Sun. July 17 2005) How will Hurricane Katrina in Aug. 2005 effect this disabled platform? UPDATE>> Thunder Horse -- largest oil platform in the world -- now under control Photo Feature (Sun. July 17 2005)

Early-morning fire raced through a Gig Harbor<< Webfeature, marina, near Seattle, Aug. 31, blowing up propane tanks, sinking the marina cover and sending as many as 50 boats to the waters below. (Wed.. 31 Aug. 2005)

2,998gt Antigua & Barbuda general cargo M/V Michelle (built 2000), in ballast with 7 crew -- in collision 100 km NW of Den Helder & began taking water -- with general cargo M/V Kiefernwald, Grimsby for Riga -- in approx 53 38.2 N 03 36.7 E , Aug 26 2005. Began taking water. All 7 crew abandoned vessel & rescued by M/V Kiefernwald. M/V Michelle sank stern 1st, lying with stern submerged & bow 10mt. out of water. M/V Kiefernwald sustained crack in her bow, but able to proceed on voyage to Cuxhaven. (Tues. 30 Aug. 2005)

Unidentified mainland Chinese fishing vessel being pursued for illegal fishing -- increased speed, suddenly turned to port & rammed Taiwanese coast guard vessel, which was slowing down for boarding check -- Taiwanese coast guard officers ordered her to stop for checking, but the order was ignored -- 35-ton patrol boat dented, but no one has been injured. (Mon.. Aug. 29 2005)

F/V Fertile II BF 740, with 5 crew -- sinking 80 miles NE of Lerwick, Shetland. Ninian Platform radio room reported Standby vessels, M/V Grampian Osprey'; M/V Highland Navigator & M/V Highland Patriot responding. In addition -- UK Coastguard helicopter Oscar Charlie' scrambled but recalled when at 14:20hrs crew of fishing vessel F/V Aquarius BF 89 reported having the 5 people rescued & F/V Fertile II had sunk at 60 41 N 001 16E. (Mon.. Aug. 29 2005)

Chinese junk cruise S/V Cheng Ho<< Webfeature (scroll way down for picture), replica of famous Imperial vessel of China's Ming Dynasty -- suffered engine room fire -- had severely smoked out compartments on the ship & visibility very low. -- all passengers evacuated immediately & no injuries in the fire, which was believed to have started just as ship was about to dock at the Clifford Pier, Singapore. It took some 20 officers of Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) to bring fire under control. Cheng Ho, a great navigator of Ming Dynasty, sailed from China to many places throughout South Pacific, Persian Gulf & distant Africa in 7 epic voyages from 1405 to 1433. (Sun.. Aug. 28 2005)

Philippine steel-hulled ferry M/V Dona Ramona -- boarding passengers in Lamitan port when blast occurred near vessel's cafeteria, triggering fire -- suspected that home-made bomb had been placed alongside rows of tanks of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the ferry's pantry -- blaze was contained within minutes, but blast damage extensive -- some 30 people injured, some with 3ed degree burns. Passengers panicked after explosion, some jumping overboard as fire raged in ferry's kitchen on the lower deck. (Sat.. Aug. 27 2005) UPDATE>> Blast was the handiwork of Abu Sayyaf bandits<< Webfeature, who were disguised as fishermen. (Sun.. Aug. 28 2005)

50-foot F/V Northern Light, with 3 crew -- capsized & sank 22 Aug. off Nantucket -- Master couldn't swim drowned after scallop boat capsized. U.S. Coast Guard said the vessel had 2 life rafts, but boat's emergency beacon failed to activate when she sank. Remaining crew clung to wreckage for 8 hours before inflatable raft from the vessel floated by Monday night. "They laid on their backs much of the time, submerged in water because the raft had a net-like bottom that allowed water in, Coastguadr said. "A tiger shark swam in the area for two hours, but never touched the raft. The two crew survived 50 hours in an open raft, enduring delirium, sharks, sunburn & hypothermia -- but the sea offered some relief when F/V Northern Light's cooler floated by -- inside, they found Coke, Gatorade, cheese, hot dogs and slices of turkey. Rescued by U.S. Coast Guard Aug. 26, 63 NM E off Nantucket . Miracle. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

328ft. Bahamian-flagged cargo M/V CEC Mirage (built 1991), with wood chips & machinery -- suffered fire in Elliott Bay, Washington -- notified U.S. Coast Guard of the fire in #1 hold 9 a.m. -- fire contained & extinguished by crew before U.S. Coast Guard & Seattle Fire Dept. boarded. Cause unknown. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

Tug pushing barges of coal on Mississippi River briefly ran aground Aug. 26, & lost control of 22 barges -- adrift Aug. 26, not far from U.S. Highway 82, which spans the river between Mississippi & SE Arkansas. U.S. Coast Guard New Orleans said law enforcement agencies called in to help corral barges before they could do any damage. The river has been lower than normal because of a drought. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

105-foot crab vessel, serving assalmon tender F/V Alliance,with 4 adults & 2 children, hit rock in Cape Resurrection & sank Aug. near Seward, Alaska -- all aboard had immersion suits on & boarded skiff. Within minutes, a Good Samaritan vessel picked them up -- then U.S. Coast Guard boat brought them to Seward. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

22 Aug. 2005 at 0245 UTC in position 06:20.7N - 003:20.3E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeri a. Two pirates boarded general cargo ship & tried to assault duty a/b. He managed to raise alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & broke seals of 2 containers before escaping. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

21 Aug. 2005 at 1945 UTC in position 29:43.6N - 048:39.3E, Um Qasr-Khawr Abd Allah Channel, Iraq. Six pirates in 2 boats armed with machine guns & knives approached general cargo ship at anchor awaiting berthing -- 4 pirates boarded; overpowered duty A/B & went to the bridge, where they took hostage D/O and 2 crew. Robbers held further 7 crew at gunpoint & took them to master's cabin. By this time master escaped & hid inside engine room. Robbers assaulted the hostages & threatened them with guns & knives and ordered them to open the safe. As none of hostages knew safe combination they lowered the safe in their boat & escaped in 2mt. dark green speedboat at 2020 UTC.  (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

19 Aug. 2005 at 2030 LT in position 02:37.1N - 108:57.0E, off Natuna islands, Indonesia. Pirates armed with guns in fishing boat fired upon & tug towing barge causing damage to navigation equipment & accommodation. Master cast off the barge, took evasive maneuvers & proceeded to Singapore. No injuries to crew. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

16 Aug. 2005 at 0200 LT in approx posn 01N &endash; 104E, Indonesia. Pirates hijacked tug towing barge. They threw crewmember overboared -- later rescued by nearby craft. He reached shore & reported the incident to naval authorities in Tg. Pinang. Tug & barge are still missing. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

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Turkish dry cargo M/V Ufuk 1, Turkish province of Trabzon for Russian port of Sochi, with 53 crew -- ablaze off NE Turkish province of Trabzon in Black Sea-- crew abaonded on lifeboats or with life buoys -- Turkish coast guard vessels & army helicopter dispatched for assistance, North Korean-registered ship expected to reach area 1st -- no information yet on cause or extent of the fire. (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005) Vessel continues to burn --fear of sinking. All safe. (Fri. Aug. 26 2005)

Port Everglades & Port of Miami closed to inbound ship traffic beginning at 8 p.m. Aug. 25 evening due to Hurricane Katrina. Royal Caribbean to reroute M/V Empress of the Seas, scheduled to arrive Port Everglades this morning, to Port of Tampa -- 1,600-passenger also scheduled to depart at 5 p.m. Aug. 25 on another trip. Those passengers will be bused from Port Everglades to Port of Tampa. All those involved will endure the bus ride down Alligator Alley<< Webfeature.. (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005)

197ft. vintage excursion steamboat M/V Ste. Claire<< Webfeature, (built 1910) ferrying passengers to Detroit's defunct Boblo Island amusement park returned to Detroit River waterfront Aug. 24 -- in collision with dock -- knocking out a 25-foot-long section of stainless steel railing. "The old girl came in at ramming speed," said a passenger. Dozens of luxury homes & condominiums have been built on the 272-acre Boblo Island<< Webfeature, since a Detroit-area developer purchased it in 1994. (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005)

Maltese-registered cruise M/V Lyubov Orlova, Northern Isles for Dublin with 181 passengers -- suffered ultimate maritime risk -- moronic, seasick passenger -- as alarmed female passenger became convinced M/V Lyubov Orlova & passengers were in grave danger -- due to heavy seas Aug. 24, while rounding Cape Wrath, north-westerly point on British mainland. Passenger cell phoned her sister in Italy with SOS, who in turn called coastguard in Rome. Rome Coastguard then called Aberdeen Coastguard, who were able to track down vessel using an automatic vessel identification system. UK Aberdeen Coastguard frantically contacted the Master of the M/V Lyubov Orlova by satellite phone. The Int'l maritime alert was cancelled. Position of the cell phone, after being hurled overboard, unknown. FYI>> Lyubov Orlova, who died in 1975, aged 73, was a Soviet movie star famous for her roles in musical comedies. (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005)

433-foot saltie M/V Vlieborg in collision with north pier of the Duluth Ship Canal<< Webfeature, while attempting to leave port Aug. 24 afternoon -- vessel returned to the harbors anchorage area to undergo inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard -- ship was lined up for normal departure when she suddenly veered into pier -- a light standard on canal pier also topped by the collision. (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005)

UK historic M/V Balmoral<< Webfeature, (built 1949 - capacity 750 passengers), which now runs pleasure trips -- summoned fire crews & lifeboats were called to M/V Balmoral shortly after 1600 BST to help pump out engine room, which had started to take water on 24 Aug. "Things were pretty grim when we arrived," said UK Mumbles Coastguard. "There was about 3 meters of water in the engine room at that point. "There were about 20 crew on board and our first concern was for them, so we asked all non-essential crew to come off apart from the skipper and a couple of engineers to help with the pumping operation." Once engine room drained divers assessed damage & team of marine welders were called in. In just under 2 hours, Swansea Coastguard said vessel handed the operation over to the owners, Waverley Excursions Ltd.<< Webfeature -- ship left Swansea 0500 BST on Aug. 25 & expected to arrive in Sharpness Dock for repairs. Last year, she grounded on Gower<< Webfeature, with 232 people on board, a likely source of hull damage & today's problem. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Thurs. Aug. 25 2005)

Italian car carrier M/V Grande Spagna, with 26 crew -- 15 miles north east of Hartlepool with flames on the deck -- suffered fire for Antwerp -- UK Humber Coastguard immediately broadcast mayday relay message to all shipping to which 4 fishing vessels & warship, HMS Severn, responded. Fire extinguished by crew. M/V Grande Spagna continuing on her voyage to Antwerp & all rescue units stood down. (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

433-foot Dutch-flag S/V Vlieborg leaving Port of Duluth-Superior, in Great Lakes on Aug. 24 went off course & struck pier wall at1:30 p.m., just before it would have sailed under the Aerial Lift Bridge. The 6-year-old freighter turned around near the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center & headed back into the harbor for inspection. "We're yelling at them from the bridge to get back," a passenger said. No injuries. (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

French F/V Cap St Jean, with 18 crew, suffered engine failure & began drifting nearly 60 miles NW of the Butt of Lewis in 60-knot winds -- all crew airlifted to safety in a Force 11 storm off Western Isles-- 2nd French trawler, F/V Mariet La Roche, now has the stricken F/V Cap Saint Jean under tow -- vessels are expected to reach Ullapool late Aug. 25 morning. . (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

Miracle At Sea>> 50-foot scallop F/V Northern Wind departed Aug. 20 night from its homeport in Hyannis and was due back Aug. 22 night. F/V Northern Wind last seen by another fishing vessel 35 miles SE of Nantucket Aug. 22 afternoon -- vessel sank -- high-seas nightmare turned miracle when 2 of 3 fishermen missing since Aug. 22 found in life raft off Nantucket. Capt. Edward Smith remains missing. Northern Wind had full array of safety equipment, including 2 life rafts, but boat's emergency radio beacon failed to activate when she sank. (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

Italian cruise M/V Costa Classica, with more than 2,000 passengers on 8 day cruise to Dubrovnik, Croatia, & Piraeus and the Greek islands -- suffered fire sailing off Greek island of Poros in the Saronic Gulf. Cause of fire at the stern & extent of damage not immediately known, but passengers said they saw smoke coming from one of the kitchens. M/V Costa Classica escorted back to Athens' main port of Piraeus where inspectors to assess seaworthiness. (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

16,515gt product M/T Halifax (built 1992), with 24,000 tons diesel oil grounded at Gluckstadt on the River Elbe Aug 18. Salvage services rendered by tugs owned by Bugsier under the terms of Lloyd's Open Form 2000 & vessel refloated on Aug 19. First attempts to free vessel failed. (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

Unidentified 5,678-ton pirated freighter -- Malaysian Commandos pursued the ship for 17 hours, S. from Port Klang, Malaysia, through Strait of Malacca, where piracy is a huge problem. The interception came after the International Maritime Bureau tipped off authorities that the Malaysian-owned ship had entered the strait. Four patrol boats with 45 marine police took part in the operation. The original crew was released in Batam, Indonesia, after hijacking in Nov. 2002. Recued ship, with new name & a new flag of convenience, sailing from India to Vietnam with soya beans. Why won't International Maritime Bureau relaese the vessel identification? (Wed. Aug. 24 2005)

Pirate Ship Reclaimed>> So called "M/V Paulijing", Khandra in India for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with soya bean & vinegar -- apparently renamed by pirates to "M/V Paulijing" from M/V Natris -- believed hijacked in 2002, was today "recovered" off Kukup in the Straits of Malacca by Marine Police -- also detained 20 Chinese nationals on board -- she was heading for Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from Khandra in India. Marine Police in N. region had informed that Panama-registered M/V Natris (original name), hijacked near Batam Island in Indonesia on Nov 17, 2002, & taken away -- sighted in Malacca Strait at 9am, Aug. 22. Vessel escorted to Tanjung Piai at 4.30am. Bravo Zulu Marine Police!!!! (Tues. Aug. 23 2005)

Shanghai container M/V Kaiyue suffered engine room fire at sea near Wenzhou City of Zhejiang Province Aug. 23 morning -- 1 crew killed instantly -- 3 others seriously injured. (Tues. Aug. 23 2005)

51ft ketch Dutch S/Y Daisy, for Reykjavik with 3 crew -- subject of mammoth Int'l search & rescue mission -- signal indicating S/Y Daisy sinking was picked up 120 miles SE of Greenland. After huge multi-nation navel search -- determined that problem caused when emergewncy beacon fell overboard. All is well. (Tues. Aug. 23 2005)

Nearly 9,000 Russian & Chinese troops began mock assault on beaches of N. China on Aug. 23 for final stage of unprecedented joint war games between the two former Cold War rivals. The live-fire exercise, dubbed "Peace Mission 2005," involves about 7,000 Chinese troops & 1,800 Russians, along with state-of-the-art warships, warplanes, submarines & amphibious tanks. Operations began with a simulated naval blockade off the coast of the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea, SE of Beijing. Under fictional scenario for exercises, the forces have a U.N. mandate to stabilize a country plunged into violence by ethnic strife. Yet Chinese media have said exercises are intended to advertise China's determination to deal with regional terrorist, extremist & separatist threats - the last a likely reference to self-governing Taiwan, which China has vowed to reclaim by force if necessary. (Tues. Aug. 23 2005)

7mt. S/Y Evening Star, with 7 crew, capsized off Cardwell near tip of Hinchinbrook Island -- drowning 2 men -- Mr. Arcidiacono, the owner & skipper, died trying to swim to nearby Garden Island to raise alarm. The 5 remaining crew rescued. Cairns police continuing to investigate yacht's sinking. (Tues. Aug. 23 2005)

Olivia Newton-John's<< Webfeature, longtime boyfriend, Patrick Kim McDermott, 48, left Port of Los Angeles on June 30 on an overnight fishing trip -- last seen on fishing vessel about lunch time & his personal items found on the boat. Los Angeles Police says McDermott listed as missing. And they did not mention this in the last 2 months because........? (Mon. Aug. 22 2005)

Maltese M/V Imbat, Quebec for Italy with steel cargo lost 6 of its Turkish crew after sailors jumped into the St. Lawrence River, Champlain, Quebec Aug. 21 -- 2 other crew members vanished 2 weeks ago. Provincial Police detained 3 men and were searching for the remaining 3. Transport Canada to board the ship to determine if she can sail with a crew of only 12 men from the original 20. No explanation given for exodus of the Turkish sailors -- seeking refuge status. Authorities say problem lies within ship it self. Some indication these guys didn't want to go home! (Mon. Aug. 22 2005)

2,200gt general cargo M/V Eugenio (built 1987) -- grounded at Toliary, Madagascar, Aug 7 -- refloated Aug 18. (Mon. Aug. 22 2005) UPDATE>>M/V Eugenio sailed Tolagnaro Aug 21, in tow of tug M/V Strong Deliverer. M/V Eugenio has damage to her keel & propellers -- bound for Durban, for drydocking and repairs, ETA Aug 27. (Mon.. Aug. 29 2005)

Toronto to Rochester ferry M/V Spirit of Ontario<< Webfeature, -- pulled into Port of Toronto Aug. 21, evening -- in collision with -- the gangway at the port. Collision broke 3 window near bow, but the passengers were a little anxious. This now the 3rd mishap for M/V Spirit of Ontario. In April 2004, she suffered a gash while pulling into a New York City pier. That's when this ferry, "The Cat" first arrived to New York from Australia where the ship was built. The accident ended up delaying the launch of the ferry service. In May, while in dry dock in St. Catherines, Canada, the ferry slipped off some blocks while crews getting ready to do work on the ship to prepare it for its re-launch date. (Mon. Aug. 22 2005)

Milwaukee's high-speed M/V Lake Express -- heading east at her full speed of 34 knots (40 mph) -- diverted to rescue man whose boat capsized Aug. 21, 20 miles off Wisconsin's coastline in Lake Michigan -- nurse aboard started medical treatment as M/V Lake Express rushed him back to Milwaukee. (Mon. Aug. 22 2005)

Australian -- New South Wales long line F/V Devocean, with 3 crew -- aground on shoreline at Moreton Island<< Webfeature, near Brisbane late 20 Aug. -- after Capt. went below decks to fix mechanical problem - crew OK -- attemptsd to refloat continue. (Sun. Aug. 21 2005)

New Bedford-based 75ft. steel F/V Theresa R II, issued SOS -- taking in water 145 miles NE of Nantucket on Aug. 12 -- U.S. Coast Guard launched Falcon jet & Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, but aircraft were pulled back after rescuers learned crew of F/V Theresa R II, which sank, rescued by New Bedford based 101-foot scalloper F/V Harvester. (Sat. Aug. 20 2005)

Great Lakes M/V Algonorth, with 22 crew -- suffered engine room fire affecting 3 electrical panels -- fire extingished - U.S. Coast Guard Thunder Bay responded. Gravel & Lake Services Ltd. tug M/V Robert John took vessel in tow to Keefer Terminal. (Sat. Aug. 20 2005)

USS Ashland LSD 48 << Webfeature, with 350 crew & USS Kearsarge LHD 3 << Webfeature, with 1,100 crew -- suffered 3-rocket attack with Katyusha rockets<< Webfeature, in the Jordanian port of Aqaba<< Webfeature, -- all missles missed -- but 1 missle hit a taxi cab 13 miles away in Israel -- which did not explode -- cab driver OK. Group linked to al-Qaida claimed responsibility, but why would anyone admit involvementin such failure? (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

Unidentified ship hijacked off the coast of Somalia in latest piracy incident in Somali waters, off SE port town of Kismayo. At least 15 violent incidents occurred since mid-March compared with just 2 in 2004, the Int'l Maritime Bureau said. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

158,000gt cruise M/V Freedom of the Seas << Webfeature, launched today as worlds largerst cruise ship -- outranking Cunard's 151,400gt M/V Queen Mary 2. Both are longer than 41 London double decker buses parked end-to-end. She will carry 5,740 passengers & crew. M/V Freedom of the Seas floated out of shipyard run by Aker Yards in Finland -- part of 3 ship deal for Royal Caribbean Cruises, world's 2nd biggest cruise liner company. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

12 Aug. 2005 at 1850 UTC at Balikpapan coal terminal, Indonesia --4 pirates armed with crowbars boarded bulk carrier by climbing forward mooring ropes -- broke forward store lock & stole ship's stores & equipment. Duty A/B raised alarm & robbers fled in a white speedboat. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

11 Aug. 2005 between 2100 - 2359 LT at Ao Chalong bay, Phuket, Thailand. Unknown persons boarded & hijacked moored yacht. Marine police searched area without success.  Description: M/Y Switch Blade, one diesel engine, length 44 ft, hull - Ferrari red with white marking, deck-grey. Yacht subsequently found on 13.08.2005 off Koh Lanta, Thailand. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

10 Aug. 2005 at 0800 LT off Kutubdia Island, Bangladesh. Pirates in 5 trawlers armed with guns boarded tug towing tanker for scrap. Pirates stole stores & property from tug & tanker. Tug sent out aN SOS & coast guard vessel arrived on scene. They detained pirates & 5 trawlers & recovered stolen items. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

10 Aug. 2005 at 0001 LT at 00:33.1N - 117 43.7E, Tanjung Bara anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded bulk carrier -- broke padlock of fore peak locker & stole ship's stores. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

09 Aug. 2005 at 0035 UTC in position 17:52.4N - 076:47.1W, Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica -- 4 pirates in unlit boat tried to board a container ship. D/O raised alarm, sounded whistle & crew mustered -- robbers aborted boarding. Ship heaved up anchor & moved out of anchorage area. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

05 Aug. 2005 at 1220 LT Laguna Grande, Venezuela -- 3 pirates armed with machetes boarded yacht at anchor & started lowering dingy. Skipper confronted one robber who slashed him with machete. Robber jumped into water with his accomplices & started taking the dingy. Skipper pursued them but robbers repeatedly slashed him with machetes causing severe injuries. Skipper's colleague onboard contacted authorities & armed guards arrived -- took skipper ashore for hospital treatment. Subsequently, stolen dingy recovered. (Fri. Aug. 19 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Chinese M/V Zhuyang III, Tianjin for Ningbo with 15 crew and 4,000tn of coal & 30 containers -- issued SOS -- suffered Beaufort Scale 9 seas in Bohai Sea -- M/V Zhuyang III capsized -- Hebei Provincial Marine Search & Rescue Center mobilized 6 ships & 1 helicopter to save cargo ship at 8:10 a.m. -- all crew rescued at 10:18 a.m., 3 injured. Great work Hebei Provincial. NOTE: a 2nd ship from Zhejiang Provinve, Ningbao for Qingdao with sand also sank 20 minutes later -- all 19 crew rescuded. (Thurs. Aug. 18 2005)

Unidentified Ecuadorean M/V, licsenced for 15 passengers-- overloaded with 113 passengers -- illegal voyage thought bound for U.S. -- capsized & sank in rough waters 100 miles off coast of SW Colombia. Ecuadorean fishing boat found survivors on Aug. 13 -- 13 managed to escape, but 4 of them later slipped under the waves -- over 104 passengers went down with the vessel. Migrants on voyage had paid traffickers as much as US$3,000 each as down payment for trip, with promise to pay US$7,000 more upon completing journey. But the boat's "brave crew" abandoned them at sea after the engine failed. Those who promise freedom for these poor people in exchange for more than a year's income -- are just scum. Cheers to Colubian Navy for rescuing the only 9 survivors. (Wed. Aug. 17 2005) UPDATE>> Trip charge was US$10,000 -- but the 100 were locked in the hold when the vessel sank. Poor people, looking for freedom. Horror. We are just sick. (Thurs. Aug. 18 2005)

14,350gtt container M/V Norasia Taurus (bulit 2001) for Cypres, suffered fire near Damietta<< Webfeature, -- 80 to 90 containers damaged before fire suppression. Best current estimate of ship and cargo values is in the region of US$100M-US120M -- most likely cause of fire was IMDG class 5.2 goods stowed on deck. Vessel arrived Cyprus & cargo discharged. Cargo will be detained until salvage & GA security has been lodged. Packed catamaran carrying 90 tourists on day cruise caught fire & sank 500mt. off Portugal's southernmost province of Algarve, one of Europe's top tourist destinationson Aug. 15, injuring 2 people -- appears caused by an accident involving a barbecue held on board, dah. Fire extinguishers on board did not work fully, dah. (Mon. Aug. 15 2005) UPDATE>> Most likely cause of fire was IMDG class 5.2 goods stowed on deck. Vessel arrived Cyprus & cargo discharged. Cargo will be detained until salvage & GA security has been lodged. (Wed. Aug. 17 2005)

Atlantic Moving Co. 40-foot barge with a crane on board & 2 crew -- sank Aug. 12 -- 15 miles S. of Point Judith -- for Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island when it started taking on water -- crew rescued. (Mon. Aug. 15 2005)

Estonian trawler F/V Madrus, with 32 crew -- suffered fire off Newfoundland & Labrador Aug. 13, on the Flemish Cap, about 470km E. of St. John's -- blaze caused extensive damage to ship's compartments. Crew credited the quick action to halt the blaze. F/V Madrus arrived St. John's on Aug. 14 morning under Canadian Coast Guard escort. (Sun. Aug. 14 2005)

100-foot high-speed catamaran S/Y Nora Vittoria out of Boston -- slammed into 2 vessels Aug. 13 night -- victim crews dove to safety. U.S. Coast Guard investigating whether the disabled boat's location, or the stormy weather, or both, contributed to the accident. Unclear why Capt. of the catamaran, John Parker, had not spotted the smaller vessels from bridge or on radar. (Sun. Aug. 14 2005)

Greek-owned general cargo M/V Meta -- boarded by Cape Town deputy sheriff as she left Table Bay harbor because a court order had instructed him to seize its fuel in lieu of a payment on a debt owed by the charterer -- skipper decided to make run for it & refused to obey his order to return to port. Cape Town deputy sheriff Mark Withers found himself heading for Argentina -- ship slowed just long enough to allow Withers to climb down side & leap to safety aboard pursuing launch. South African Navy likely to persue. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

U.S. Washington based charter vessel M/V Kati aground in the surf on Clatsop Spit, Ore., near the mouth of the Columbia River -- U.S. Coast Guard rescued all 12 people aboard. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

U.S. Boston based ferry M/V Nora Vittoria -- struck 25-foot rescue boat while at anchor from U.S. Coast Guard Station Point Allerton in the West Gut in Hull Bay -- all 4 crew taken by U.S. Coast Guard Station Pt. Allerton to Pemberton Pier where Emergency Medical Services took them South Shore Hospital. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

Grand Isle Co. 96-foot offshore supply boat M/V Taylor Catherine, with 5 crew -- struck unmanned, unlit rig in Gulf of Mexico 30 miles E. of Venice -- issued mayday -- U.S. Coast Guard vessel rescued all, Aug.11. No injuries. Vessel left tied to rig. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

Atlantic Marine Co.<< Webfeature, barge, with telephone poles -- out of Watchill, R.I., sank 1.5 miles S. of Pt. Judith, R.I. about 12:15 p.m. -- U.S. Coast Guard crew from Station Point. Judith, RI rescued both crew, no injuries. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

Syrian believed linked to al-Qaeda taken before a Turkish court Aug. 11, on suspicion he was plotting to slam a speedboat packed with a ton of explosives into cruise ships carrying Israeli tourists. Police frantically searching for other suspects linked to the man, who had undergone plastic surgery, apparently to help conceal his identity. Authorities hunting for 2 squads of possible suicide bombers. The suspect, identified as Lu'ai Sakra, shouted that he had no regrets after he was led, handcuffed by police, into courthouse. "I was going to attack Israeli ships," he said. (Sat. Aug. 13 2005)

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter completed his 1st submarine dive since he left the Navy as a submarine skipper in 1953 aboard a new nuclear vessel that bears his name. The USS Jimmy Carter(SSN-23)<< Webfeature, pulled into this Navy submarine base Aug. 12, after a night of cruising below waters of Atlantic Ocean off the Georgia coast. She is the 1st submarine named after a living ex-president. Carter, 80, was a submariner during his time in the Navy after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy<< Webfeature. He stood on the flying bridge of the submarine secured by a red harness as vessel came into the St. Mary's River & tied up to a dock at King's Bay Naval Submarine Base<< Webfeature. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

04 Aug. 2005 at 0600 LT in position 02:19.5N - 101:50E, 5nm off Tanjung Tuan, Malacca straits. Several pirates in unlit speedboat, length 6m, approached bulk carrier underway -- came within one cable intending to board. Crew mustered, activated fire hoses & directed searchlights. Speedboat slowed down & fled. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

04 Aug. 2005 at 0430 LT in position 01:41.7S - 116:38.4E, Adang bay anchorage, Indonesia -- 4 pirates in the process of boarding a bulk carrier using hooks attached to ropes. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers aborted boarding. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

04 Aug. 2005 at 0250 LT at no. 2 anchorage, ILO, Peru -- pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship at forecastle -- stole ship's stores & escaped in fishing boat. Master called port authorities on VHF but received no response. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

04 Aug. 2005 at 0006 LT at Callao anchorage area no.8, Peru -- 3 pirates boarded tanker by climbing anchor chain -- broke padlocks of forward locker, stole ship's stores and escaped. Master reported to port authorities & police. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

03 Aug. 2005 at 1600 UTC in position 13:24N - 049:25E, Gulf of Aden. Pirates armed with guns in 2 speedboats trailed chemical tanker underway at range of 10nm. Ten mins later, they increased speed &came within 2 cables astern. Alert crew prevented boarding. Later, 3 speedboats made similar attempts to board but ship took evasive maneuvers & boarding was averted. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

03 Aug. 2005 at 0212 LT Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Ten pirates in white boat attempted to board container ship underway. Crew mustered & robbers aborted attempted boarding. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

25 Aug. 2005 at 2100 LT at Chittagong port, Bangladesh. Pirates in small boat approached bulk carrier at berth -- stole zinc anodes welded to hull using crowbars. Crew raised alarm but robbers threw stones at them & escaped. Master called authorities & security boat arrived 10 mins later to investigate. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

15 Aug. 2005 at 0400 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Four pirates boarded bulk carrier coming in to anchor. One robber held watchman at knifepoint while others broke into aft locker &stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped. South African F/V Masakane 1, with 3 crew & snoek, capsized while returning to fishing harbor at Hermanus, Aug. 11 -- vessel rode low in water under load of fish & shipped water over the side. Then she rolled over in a swell. All crew rescued. (Fri. Aug. 12 2005)

During the SAIL 2005 event << Webfeature, in Bremerhaven a Dutch S/V Flying Dutchman collided with famous 101mt. Italian Sail Training Ship 4,146dwt. S/V Amerigo Vespucci (built 1931) -- while trying to turn around in the Kaiserhafen on Aug 10. Due to the low speed of S/V Flying Dutchman, the damage was limited. But while proceeding then the same ship forced a Bulgarian sailing ship which was following to emergency stop. Strong wind may have caused the accidents. Already one day ago the former F/V Seehund I sank (as reported below)in the North Sea while proceeding to Bremerhaven for the SAIL 2005. Five more charterships are presently unable to leave Cuxhaven port due to the bad weather. Better in the harbor than on the bottom of the sea... From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 11 2005)

4,458gt Cyprus-registered M/V Asia Concerto -- in collision with -- 4,314-ton South Korean-registered M/V Pine Pia -- off coast of western Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. M/V Pine Pia sank, but all 15 crew rescued. M/V Asia Concerto has 1 crew missing. Sea had been relatively calm at time. Japan Coast Guard dispatched 9 vessels & 1 helicopter to search for missing sailor between main Japanese island of Honshu & smaller island of Shikoku. (Wed. Aug. 10 2005)

Damen Shipyard -- in ocean town of Nikolayev suffered fire -- vessels under construction when fire-control system depressurized, releasing carbon dioxide into the room in which 14 people were working -- 2 persons died of asphyxia on the spot & 12 were hospitalized, including 6 who were rushed to an IT ward. Damen Shipyard specializes in production & repairs of container ships, tankers, tugs, & barges with displacement of up to 350,000 tons. (Wed. Aug. 10 2005)

2,889gt M/V Suna, caught "the wrong lane" close to Rensbrug & collided with 1,909gt Dutch M/V Mithril, Baltic for Bristol. M/V Suna drifted against berth of canal ferry M/V Nobsikrug -- afterwards missing her only by chance. Bow of the M/V Mithril damaged severely -- ship sprang a leak & moored in harbor of Rendsburg. M/V Suna proceeded to Kiel where it was arrested. Damage is estimated to be ¤250.000. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 10 2005)

M/V Transfer -- remains aground -- atop a section of Lighthouse Reef atoll off Belize, 2 miles S. of Sandbore Caye -- crashed into the coral in Jan. 2005 -- only 1/3 of its 220ft. length sat on the reef, but when Hurricane Emily churned through the Caribbean, large accompanying waves pushed an additional 1/3 of the Transfer into shallows. No fines have been levied against the owner of vessel, identified as Ariane Shipping Co.; however officials making assessment of monetary damages to the environment -- will levy fine minimum of US$600,000 against those responsible. (Wed. Aug. 10 2005)

16,5mt former passenger M/V Seehund I, River Eider for Bremerhaven. -- sank in the North Sea on Aug 9 -- ship radioed suffered water ingress 4 miles NW of the island Trischen. The rescue vessels M/V Hermann Marwede & M/V Hans Hackmann, Custom cutter M/V Schleswig Holstein & police boat M/V Sylt headed for position. SAR-helicopter was 1st unit & rescued crew of 4 from a liferaft as M/V Seehund I sunk. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 10 2005)

Tug M/V Brandn Roehrig, with 5 aboard in the Kill Van Kull, E. of the Bayonne Bridge at 2:45 p.m. today -- suffered fire -- U.S. Coast Guard, New York City Police Dept. & New York City Fire Dept. responded -- 3 rescue crews deployed from U.S. Coast Guard Station New York after receiving report via marine band radio. All mariners were safely taken from the vessel by the Coast Guard rescue crews.Fire onboard tug brought under control by assist tugs & FDNY crews. Tug taken to the Stapleton Homeport Pier in Staten Island From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 9 2005)

Hit & Run?>> 27,000gt Greek M/T Shinoussa, with 15,000 tons of fuel oil -- reported to UK Yarmouth Coastguard -- had been in collision with Dutch trawler F/V Jacoba Alijda -- they were confident had not sustained any damage but were standing by casualty & another fishing vessel. At first light vessel will be inspected to assess if any damage has been sustained, by personnel on board the Thames Gas Platform standby vessel M/V Putford Rover. If all is well the tanker will continue to destination Tees Port. Dutch Coastguard informed us that F/V Jacoba Alijda sunk at 04:55 a.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 9 2005)

Dutch trawler F/V Jacoba Alijda -- sank 48 miles NE of Bacton, (SE of Cromer) -- UK flag Dutch F/V St Antony rescued all 6 crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 9 2005)

Central African Republic ferry with 300 passengers, but licensed for 100 -- engines failed & sank in remote town of Ndjoukou,<< Webfeature, 60km from capital, Bangui.-- on Oubangui River which separates country from neighbouring Congo -- 13 dead -- 30 feared dead. (Mon. Aug. 8 2005)

38ft. dive boat M/V Terminator sank 20 miles S. of St. George, Fla. on Aug. 7 -- U.S. Coast Guard received signal from electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) from the dive boat -- U.S. Coast Guard launched an HU-25 Falcon jet rescue crew to scene at 3:30 a.m -- Nearby tug M/V Vigilant with crew aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 8 2005)

Maltese registered bunker M/V Golden Bay, with diesel oil -- in collision -- was shifting from Flagstone Wharf to Ras Hanzir Dolphins, at Malta -- as boat moored in area sunk whilst jetty slightly damaged. (Mon. Aug. 8 2005)

8,975gt. Cyprus flag general Cargo M/V Safmarine Meroula (built 1981) suffered engine breakdown off South African coast Aug 4. Salvage services rendered to vessel by Smit Marine South Africa (Pty) Ltd under LOF 2000. Vessel towed into Saldanha Bay Aug 5. (Mon. Aug. 8 2005)

The Brits DIT IT !!!! >> As stranded Russian AS-28 (built 1989) mini-submarine resurfaced Aug. 7, with its 7 crew alive after being ensnared on the Pacific seabed for nearly 3 days at a depth of 650ft. -- ALL CREW ALIVE & WELL! British Royal Navy Super Scorpio<< Webfeature, underwater vehicle submerged to cut entanglements that had enmeshed the submarine on the seafloor. The AS-28 mini-submarine, got ensnared Aug. 4, night by an antenna anchored to a 60-ton heavy weight on seabed off Kamchatka Peninsula, was lifted to surface with all crew at 0725 Moscow time (0325 GMT). The remotely controlled Super Scorpio can cut through inch-thick steel cable & can operate at maximum depth of 5,000ft.It's going to be a nice day. (Sun. Aug. 7 2005 Early AM Pacific) UPDATE>> President Vladimir Putin phoned British Prime Minister Tony Blair overnight to thank him for the Royal Navy's help in rescuing the 7 submariners who became trapped under the Pacific Ocean Bravo Zulu!! (Mon. Aug. 8 2005) UPDATE>> Russian prosecutors said Tuesday they have opened a criminal investigation into how seven men were trapped. Capt. Valery Lepetyukha, 1 of 6 navy sailors on board, revealed that vessel had been sent to investigate underwater surveillance antenna that had been entangled in fishing nets. The 7th man was an employee with company that manufactured the AS-28. Deputy military prosecutor for Pacific Fleet, said investigators already determined that officials responsible for preparing & overseeing the sub's mission committed unspecified violations. Ah, the Russians, as an accident MUST always be criminal. Details awaited. After the sacrifice of the 7 brave crew, perhaps it is the Russian Navy which requires a rescue. (Tues. Aug. 9 2005) Capt Charged>> Russian prosecutors have opened a criminal case against a naval captain accused of negligence during the recent rescue of a mini-submarine. "During the rescue operation the captain's unprofessional actions damaged expensive equipment - the underwater Venom vehicle," the Pacific Fleet prosecutors' statement said. The mini-sub's crew had written farewell notes as they endured cold, hunger & thirst on the seabed off Kamchatka peninsula in Russia's far east. Breakdown of the Russians' Venom vehicle - similar to successful Super Scorpio robot that freed the mini-sub - cost the navy an extra US$352,000, Russian officials said. (Mon. Aug. 15 2005)

ALERT>> Russian deep-sea diving vessel is down -- bathyscaph or mini-submarine, with 7 sailors aboard snagged on unidentified object -- stuck on sea floor 625 feet below the surface, near Vladivostok, off Russia's Pacific Coast -- might be caught on a cable or fishnet -- no injuries thus far --likely enough air for the sailors to live for 4 days, because such vessels typically have oxygen supplies for 120 hours & accident occurred Aug. 4 (some doubt about this date now - but Russians hard to confirm), during a training exercise. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005) NOTE>> Today is exactly 5 years after the nuclear submarine Kursk sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea after explosions on board, killed 118 seamen in a painful & embarrassing blow to the Russian Navy. Several of those sailors survived for hours after the accident as oxygen ran out -- Russian authorities faced criticism for their slow response -- when it was at least possible that rescue forces from Norway, the UK & the U.S. might have made a difference. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005) UPDATE>> U.S. Navy dispatching 1 or 2 unmanned "Super Scorpio"<< Webfeature, submarines by air from San Diego. The Russian sub is "Priz" -- itself a rescue vessel. Priz was somewhat successful &emdash; reaching the Kursk's 9th compartment back in 2000 (Fri. Aug. 5 2005) UPDATE>> Russian recue vessel currently attempting to tow Priz to shallow water. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005) UPDATE>> U.S. & British planes carrying robotic undersea vehicles landed in Russia's far east Aug. 6 -- U.S. Navy Scorpios (aboard U.S. Air Force C-5<< Webfeature,) & their equipment to be loaded aboard a vessel & taken to stricken "mini-sub"-- AS-28 bathyscaph location. Cash-strapped Russian Navy has no rescue vehicles capable of operating at the depth & Russian rescue efforts have focused on trying to grab & drag the sub with a trawling apparatus. (Sat. Aug. 6 2005) UPDATE>> UK "Super Scorpio"<< Webfeature, now on vessel bound for site, while 2 U.S. "Super Scorpios" landed on Kamchatka Peninsula hours ago & now bound for site. Communication with crew of Priz several hours ago -- estimate 19 hours air left. (Sat. Aug. 6 2005, Noon Pacific) SEE RESCUE-- Above.

Port of Palermo, suffered plane crash in sea off the shore of Palermo -- death toll currently at 9 -- police rubber dinghy arrived at Palermo port, where passengers brought, with 3 injured people on board, including the Capt. of the ATR plane that fell into sea, appears seriously injured -- also 3 bodies on vessel. (Sat. Aug. 6 2005, PM Pacific)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

29 July 2005 at 1445 LT in position 12:24N - 050:30E, off Caluula, NE coast of Somalia. Five pirates armed with guns in white speedboat fired upon bulk carrier underway. Crew mustered, activated fire hoses & fired rocket flares. Master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers & moved away from coast. Attempted boarding averted. No injuries. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005)

29 Juky 2005 at 0300 LT in position 01:27.39S - 116:45.76E at SPM terminal, Lawi-Lawi, Balikpapan, Indonesia. Pirates boarded tanker during cargo operations -- broke into 3 storerooms & stole safety equipment and property -- escaped. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005)

28 July 2005 at 0415 UTC in posn 04:08.5N - 049:49.3E, off east coast Somalia. Six pirates armed with guns in white hull speedboat fired upon bulk carrier underway. Alert crew mustered & boarding averted. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005)

26 July 2005 at 2000 LT at Georgetown port, Guyana. Five pirates armed with guns boarded container ship departing with pilot aboard. They held a crew at gunpoint & broke padlock of forward storeroom. Crewmember managed to escape & raise alarm. Robbers left empty handed. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005)

26 Juy 2005 at 1110 UTC in position 03:09N - 048:47E, 90 nm miles off east coast of Somalia. Eight pirates armed with machine guns & RPGs in 2 speedboats approached product tanker underway. One boat came within 30 meters & fired shots at tanker. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses. Master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers, increased speed & proceeded away from the coast. Boats aborted attempted boarding. Boats were white hulled with blue stripes & each boat manned by 4 persons. No injuries to crew & no damage to ship. (Fri. Aug. 5 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Greek ferry M/V Agios Efstathios (buillt 1975) (former M/V Corriere Del Nord ) -- developped serious list to port in Port of Piraeus -- ship pushed to a quay by tugs where it could be stabilized Aug. 3. Had experienced similar problem in Dec. 2001, from Riga for German port of Lubeck after cargo shifted in storm with 15-m-waves - reached Lubeck after a 40 hours battle against storm with severe damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 4 2005)

Ilwaco, Washington, based charter 42ft. M/V Katie, with 12 aboard -- aground in the surf on Clatsop Spit, Ore., near mouth of Columbia River on Aug 3 -- vessel fired a distress flare to assist rescuers -- all rescued by multiple U.S. Coast Guard units & by safely hoisting all 12 people into H-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, in Warrenton, Oregon. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 4 2005)

F/V Kingfisher, last seen on Jul 29 at 12:30 p.m. off tcoast of Costa Rica, with 5 aboard, including 2 U.S. Honeymooners -- U.S. Coast Guard is currently searching -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Morgenthau<< Webfeature, from Alameda, CA, currently searching, as is a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 airplane from Sacramento, CA, deployed to El Salvador, as is a 2nd C-130 from Sacramento, CA -- all en route to search for the missing vessel. U.S. Coast Guard received request for assistance from Costa Rica Coast Guard on Juky 30, 9 p.m. Several merchant vessels have also been diverted to area search. Search efforts continuing by the U.S. Coast Guard, search & rescue units from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama & good Samaritan vessels and aircraft. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 4 2005)

42ft. M/Y Majestic Stars, with 6 crew, sits atop the West breakwater in Cleveland, Ohio after she ran aground 10 p.m. on Aug. 1 -- hit the wall at a high rate of speed, coming completely out of the water. U.S. Coast Guard Station Cleveland Harbor received call 10:10 p.m. by cell phone -- arrived on scene 15 minutes later -- 5 of 6 people sustained minor injuries but refused medical treatment -- 6th person sustained head lacerations & experiencing symptoms of heart attack -- Station Cleveland Harbor transfered him to EMS. Investigation showed no alcohol involved in the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 4 2005)

1,859tn German 79mt ferry M/V Ostfriesland (built 1985), berthed in outer port of Emden -- suffered machine room fire after leakage in fuel pipe, Aug. 3 -- fire successfully tackled by crew, but fire broke out again. Emden Firefighters were alarmed & finally managed to put out the flames. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 4 2005)

6,065gt Malta-flag cargo M/V Behice (built 1989), Hong Kong for Kandla with pipes & fluor spar in bulk -- aground off China July 29, with considerable hull damage (holed cracks structural failure) -- July 31, tug M/V Hunter reports has located general cargo Behice aground off China -- in lat 21 16.4N, long 113 13.4E, listing 30 degrees or more & drifting south-west at 1.5 knots. All 17 crew rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 3 2005)

St. Petersburg, Russia -- "Day of the Fleet Celebration" Fun >>> First, a tanker hit the Troizki Bridge, damaged it & lost 1 ton of oil in the morning of July 30. While the tanker, severely damaged at the bow, was still anchoring in the center of the city -- Russian Navy Type 956 "Sovremenny Class destroyer Neukrotimy<< Webfeature, ("The Indomitable ") was hit by an exercise mine which should have been cleared after a fleet parade, but was torn off its anchor by the stream & exploded at a distance of 3 meters instead of 60 meters as scheduled -- tearing a gash of 3.5mt in length into stern of the destroyer Neukrotimy, causing 200 tons of water to flood a machine room. Attempts to cover the leak with a patch failed & thus the 28 year old ship, which should have been the flagship of the parade, had to be towed off to a repair yard. Fortunately, none of the 180 crew was hurt. One day after the parade another ship collided with the Tuschkow Bridge & damaged its superstructure. Officials announced that vodka sales during "Day of the Fleet Celebration" have hit an all time high. Both Mr. Oliver & Mr. Hardy report a cheery good time spent at "Day of the Fleet Celebration." From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 2 2005) UPDATE>> Russian sailors had planned to make a show of destroying the practice sea mine during parade -- it did. The practice mine, which still had about 30kgs of TNT in it, was supposed to create a huge splash that would spray the spectators on the embankment -- it did. The river current brought the bomb up to ship' s hull together with the anchor & it exploded, causing Russian destroyer Neukrotimy to partially submerged. The Military Prosecutor' s Office has opened criminal case under the article "Careless Handling of Potentially Dangerous Items". They said that the role & degree of responsibility of the military officials in charge of preparation & conduct of training measures near the ship would be ascertained during the investigation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 3 2005)

58,086gt product M/T Betatank II (built 1989), India & Spain for Frederikshave with 48,000 T gas oil -- suffered engine room fire July 5, whilst transhipping cargo off Frederikshaven. The fire has been extinguished & vessel under investigation. (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

Russian decommissioned nuclear Victor class submarine, put in service around 1967, being scrapped in northern Russia suffered fire -- 1 dead & 1 injured in the Arkhangelsk region. (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

Long-line F/V Oryong 727 aground, loaded, on on the Roncador Reef north easterly off Solomon Islands. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. instructed to assist on July 20 -- removed some 100 tons of bunkers, 1,000 litres of lubs and some valuables -- vessel itself could not be refloated anymore due to the fact that it had ended up high & dry on reef due to wave action. Supply tug M/V Celeste from SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V.'s partners on Papua New Guinea has Aug. 1 afternoon departed from operations-site after also having taken over the casualty's 25-plus crew. Crew will be repatriated upon M/V Celeste having arrived back at her base in Rabaul. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

5,961dwt Indonesian bulker M/V Mahardi (built 1970), arriving from Port Klang in Malaysia & unloaded -- had broken its moorings on 30 July during a squall -- drifted 600m before hitting & grounding on a small islet in Singapore -- all 20 crew safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

131 meter general cargo M/V Behice -- heavily listing in China Sea, S. of Hong Kong, July 29 -- SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. together with partners Hong Kong Salvage & Towage responded -- crew was taken off & brought to a hospital for medical checks. Will try to assist vessel. (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

5,186dwt general cargo M/V Express Dos (no 'domestic shipping registry receipt') -- in collision in the Philippines last week with -- 1,274dwt M/T Arowana III -- were both found to have been at fault by committing their own pre-collision violations. Maritime Police seeking to trace M/V Arowana III, after vessel left accident site without communicating with M/V Express Dos. Collision caused minor hull damage to both ships. Marina Enforcement Office has recommended issuance of 'cease and desist order' to stop the owners of Arowana III from operating vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

Polish 18mt. S/V Smialy a vessel in Class C section of the Tall Ships Race<< Webfeature with 3 adults & 5 youths, failed to make last 4 calls en route to Norway -- missing since July 30 after leaving River Tyne -- re-established contact with organisers of the Tall Ships Race Aug. 2. All safe -- now on way to Heligoland, off Germany -- had pwer problems & off course. The Tall Ships set off from Newcastle & Gateshead quaysides on July 28 -- race ended on Aug. 1 with Norwegian vessel Christian Radich taking 1st place in Class A as well as overall. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

Bahamas M/V Dogger, with 5 crew & fish meal cargo -- in collision with -- Greek container M/V Sierra Express, with 30 crew, 45 miles SE of Lizard Point. Falmouth Coastguard sent Coastguard Tug Anglian Prince & Lizard RNLI all weather lifeboat to attend the scene. Damage appears limited as M/V Sierra Express continued towards destination in Port of Spain, Caribbean, while M/V Dogger made for Falmouth, Cornwall England. No injuries reported. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues. Aug. 2 2005)

51-foot pleasure M/Y Tasia, with 15 aboard -- hit the breakwater located at tentrance to Oakland Estuary late night of July 29. Crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station San Francisco<< Webfeature arrived on scene with a 25-foot small boat to assist 9 children & 6 adults -- 2 injuries. U.S. Station San Francisco deployed their 85-foot vessel to assist with rescue. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 1 2005)

22mt German Atlantic 40 ton schoner S/V De Hoop (built 1922), capsized & sank on July 31 at 2 p.m. on the river Trave during the "Travemuende Week" close to the harbor entrance of Travemuende, during a race of veteran ships. Vessel pushed 90 degrees on its side after strong winds of about 8 Beaufort suddenly fell into sails which could not be slackened in time. Before sinking crew of six was rescued by boats of German Sea Rescue Service (DGzRS) & other craft. Ship sank on even keel, tops of her 2 masts remained above water. Small amounts of oil leaked from wreck. Salvage expected Aug.1st earliest. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 1 2005) UPDATE>> S/V De Hoop due to be salved from the bottom of river Trave on Aug 3 by salvage team of Bitunamel<< Webfeature, using the former landing craft M/V Stint as a platform for divers & salvage equipment. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 3 2005)UPDATE>> Sunken S/V De Hoop raised Aug 2nd by floating crane from depth of 20 m off Luebeck-Travemuende & taken in to harbor for inspections. Repair planned in a Danish shipyard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 8 2005)

100 year old Swedish veteran S/V Sunbeam, with 12 crew -- sprang a leak July 31, 50 miles NM of German island Helgoland in the Northsea. In winds of 6 Baufort & waves of 2mt -- puimps failed -- danger of sinking. German SAR Helicopter saved 9 aboard. German rescue cruiser 46mt. DGzRS Hermann Marwede<< Webfeature came to the aid vessel on which 3 men remained. Additional pumps from Hermann Marwede helped to get water ingress under control. The S/V Sunbeam headed for harbor of Helgoland & reached some hours later. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 1 2005)

4526 dwt Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, 4526 dwt, was sunk as an artificial reef off Mudjimba Beach, Sunshine Coast, on July 31. Explosives tore open the foreship so that ship went down bow ahead. She will attract 10,000 divers each year. HMAS Brisbane belonged to the American USS Charles F. Adams-class of guided missile destroyers, commissioned in 1967. She took part in operations of the Vietnam war in 1969 & 1971, Gulf War from 1990 to 1991. In 2001 the HMAS Brisbane followed her sisterships HMAS Perth & HMAS Hobart which serve as artificial reefs since 2001 & 2003. Other ships of "Charles F. Adams" Class << Webfeature resting on the bottom of the sea after use as target or as artificial reef are USS Cochrane (1997), USS Buchanan (2000), USS Towers (2002) USS Benjamin Stoddert (2003). From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 1 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For July 2005

September 11 Memorial

"Backhaul !" - for July. 2005

Damaged BP oil platform Thunder Horse>> See Our Photo Feature (Sun. July 17 2005) How will Hurricane Katrina in Aug. 2005 effect this disabled platform? UPDATE>> Thunder Horse -- largest oil platform in the world -- now under control Photo Feature (Sun. July 17 2005)

Unidentified ro/ro ferry, southern Taiwan town of Tongkang for Hsiao Liuchiu, small island with coral reefs & rich marine life, with 140 passengers, caught fire & sank off the coast of Taiwan -- 4 dead & 26 others injured. (Sun. July 31 2005)

10mt. M/Y Elseth, with family of 2 adults & 2 teenage children aged 13 & 14 were Norway for Scotland when overcome by bad weather. Mayday distress call on VHF Ch 16 (the Int'l Distress & Calling Frequency). Standby vessel to the Balmoral Oil installation M/V Dea Pilot able to go & stand by the M/Y Elseth but weather too bad to rescue family from their vessel. Aberdeen Coastguard scrambled Coastguard Rescue helicopter 'Oscar Charlie' from Sumburgh in Shetland who will evacuate family back to Shetland. (Sun. July 31 2005)

BP's 870ft production & storage vessel M/T Schiehallion -- suffered fire in BP's Schiehallion field, 150 miles W. of Shetland in North Sea -- 30 non-essential staff airlifted to neighboring platforms -- RAF Nimrod oversaw evacuation -- fire put out by emergency teams aboard. M/T Schiehallion capable of storing 950,000 barrels of oil (Sat. July 30 2005)

52ft. F/V Summer Crab 2 -- suffered blast off Bahamas -- Long Island boat builtder Elijah "Mac" Knowles, 55, of Mangrove Bush using blowtorch, to fix freezer, when it burst into flames July 28, fatally injuring him -- he flown to New Providence following explosion. Knowles was leading boat builder, having built vessels like the S/Y Rupert's Legend, S/Y Scarifice and ......that most famous U.S. racing yachts The Courageous. We have lost a good man. (Sat. July 30 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

24 July 2005 at 2110 LT at Balikpapan inner anchorage, Indonesia. Three pirates were in process of boarding tanker. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped back in water & escaped in a motorboat waiting with 3 accomplices. Boat was 7mts with blue hull. (Fri. July 29 2005)

23 July 2005 at 1650 LT in position 12:32.3N - 043:26.6E, SE lane of Bab El Mandeb TSS, southern tip of Red Sea. Six pirates armed with guns in low profile wooden boat speed 20 kts with outboard motor approached general cargo ship underway intending to board. Master raised alarm & crew mustered on deck. Persons aborted attempt, increased speed & went towards fully loaded tanker in vicinity. (Fri. July 29 2005)

23 July 2005 at 1030 LT in position 13:41.53N - 042:29.16E, southern Red Sea. 12-armed pirates in 2 low profile, white hull speedboats approached general cargo ship underway at high speed -- attempted to board ship. Crew raised alarm, sounded whistle & activated fire hoses. Attempted boarding aborted. (Fri. July 29 2005)

21 July 2005 at 2030 LT at 12nm off Muar, Johor, Malacca straits. Pirates armed with guns fired upon fishing vessel wounding 2 crew -- taken ashore for hospital treatment. (Fri. July 29 2005)

21 July 2005 at 2000 LT at Callao anchorage no.1, Peru. Six pirates in boat approached bulk carrier -- 1 boarded via anchor chain. Alert crew raised alarm & robber escaped empty handed. Master informed authorities & coast guard arrived for investigation &patroling area. (Fri. July 29 2005)

21 July 2005 at 1745 LT in position 03:38N - 049:30E, Somalia. Pirates armed with guns in speed boat about 8 to 10 mtrs long, blue & white hull, attempted to board bulk carrier underway. Master raised alarm; crew mustered, activated fire hoses & fired rocket flare. Pirates opened fire with automatic guns. Master increased speed, took evasive maneuvers & moved away from Somali coast. Pirates abandoned boarding due to rough weather. (Fri. July 29 2005)

21 July 2005 at 1100 LT in position 03:30N - 049:20E, off east coast, Somalia. Six pirates armed with guns in 2 boats attempted to board RO/RO ship underway. Crew mustered & ship increased speed. Pirates aborted boarding. (Fri. July 29 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

M/V Eugenia, Mumbai port for Indonesia & Bangladesh with with transformers -- developed list off Mormugao Port -- saved from sinking when transformer shifted off Mormugao Port in Goa July 26 by Indian Coast Guard -- now found by Indian Customs with 300 tons armaments besides huge quantity explosives & variety of military hardware. Caught! How many other ships got through? (Thurs. July 28 2005)

U.S. 63ft S/Y Irish Ayes -- stollen from Lakewood Yacht Club , Clear Lake, Florida marina -- taken to Mexico -- found June 29 at Isla Holbox,an island just NW of Cancun -- apparent thief Shane Billings, 32, of San Antonio, found dead on board after apparently shooting himself. S/Y Irish Ayes -- a 2002 Hatteras<< Webfeature Example Sale, with raised pilot house, posted for sale at the time with 3 staterooms, washer & dryer & living area with curved leather couch, listed at US$1.9M. "Shane" came to yacht club & told staff members he was going to work on vessel. Yacht is still in custody of Mexican authorities. Good luck with Mexican authorities ! (Thurs. July 28 2005)

Miracle Rescue>> S/Y Pinguin from Norway with 2 crew -- hit by a storm with 3mt waves July 18 -- sail torn apart -- mast broke, then 52-year-old skipper washed into sea by a huge wave at 07.30 p.m. -- friend could not request help as radio broken down -- friend also thrown over board -- managed to swim to shore -- had to walk through the night in desolated dunes of Hanstholm -- reached house, a distance of 15km. Danish Coastguard<< Webfeature, alarmed & sent boats and helicopters. S/Y Pinguin meanwhile drifted aground on Danish Westcoast. Missing yachtman meanwhile drifted in huge waves & sometimes saw ships in a very close distance. He struggled to reach coast -- a distance of 30km. Official regulations said someone drifting in water with 17 degrees Celsius will lose conscience after 6 hours & be dead after 12 hours -- Sooo search called off at 5.47 p.m., when seemed sure no chance to survive. At 20.45 tourists saw the man 200mt offshore but too fatigued to reach land. 25 hours after falling into sea yachtman finally rescued by boat of Danish Coastguard & brought to hospital in Thisted. Coast Guard now thinking about changes in regulations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 28 2005)

F/V Sylvia Star, withj 4 crew -- sank off Uyak Bay, Alaska. All crew rescued by zodiac boat by brought to nearby beach. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 28 2005)

ALERT>> Oil and Natural Gas Corp. (ONGC) owned, 100,000-barrel-a-day Mumbai High North (MHN) oil platform off India's W. coast, 100 miles off Bombay -- suffered massive fire -- 10 dead & 367 rescued -- Mumbai High North platform is destroyed, will take a year to rebuild. (Thurs. July 28 2005) UPDATE>> 6 divers trapped in Mumbai High North rig's decompression chambers as death toll rose to 11 with 12 still missing. (Thurs. July 28 2005) UPDATE>> ONGC has now admitted that it's M/V Samudra Suraksha -- that should have been in dry dock, crashed into Bombay High North platform &emdash; killing 12 people, injuring hundreds of others & putting a 7th of India's crude oil production on hold. M/V Samudra Suraksha went out of control & hit a fuel-laden pipe. Multiple explosions followed. In 30 minutes, M/V Samudra Suraksha sank. (Sat. July 30 2005) UPDATE>> The 6 trapped divers of the multipurpose support M/V Samudra Suraksha, which was destroyed in the fire at ONGC oil platform, have safely come out of the decompression chamber. (Sat. July 30 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Samudra Suraksha sank. (Tues. Aug. 2 2005) UPDATE>> India's Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Mani Shankar Aiyar, confirmed that major fire on the Mumbai High processing platform was caused when supply ship M/V Samudra Suraksha collided with platform. (Sat. Aug. 6 2005)

Canadian vessel M/V Ocean Tor, with 4 crew -- sent distress signal at 7:06 p.m. -- capsized July 26 night near Cape Flattery in Clallam County -- 2 recued by Canadian Coast Guard -- other 2 presumed dead. (Thurs. July 28 2005)

Alaska F/V Johnny A, with 5 crew -- abandoned ship in Icy Strait, near Whitestone Harbor July 27 -- crew put on immersion suits entered water. Good Samaritan F/V Aleutian Mariner arrived on scene & recovered all crew in good condition. U.S. Coast Guard transported all 5 crew safely back to Juneau. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 27 2005)

Alaska 60ft. F/V Georgene, with 2 crew -- issued distress call & abandoned ship 85 miles west of Tillamook, Ore. on July 25 -- U.S. Coast Guard in to action -- located life raft -- HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria launched & 110-foot patrol boat USCGC Orcas stationed in Coos Bay, Ore. diverted to assist -- merchant M/V Lily Olderdoff also responded to mayday call & diverted. U.S. Coast Guard located life raft & safely hoisted crew into helicopter -- both survivors transported in good condition to Air Station Astoria. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 27 2005)

24,000gt Italian tanker M/T Cielo di Milano, Red Sea for Mombasa, Kenya -- suffered 2nd failed attacks by Somalia pirates 137km from Somalia's coast -- 2 small vessels fired on ship & tried to board -- crew reacted swiftly, increasing speed & activating ship's anti-fire system -- sends strong jets of water gushing out from sides of tanker. On July 21, pirates in same waters attacked Italian cargo M/V Jolly Marrone, which also got away. (Wed. July 27 2005)

Greenpeace protest ship M/V Rainbow Warrior -- removed by from main channel of Newcastle Harbor after police boarded vessel & arrested Capt. M/V Rainbow Warrior blocked harbor for 5 hours as protest highlighting Australia's reliance on coal -- 4 protesters tied themselves to coal loading machinery on Newcastle's Kooragang Island, will be charged with trespass. Coal? What? (Wed. July 27 2005)

U.S. 67-foot F/V, with 4 crew -- capsized off Washington Coast late July 26 evening -- U.S. Coast Guard responded -- 2 rescued -- name of vessel & 2 missing not released until next of kin notified. (Tues. July 26 2005)

3000gt. German flagged NATO research vessel M/V Alliance -- aground off Italian island Pianosa, Toscana, evening July 23 -- suffered two small leaks, small amounts of water flowed out of hull. Oil booms laid out. M/V Alliance doing oceanographic research for NATO. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 26 2005)

Gunfire At Vancouver Port Strike>> Another round of violence has erupted at Port of Vancouver<< Webfeature, as several trucks belonging to container carrier sprayed with bullets on July 23 -- automatic gunfire shattered windshields & pierced cabs of "8 Pro-West Transport" trucks early July 23 morning -- driver sleeping in one cab lucky not to be injured. Container movement at Port slowed to a crawl since 1,200 independent container truckers went on strike June 27. Acts of this SCUM have set the War on Terrorism back. There is no justification -- no excuse. (Tues. July 26 2005)

Unidentified 82-meter cargo vessel, with logs -- lost power & steerage & taking water off N. Andamanese island of Piget & Nicobar group of islands<< Webfeature, late July 24 --in daring operation all crew rescued in choppy seas by Indian Navy warship INS Savitri<< Webfeature. (Tues. July 26 2005)

Doomed M/V Kiperousa Now A Total Loss>> Dry bulker M/V Kiperousa, which went aground off Eastern Cape coast, night of 7 June 2005, has been declared a total loss after final efforts to refloat the Greek ship failed this weekend. Decision taken July 24, once revealed that damage to ship was mounting. Hoped that by removing cargo of logs ship could be lightened & as a result a heavylift Mi26 helicopter that is normally based in Central Africa -- chartered to remove 8,000 logs, each of which weighs 3 tons. At the start of this weekend all of deck cargo airlifted ashore where logs taken by road to East London. The weekend also coincided with window of opportunity by way of spring high tides and the Tsavliris salvage team had been confident of refloating the ship. But then came news that the salvage called off &endash; M/V Kiperousa was declared a total loss. Efforts will now turn to removing balance of cargo ashore & to East London, where site made available within the port precinct. Once that has been completed it can be expected that ship's destruction will be hastened. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. July 25 2005) FOLLOW OUR STORY We await photos from the scene. M/V Kiperousa has turned 180º, her bows now facing the open sea.

8-m-yacht S/Y X-Thing, with 5 crew, ran aground between German isles of Spiekeroog & Wangerooge, Northsea -- issued mayday. German Coast Guard<< Webfeature rescue boat Wilma Sikorski from Wangerooge rushed for S/Y X-Thing, but as it arrived on scene 2,5 miles off the isle only parts of the boat were visible above water -- crew clinged to wreck, all were safely taken aboard Wilma Sikorski. S/Y X-Thing was on the way from Wilhelmshaven to Wangerooge when she was lost. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. July 25 2005)

U.S. Navy Amphibious Group 2, amphibious assault ship USS Bataan LHD-5<< Webfeature --suffered fatal accident 120 miles off Key West, Fla. -- sailor killed in "forklift accident" aboard vessel which left Norfolk July 20, to participate as the command & control platform in operation PANAMAX 2005, which starts next month. From our Correspondent Fred Caygill (Mon. July 25 2005)

35,824gt M/V Norasia Taurus (built 2001) suffered fire on board July 18, while vessel lying at anchorage waiting area to Damietta port, Egypt. -- master did not seek assistance & vessel shifted 6kms from entrance to port -- several containers went up in flames for unknown reasons -- still pockets of fire on vessel as os July 24, so she is anchored 5 miles outside port of Damietta. Salvage operations continuing. As soon as fire is completely extinguished, vessel will call at Damietta for further inspection. (Sun. July 24 2005) UPDATE>> Smouldering containers on board M/V Norasia Taurus extinguished with the assistance of Egyptian Navy -- vessel is still in same position & extent of damage not known. Damietta Port Authority placed the vessel under administrative arrest to cover rights of cargo owners & Port dues. Negotiations regarding arrest are proceeding. (Wed. July 27 2005)

Malta-registered M/V Wei Hang 9, for Dalian in China with 5,700 tons of scrap metal & 21 crew -- in collision July 23, with -- Japanese freighter M/V Kaishin Maru off Chiba, east of Tokyo, at 5 a.m. -- 13 rescued from M/V Wei Hang 9, who do not include Master or chief engineer -- taken on board the Japanese ship -- 4 dead & 4 missing. Not the 1st time M/V Kaishin Maru in collision -- she collided with freighter in Sept. 2003 off Shizuoka Prefecture, causing other vessel to sink. (Sun. July 24 2005)

UK dive boat M/V Glevon sinking 7 miles east-south-east of Ramsgate - - Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat & lifeboat took2 pumps out to vessel -- despite attempts to keep vessel afloat, pumps unable to keep up with ingress of water -- she sank. (Sat. July 23 2005)

UK 32ft. F/V Scathross from Kilkeel -- in collision S. of Carlingford Lough with -- FV/ Emanuel also from Kilkeel. F/V Scathross received damage in collision -- 2 of her crew boarded F/V Emanuel -- attempted to take stricken vessel in tow -- but F/V Scathross holed in collision & sinking tow had to be cut. F/V Scathross adrift & F/V Emanuel sank. (Sat. July 23 2005)

499-ton Japanese cargo M/V Kaishin Maru -- in collision with -- 3,947-ton Malta-registered M/V Wei Hang 9, with 21 crew. Japan Coast Guard dispatched patrol boats & aircraft to scour waters 11km S.south of Cape Inubosaki in Chiba prefecture -- thick fog -- 9 crew of M/V Wei Hang 9 --all missing. All M/V Kaishin Maru safe. (Fri. July 22 2005)

British yacht S/V Jocara, with 2 adults, 2 childred & 2 cats-- dismasted & required fuel in a position 200 miles E. of Maldives in Indian ocean -- 14 July distress call to UK Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Center -- passed to Maldive Coastguard who in turn liaised with the India Coastguard at Mumbai -- tanker M/T Shoshangana now liaised with S/VJocara -- passed over fuel to enable them to reach Gan under engine power, where they will be able to effect suitable repairs. (Fri. July 22 2005)

Cyyprus flag 2,818gt general cargo M/V Ursula C. (built 1996), Kemi for Corinth, with cargo wood & paper, sank in lat 36 30N, long 09 33.8W at about 0310. All 9 crew safely rescued & taken to Portimao. (Fri. July 22 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

18 July 2005 at 0300 LT in position 12:11N - 050:27E, off Caluula, NE coast of Somalia. Six pirates in 2 boats armed with guns opened fire on container ship underway. Ship increased speed & boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew. (Fri. July 22 2005)

18 July 2005 at 0300 LT at Kingston anchorage, Jamaica -- pirate armed with crowbar boarded container ship. Alert crew raised alarm & robber jumped overboard -- escaped in boat waiting with 4 accomplices. (Fri. July 22 2005)

18 July 2005 at 0200 LT at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania -- 8 pirates in a motorboat boarded container ship drifting off port-- broke in to container but crew mustered & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. July 22 2005)

17 July 2005 at 1830 LT in position 12:09N - 050:52.0E, off Caluula, NE coast of Somalia -- 7 pirates in 2 white boats, 4m long armed with guns opened fire on RO/RO ship underway -- attempted to board from stern.  Ship increased speed -- crew activated fire hoses. After 10 mins boats moved away. No damage to ship or injuries to crew. (Fri. July 22 2005)

16 July 2005 at 1600 LT in position 04:37.4N - 048 25.9E, east coast of Somalia - 4 pirates armed with bazooka missiles & machineguns in military fatigue fired upon a RO/RO ship underway. Ship suffered damages with bullets holes. Pirate craft was white hull & black bulwark with high-powered engine. No injuries to crew. (Fri. July 22 2005)

16 July 2005 at 1325 LT in position 03:05N - 048:05E, east coast of Somalia. Four pirates armed with guns in speedboat fired upon container ship underway & tried to board at stud quarter. Ship increased speed & took evasive maneuvers. Crew activated fire hoses & fired rocket flares. After 15 minutes pirates aborted boarding. (Fri. July 22 2005)

15 July 2005 at 0315 LT in position 06:19.7N - 003:22.5E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria -- pirates armed with knives boarded product tanker during STS operations. Two robbers overpowered a duty A/B & held him at knifepoint -- took away his walkie-talkie & assaulted him causing serious injuries. Robbers stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. July 22 2005)

15 July 2005 at 0215 LT in position 06:18.2N - 003:23.4E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria -- pirates armed with knives boarded tanker at poop deck -- held 2 duty crew as hostages & took their walkie-talkies -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Master tried to contact marine police but received no response. Master then raised anchor & sailed to high seas for drifting 25 miles off coast. (Fri. July 22 2005)

13 July 2005 at 0030 LT in position 01:13.18N - 103:34.12E, Singapore straits -- 6 pirates armed with long knives & wearing black facemasks boarded tanker underway via speedboat -- took hostage 2 duty crewmembers & tied them up -- entered accommodation & took Capt., oiler & 2/E as hostages -- tied them up with plastic strings. They kicked 3/O in his groin & destroyed communication equipment -- stole ship's cash, crew personal belongings & ship's property -- escaped at 0045 LT. Master informed authorities. (Fri. July 22 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

91,5mt coaster M/V Ursula C (built 1996), from Cyprus with paper, wood & 9 crew -- sank off Portuguese Algarve coast July 19 -- all rescued & brough to Port of Portimao. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

M/V Express 2, for Manila -- collided with --- barge Arowana at 7 a.m., 8 NM off Corregidor Island. Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched helicopters & rescue vessels.(Fri. July 22 2005)

691-foot U.S.-flagged ITB (Integrated Tug & Barge) M/V Mobile, for Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., with 330,000 barrels of gasoline & diesel fuel -- ran aground 1.5 miles S. of Sabine Jetties, July 20. No injuries. Owner, ITB Mobile LLC, made an attempt to remove ship from its hard-aground position without success. Additional tugs being called to scene to assist with removal operation today. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

Offshore-supplier M/V Smit Lloyd 27 --in distress from Typhoon Haitang with winds of 227 km/h off South Taiwan -- in collision with -- Russian oilrig Tschaiwo on July 20. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

German passenger 37mt. M/V Adler VI (built 1979), ran aground off Isle Sylt after leaving Harbor of Hoernum with 200 passengers heading for seal banks off the isle. 90 passengers to shore by the rescue boat. M/V Hertha Jeep, has taken remainig passengers back to Hoernum by the Dutch F/V Zeemermin in the evening. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

28,053dwt chemical M/T NCC Madinah (built 1976), with 32 crew -- discharged cargo in Gresik, Indonesia -- next for anchorage -- in collision with small inbound Indonesian tanker occurred shortly before midnight on 6 July -- vessel will have to be dry-docked. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

90,000gt. German container M/V Savannah Express entering Port of Southampton July 20, escorted by 2 tugs, lost her main engine power & unable to go astern -- in collision with ferry & a links span (ramp which vehicles drive over to board ferry). The links span was extensively damaged and there was some superficial damage to both vessels, but no pollution resulted. Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveyor has inspected vessel under Port State Control & ordered it to investigate the problem & make repairs ready to set sail on July 21. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

90-ft Mobile, Ala,shrimper F/V Golden Dragon making way to Port Aransas Jetties July, 19, when she suffered engine trouble & called U.S. Coast Guard for assistance -- patrol boat USCGC Amberjack responded & took F/V Golden Dragon in tow. Weather worsened,making it impossible for Amberjack to continue tow -- sent rescue boat over to evacuate the Golden Dragon's crew, but shrimpers decided to anchor & ride out the storm from Hurricane Emily. At sunset July 19, they were approximately 15 miles S. of the Port Aransas Jetties. Amberjack moored at Corpus Christi Harbor Facility while Coast Guard Sector Command Corpus Christi maintained radio communications with F/V Golden Dragon throughout the night. During the night & into July 20, morning F/V Golden Dragon reported dragging anchor. Shrimper 25 miles S. of the jetties & being dragged by weather towards Mustang Island, Texas on July 20, only 1.5 miles from shore & in danger of going aground in heavy surf. HH-65B Dolphin helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi attempted to evacuate the shrimper's crew this, but the fishermen again refused to leave the Golden Dragon. Shrimper had been shrimping in the area, but did not heed Coast Guard warnings to make way to safe port before Hurricane Emily arrived. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued the 4 crew as M/V Golden Dragon battered by heavy surf just off Mustang Island, Texas, 5 miles E. of Corpus Christi, late July 20. Geeez! Should have dropped these guys a "Best Wishes" greeting card and moved on! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

U.S. flagged 30ft. F/V Kiksadi, with 2 crew aground in Auke Bay near Juneau just after 5 a.m. July 20 -- 2ft. hole above waterline. U.S. Coast Guard Station Juneau responded with 25ft. small boat -- passed portable water pump & took under tow to Juneau for haul-out & repair. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

40ft. M/Y Mercades, with 5 aboard issued distress call -- in danger of sinking -- 6:39 a.m. July 20, 3.5 NM N.W.of Smith Island, Wash. U.S. Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a 25-foot response boat, Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Wash., launched a 27-foot utility boat and Vessel Assist also responded -- 2 dewatering pumps passed to vessel in the hope flooding could be contained -- able to keep up with flooding -- escorted to Anacortes, Wash., by response vessel from Station Port Angeles. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. July 21 2005)

Sakhalin Island's port of Nevelsk registered seiner F/V Almasank sank near shores of Russia's Maritime Territory this morning July 21 -- all 13 crew rescued by border patrol ship -- brought to Nakhodka, (Thur. July 21 2005)

9mt. S/V Mireille Souci -- attempting to cross Atlantic as a solo -- from England when radioed in early July 19 that he was having trouble with mast & could no longer control vessel. Search & Rescue officials in Halifax said M/V Wilfred Templeman about 20 hours away -- when it arrives attempts will be made to either fix mast or tow S/V Mireille Souci into port. Little yacht is in no immediate danger. (Wed. July 20 2005)

58,086grt product tanker M/T Betatank II (built 1989) India for Spain with 48,000t gas oil -- suffered engine room fire July 5 -- whilst transhipping cargo off Frederikshaven -- fire extinguished & vessel now under investigation. (Wed. July 20 2005)

Great Lakes downbound saltie M/V Orla ran aground in Seaway channel at Kahnawake, Quebec at 10:30 p.m. July 19. She freed herself & continued voyage. M/V Orla also went aground in the St. Clair River, near Marysville, on July 8. Emergency "Rescue Optometrist" called to scene. (Wed. July 20 2005)

Major Loss Update>> New attempts to salvage stranded bulker M/V Kiperousa off South Africa since June 15 -- due to start July 20 or 21. The tug M/V Nikolay Chiker still attached to stern of ship, while Russion helicopter busy lightering cargo of logs on deck & bringing them to shore for further transport to East London, SA. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 20 2005) Follow Our Epic 40 Day Story

Venezuelan barque S/V Orion, with 10 crew -- issued Mayday July 15 -- taking water from leak in rough seas 3 miles off Curaçao<< Webfeature, -- Coast Guard received alert -- barque S/V Elarni & fast-rescue boat M/V Antje of rescue organization Citro<< Webfeature, came to aid ship which at this time already had half sunk. All crew taken aboard & brought to shore. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 20 2005) NOTE: Read more about the Citizens Rescue Organization (CITRO) - Dial 913.

Dutch M/V Amsteldij could not stop when entering locks of Kiel Canal<< Webfeature, in Kiel-Holtenau -- collided with locks & damaged at foreship which was torn up. Cause of collision is not yet known. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 19 2005)

199gt. M/T Toho Maru -- in collision with -- 198gt M/T Shoshin Maru on July 16, E. of Kushimoto, Wakayama -- Capt. of M/T Shoshin Maru suffered slight injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 19 2005)

689gt M/T Ryoka Maru -- in collision with -- 359t-barge Horai Maru No. 18, with gravel off the Shizuoka Prefecture, japan -- barge sank -- crew of 5 saved by M/T Ryoka Maru. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 19 2005)

UK M/Y Salaam broadcast mayday -- aground on Foulness Sands, 10 miles S. of Clacton -- taking water. Thames Coastguard launched Clacton & Walton Lifeboats and RAF rescue helicopter from RAF Wattisham wich lowered winchman & pump onto the yacht -- quickly able to control ingress of water. M/Y Salaam towed into Brightlingsea by Walton lifeboat. All safe. (Mon. July 18 2005)

UK M/Y Sweet Promise requested immediate assistance -- taking water -- pumps not working, 17 miles east SE of Harwich. Thames Coastguard scrambled RAF rescue helicopter from Wattisham again & launched Harwich Lifeboat. Merchant vessels in area responded to mayday relay broadcast by Thames Coastguard -- pump & winchman lowered onto vessel to begin pumping. M/Y Sweet Promise being towed into Harwich by Harwich Lifeboat. Crew of 1 safe. (Mon. July 18 2005)

Portsmouth, UK F/V Freedom broadcast distress call on VHF Channel 16 (Int'l Calling & Distress frequency) -- sinking in south westerly force 6 gusting near gale force 7 with rough seas, 3 miles off Selsey Bill -- crew put on lifejackets &launched liferaft. UK Coastguard Solent rebroadcast mayday -- M/V Warship Ramsay & S/Y Singita responded. S/Y Singita 1st on scene -- rescued all safely. From our Correspondent Fred Caygill (Mon. July 18 2005)

U.S. wooden-hull, 60ft scalloper F/V Princess, with 3 crew -- departed Provincetown, Mass. July 16 -- in collision with 1,000-pound dredge -- causing leak which flooded engine room July 17 -- mayday call made, did not go through -- crew put on survival suits & fishermen entered liferaft with emergency position indicating radiobeacon & cell phone. F/V Princess sank. U.S. Coast Guard picked up radiobeacon -- dispatched HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter whichc arrived to see flares fired from liferaft -- rescue swimmer assisted in hoisting all crew safely into the helicopter -- no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. July 18 2005)

Grounded M/V Jin An is free tonight -- Details (Sun. July 17 2005) UPDATE>> After the discharge of 5,300 tons of steam coal into barge Sparkle-1, bulk M/V Jin An was refloated at 0400 hrs, Jul 17 & shifted to anchorage. Port Authorities berthed M/V Jin An on July 19. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. July 25 2005)

Australian Customs & Quarantine inspectors destroyed illegal fishing vessel off Northern Territory 137km -- inside Australian fishing zone on July 15 night -- Royal Autralian Navy frigate HMAS Bendigo (FCBP211)<< Webfeature, arrived at island -- found vessel infested with borers & covered in marine growth. HMAS Bendigo now carrying vessel crew to Darwin for interview by Customs officials. (Sun. July 17 2005)

Seaplane crashed into Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica & sank off Playa Flamingo beach at Santa Cruz de Guanacaste -- 6 dead, 3 bodies recovered -- pilot was American who lived in Costa Rica & often took friends for a ride. (Sat. July 16 2005)

Turkish tour M/V Paradise, with more than 100 aboard (licenced for just 72) -- sank because it was overweight -- off popular resort town of Alanya -- 4 dead, 3 missing & 21 hospitalized -- tour boat's pilot fled scene, was not a licenced captain. (Sat. July 16 2005)

Panama-flagged dry cargo M/V Corona Z, Kostence in Romania for S. of Bosphorus Strait with 2,737 tons scrap metal & 10 crew -- issued appeal for help July 15 -- sank in Black Sea north of Istanbul off coast of town of Kilyos -- 9 crew rescued --Capt. is missing. Somebody's in big trouble. (Fri. July 15 2005)

Virginia Beach-based F/V Fast Cast suffered crew injury -- had just reeled in 31-pound dolphin by Don Grannis, a lung-cancer survivor who recently underwent radiation treatment for growth on his brain -- suffered seizure -- Elizabeth City-based U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to scene, 65 miles off Virginia coast -- U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer dove in & quickly got to vessel -- winds approaching 100 mph which blasted fishing cockpit as chopper closed in tight to lower rescue basket -- lifted Mr. Grannis to saftey & hospital. Don doing fine now. (Fri. July 15 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

11 July 2005 at 1100 LT in position 01:17.50S - 117:09.50E, Balikpapan, Indonesia. Pirates armed with long knives attempted to board bulk carrier underway from 4mt. speedboat. Alert crew repelled boarders. (Fri. July 15 2005)

06 July 2005 at 0550 UTC at Kingston anchorage, Jamaica. Five pirates armed with long knives boarded container ship -- threatened duty A/B with knives -- broke locks of storerooms & opened container on deck. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed in their boat. Master informed authorities & 2 hours later coast guard came for investigation. (Fri. July 15 2005)

06 July 2005 at 0030 LT at Dumai inner anchorage, 01:42.3N-101:26.7E, Indonesia. Three armed pirates boarded bulk carrier. Alert duty A/B raised alarm & crew mustered -- robbers escaped in their boat. Master informed authorities but received no response. (Fri. July 15 2005)

06 July 2005 at 0300 LT in position 13.7N - 080:23.4E, 1.2 miles NE of fairway buoy, Ennore anchorage, India -- 3 pirates boarded bulk carrier. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. July 15 2005)

06 July 2005 at 0100 LT at Surabaya, Indonesia -- pirates boarded bulk carrier & stole life raft & ship's property. (Fri. July 15 2005)

03 July 2005 at 0005 LT at Tanjung Pengelih, Malaysia -- 8 pirates wearing face masks armed with guns & long knives boarded tug with barge in tow awaiting berthing at Tanjung Pengelih port -- held master & crew as hostages below deck. Barge laden with 5,300mt of palm oil. Pirates transferred 3,500mt of cargo into another tanker called M/T Palm Chem. They left the tug & barge 04.07.2005 at 1800 LT in position 01:30N-104:30E. Subsequently, Malaysian marine police located M/T Palm Chem with stolen cargo & arrested crew. (Fri. July 15 2005) See Our The Cargo Letter report of this incident.

Back To Year 2005 Reports

U.S 35ft. F/V Lodestone contacted U.S. Coast Guard via VHF channel 16 to report vessel taking on water 25 miles W. of Umpqua River, Ore. on July 14. HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Group/Air Station North Bend, Ore., one 47-foot motor lifeboat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Umpqua River, Ore., & one 47ft. motor lifeboat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Coos Bay, Ore., -- dispatched to aid F/V Lodestone -- helicopter & motor lifeboat tried, unsuccessfully, to pass dewatering pump to master of the Lodestone twice -- made difficult by 20-knot winds & 6 to 8-foot waves -- 3rd attempt successful dewatering pump was passed to vessel, but by that time master too exhausted to work the equipment. Lodestone significantly listing with almost no freeboard above water -- advised master to abandon ship -- master entered 57-degree water in survival suit, with lifering & strobe light while the helicopter provided cover as he climbed onboard motor lifeboat from Station Coos Bay. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. July 15 2005)

Unidentified freighter sank after colliding with a tanker in Pacific Ocean, 105 miles SW of Tokyo. All 5 crew on the freighter were rescued unharmed. Could be M/V Nikko Maru (below) but late reports say, no. (Fri. July 15 2005) UPDATE>> This is the same incident as below, as we thought. (Fri. July 15 2005)

697-ton M/T Kyokuyo Maru, for Matsuyama port in Ehime Prefecture with gasoline (benzol?, benzene?) -- in collision in dense fog with -- 499-ton cargo M/V Nikko Maru, for Chiba with 1,000kl of creosote oil -- off Cape Mikizaki, Mie prefecture, Japan July 15. M/T Kyokuyo Maru burst into flames --1 dead & 5 missing. M/V Nikko Maru had no casualties. (Fri. July 15 2005) UPDATE>> Mitoshi Yoshimoto, Capt. of M/V Nikko Maru quoted: "When we steered to the right, the Kyokyuo Maru steered to the left. So we quickly steered left." Collision killed 2 crew of M/T Kyokuyo Maru , seriously injured another & left 4 missing. The 2nd engineer Hidetoshi Nakano, 39, died after being thrown into sea -- body of another crew found on beach 25km W. of collision site -- 5 crew on M/V Nikko Maru rescued unharmed by nearby ship. Update from our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 19 2005) See Our Picture!

Unidentified Nepal ferry, with 100 passengers -- capsized on swollen Bandganga River in Kapilvastu district in W. Nepal July 14 night, killing at least 13 people & leaving dozens missing -- 25 rescued. Monsoon rains normally begin in June & continue through to Sept. in the Himalayan nation & trigger landslides and flooding, killing hundreds of people each year. (Fri. July 15 2005)

Bangladesh passenger launch M/L Nasim, Patharghata for Taltali -- in head-on collision with -- trawler F/V Shandhani coming from opposite direction -- 1 businessman on launch killed on the spot July 13 -- Patharghata<< Webfeature, Bangladesh businessmen went into half day wildcat strike protesting the death. (Fri. July 15 2005)

S/Y Benedicte suffered crew overboard between Vancouver Island & B.C. mainland July 13 -- woman who swam for 9 hours after falling off her vessel told her rescuers she was minutes away from giving up. "She told rescuing hovercraft she was going to give herself another 15 minutes & then that was it," U.S. Coast Guard said. Woman, in hospital & yet to be identified, floated 24km across Georgia Strait near Vancouver before being rescued. (Wed. July 13 2005) UPDATE>> Victoria-based Search & Rescue got call about 5 p.m. from S/Y Benedicte, taking on water near Galiano Island, one of Gulf Islands across Strait of Georgia from Vancouver -- S/Y Benedicte same sailboat Iwona Slivarich said she fell from July 13 when wave hit vessel. She said incident happened in early morning hours after 2 male companions on vessel had gone to sleep. (Sun. July 24 2005)

48ft. Marblehead-based F/V Priscilla -- suffered fire off Centerville Harbor, Cape Cod -- all 6 aboard recused by passing vessel. F/V Priscilla lost. (Tues. July 12 2005)

147mt. general cargo Cyprus flag 9,475gt. M/V Astra Sea (built 1980) grounded July 11, evening just S. of Lisbon -- ended up well stuck at the port entrance of Lisbon -- 4 SvitzerWijsmuller<< Webfeature, tugs from Lisbon, M/V Groningen, M/V Brabant, M/V Montada & M/V Montevil, immediately came to assistance & LOF-SCOPIC contract was agreed master-to-master in order to provide the necessary assistance. M/V Astra Sea successfully refloated by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. << Webfeature. (Tues. July 12 2005)

BP oil platform Thunder Horse, under construction in the Gulf of Mexico -- scheduled to go onstream at the end of 2005 -- now listing listing at an angle of 20-30 degrees 150 miles off New Orleans -- day after Hurricane Dennis hit Gulf of Mexico. Site will eventual production capacity of 250,000 barrels per day & 5.7 mln cubic metres of natural gas. (Tues. July 12 2005) UPDATE>> See Our Photo Feature

She Rises>> 510ft. Ex USS Spiegel Grove LSD-32<< Webfeature,, serving as artificial reef on bottom in 130 feet, 6 miles off Key Largo, flipped upright as core of Hurricane Dennis passed 200 miles to W., July 10 -- ship prematurely sank & rolled over May 17, 2002, leaving her upside-down bow protruding from water -- salvage team managed to fully sink vessel 3 weeks later &emdash; on starboard side instead of her keel. Amphibious landing ship dock USS Spiegel Grove<< Webfeature, stricken by the Navy in 1989. (Tues. July 12 2005)

Triple Play>> Freight M/V Maineborg -- in collision with -- dredger M/V Hansa, which also had been lying there for long time -- at Bremerhaven on July 10, when trying to berth at so-called "Alte Banane" (old banana), long-time berth of the cruise ship M/V Norway (which left for breakers last month. BUT WAIT -- M/V Hansa broke loose & pushed against car carrier M/V Arroyofrio Uno. Dreddger severely damaged -- even a motorcycle standing on quayside damaged! Geeez, something to see at the Old Banana! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. July 12 2005)

ALERT>>5,400dwt Argentine flag roro / lolo M/V Transmodal, for Rio Grande, Brazil with 22 crew, suffered engine room explosion & fire which spread to deck out of control July 9 -- master Capt. Fernando Lorenzo issued distress call -- abandoned to lifeboats in stages as fire worsened -- Chief Engineer suffered 3rd degree burns & evacuated by Brazilian Navy helicopter -- at least 3 more injuries with burns & fracture. M/V MOL Strength master Capt. Pavrvinder Singh reports diverted 12 miles to pick up survivors. Condition of M/V Transmodal currently unknown. From our anonymous Correspondent. (Tues. July 12 2005) UPDATE>> Wreck of partially burnt out ro/lo M/V Transomdal which exploded on July 9, is currently under tow to Buenos Aires. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 19 2005) See Our Exclusive Photos!

110-ton container "barge", Magadan for Okhotsk with 20 containers & 10 crew July 8 -- suffered cargo shift July 9, issued distress signal & sank 60 miles east of Magadan -- 6 rescued & 4 missing on July 12. (Tues. July 12 2005)

ALERT>> 150-ton Indonesian ferry M/V KMP Digul, port town of Merauke for Tanah Merah with more than 200 passengers -- capsized in rough seas off eastern Indonesia, Papua Province July 8 -- only 15 people found -- as many as 200 feared dead. (Sat. July 9 2005) UPDATE>> 200 feared dead. (Tues. July 12 2005) UPDATE>> As of July 19, 74 dead from the wreck of Indonesian ferry M/V Digul were found, most on nearby shores. Navy divers & salvors plan to tear apart hull which is lying at depth of 15my., 15 miles off coast to find bodies of some 100 people still missing & thought still aboard upturned ship. Rough weather hampered efforts till now. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 19 2005)

Indonesian-registered tanker chartered by Singapore-based JBS Resources Pte Ltd. M/T Palm Chem. Kalimantan in Indonesia for Pasir Gudang, Johor with 3,000 tons crude palm oil (CPO) & 21 crew -- cargo taken earlier by pirates from barge & tug -- intercepted by Malaysian Marine Police<< Webfeature, in Pengerang waters in Kota Tinggi -- arrested 21 pirates, including the Capt. Meanwhile, tugboat & barge detained by Indonesian navy which found only 2,000 metric tons of CPO remaining on board. (Sat. July 9 2005)

Polish Steamship Co.<< Webfeature, in Poland , freighter with passengers M/V Orla (built 1999) ex-Toronto to Duluth, Minn. in ballast -- ran aground in St. Clair River July 8, 100 feet from the shore in Marysville -- dumped ballast water from its bow & slowly backed out under its own power. Canadian Coast Guard will conduct investigations. (Sat. July 9 2005)

3,309 ton Myanmarese M/V Chin Shaw Haw, unloading timber in the outer harbour at Visakhapatnam in India -- in collision July 8, with 47,223 ton Indian M/V Uttarkashi with coking coal -- suffered engine failure while approaching the harbor. No injuries -- but midship of M/V Chin Shaw Haw ruptured & water flooded into her #2 hold. (Sat. July 9 2005)

Indian container M/V Orient Prosperity, for Bombay (Mumbai) port with 24 crew -- when sea suddenly got rough & started raining heavily -- violent winds made vessel list to one side, some 10 of 200 containers aboard -- overside --ship allowed to enter local port-- ship will return to Mumbai as soon as cleared by India Mercantile Marine Dept. to safely sail & damages and repairs are set right. (Fri. July 8 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

04. July 2005 at 0310 LT in position 06:19.5N - 003:22.0E, Anchored 4nm from break water, Lagos, Nigeria. Five pirates boarded tanker -- tied up & assaulted duty A/B. They stole ship's equipment & stores and escaped at 0340 LT. Master reported incident to authorities. (Fri. July 8 2005)

30 June 2005, During early morning hrs, Umm Qusar, Iraq. Pirates armed with guns boarded integrated tug & barge underway. They fired shots & held the crew at gun point -- stole cash & crew personal belongings. No injuries to crew. (Fri. July 8 2005)

26 June 2005 in position 04:47.6N - 048:12.0E, off Hobyo, East coast of Somalia. Pirates hijacked general cargo ship underway loaded with cargo -- 10 crew are held hostage & pirates are demanding ransom for release of ship & crew. (Fri. July 8 2005)

25.June 2005 at 0230 LT at Tema anchorage, Ghana. Three pirates boarded container ship via hawse pipe -- they cut forward store lock but unable to open door. Duty A/B raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers escaped empty handed in their boat waiting with 1 accomplice. Port control informed. (Fri. July 8 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Royal Caribbean M/V Brilliance of the Seas<< Webfeature, on 12-night Mediterranean sailing cruise -- suffered passenger overboard -- discovered when ship docked at Kusadasi island in Aegean region of Turkey on July 5 -- missing was George Smith -- recently gotten married & on honeymoon -- Run Away Groom? (Thurs. July 7 2005)

26mt. liveaboard M/V Coral Queen -- hit a reef & sank in S. Egyptian Red Sea -- early hours of July 5, morning. British divers aboard forced to abandon ship -- immediately filled with water & began sinking after collision at Sha'ab Sataya dive site<< Webfeature, in Fury Shoals -- rescued by nearby liveaboard, M/V Heaven Majesty. No injuries. (Thurs. July 7 2005)

16' sailboat lost on Georgian Bay, in Ontario, Canada -- caught in storm July 2, with 3 crew, near famous Cabot Head Light House<< Webfeature, N. of the 45th parallel on Bruce Peninsula -- 2 bodies recovered -- 3rd body & vessel still missing & presumed lost. From our Correspondent Bob Iwasko (Thurs. July 7 2005)

ALERT>> 10,709gt ocean Philiippine ferry M/V Princess of the World, central island of Iloilo Province for Port of Zamboanga with 109 crew, 108 passengers, & 5 anti-terrorist Sea Marshals -- suffered fire 30km off coast of S. Philippines -- rescue vessels able to save unspecified number of passengers thus far -- some passengers already boarded life rafts. "The Americans are helping & they have deployed speedboats," officials said. Cause of fire unknown. Huge rescue effort underway. Suspicious -- See Our Feature "Super Ferry." -- now that was sabotage!(Thurs. July 7 2005)UPDATE>> Final tally is 249 passengers evacuated. (Thurs. July 7 2005)

S/Y Gemini reporting 4 crew in water from another yacht they were sailing with -- UK Brixham Coastguard picked up pan-pan call via VHF radio in St Austell Bay this evening -- crew attempting to lower sail when vessel filled with water & capsized, throwing 4 into water, 1 mile offshore in St. Austell Bay, UK Fowey Lifeboat quickly launched -- all 4 rescued -- 40% of vessel consumed. (Thurs. July 7 2005)

274mt. M/V Hyunday Discovery -- suffered black out on River Elbe, July 5 --- ran aground inspite of attempts to get ship stopped -- stuck fast 500 meters E.of the Glameyer Stack after having drifted without power -- 5 tugs, the M/V Tow 3, M/V Tow 12, M/V Bugsier 12, M/V Bugsier 14 & M/V Parat headed for ship & started their salvage at 8 a.m. At 10.46, 4 hours after grounding -- M/V Hyunday Discovery came free with rising flood & resumed voyage towards the North Sea. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

French F/V Sauveterre, with 4 crew -- taking water & needed immediate assistance July 4 -- provided by UK Falmouth Coastguard which received call from French Coastguard. (Wed. July 6 2005)

Unidentified F/V in distress 60 miles W. of Isles of Scilly -- rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose scrambled & took a Coastguard pump out to vessel -- UK F/V Billy Rooney & UK warship HMS Severn responded with assistance. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

9,000gt Malaysia-registered M/V Bunga Mas Tujuh, with containers Japan for Dalian port & 2,500gt Chinese oil tanker, with 3,800 tons diesel fuel oil for Guangzhou -- in collision July 2 -- heavy fog -- -- at Dalian port in Liaoning Province. Both ships sailing slowly -- no reports of casualties. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

German M/V Shanghai Rickmers -- in collision with locks of Oslebshausen in the Port of Bremen on July 2, in spite of the assistance of 2 tugs -- gash torn into hull on port side above the waterline -- to berth in Bremen for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

UK mussel dredger M/V Orion N952 -- working in Carlingford Lough with 3 crew -- capsized Juy 2 -- crew scrambled on to upturned hull. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

9,800gt Panama-flagged cruise M/V Royal Pacific, with 214 crew -- suffered fire on Juy 1 in South Taiwan -- fire extinguished -- then broke out again -- capsized. M/V Royal Pacific being overhauled for service between Keelung & Japan. No injuries -- ship a total loss. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. July 6 2005)

Unidentified U.S.-flagged Ro/Ro ship close to Iraq's main Port of Umm Qasr<< Webfeature, with reconstruction cargo June 30 -- attacked by pirates -- fired shots & held crew at gun point --stole cash & crew's personal belongings. (Tues. July 5 2005)

Research M/V Fatma -- ran aground, capsized & sank in rough seas off Seychelles -- 6 Kenyan & 3 Spanish seamen escaped drowning in rough seas -- crew clung onto safety rafts & rescued by passing cargo vessel. (Tues. July 5 2005)

190mt. bulk carrier 50,786dwt M/V Jin An (built 2000), with 25,000 tons coal -- ran aground near Visakhapatnam Harbor on June 30 -- power tugs could not move vessel -- special salvage equipment planned to be mobilized from SvitzerWijsmuller warehouses in Singapore & Europe. SvitzerWijsmuller<< Webfeature, has LOL. (Tues. July 5 2005) UPDATE>> 5,100 tons of cargo transferred to barge from Indonesian vessel, M/V Jin An today -- 2nd part of salvage operation is to get ship pulled by high-power tug being requisitioned from Singapore -- expected here July 15. (Wed. July 13 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Jin An pulled out of shallow waters in wee hours of July 17 -- high-power tug requisitioned from Singapore, with local tug in assistance, re-floated the coal-laden vessel at 2.15 a.m. -- tugged away to a distance & anchored at 3.48 a.m. She is free! (Sun. July 17 2005)

145ft. M/V Casitas, with 7 crew &16 scientists, under contract to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, on mission to clean out fishing nets & debris from NW Hawaiian Islands ran aground at Pearl & Hermes Atoll in marine reserve -- home to endangered monk seals, sea turtles & delicate coral reefs 1,000 miles NW of Honolulu. Vessel evacuated. (Mon. July 4 2005) UPDATE>> Severe damage to M/V Casitas hull. (Mon. July 4 2005pm) UPDATE>> U.S. Coast Guard pollution control experts arrived in NW Hawaiian Islands to assess source & extent of half-mile long oil sheen spotted at site. M/V Walnut will attempt to remove fuel from vessel M/V Casitas. (Wed. July 6 2005) UPDATE>> Since M/V Casitas went aground on Pearl & Hermes Atoll on July 2, its owners & government agencies have spent US$3M on the ship's recovery -- and it's not over yet. Steps to remove the 145-foot ship from reef begin this week -- will involve stabilizing ship with lines & anchors, which will allow divers to safely assess damage to the hull of Casitas & to identify a way to get her off reef. Holes in ship's hull will be patched & water pumped out, in attempt to restore its buoyancy & refloat her. If that is successful, ship will be towed to Honolulu by tug M/V American Quest. (Sun. July 24 2005)

Volmer Seaplane -- crashed at 4:39 p.m. July 3, on Mississippi River near Nauvoo -- plane made contact with water, flipped forward & came to rest on its top about 300 yards from shore -- 2 crew had no injuries. (Sun. July 3 2005)

Unidentified ferry crashed into wharf at Birchgrove, Australia -- vessel not damaged & ferry Capt. able to continue the journey to Circular Quay -- 4 passengers fell over on board the boat, suffering minor bruising. (Sat. July 2 2005) UPDATE>> 4 injured when thrown overboard -- minor. (Mon. July 4 2005pm)

ALERT>> St Vincent & the Grenadines-registered M/V Semlow, en route to Port of Bossaso with 10 crew & 850 tons of aid supplies from from Germany & Japan for the World Food Program<< Webfeature, to tsunami survivors in Somalia -- hijacked by pirates on June 27 -- 300km NE of the capital Mogadishu. Pirates demanded ransom of US$650,000 from ship's Kenyan owners. The World Food Program has called for the immediate release, but perhaps a U.S. Navy port call might be more effective. (Fri. July 1 2005) UPDATE>> Efforts to free a hijacked United Nations-chartered ship carrying food aid for tsunami victims in Somalia continued July 4, with no apparent change in demands from pirates who stormed vessel off the Somali coast last week, the World Food Program said. World Food Program has suspended all aid to the area. (Mon. July 4 2005) UPDATE>> There are discussions -- of a sort -- between pirates & officials --Motaku Shipping Agencies director Karim Kudrati said the militiamen called him July 5, at 4 pm & let him speak to Sri Lankan Capt., Mr. S Mahalingham. Kudrati -- requested to talk to the M/V Semlow chief engineer, a Tanzanian, Mr Juma Mvita -- gunmen obliged. The duo told him they & 8 Kenyan hostages were safe & that gunmen had treated them well. He said they were speaking from aboard hijacked M/V Semlow, which is detained at Haradheere North-East of Mogadishu. Militiamen did not disclose their telephone numbers & they did not ask for anything or press for the Sh38 million ransom demanded from the shipping agency. (Wed. July 6 2005)

Mysterious column of water vapor shot a kilometer (3,300 feet) into the sky from the Pacific Ocean near Iwo Jima -- likely caused by underwater volcanic eruption -- ships should avoid area, Japanese officials said July 3. A Japan Coast Guard crew flew over area to try to determine what happened. Japan's Meteorological Agency said no danger of tsunami. Japanese troops stationed on Iwo Jima on July 2, reported seeing massive, cloudy column rise from sea 50 kilometers (30 miles) SE of the small island, said Maritime Self-Defense Forces. Iwo Jima is 1,120km (700 miles) SE of Tokyo. (Sun. July 3 2005) Visit the pictures

10mt. F/V Auriga -- alerted by Mayday to Falmouth Coastguard to distress after received a 'hit' from a 406 mHz Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) & immediately passed information to their Belfast based colleagues who began co-ordinating a search & rescue mission -- offshore from Ballywalter, 15 miles S. of Bangor. Acting in coordination with rescue agencies F/V North Sea Trader spotted liferaft in water with 2 crew aboard. A Nimrod aircraft also scrambled to provide top cover & helicopter was sent to coordinates given by F/V North Sea Trader -- 3.5 miles due E. of Ballyferris point at the time they were spotted. All crew safe & rescue units stood down. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. July 1 2005)

Container M/V MSC Grace -- ran aground on the Dutch Westerschelde<< Webfeature, on June 29 in the midday hours after a machine blackout. The tugs M/V Zelzate, M/V Multratag 12 & M/V Multratug 15 tried to get vessel free, but success only achieved after M/V Holland & M/V Schouwenbank joined. At 7.30 pm -- M/V MSC Grace was afloat again. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. July 1 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

26 June 2005 at 0230 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'C', Bangladesh. Pirates in boat attempted to board container ship by using hook attached to ropes. Anti-piracy watch spotted them & raised alarm -- crew mustered.  Robbers aborted boarding & escaped in their boat. (Fri. July 1 2005)

25 June 2005 at 0230 LT at Tema anchorage, Ghana. Three pirates boarded container ship via hawse pipe -- cut forward store lock but unable to open door. Duty A/B raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers escaped empty handed in their boat waiting with accomplice. Port control informed. (Fri. July 1 2005)

24 June 2005 at 0440 LT at Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Pirates boarded container ship. They stole life raft and escaped in speedboat. (Fri. July 1 2005)

23 June 2005 at 0530 LT in position 01:27.2S - 116:42.0E, Lawi-Lawi oil terminal anchorage, Balikpapan, Indonesia -- pirates boarded tanker at forecastle. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & escaped in boat waiting with 4 accomplices. (Fri. July 1 2005)

20 June 2005 at 1015 LT in position 01:17N - 104:12E, Singapore straits. Pirates wearing dark clothes in 4 speedboats with open tops about 6-8 mtrs long, approached tug underway. Bosun raised alarm 7 crew mustered. One boat came very close to stern & pIrates attempted to board. Crew activated fire hoses & boats moved back -- later moved away. (Fri. July 1 2005)

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ALERT>> Newly reburbished 457ft. double-ended ocean ferry M/V Queen of Oak Bay<< Webfeature, with 544 passengers &189 vehicles -- lost power while entering Port of Vancouver & making docking turn -- smashed into Sewell's Marina<< Webfeature, adjacent to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. M/V Queen of Oak Bay<< Webfeature, devistated Sewell's Marina, smashing into numerous yachts & destroying up to 30 vessels. No Injuries. From our Correspondent Robert McNamara -- who reported this loss to us about 10 minutes after accident & even before the U.S. TV networks went to "BREAKING NEWS" - BRAVO Robert! (Thurs. June 30 2005) UPDATE & Solution>> Accident caused by missing cotter pin worth pennies -- blamed for putting a multimillion-dollar ferry aground -- missing cotter pin allowed a nut to come off on a device linking engine controls on bridge to one of vessel's 2 engines. That in turn allowed both engines to increase speed, eventually tripping control mechanisms that released ship's clutches, disengaging engines from propellers at bow & stern. No engines. propulsion is lost. No thrust -- 139-metre ferry lost power -- cotter pin retainer had put in 20 years of service without a problem.(Thurs. July 7 2005) View photo!

Vessel Loss Dispatches For June 2005

70ft. commercial F/V George Allen -- suffered fire 15 miles W. of Astoria, Ore on June 29. 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter USCGS Orcas, homeported in Coos Bay, Ore., directe to assist & arrived within minutes of call -- U.S. Coast Guard crew boarded boarded burning vessel & extinguished fire with chemical extinguishers & mechanical foam. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 30 2005)

German container M/V Henry -- in collision -- with a lock of the Kiel-Canal while entering canal in Brunsbuettel coming from the Northsea & heading for Kiel-Holtenau night of June 29. One gate of locks & some infrastructure damaged. The amount of damage is aboutn ¤35.000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 30 2005)

German Weser-ferry M/V Rönnebeck -- in collision -- with 11,6mt. steel S/V Sirena crossing from Blumenthal to Motzen. S/V Sirena pushed on port side until water rose on deck, all bulleyes destroyed & water poured in -- cabin was deformed, a woman who slept inside was not able to open the door. In a race against time skipper managed to free the woman, as vessel leaking. With aid of a transportable pump possible to keep the S/V Sirena afloat until she reached nearby yard. Vessel may be total loss. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 30 2005)

439ft. M/V Camilla Desgagnes, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. for Canada with 20 crew, suffered engine room fire June 8 -- 88 miles East of Ambrose Tower -- 20 miles off the Long Island Shore. No injuries reported & crew able to remain aboard after using ship's CO2 fire suppressant system. Tug M/V Rowan McAllister, in connection with salvor Titan Maritime, LLC, dispatched to rescue drifting freighter & crew -- once alongside burning freighter, tug began hooking up to ship in anticipation of towing her into New York Harbor while supplying ship with water to fight stubborn engine room fire. Once disabled ship's fire extinguished -- towed by M/V Rowan McAllister to Ambrose Tower -- tugs navigated M/V Camilla Desgagnes to repair berth at Port Newark. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 29 2005)

Unidentified 100mt. container vessel developed mechanical problems in Bangladesh's Chittagong port channel struck & severely damaged 3 Bangladesh Navy gunboats. Collisions occured when container vessel approaching berth near Bangladesh navy jetties in Port channel on June 27 evening. >> In 2003 alone, 18 navy ships damaged in collisions & Bangladesh Navy won compensation totalling US$10M. (Wed. June 29 2005)

M/V CSL Niagara grounded in St Lawrence Seaway near St. Helena island 1/4 mile east of the 1000 Island Bridge -- reportedly lost steering & grounded on shoal & taking water in forepeak -- pumps were keeping up with flooding -- freed early June 29 morning & underway 4:30 a.m. while waiting for inspectors to arrive. Picture from Kingston Whig-Standard (Wed. June 29 2005) UPDATE>> M/V CSL Niagara was freed early June 29 morning and got underway about 4:30 a.m. (Thurs. June 30 2005)

Spanish F/V Maria Gallego -- issued distress call just after 4.00 am on the morning of June 27 on medium frequency digital selective calling (MF DSC) radio -- reported 11 Spanish fishermen taken to liferafts 100 miles W. of Isles of Scilly after vessel suffered rapid ingress of water & sank very quickly with no indication as to cause. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. June 28 2005)

Dutch S/Y Jupiter -- ran aground on June 25 in Dutch Berghaven -- salvaged by rescue M/V Christien from Hoek van Holand with some damage to keel & rudder. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. June 28 2005)

Container M/V Lica Maersk, Port Santos, Brazil for Pecem, Ceará, -- in colision at Santos Roads with -- chartered M/V Maersk Volos inbound Libra. No severe damage in both vessels -- was a side collision -- only some reefer containers onboard M/V Maersk Volos. M/V Lica Maersk resumed her voyage to Pecem. Harbor Master opened enquiry to investigate the reason of the collision & Lica's Master will be interviewed by Fortaleza Harbour Master Officers as soon as she berths at Pecem. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. June 28 2005)

World's largest brigantine 62mt. S/V Swan van Makkum (built 1993), from Makkum -- in collision with -- S/V Provider from St. John's, Antigua, during famous Kiel Week where S/V Swan was accompanying races in Kiel bight. Both ships tried to avoid the collision by altering course to different sides, but then S/V Swan hit wheel house of S/V Provider causing some damage to it & on-deck boat. S/V Swan van Makkum lost her bowsprit. None of 116 passengers nor crew of 10 were harmed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. June 28 2005)

59ft. F/V Defiant -- grounded on rocks morning June 23 in Dog Bay, near Kodiak -- blocking entrance to St. Herman Harbor -- vessel's crew took advantage of high tide following night & re-floated -- diver found no significant damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. June 27 2005)

53,314gt German container M/V Punjab Senator (built 1997), Singapore for Columbo with 4545 TEU --suffered explosion in cargo hold #6 on June 2 -- followed by fire extinguished by the crew. Made Columbo -- stood out for Rotterdam. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. June 27 2005) [Note: We reported this at the time, but can't seem to find the listing Eraded?]

30ft. F/V George Ramsden, with 1 crew -- sunk off Bunessan, Isle of Mull early this evening, after going aground -- crew found safe on nearby rocks. Clyde Coastguard received a VHF radio call at 6:02 p.m. from the fishing vessel informing them that vessel aground with no damage at Bunessan -- 2nd radio call shortly afterwards reporting vessel sinking fast. (Sun. June 26 2005)

US$1.5M luxury cruiser M/V Riviera, moored on eastern side of Spit Bridge at Ferguson's Marina, Sydney -- suffered fire -- no one aboard -- destroyed. (Sun. June 26 2005)

M/V Kiperousa >> Attempts to refloat vessel continue --attempts to refloat bulk Kiperousa would resume this afternoon, says the SA Maritime Authority (Samsa). "Yesterday we experienced technical problems so we couldn't pull it off, but that's been sorted out," said Samsa spokesman. "We start pulling at about 1600 this afternoon and we expect to have it off by 1800 hrs." Follow Our Story (Sat. June 25 2005) UPDATE>> Salvors have managed to move stricken bulk carrier in their latest attempt to free vessel last night &endash; but have not managed to free it, South African Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said last night. (Sun. June 26 2005) UPDATE>> Efforts to pull the bulker M/V Kiperousa from South Africa's Eastern Cape coast at the weekend proved fruitless. (Wed. June 29 2005)

At 00:40 hours this morning UK Eyemouth RNLI lifeboat station informed Forth Coastguard that UK 70ft. F/V Supreme (LH109) experienced engine failure 60 miles NE of Eyemouth with 5 persons on aboard & requested assistance -- now being towed on SW course at a speed of 9 knots. If this maintained she should reach Eyemouth Harbor safely at lunchtime June 25. (Sat. June 25 2005)

U.S. cruise M/V Elation<< Webfeature, -- woman passenger reported missing at 11 a.m. on June 23, by her husband as M/V Elation returning to Galveston, Texas, after a stop in Belize. At the time M/V Elation located south of Cozumel, off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula -- ship turned around & headed back to the area where the woman was last seen before continuing on its voyage June 24 night. (Sat. June 25 2005) UPDATE>> Today the press finally picked up this story -- no further word -- except the "Scott Peterson" move of grilling the husband. Stay tuned. (Sun. June 26 2005)

1000-ton M/V Muni, crashed into Howrah Bridge<< Webfeature, in Kolkata today damaging 2 girders on underside & bringing traffic on bridge to a halt for 90 minutes -- 1st time in its 62-year history that Howrah Bridge witnessed such accident. M/V Muni, sailing north up Hooghly River,<< Webfeature, when she veered left, out of demarcated channel & hit underside of Howrah Bridge with mast & part of wheel house. (Fri. June 24 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

19 June 2005 at 2030 LT in position: 02:03N - 119:20E, Indonesia. Pirates in speedboat attempted to board bulk carrier underway from poop deck. Master took evasive manoeuvres, raised alarm & directed search lights at boat and boarding was averted. (Fri. June 24 2005)

17 June 2005 at 0300 LT, in position 03:12S - 116:20E, Tanjung Pemancingan anchorage, Indonesia. Ten pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastles -- tied up duty watchman & threatened another watchman. Robbers broke open locker & stole ship's stores. (Fri. June 24 2005)

17 June 2005 at 0240 LT, 6 nm from fairway buoy, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria. Six pirates armed with guns & knives in speedboat came alongside bulk carrier -- 4 pirates boarded, held duty A/B at gunpoint & stole ship's stores. A/B managed to raise alarm & crew mustered -- pirates escaped with ship's stores into waiting speedboat. No injuries. Master reported to port authorities & heaved up anchor proceeded to sea for drifting. (Fri. June 24 2005)

16 June 2005 at 0115 LT at berth no.4, Jawahar deep terminal, Mumbai, India. Pirates boarded tanker discharging cargo -- tried to steal ship's stores from poop deck but duty A/B noticed them & raised alarm. Robbers escaped empty handed in boat. Port authorities informed &came on board for investigation. (Fri. June 24 2005)

15 June 2005 at 1800 UTC LT in position 01:59N - 104:45E, South China Sea. Three unlit crafts approached general cargo ship underway -- came within 1 cable at port bow. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered, directed searchlights, switched on deck lights & activated fire hoses. Crafts changed course & attempted to board at stern. Finally they moved away. (Fri. June 24 2005)

15 June 2005 at 0315 LT at Basra oil terminal anchorage 'B', Iraq -- pirates armed with machine guns & long knives boarded tanker via forecastle. Alert A/B raised alarm. Robbers stole ship's property & fled in their speed boat. No casualties. 2nd incident in this location since 31.05.2005. (Fri. June 24 2005)

14 June 2005 at 0430 LT at Douala port, Cameroon -- 4 armed pirates boarded general cargo ship at berth -- assaulted duty A/B -- forced him to open Bosun store. Cadet on rounds came to forecastle and he along with the A/B were held as hostages. Robbers stole ship's stores & escaped leaving 2 hostages in Bosun store. Master reported incident to port control. (Fri. June 24 2005)

14 June 2005 at 0400 LT off Langkawi Island, Malacca straits. Ten pirates armed with weapons in speedboat hijacked tanker underway. One crew managed to escape in the boat used by pirates. This crewman landed ashore & contacted marine police at Langkawi Island. Police despatched patrol boat & located hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. Subsequently, pirates surrendered & they were taken to Langkawi for investigations. (Fri. June 24 2005)

12.06.2005 at 1100 LT at Warri region, Nigeria -- group of armed pirates boarded offshore processing tanker -- took hostage all 45 crew. After negotiations boarders departed. (Fri. June 24 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Dutch F/V Johannes SL 27, Stellendam on a position 30 km w of Texel, Netherlands, in the North Sea -- suffered fire -- Dutch Navy frigate Van Nes headed towards ship which was consumed by dense smoke -- meanwhile leisure M/ V Sop rescued the 5 crew unhurt -- later transfered to Frigate Van Nes by Lynx helicopter. Salvage ships headed for still burning F/V Johannes trying to extinguish flames & tow remains towards a harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. June 24 2005)

M/V Edward N, with ore (took 6 saftey inspection deficienies before sailing) -- in collision with -- M/V Agios Charaloabos, berthing at the time in Tubarao Roads, Brazil on June 21. Rumor is that M/V Edward N was still maneuvering at time of accident & would have not suffered problem except for pilot. From our Correspondent J. Diego (Fri. June 24 2005)

Editor Note: There are many new press reports today of M/T Tradewind Sunrise -- but we reported this loss on 22 June --see below. McD (Fri. June 24 2005)

Ukrainian-flagged F/V Simeiz, with 39 crew -- suffered fire June 22 -- in harbor alongside Uruguayan capital -- had to wait until flames out to board vessel for fear flammable refrigerants used in onboard freezers might explode. Fire swept through about 40% of vessel -- did not reach engine room or command deck -- 11 dead. Montevideo is busy port for ships heading to/from fishing grounds off southernmost South America. (Thurs. June 23 2005)

M/V Asakhe Z89, with 7 crew & mattresses and rolls of nylon paper, Mombasa Port for Somala, developed mechanical problems off Watamu Coast -- stalled on high seas before strong winds pushed her to coral reef -- causing panic to crew & their 3 children. Preliminary investigations indicated ship overloaded -- she may be lost. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 23 2005)

Spanish owned Unidentified Ukrainian-flagged fishing vessel, with 6 tons ammonia used in its refrigeration systems & 39 crew -- suffered fire in in Montevideo port -- towed from dock so fire could be extinguished without posing threat to other vessels in area -- 11 missing & presumed dead -- just returned from fishing expedition in South Atlantic. (Wed. June 22 2005)

Panamanian-registered M/T Tradewind Sunrise moored for repairs at Inter-Island Construction Co. for a month off Trinidad's west coast -- suffered explosion -- at leat 4 dead. Heat from fire so intense that Coast Guard boats & helicopters unable to approach blazing vessel for 2 hours after blast -- 22 workers escaped on lifeboats. (Wed. June 22 2005)

Great Eastern (GE) Shipping Company Ltd vessel M/T Jag Leela, Houston for Nigeria to pick up crude on regular trade route -- suffered loss of crewman -- 2nd engineer & resident of Malad -- missing since June 14 on high seas . Investigation continues. Family suspects he has been murdered. (Wed. June 22 2005)

M/V Kiperousa. At the present time -- the world is watching this one. UPDATE>> Salvage divers working against clock to try to contain leak in engine room of stranded bulk carrier, South African Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said yesterday. initial thoughts among some of salvage team was that water had come into engine room through engine but that no longer seems to be the case. Divers have isolated an area where they think there is small leak as water not coming in at great rate. Will try to cement up the area & hopefully plug leak. Follow Our Story (Tues. June 21 2005)

Barge crash --lead of six 195-foot loaded hopper barges bound for New Orleans, being pushed by tug M/V Tako Invader -- tug captain lost control after steering failed -- barge with1,400 tons of salt -- CRASHED -- shut U.S. Intercoastal Waterway<< Webfeature, for 12 hours -- plowed barge through Paris, LA bridge's southeast concrete bulkhead -- remaining 5 barges towed to NE side of twin span bridge -- U.S. Coast Guard worked with Dept. of Transportation on ways to dislodge barge from bulkhead -- barge finally removed at 1:30 p.m. June 21. Waterway reopened again at 2:30 p.m. (Tues. June 21 2005)

28ft yacht S/V Siesta, a 28ft yacht, Spain for Ipswich nearing Suffolk port when she ran aground on sandbank 12 miles from Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex -- UK Thames Coastguard received mayday call from vessel shortly after 4.30am -- one crew gone overboard -- trapped under yacht. He trying to refloat vessel when it fell, leaving him with multiple injuries to his abdomen & pelvis. Two lifeboats from UK Walton-on-the-Naze & Harwich were sent out -- rescue helicopter scrambled from RAF Wattisham in Suffolk. Man, who was in his mid-50s, taken by air to Margate's Queen Mother Hospital, but died later. (Tues. June 21 2005)

Mastermind of hijacking of Malaysian M/T Nepline Delima and its RM12 million cargo of diesel near Langkawi -- 42-year-old suspect detained last night -- led to his house in Taman Melati with assistance of Kuala Lumpur police -- brought to court today -- surrendered after tense stand-off with marine police & commandos near Pulau Rebak Besar, Langkawi. Pirates attempted to sail away with cargo, but plan foiled when crewman, Mohamed Hamid, slipped away to alert marine police at their headquarters in Bukit Malut. Follow Our Story (Tues. June 21 2005)

UK Aberdeen Coastguard assisted 2 fishing vessels requesting help within seconds of each other, in same area, with same problem in the Pentland Firth area. At 7.51p.m. F/V Edward Henry' (10 crew aboard) put out pan pan call (urgency call) on channel 16 requesting assistance, having fouled its propeller. Seconds later, F/V Boy Jordan' (2 crew aboard) advised UK Aberdeen Coastguard of identical predicament. RNLI Thurso lifeboat launched to the F/V Boy Jordan', as she was closer to land & therefore in more immediate danger, while the Lifeboat Boy Shane took the F/V Edward Henry under tow. (Mon. June 20 2005)

Yacht S/V Red Herring issues VHF 'Mayday' distress call -- reported to UK Solent Coastguard that skipper of the yacht S/V Vordor' fallen overboard with yacht S/V Audacious alongside. Man overboard in position 35 miles due S. of Needles, Isle of Wight. French authorities scrambled helicopter & rescue boat from Cherbourg -- St Peter port radio assisted with communications a fixed wing aircraft 'Air Search One'. UK Solent Coastguard using a computerized search plan gave instructions to French helicopter of where they needed to search when arriving on scene -- found man alive & conscious but in distressed state -- winched him into helicopter & took him to Pasteur Hospital in Cherbourg. "Man" in Petit Bateau 2005<< Webfeature, -- a single handed ocean race for monohull or multihull boats of 30-45 feet LOA. The one week program designed for experienced sailors keen for single-handed competition. The course zig-zags down English Channel with 6 stopovers in England, France and Channel Isles. (Mon. June 20 2005)

Congolese ferry for Rwanda capsized on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu -- at least 8 Congolese including 2-year-old infant drowned -- total of 18 people feared drowned when vessel sank off Kibuye town June 16 evening but only 8 bodies had so far been recovered. (Mon. June 20 2005)

RMS Queen Elizabeth 2<< Webfeature, departed Norwegian city of Ålesund this evening -- tug M/V Multimammut should have cast off -- but line still attached between tug & liner --as the QE2 moved out, line pulled tug very far over until her bridge nearly was awash. The line then came loose from the tug & she righted itself immediately. See Our Photo Feature. (Sun. June 19 2005)

Philippine tug M/V Captain George, with 12 crew, arrived at Labuan Port from Cebu Jan 21 -- next port of call was supposed to be Batam. Sailors said tug required some repairs before it could sail again but they did not wish to return home until their overdue wages were paid -- 2 crew who could not hold on any longer, left for Philippines last month . Thus 10 Filipino crewmen, stranded on tugboat in Labuan port, are left demanding vessel owner pay them their 9 months' wages before they can free ship. Labuan Marine Dept. official said crew had lodged report on issue on June 1 & tug not under detention. (Sun. June 19 2005)

1,200-ton Russian M/V Nikolai Kolomeitsev, Port of Toyama for Russian Port of Zarubino with used cars -- anchored 37km N. of Noto Peninsula in the Sea of Japan -- adrift --trying to repair malfunctioning main engine -- weather good -- no any threat for crew in the area. (Sat. June 18 2005)

28,429-dwt bulker M/V Clipper Lancaster -- French medical laboratory has dismissed likelihood of Marburg hemorrhagic fever<< Webfeature, being cause of mystery disease aboard -- ship has been held in quarantine off Indian Ocean island of Reunion since arriving from Durban -- actual fever remains unidentified -- 2 seafarers among crew of 22 became ill shortly after vessel left Durban on June 5, where it stopped briefly to refuel -- 1 crew died within a matter of a few days of leaving Durban but 2nd has since responded to treatment since his ship arrived off the French island. Before calling at Durban ship loaded logs at Pointe Noire in Congo Brazzaville & reported to have also called at Angolan ports during April. Serious outbreak of Marburg hemorrhagic fever<< Webfeature, raging in northern Angola, where 423 cases reported by June 7 with 357 fatalities. (Fri. June 17 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

10 June 2005 at 1130 LT in position 19:48N - 069:19E, 95nm off Gujarat coast, Arabian Sea. Six dark colored boats, about 20m length spotted by container ship underway. Boats with 4 to 5 persons in each boat -- without fishing nets followed ship. Master raised alarm, took evasive manoeuvres & crew mustered. Boats moved away. (Fri. June 17 2005)

10 June 2005 at 0820LT at position 03:55.1N &endash; 07:08E, 20 miles SW of fairway buoy, Bonny River, Onne, Nigeria. Five pirates wearing yellow raincoats in a 20 ft blue colored fibreglass craft followed supply ship underway. Supply boat took evasive maneuvers & craft moved away. Craft had similar appearance as craft involved in 2 incidents on 24 May 2005. (Fri. June 17 2005)

13 June 2005 at 2100 UTC off Langkawi island, Malacca straits.Ten pirates armed with weapons in speedboat hijacked tanker underway. One crew managed to escape in boat used by pirates. He landed ashore & contacted marine police at Langkawi island. Police despatched patrol boat & located hijacked tanker off Pulau Lebar. Subsequently, pirates surrendered -- taken to Langkawi for investigations. (Fri. June 17 2005)

12 June 2005 at 0145 UTC at Takoradi anchorage, Ghana. Three armed pirates boarded general cargo ship at forecastle -- stole ship's stores & escaped in boat. Master informed port control who sent officials to investigate. (Fri. June 17 2005)

07 June 2005 at 2350 LT at Kota Baru anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates armed with long knives board bulk carrier at anchor -- tied up duty A/B. Other crew raised alarm. Robbers stole one life raft & escaped. (Fri. June 17 2005)

07 June 2005 at 2130 UTC at Belawan anchorage, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship. Alert crew raised alarm & mustered. Robbers escaped in speedboat. (Fri. June 17 2005)

07 June 2005 at 0120 LT in position 04:12.3N - 006:57.3E, Bonny River anchorage, Nigeria. Five pirates armed with machine guns attempted to board reefer using hooks attached to ropes. Alert A/B raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers fired several shots & escaped. Bullets hit bulwark but no injuries to crew. (Fri. June 17 2005)

24 May 2005 at 2359 LT, Vicinity of Bonny River fairway buoy, Onne, Nigeria. Pirates armed with guns boarded container ship at anchor -- beat up crew & fired gunshots. Robbers stole ship's cash & stores and crew personal belongings --escaped in blue colored 20ft high speed motorboat. (Fri. June 17 2005)

24 May 2005 at 2110 LT in position 04:12.6N - 006:55.6E, off Bonny river fairway buoy, Onne, Nigeria. Armed & aggressive pirates boarded container ship at anchor -- injured several crew & wounded 1 crew with gunshot. Robbers escaped in high powered speed boat with ship's cash, bonded stores & crew personal belongings. (Fri. June 17 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Slowakian tug collided with Austrian police boat M/V Donau on River Danube near Vienna -- vessel sank, one policeman found after 45 minutes clinging to a rope still fixed at the bow of wreck -- brought into hospital with several injuries -- 2nd crew missing despite intense search of 144 firefighters & 55 policemen, helicopter & several rescue craft.. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. June 17 2005)

Supertanker -- boarded by Pirates clutching knives & AK47s off Basra in latest of series of seaborne robberies in Persian Gulf. (Fri. June 17 2005)

German-flagged S/V Pillango 3 for Port of Piraeus -- ran aground in western Greece between Patras & Aigion. Blood stains found on deck of the 12-meter vessel, whose engine still running. Local officials immediately launched search & rescue operation in Corinthian Gulf consisting of 3 coast guard vessels, privately owned boat & military helicopter -- no indication of number of people aboard. Mystery. (Thurs. June 16 2005)

Soth Korea cargo M/V Halala, Betung port in Indonesia for Kochi 3 weeks ago, with 1,700 tons copra cake -- developed technical problem & began drifting to the Andamans<< Webfeature, -- tug sent from Colombo & M/V Halala being towed to Sri lanka yesterday, when she suddenly sank near Colombo. (Thurs. June 16 2005)

Stranded bulk carrier M/V Kiperousa remains on rocks -- BUT salvage tug M/V Nikolay Chicker, trying to move stranded M/V Kiperousa -- hit ocean bottom June 14 & damaged herself - necessitating repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 15 2005) See BELOW. UPDATE>> maritime authorities are looking to a spring tide off coast of East London onJune 20 to assist in refloating the beached bulk carrier. "We are waiting for spring tide and nice swells & maybe she will disappear over the horizon on Monday," said Peter Kroon, the SA Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) spokesperson. (Thurs. June 16 2005) UPDATE>> Salvors expected to begin further attempts at refloating grounded bulker M/V Kiperousa (25, 375-dwt), which went onto a reef off the Eastern Cape coast on 7 June. With the advent of spring tides this week new attempts are likely from tomorrow.(Tues. June 21 2005) Follow Our Story

U.S. F/V Diane Carol -- anchored vessel reported crew overboard --missing -- found George Brown's body at the mouth of Cinder River<< Webfeature, -- airlifted him to King Salmon Hospital -- pronounced dead. (Wed. June 15 2005)

Luxuray cruise M/V Jiangshan, with 460 pasengers, Chongqing for Yichang in Yangtze River -- suffered fire at wharf in Wushan, in SW China's Chongqing Municipality on June 14. Most passengers on river bank for sightseeing at the time. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 15 2005)

River cruise ship M/V Saxonia, Berlin for Prague with 85 passengers -- in German port of Magdeburg on River Elbe -- suffered engine room fire June 14 -- crew supressed fire -- allowed to resume voyage June 14, as no major machines destroyed -- necessary repairs to be carried out underway. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 15 2005)

PIRATES SURRENDER>> Malaysian-registered M/T Nepline Delima,with 6,280 tonnes of diesel -- 19 crew held hostage by 10 Pirtates for nearly 12 hours -- threatened to blow up vessel, before surrendering to police & naval forces - standoff ended 3 hours after police chased down & surrounded the ship -- pirates, believed to be Indonesians, initially threatened to blow tanker. All safe. (Wed. June 15 2005)UPDATE>> "We believe this is an inside job. This hijacking was well planned," officials said.  DCP Mohamed Supian said suspect involved in planning to seize control of tanker en route to Myanmar from Singapore. Pirates, armed with sub-machine guns and parangs, boarded tanker at about 4am on June 14.  PZ15 gunboat commander Deputy Supt Abdul Salam Ablul Halim coaxed the pirates into surrendering peacefully in the 12-hour drama on the high seas off Langkawi. DCP Mohamed Supian praised Kelantanese sailor Mohamed Hamid for his bravery in escaping from the clutches of the pirates to alert the marine police. Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain said the state would request that more patrol boats & armed personnel patrol Langkawi & Kedah waters. Nepline Bhd chief executive officer Datul Dr Nik Zain Omar said the 18 crewmen would be rewarded for their bravery. Dr Nik Zain said Mohamed's bravery could have saved the lives of his colleagues. Mohamed, the tanker's bosun, said he could have easily gone the wrong way but his instinct kept him on the right track-- he managed to reach Langkawi hours later. (Thurs. June 16 2005)

World War II-era cargo DC-3 cargo<< Webfeature, flight en route to Bahamas crashed 3 miles E. of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport shortly after takeoff -- plane sheared off treetops -- narrowly missed homes as crew guided her to fiery landing on Fort Lauderdale city street June 13. All 3 crew aboard survived -- 2 people injured on ground also hospitalized, including 1 in serious condition. (Mon. June 13 2005)

26-ft. pleasure M/V Lotta Fun, with 5 crew -- sank today 13 miles west of Ilwaco, Wash. M/V Lotta Fun fired 2 distress flares, which aided the U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria in locatig the boat.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. June 13 2005)

10 meter dredger M/V Last Chance taking water & abandoning ship with 2 crew in Irish Sea, 8 miles SW of Bardsey Island. UK Milford Haven Coastguard received Mayday call -- scrambled Rescue Helicopter 122 from RAF Valley & both New Quay and Pwllheli RNLI lifeboats. After 20 minutes, Milford Haven Coastguard back in contact by mobile phone with 2 crew, by this time in life raft. M/V Last Chance sunk. (Mon. June 13 2005)

North Korea flag 1,485gt general cargo M/V Hala (built 1973) , with copra expeller cake -- sailed May 16 for Kochi, India -- reported adrift in vicinity of Andaman Islands, in lat 08 47N, long 89 43E. Lloyd's Salvage Form salvage contract signed with Tsavliris Salvage and tug SM/V B-408 arrived on scene this morning.  (Sun. June 12 2005)

Barter-trade M/V Karya Jaya capsized near Batu Pahat June 10, drowning Indonesian crewman. Eleven others, aged 20 to 50, were saved -- 12 men were in vessel when she listed & submerged after hitting sandbank at river mouth, off Minyak Beku. (Sat. June 11 2005)

U.S registered container 5,020gt. M/V New Glory (Built: 1983 ), Singapore for Port Klang with 216 containers & 19 crew, suffered engine room fire 6.5 NM off Undan Island at 4am today -- put out by crew -- estimated 30% of ship burnt, but cause yet to be determined. No injuries. Extent of cargo damage undetermined. Dead in water. (Sat. June 11 2005) UPDATE>> She has been towed to Singapore where further investigations to be carried out. (Mon. June 13 2005)

15,000gt bulk carrier M/V Kiperousa with 25 crew, aground by stern off Eastern Cape coast -- rescue operation was launched June 7, when mayday signal put out by vessel after she apparently struck an object 2 NM offshore, S. of Hamburg. While awaiting a salvage tanker from Cape Town, logistics in place should estuaries need to be closed off because of an oil spill, said National Ports Authority, in preparation for "worst-case scenario". Crew evacuated. (Sat. June 11 2005) UPDATE>> salvage tug M/V Nikolay Chicker -- trying to move stranded bulk M/V Kiperousa from rocks, hit ocean bottom yesterday & damaged herself - necessitating repairs in harbor. Hope is fading that grounded dry bulker M/V Kiperousa will be pulled clear from reef off South Africa's Eastern Cape coast before bad weather sets in. (Mon. June 13 2005) UPDATE>> Salvage unsuccessful so far.(Wed. June 15 2005)

Pleasure M/V Extractor -- overdue White Sand Ridge, Bahamas for Fort Pierce, Fla. -- at 4:15 p.m., U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircraft spotted the 2 crew in water after 18-hour search, clinging to overturned vessel & waving -- hoisted by Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin helicopter soon after, and were taken to Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, Fla., to be transferred to local EMS. (Sat. June 11 2005)

37-foot trawler F/V Happy Hour with 5 crew trapped aboard disabled fishing vessel in 12-foot seas -- rescued by U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala. June 10, 21 miles south of San Blas, Fla. -- ordered to abandon ship into the heavy seas and with the assistance of the helicopter's deployed rescue swimmer they were hoisted one by one into the aircraft. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Seahawk, an 87-foot patrol vessel from Carrabelle, Fla., also dispatched to assist. (Sat. June 11 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

Alert For Somalian waters>> After a quiet spell, serious attacks have resumed off Somalia. Since 31 March 2005, five incidents reported where pirates armed with guns & grenades have attacked ships & fired upon them. These attacks took place far away from Somali coast. Eastern & NE coasts of Somalia continue to be high-risk areas for hijackings. Ships not making scheduled calls to ports in these areas should stay away from coast. (Sat. June 11 2005)

06 June 2005 at 1535 UTC in position 02:23N - 046:07E, off Mogadishu, Somalia. Three pirates armed with automatic guns in white speedboat opened fire on bulk M/V Tigris underway. U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66)<< Webfeature in the area responded to distress call from the master & came close to assist. USS Gonzalez fired parachute flares & directed searchlights to illuminate the area -- escorted the bulk carrier to a safer location away from Somali coast. No injuries to crew but gunfire by pirates caused 10 bullet holes on starboard side near bridge. (Sat. June 11 2005)

01 June 2005 at 2000 LT in position 04:15N - 100:18E, off Pangkor island, Malacca straits. Eight pirates armed with automatic guns & long knives fired warning shots at a tanker underway -- boarded & kidnapped master and boatswain -- left in fishing boat with ship's documents. 2nd officer navigated tanker safely to a port. Pirates have demanded ransom for releasing crew. (Sat. June 11 2005)

31 May 05 at 0230 LT, deep water anchorage "A", 10nm south of Basra oil terminal, Iraq. Pirates armed with AK47 rifles boarded a tanker awaiting berthing -- tried to enter bridge claiming to be policemen. Master denied them entry & pirates became violent -- broke glass panels on bridge wing door & entered bridge -- assaulted master causing him injuries & demanded money -- entered master's cabin & located the safe and stole cash and personal belongings. They dragged the master and tried to take him to main deck and left at 0240. Master sent a mayday message and activated SSAS and moved to deep water anchorage "B". Later a coalition warship arrived to investigate. (Sat. June 11 2005)

22 May 2005 at 1500 LT, at posn 03:42N 48:16E, Eastern coast, Somalia. Pirates boarded & hijacked a general cargo ship underway. They beat up the 21 crewm & locked them in a room. Pirates have demanded ransom for releasing the ship and the crew. (Sat. June 11 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

UK F/V Morning Spray, with 3 crew had engine failure, listing badly, taking in water -- sinking 15 miles north of Bardsey Island -- about to abandon ship 55 miles from Holyhead. Holyhead Coastguard immediately launched search & rescue operation sending Rescue helicopter 122 from RAF Valley to scene along with Porthdinllaen lifeboat. Story Corrected by our Correspondent Dane Moore (Thurs. June 9 2005)

Korean container 3,995gt M/V Happy Star (built 1996) -- grounded in Kanmon port Kanmon Strait Japan. (Thurs. June 9 2005)

Panama flag bulk 36,828gt M/V Elefthria (Built 1983) -- for Port Said, laden with barley -- ran aground June 7 in lat 55 13.7N, long 11 05.3E west of Ageroe. Understood salvage services being rendered June 9, to bulk Eleftheria under Lloyd's Open Form by Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd. (Thurs. June 9 2005)

North Korea flag, 1,485gt general cargo M/V Hala (built 1973) -- disabled in vicinity of Andaman Islands, in lat 08 47N, long 89 43E. -- currently carrying out inspections prior to taking vessel in tow for Sri Lanka. (Note - M/V Hala reported Jun 5 as being overdue on voyage to Colombo & subsequently as being adrift -- in need of assistance in vicinity of Andaman Islands.) (Thurs. June 9 2005)

Barbados flag 439ft. M/V Camilla Desgagnes, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., for Canada -- suffered engine room fire 20 miles south of Shinnecock --20 crew remain aborad -- U.S. Coast Guard providing assistance. (Thurs. June 9 2005)

U.S. Navy destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66)<< Webfeature used fire from .50-caliber machine guns, searchlights & flares to ward off a pirate attack on M/V Tigris operating off Somalia in the Indian Ocean June 6. USS Gonzalez alerted to ongoing attack by the crew of M/V Tigris via bridge-to-bridge radio. M/V Tigris crew being fired upon. (Wed. June 8 2005)

Bulk M/V Starluck -- from Site 6 of Port of Quequen, Necochea, with 27,560 tons of wheat for Brazilian port -- sailing with assistance of tugs M/V Kyokko Rua & M/V Rua IV and port pilot -- lost steering & grounded 800 meters from coast in lat 28 35S, long 58 41W, at 1345. Salvage tugs M/V Alianza Rosario & M/V Buni to assist with refloating operations. Vessel approximately 650 meters from the coast of Quequen with bow facing open sea in position lat 28 34.85S, long 58 41.28W. Coast Guard soundings at the site of the grounding revealed a depth of about 10 meters. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 8 2005) UPDATE>> 16,754gt bulk M/V Starluck (built 1976) refloated with assistance of 2 tugs at 2030 LT, off Necochea Jun 11. On Jun 12, underwater inspection 5 miles form coast was performed. Damages in way of vessel's double bottom tanks were noted. On Jun 8 lightering operations of approximately 7,000 tons of cargo from M/V Starluck to general cargo M/V BBC Sealand commenced. (Thurs. June 16 2005)

Greek owned 14,921-gt Dry bulker M/V Kiperousa, West Africa for Durbanwith logs & 24 crew -- grounded June 7, off East London Harbor, South Africa -- hit reef or rock while on heading NE along Cape coast. Ship began taking water -- appeal for assistance radioed, with rescue craft, helicopters& later harbor tug from East London responding. One of Smit tugs based in Durban also understood sailed for scene. Immediate efforts centering around trying to get line aboard bulker to tow her into deeper water where less danger of wave action causing ship to break up. From our Correspondent Ian Hunter (Wed. June 8 2005) UPDATE>> rescue operation launched after a mayday signal was put out by the vessel, which had apparently struck an object about 2nautical miles offshore, south of Hamburg. The carrier was sailing from Gabon to Durban. (Thurs. June 9 2005)

Japanese F/V Mantai Maru No. 52 from Abashiri -- searched & seized by Russian boarder guards in Sea of Okhotsk 120km off Cape Notori in Abashiri -- later taken to Russian territory, Japan Coast Guard said. (Wed. June 8 2005)

U.S. F/V Miss Charlotte -- continuing to search June 7 for crew aboard vessel reported taking on water south of Horn Island, Miss. on May 4. U.S. Coast Guard received mayday call June 7 requesting assistance at 7 p.m. An HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter rescue aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans dispatched to investigate. During patrol at 8 p.m. aircrew spotted sheen in water & what appeared to be a body 4 miles south of Horn Island. U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews from Station Gulfport, Miss., Station Pascagoula, Miss., Air Station New Orleans & Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala., have searched more than 1,318 nautical square miles since May 4. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. June 8 2005)

Chinese F/V Zhengouyu-72305 -- hit by Liberian cargo ship when she anchored 113 NM east of Ningbo, coastal city in east China's Zhejiang Province. Ningbo City Maritime Salvage Center also sent 3 ships to search for missing sailors -- 9 of 13 sailors aboard rescued so far -- 4 missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. June 6 2005)

134-meter Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto << Webfeature (built 1993) suffered fire in forward auxiliary machinery room at Haifax dock -- warship taken part in number of operations, including enforcing embargoes of the former Yugoslavia & Iraq. Several crew were taken to hospital for observation. Crew from frigate battled the fire that began at 7:10 p.m. joined by personnel from 3 other ships & fire tug, as well as others at navy dockyard -- took over 45 minutes to extinguish blaze. (Mon. June 6 2005)

Outside Help Against The Pirates>> The newly re-elected president of the Singapore Shipping Assn. (SSA), S.S. Teo, said during his report to the body's AGM that piracy was still a major concern for the maritime community. The head of regional container shipping line PIL said that the SSA had raised the politically sensitive issue of calling for help from outside the region if the littoral states cannot eliminate the problem. He said: "Although the number of pirate attacks around the world and in South East Asia had decreased in 2004, the intensity of pirate attacks had increased, with a larger number of seamen killed. In the South East Asian region, particularly in the Malacca & Singapore Straits, piracy continues to be a problem." He noted: "The three littoral states of Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore signed a landmark agreement on 20 July 2004 to conduct co-ordinated naval patrol in their efforts to combat piracy in the Straits, but this had minimal impact. Small tankers, slow moving tugs & barges and even large bulk carriers continued to be attacked. In some cases, ship officers and crews were kidnapped and shipowners held to hefty ransom to secure their release. Such incidents have prompted the SSA, together with its counterparts in the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Associations (FASA) and the Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF) urging the ASEAN governments to exert stronger political will and to work more effectively to eradicate the piracy problem in the SE Asian region. We also urged the littoral states to consider int' l assistance if they cannot find any effective measures." (Mon. June 6 2005)

Ferry M/V Amorella, Swedish port of Stockholm for Turku in Finland -- suffered fire of cargo automobile May 19-- crew succeeded in tackling fire. None of 1,160 persons aboard harmed -- ship reached Turku in schedule. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. June 6 2005)

117 meter Russian registered general cargo M/V Yamal, Vyborg to Cardiff with pig iron & 15 crew, in collision in English Channel with Antiguan registered container M/V Jessica B, Antwerp for Dublin, 20 miles South of Anvil Point, UK. M/V Jessica B reports minimal bow damage. However, M/V Yamal has developed a 5 degree list to port but has restarted engines successfully. UK Solent Coastguard requested attendance from tug from Cherbourg. (Mon. June 6 2005)

U-505 Resurfaces<< Webfeature. (Sun. June 5 2005)

U-505 Exhibits<< Webfeature.

Escorts To Confront Pirates>> Armed escort vessels will be allowed to pass through Malaysia's stretch of the Malacca Strait although their operations must be strictly controlled, Malaysian Defence Minister Najib Razak has said.Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi & other senior defence officials have been outspoken recently in their opposition to privately armed vessels providing security for commercial ships in the pirate-infested strait. However Najib, who is also deputy prime minister, told a regional security conference in Singapore that Malaysia would reluctantly allow them to "transit" through its waters. Now Japan & the U.S. can make a difference.(Sun. June 5 2005)

F/V Buccaneer grounded near Geese Islands, south of Kodiak Island, early June 3 -- patrolling 40 miles away, USCGC Roanoke Island << Webfeature, steamed to the scene at max speed -- crew tied a line to the stricken vessel's mast to help keep it upright -- attempt to re-float F/V Buccaneer during next high tide. (Sun. June 5 2005)

32ft. S/V Sonny & Jer disabled & adrift after mast fell overboard taking crew Peter Church with it in U.S. Virgin Islands. Fearing broken rigging would soon puncture vessels hull, Sean Riley & vessels owner 60-year-old Gerald Listokin, cut rigging from deck & she sank, Church was not seen again. U.S. Coast Guard jet & 2 merchant ships M/V Team Mars & M/VTmoz assisted in the search where Church was last seen. The Dutch navy vessel Van Speijk which was nearby also joined search efforts. (Sat. June 4 2005)

Malaysia-registered bulk M/V Everise Glory, Western Australia for Singapore in collission with Taiwan-registered container M/V Uni Concord, Port of Tanjung Pelepas for Bintulu, Sarawak -- bulk carrier sank 14 NM from Pulau Batu Putih, off Mersing just outside Singapore Strait -- 23 of 24 crew of M/V Everise Glory rescued by officers from Republic of Singapore Navy & Police Coast Guard as well as a passing fishing trawler in vicinity. 1 dead. (Sat. June 4 2005) UPDATE>> There is no word on missing Filipino sailor. (Sun. June 5 2005)

92-foot tug M/V Polaris -- leaked 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel & blocked all traffic through Port of Iberia's main channel since she partially sank late June 1. (Sat. June 4 2005)

M/V Faiz suffered fire on midnight of May 31 in West Bengal -- burning to death 3 family members of Captain P.B. Shelley, who also died while trying to save them, according to the rescued crew brought by Coast Guard on June 4. (Sat. June 4 2005)

M/V Crete Cement, with 3,526 tons of iron & steel from Izmit to Britain -- adrift at Canakkale Strait after experiencing engine problems -- tug helped ship go away from dangerous location to Kilye region of Canakkale Strait. (Sat. June 4 2005)

53 meter M/V Fiaz -- Yangon for Kolkata with 783 tons of puses of coal & 15 crew, suffered fire in Bay of Bengal -- ship abanoned -- Indian Coast Guard found 4 charred skulls aboard -- mainly children -- ship now drifting NW of Haldia port -- 10 rescued from life raft, but at least 5 still missing. -- "he jumped off the ship, but failed to board the life raft." Feared 5 daed. (Fri. June 3 2005)

Bahama bulk M/V Crete Cement, wiith 3,526 tons of iron & steel from Izmit for Britain -- adrift at Canakkale Strait after experiencing engine problems. Tugboat helped ship go away from dangerous location. (Fri. June 3 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

30 May 2005 at 1720 UTC in position 04:00.50N - 099:36.20E, Malacca straits -- general cargo ship underway sighted 5 meter craft with white hull. When craft came within 2 miles, it increased speed & commenced approaching ship. Master raised alarm, took evasive maneuvers & crew mustered.  Craft altered course & moved away. (Fri. June 3 2005)

28 May 2005 at 1835 LT in position 12:29N - 044:57E, Gulf of Aden. Speedboat approached tug towing 2 barges -- boat came within 5 meters, crew fired rocket flares at boat & it sped away. (Fri. June 3 2005)

30 May 2005 at 1615 UTC in position 03:12N - 105:24E, 14nm off Anambas island, Indonesia -- 5 pirates armed with high-powered guns & long knives boarded general cargo ship underway.  Duty A/B at poop deck spotted them & locked himself inside accommodation -- raised alarm. Pirates fired warning shots & broke open accommodation doors -- entered bridge where they tied up 2/O, 2 A/Bs & an oiler. Two pirates remained on bridge with hostages. Other 3 pirates went to cabins of C/E & Master and stole personal belongings, cash & equipment. Finally, pirates took master, C/E & A/B to poop deck -- escaped in a boat. (Fri. June 3 2005)

29 May 2005 at 0015 LT in position 06:45S - 039:20E, No.2 anchorage, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Three pirates armed with machetes boarded general cargo ship via hawse pipe -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Master heaved up anchor & proceeded to open sea to drift. Port control informed. (Fri. June 3 2005)

24 May 2005 at 1100 UTC in position 15:19.5N - 041:32.5E, Southern Red Sea. Persons in 2 boats attempted to come alongside a RO/RO ship underway. Master raised alarm & increased speed. Attempt aborted. (Fri. June 3 2005)

24 May 2005 at 1000 UTC in position 17:52.7N - 076:47.1W, Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica -- 5 pirates boarded general cargo ship -- threatened duty A/B with knife & tied him up. A/B managed to escape & raised alarm. Robbers broke seal of container & tried to break in to store room. Finally they stole crew belongings & escaped. (Fri. June 3 2005)

19 May 2005 at 0150 LT at Abidjan anchorage, Ivory Coast. Pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship via anchor chain -- overpowered & tied up duty A/B & robbed his personal belongings and a walkie talkie. A/B managed to free himself -- raised alarm. Upon hearing alarm, robbers jumped overboard & escaped. (Fri. June 3 2005)

05 May 2005 at 1030 LT in position 02:46.064N - 106:12.285E, NW bay of Ayerabu island, Anambas islands, Indonesia. -- 8 pirates armed with AK-47 machine guns boarded yacht at anchor -- ordered crew to remain below deck. Held skipper at gun point & took cash, stores & crew personal belongings -- escaped. (Fri. June 3 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Pirates have kidnapped Thai Capt. & crewman from tanker in busy Malacca Strait, with 1,104 tons of fuel from an eastern port in Thailand to Rayong, in latest of a string of sophisticated kidnap for ransom attacks Owners of Thai-flagged vessel reported that pirates have already demanded a ransom after June 1 incident, said the head of the Piracy Reporting Centre of the London-based Int'l Maritime Bureau -- between 5 & 8 pirates approached on fast boat & fired warning shots to stop vessel as it sailed off Pangkor island on Malaysia's west coast -- kidnapped crewmen, took trading documents, then contacted the owner for a ransom. The Int'l Maritime Bureau does not report vessel names. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

53-meter M/V Faiz, Yangon on May 27 for Calctta with 783 tons of "pulses" -- suffered fire -- crew abandoned 225 NM from Haldia. Accommodation cabins & engine room destroyed -- pilot had radioed. "I can see thick smoke coming out of the ship. There are no survivors," pilot said in radio message. 10 castaways, some in lifeboats & rest in life jackets, rescued by a Coast Guard ship this evening about 150 NM from Sandhead & being brought to Calcutta -- 5 crew &emdash; ship's Capt. P.P. Shelley, his wife, & their children & chief operator &emdash; still missing. Closer look by M/V Vijay Lakshmi revealed that cabins & engine room completely burnt down. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

16,754 gt, bulk M/V Starluck (built 1976), with 27,500 tons wheat-- from Port of Necochea -- grounded 200 meters away from port's breakwater on May 31. Salvage operations not yet commenced, but preparations for lightering part cargo arranged. The owners Atlas Agencia Maritima S.R.L. meanwhile had contracted the services of Smit salvage company, in order to refloat the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 2 2005)

UK Brixham Coastguard were alerted to 7 meter yacht S/V Tattie Bogle -- washed up on the rocks at Saltern Cove -- mainsail up & foresail half up & anchor was also in raised position -- skippers personal effects on board & entry in vessels log -- entry made at 05.35 this morning recording weather information -- whereabouts of the skipper unknown. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

Philippine Navy patrol ship, BRP Quezon patrolling the area, notorious for rebels & pirates -- spotted the stranded motorized fishing boat F/V Piary, 51 NM southeast off Fearless Shoals on May 29 afternoon -- 17 people stranded for more than 2 days without food or water -- 7 men, 7 women & 3 children -- were dehydrated. Vessel left Malaysia's Sandakan town on Borneo island for Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao -- along the way vessel's engine broke down, causing her to drift. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

Iraq Pirates>> Struck Basra oil terminal May 31, apparently approaching moored tanker in rubber boat, using hooks to get onboard & stealing money. Local authorities urged vessels to use extreme caution. Under current Int'l Maritime Organization regulations firearms for self-protection are forbidden on vessels. Maritime pirates are, however, better armed, more technologically advanced & well-trained. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

Singapore & Indonesian Navies Joint Pirate Surveillance System<< Webfeature. (Thurs. June 2 2005)

103gt. veteran 20mt. tug M/V Woltmann<< Webfeature suffered fire in evening of May 31 in Hamburg -- fire broke out in machine room after coal fire in the boiler got out of control -- 21 firefighters tackled the flames & led dense fume out of ship which was lying in the Museum Harbor of Hamburg-Oevelgoenne<< Webfeature. No one injuries. M/V Woltmann is last ocean going German tug with steam engine & coal fired boiler -- built at Gebr. Sachsenberg yard in Rosslau in 1904 & worked together with M/V Bagger XI on the river Elbe. It was in service until 1976, then sold to the Netherlands & returned to Germany in 1984. It then started new career as museum ship in 1994 after having been renovated. She took part several times in the Kiel week & other major maritime events, until it returned to original appereance between 1997 & 2004. The 1st journey after re-entering service led from Hamburg via Cuxhaven, Kiel, Schleswig, Kappeln, Flensburg & Denmark back to its hompeport Hamburg where she was now struck by fate. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. June 2 2005)

Tense standoff between Japanese Coast Guard and South Korean Coast Guard over jurisdiction of the captain of fishing boat caught illegally fishing for conger eel inside Japan's economic zone off Nagasaki by Japanese Coast Guard patrol vessel Tatsugomo and fled for two hours with 2 Japanese Coast Guard aboard. Japan claims jurisdiction because the fishing occurred in their waters, while South Korea claims jurisdiction because vessel apprehended in their waters. At this time, fishing vessel remains sandwiched between Japanese & South Korean Coast Guard in rough seas. Kidnapped Japanese Coast Guard crew rescued, and 4 Japanese Coast Guard have boarded the Korean Coast Guard vessel, on which the captain of the fishing vessel is being detained, to negotiate standoff. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

Japanese Coast reports that 4 Chinese fishermen missing off SW coast of Japan after their fishing boat collided with Liberian cargo ship. 9 of the 13 were rescued by the cargo ship, and the search by air & sea continues for the 4 missing men. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

A fisherman aboard 100-ft scallop boat F/V Patience was critically injured off Atlantic City when the scallop dredge fell on him. Crew alerted the Coast Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City dispatched helicopter to transfer man to nearby trauma unit -- remains in critical condition. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

Washington State Ferry M/V Quinault is unable to serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route due to a broken steering system. M/V Illahee on way to serve as replacement while M/V Quinault undergoes extensive repairs in dry dock. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

999 emergency operators, Essex Police, U.K. Coastguard & F/V True to the Core worked together to make dramatic rescue off Felixstowe of man & boy drifting in dinghy in darkness after their boat sank beneath them -- pair placed a 999 emergency call from a cell phone. Telephone connection was so poor that the 999 operator barely able to understand call, but by using mobile phone masts, the Coast Guard able to determine rough coordinates from where call had been placed. The Coast Guard then broadcast a pan pan broadcast and nearby F/V True to the Core located & rescued the man & boy -- said to be cold & frightened but uninjured. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For May 2005

Editors Note: Throughout most of May 2005 these reports have been provided to you by our Asst. Editor Libby Thompson -- her fresh style & unique insights are much appreciated. McD

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

44-ft. pleasure M/V Territory Ahead struck pilings & sank in the night on Columbia River, 5 miles east of Astoria, Oregon. Vessel operator radioed U.S. Coast Guard for help when craft began to take water -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment dispatched rescue boats while U.S. Coast Guard Group/Air Astoria sent an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter to assist. Nearby Good Samaritan responded to broadcast &rescued those aboard Territory Ahead before she sank. Owner will attempt to salvage the sunken vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues., May 31, 2005)

The Indian Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC) is calling for Danish ship M/V Riky to be "mercilessly driven out of Indian sovereign territory without loss of time." M/V Riky is presently docked at Gujarat Port for shipbreaking. The SCMC was alerted to environmental dangers posed by the ship's presence by Greenpeace and the Danish Minister for the Environment, and also states that the ship changed its name and entered Indian waters illegally. (Tues., May 31, 2005)

88 South American refugees who had paid traffickers up to US$10,000.00 apiece for illegal immigration into the United States were abandoned at sea without power or communication when their boat encountered engine troubles off Costa Rica. Traffickers boarded another boat, but left the 88 migrants, mostly teenagers, adrift at sea. Migrants saved themselves with a variation on the time-tried method of writing a message in a bottle. When they spotted a long drift line at sea, they wrote "Help, please, help us" on a scrap of paper, placed it in a plastic water bottle and attached it to the drift line. When the crew of fishing boat Rey de Reyes drew in their lines and spotted the message, they contacted Costa Rica Coast Guard. The group MarViva, which works to preserve the Cocos Islands, rescued the group and provided them with emergency shelter and medical treatment. (Tues., May 31, 2005) UPDATE: The refugees are said to be in good health and are being returned to Ecuador. (Wed., June 1, 2005)

Chinese Navy Ming-class military submarine reportedly stalled in the South China Sea in Int'l waters between Taiwan & Hainan Island after fire broke out aboard vessel while she was submerged -- apanese press is reporting that the submarine is being towed above water by a Chinese vessel to the Yulin Naval Port on China's Hainan Island. Chinese officials have declined to confirm the fire or to comment on whether there were any casualties. 2 years ago, all 70 aboard a similar Chinese Ming-class, diesel-powered hunter-killer submarine died when they suffered a mechanical malfunction. Japanese and American authorities are monitoring the vessel in the current situation. (Tues., May 31, 2005)

May 27, 2005, unmanned 360-ft deck barge G.T. Ironmaster capsized & spilled its agragate cargo into ocean off Massachusetts. Tugboat M/V Navigator was towing deck barge from Boston to New Haven with no crew or oil onboard. Cause of accident under investigation & salvage plan is being formulated. The deck barge is currently located at 40-10.ON/070-30.0W and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Seneca is assisting. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., May 30, 2005)

162 meter Greek ferry M/V Lissos (built 1972) ran aground in Aegean Sea on May 15, 2005 with 620 passengers aboard -- ship managed to come free & entered Argostoli Harbor for inspection. After departing Argostoli harbor, ship ran aground a 2nd time. No serious damage caused by incidents & no injuries reported. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Explosion occurred aboard Ro/Ro M/V Nepture Okeanis at Italian Fincantieri Yard in Palermo due to a lamp breaking during painting in a chain locker-- 4 workers were hurt onboard the newbuilding. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Canada has seized Portuguese trawler F/V Santa Mafalda near Newfoundland, and Capt. will be charged with unauthorized entry & illegal fishing inside Canada's 200-mile exclusion zone for foreign fishing vessels. The 30 crew remain in vessel-- currently docked at St. John's. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Russian authorities recalled F/V Odoevsk on May 19, 2005 to its home port and suspended its fishing license after Canadian inspectors cited it for use of an illegal net liner. Canadian officials were pleased by Russian response -- part of the joint effort by Canada and Russia to address Int'l overfishing in the Northwest Atlantic. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

145-meter RoRo M/V Tor Cimibria suffered generator fire in the engine room alongside Immingham near Humber, U.K. -- crew was able to extinguish the fire. Extent of damage unknown. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Minutes later, Front Striver dropped a drum of paint in the River Humber at Immingham Bulk Terminal. Humber Coastguard is helping coordinate clean-up efforts. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Sunderland RNLI & Sunderland Coastguard assisted pleasure boat Kittiwake after it became disabled due to a fouled propeller. The 2 crew were rescued, and the Kittiwake was towed to Sunderland Marina. Redcar Coastguard Rescue Team also rescued pleasure boat Margery Ann when it became disabled. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

Fijian inter-island boat Tunatuki has been adrift for 2 days with 50 people trapped aboard in Lau waters due to engine problems. Passengers said to have sufficient provisions & not be in any immediate danger. Vessel owners say that a national holiday has prevented them for 2 days from finding another boat to go to the aid of the Tunatuki, but a tug boat has now been dispatched. (Mon., May 30, 2005)

In the North Sea earlier this month, supply vessel M/V Island Ranger grazed the Grane platform, incurring only minor damages to the vessel and the platform. The incident is believed to have been caused by a malfunction in the supply boat's positioning system. (Sun., May 29, 2005)

A fire began in the smokestack of shrimping vessel Mackenzie's Dream off Newfoundland and rapidly consumed the vessel. The crew of 7 donned survival suits, boarded two life rafts and used an emergency beacon to signal for help. After 2-1/2 hours, Coast Guard ship Sir Wilfred Grenfell rescued the 5 men and 2 women and transported them to St. John's. (Sun., May 29, 2005)

In the Maldives, Bigfish Number 3 collided with a boat owned by the Ministry of Education, the Faaliky-01, breaking off a large section of the Faaliky-01 and nearly sinking it. The Coast Guard was able to rescue all passengers and the Faaliky-01 has been towed safely into Maafushi. (Sun., May 29, 2005)

Yacht Pretty Kitty dismasted in rough weather north of Ramsgate Fairway, England. 2 crew rescued by Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

Yacht Gintrap also dismasted in rough weather off the Mid Falls buoy, UK. Ramsgate RNLI lifeboat responded after a Mayday call & towed vessel to safety. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

Busy day for Ramsgate RNLI as they also rescued the 36-ft yacht S/V Khamsin and its 3 passengers in rough weather after it became disabled near Ramsgate. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

Chief engineer with a broken arm was evacuated from Survey vessel M/V Black Watch by Eastbourne RNLI and taken to the hospital. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

Eastbourne RNLI lifeboat also rescued the yacht S/V Mermaid of Zennor and the 4 people aboard after it became disabled 3 miles southwest of Sovereign marina. The yacht was towed to the marina by lifeboat. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

French naval frigate Jean Bart in collision with Pakastani naval support ship Moawin off Staten Island. Both ships were in New York for the annual Fleet Week celebration. Jean Bart suffered visible damage across hull, while Moawin appeared to suffer only superficial damage. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

A 12-year old boy is missing after his grandfather's cabin cruiser collided with a barge being pushed by tugboat M/V Leah Cenac in Bayou Cutler, Louisiana. Another of the grandchilden on the cabin cruiser injured & taken to the hospital. No injuries to crew or damage to M/V Leah Cenac were sustained. U.S. Coast Guard, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Dept. & Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries have all joined the search for the missing boy. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

Cook aboard Chinese research vessel M/V Xiang Yang Hong 09 fell seriously ill with extreme abdominal pain off the Philippines and was hoisted for evacuation by Coast Guard helicopters with a rope harness. (Sat., May 28, 2005)

1 adult and 3 children were rescued from the water by Forth Coastguard, U.K. after the tug M/V Dalmeny spotted them and their capsized dinghy and made a distress call on their behalf. Rescue workers were forced to abandon attempts to rescue the dinghy due to winds force 5 and worsening weather. (Fri., May 27, 2005).

North Korean-flagged cargo ship M/V Perast is grounded in shallow water after taking on water near Corinth. The 8-man Serbian crew was uninjured. The M/V Perast ran into trouble just after passing through the Corinth Canal carrying 2,700 tons of cement. (Fri., May 27, 2005)

1 dead and 2 injured after tanker M/T Basaveshwara caught fire at New Mangalore Port Trust, India while en route to Cochin. According to the captain, the fire was caused by "backfire in the port's auxiliary boiler furnace resulting in furnace door being blown off." The three victims were all trapped in the engine room. The fire was extinguished, but no word on the extent of damages to the vessel. (Fri., May 27, 2005).

Norfolk-based guided missile frigate USS Kauffman, in coordination with German frigate FGS Karlruhe, seized 4,200 lbs. of hashish from M/V Al Naveed in the North Arabian Sea after receiving an intelligence tip. The 14-member Kauffman boarding team discovered a false bulkhead with 96 large bags of hashish hidden behind it on board the Al Naveed. The Al Naveed will be transferred by coalition forces to unidentified legal authorities. (Fri., May 27, 2005).

The Nor'easter which has been pounding the Northeastern U.S. caused at least six boats to part from their moorings in Marblehead Harbor on May 26, 2005. Amongst the casualties was 28-ft Sabre sailboat Arabesque which is being lifted by crane after having been pushed back to the end of the harbor near the seawall and causeway leading to Marblehead Neck. The boat is probably a total loss. (Fri., May 27, 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

21 May 2005 Suspicious craft at 0330 LT in position 05:34.5N - 099:51.0E, 21nm NW of Penang island, Malacca straits. A craft doing over 20 kts approached a product tanker underway. When craft came within 0.5nm crew mustered, activated fire hoses, directed searchlights & switched on lights. Craft followed for 20 mins and moved away. (Fri., May 27, 2005)

18 May 2005 at 0325 LT at Callao anchorage no.8, Peru. Robbers boarded a tanker at forecastle. They stole ship's stores and escaped. (Fri., May 27, 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Panamanian-registered M/V Yue Shan, with 166,000 tons of iron ore, in collision with Liberian-flagged tanker M/V Chrisopigi Lady on May 25, 2005 in Singapore Strait southwest of St. John's Island. Tanker M/V Chrisopigi Lady was fortunately in ballast at the time, and there was no oil spillage. MPA's Vessel Traffic Information System warned the vessels of the impending collision. M/V Yue Shan damaged in the bow, while M/V Chrisopigi Lady sustained damage on starboard side. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

The Coast Guard is investigating a 1,500 gallon oil spill at the Black Falcon terminal in South Boston in the immediate vicinity of where the warship USS John F. Kennedy recently docked. The crew of the USS John F. Kennedy is reporting that no leaks have been detected in the air carrier. The Coast Guard is also investigating two other vessels docked nearby to determine the source of the spillage. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Passenger ferry M/V Narrabeen crashed into the wharf at Sydney's Circular Quay, causing a piece of the wharf's awning to become airborne and strike a woman in the face. Holes were torn in the ferry's bow and the damage is described as extensive. Witnesses say the ferry made a sharp turn to avoid colliding with another passenger vessel and crashed into the wharf as a result. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Jean Le Cam's 60-ft French racing yacht S/V Bonduelle became dismasted east of Shetland in the race around Britain. U.K. Coastguard, a French camera crew and a second vessel assisted in the rescue. The yacht is being towed to the Shetland Isles. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Approximately 10% of the 2,000+ passengers aboard P&O's luxury cruise liner Oceana have been stricken with the highly contagious Norovirus aka the "Vomiting Virus" during a 17-day Mediterranean cruise. Passengers who have been confined will be compensated by P&O, and the vessel will be undergoing an extensive disinfection regime. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Bangladeshi Marine Court officials have seized 58 unlicensed cargo vessels in just three days as part of their smackdown on unregistered vessels. 14 cargo vessels were seized on Wednesday. Perhaps they will soon also have a crackdown on overloaded, poorly maintained passenger ferries. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Four passengers were injured when 83-foot Shepler's ferry Wyandot hit rough water and high winds near Mackinaw City, Michigan. No word on the condition of the vessel. 1 passenger was treated and released at the dock, the other 3 were transported to a medical center. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Cyprus-flagged bulk carrier M/V Starluck is grounded 200 meters from the breakwater at Port of Necochea, Argentina. Awaiting tide in order to refloat her with the assistance of a tug. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

4 crew were rescued by Coast Guard after windows broke on the lower deck of passenger dinner cruise yacht Romantica in rough waters off the Georgia coast. No passengers were aboard at the time. The yacht took on water and was towed to Savannah the following afternoon for salvage. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Five workers were killed in an explosion at a shipyard on May 25, 2005 in Guangzhou, China during construction of a 4,250-ton capacity ship. 3 workers painting the vessel died immediately in the blast, and 2 others died later at the hospital. Six more are reported injured. Officials are investigating the cause of the explosion. (Thurs., May 26, 2005)

Salvage services rendered to Panama-flagged general cargo M/V Arion after it suffered rudder problems on May 12, 2005 700 miles east of Salvador. The ship is being towed to Rio de Janeiro. (Wed., May 25, 2005).

Amazing turn of events in one day for the 15 crew of Latvian fishing boat F/V Gideon after their trawler caught fire off Newfoundland. The crew was able to extinguish the fire, but then the trawler started to take on water. An Icelandic vessel nearby responded to the distress call and rescued the crew, who were then transferred to the world's largest luxury liner, the Queen Mary II, for transport to New York in comfort, with a medical center on-board. No word yet of injuries or the status of the trawler. (Wed., May 25, 2005.) UPDATE>> F/V Gideon has sunk. Crew are reported to be safe. European fisheries patrol vessel Jean Charcot has recovered the life rafts. (Thurs., May 26, 2005).

San Francisco-based, 52-foot sailboat Flash ran aground in fog at San Simeon Cove, California on May 24, 2005. After pulling into the cove to tie up for the night, the crew called for help when the vessel drifted towards the cove's shore, which consists of smooth sand near the San Simeon Pier but jagged rocks at the point. Rescue workers were able to secure the vessel midway between the pier and point, but the boat's keel boards got stuck on an underwater sandbar. No injuries reported. Salvage attempts underway. (Wed., May 25, 2005).

Fire aboard cargo vessel M/V Sea Beauty while docked at Berth 118, Pier T at the Port of Long Beach halted port sea traffic for nearly half an hour on May 24, 2005. Foam insulation and oil in the mountain of scrap metal cargo apparently ignited in the ship's three holds. No one was injured in the blaze, which firefighters and the ship's crew extinguished using water pumps aboard the large vessel. (Wed., May 25, 2005)

109-meter ferry Alandia ran aground off the Finnish coast on May 23, 2005. Tugs succeeded in freeing the ferry and towed it to Berghamn on the Isle of Aland between Sweden and Finland. None of the 200 passengers were hurt. The Alandia was en route from Grisselham, Sweden to Berghamn. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed., May 25, 2005)

Fully-laden tanker M/V Astro Lupus collided with RoRo M/V Safari in the Gulf of Oman on May 23, 2005. The hull of the tanker was damaged, with 500 tons of crude oil leaking into the sea. The leakage has been repaired, thus minimizing further environmental damage. The cause of the collision is yet unclear. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed., May 25, 2005)

The 60-ft S/Y Cheminees Poujoulat of Bernard Stamm of Switzerland was damaged during a non-stop race around Britain when colliding with an unknown drifting object. One sword of the boat was damaged, putting an end to Stamm's race. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed., May 25, 2005)

68 passengers, including women & children, aboard Sao Tome and Principe-flagged M/V Praque Yard were rescued by the National Maritime Authority and Nigerian Ports Authority 100 miles off Nigeria's shores. The vessel is said to have been adrift for two days due to engine problems before a distress call was made. No serious injuries reported, but the passengers had run out of food of water and 12 reported stomach pains. (Wed., May 25, 2005)

SuperFerry has barred all sea marshals from boarding their vessels following the fatal shooting of their chief security officer by a sea marshal with an M-16 Armalite Rifle aboard General Santos City-bound SuperFerry 16 on May 20, 2005 while it was docked at Davao City, Philippines. There are conflicting reports regarding the circumstances and details, but the shooting apparently took place when the sea marshal tried to bring "an unticketed woman" aboard, and the chief security officer denied boarding to the sea marshal's companion. (Wed., May 25, 2005)

A fire which started in the engine room and spread to the living quarters of 80-meter Singapore-registered container ship M/V Java Sea in far north Queensland is believed to have been started by a burst oil line igniting on the boiler. The fire commander states that the burst oil lines went across the boilers, consumed the engine room, then caused extensive damage to the living quarters. The 13 crew were not injured. Damages are estimated at around $1,000,000.00. (Tues., May 24, 2005).

An Indian Navy officer has been declared missing from his warship, the INS Sharab off the coast of Visakhapatnam. There is a general consensus that he may have fallen overboard May 17th, but the Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are still collaborating on a massive search of the area. (Tues., May 24, 2005)

A Station Portland Coast Guard rescue boat, responding to a report of sail boat Romance dragging its mooring in wind gusts as high as 51 mph, took on water and ran aground off Hope Island when it struck a submerged object. A Jayhawk helicopter and a further Coast Guard Station Portland rescue boat rescued the crew and Coast Guard boat. A Good Samaritan towed the Romance to safety. Many recreational boats were smashed up in the high winds and waves in the Portland, Maine area. No reports of injuries. (Tues., May 24, 2005.) Thanks to our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen for providing additional details. (Wed., May 25, 2005).

Our Lass experienced engine failure off Scotland Monday, and lifeboat Peterhead was dispatched by HM Coastguard to her aid. No reports of injuries. (Tues., May 24, 2005)

35-ft angling vessel F/V Girl Mandy was swamped by waves in a choppy sea off Two Tree Island, Southend, England and sank. Thames Coastguard, Southend Coastguard, Southend and Gravesend RNLI inland lifeboats and an RAF helicopter all participated in rescuing the 9 uninjured persons aboard. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues., May 24, 2005)

122 year-old, 100 ton barge Brilliant Star was deliberately sunk in the River Calder, U.K. in what the owner described as the handiwork of "heartless scum" who had also been sabotaging the engine box over the past few months. The owner, Wakefield's Kingfisher Trust, had spent 10,000 pounds restoring the Brilliant Star in order to take children with special needs on peaceful outings around the country. Only the mast is now visible. (Tues., May 24, 2005)

M/V Karina K. (2240 gt., built 1975) is currently at Thessaloniki awaiting class inspection after taking a list of 12 degrees while loading cargo there on May 20, 2005. The vessel is still listing and experiencing stability problems. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues., May 24, 2005)

RoRo-ferry Kaduna collided with Panama-registered container vessel M/V MSC Eleni off the Belgian port of Antwerpen in the morning hours of May 23, 2005. The Kaduna hit the port side of M/V MSC Eleni and was severely damaged at the bow. The collision may have been caused by a technical fault. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues., May 24, 2005).

A damaged halogen light was apparently the cause of a fire in the cargo hold of Antigua-flagged M/V Christopher on May 20, 2005 while it was on passage through the Kiel Canal <<Webfeature Kiel Canal. The cargo which caught fire was wood. After the pilot noticed fumes escaping from the foreship, the cargo hold was isolated and the vessel went to Rendsburg Harbor where the fire was quickly extinguished with minimal damage. Canal ferry Memel carried equipment to the scene to assist firefighters. Undamaged cargo was reloaded onto the ship, and M/V Christopher was allowed to continue its vogage to Ireland. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Seven old fiberglass U.S. Navy barges caught fire in the Delta near Antioch, California, prompting a health advisory from Contra Costa County health officials due to the thick smoke. Fire spread to a nearby island and arson is a suspected cause of the fire. A security zone has been put in place and mariners are being told to avoid the area. Webfeature>>Slideshow of firefighters battling the blaze (Mon., May 23, 2005)

F/V Carina sank on May 18 in the Elbe estuary after becoming entangled in an underwater obstruction. In the early morning hours, F/V Carina began to list, and rescue boat Hermann Helms << Webfeature www.dgzrs.de>> headed to the position near the sandbar Grosser Vogelsand. The Carina continued to take on water and made contact with the sandbar several times. By the time the Hermann Helms arrived, the situation had deteriorated to the point that the Carina was listing severely and the 2-man crew was asking for immediate evacuation. The so-called "daughter ship" of the Hermann Helms, the Biene, rescued the two crew. The rising flood caused the ship to list even more until water rose to the deck, and moments later only the tops of the masts were still visible. Monuments of the dangers of the Vogelsand are the British M/V Ondo << Webfeature and Fides which sank in the early 1960s and the remains of which are still visible Webfeature>> full story: the book "Gestrandet" From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Fishing vessel Bounty sank 12 miles SE of Berry Head, UK after becoming entangled in an underwater obstruction. The 2 crew spent 5 hours in a life raft before attracting the attention of RFA Black Rover and being transported to safety at Portland port. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Eyewitnesses in Somalia are reporting that pirates attacked a German cargo ship at sea near Gaan. District officials unsuccessfully tried to persuade the attackers to release the ship and crew and there are unconfirmed reports of casualties. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Alleged Colombia drug smugglers have been detained by U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Gallatin in the Caribbean and almost 2 tons of cocaine were seized. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

M/V Frey, general cargo ship built in 1981, suffered main engine problems and has been towed to Brest by tug Abeille Bourbon for salvage. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

French, British and Irish maritime workers held a demonstration at the dock at Cherbourg protesting the hiring of lower-paid Eastern European workers, and passenger ship M/V Normandy was allegedly prevented from docking for a few hours. Irish Ferries says all of the 793 passengers were able to disembark when the ship was able to dock in the evening. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

A ferry boat capsized and sank near Banglabazar ghat in Bangladesh. One passenger drowned and nine others were able to swim to safety. The accident was caused by the propellers hitting the anchor-rope of another vessel. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Chinese geological research vessel Fen Dou No. 4 reportedly trespassed into Taiwanese waters, and Taiwan has sent coast guard ships and helicopters to monitor the vessel and push it back. It is the second such incident in the past month. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

45-ft fishing vessel Cheryl Lynn I broke a stabilizer cable and was in danger of rolling over deep in Canadian waters on May 22, 2005. The crew issued a Mayday and Nova Scotia icebreaker Sir William Alexander was able to cut the cable free without damaging the boat. Coast Guard was in contact with the crew throughout the ordeal, and none of the crew were injured. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

An investigation is underway at the Port of New Orleans after fire broke out in the engine room of 560-ft, German-flagged M/V Libra Rio Grand. The fire was extinguished, and two crew members were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The ship's engine room will remain sealed overnight. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

A chase took place in the Philippines after motorized banca Shalom was spotted cruising Sambang Point in Glan without its lights on and failing to obey orders to stop. When the Shalom was stopped by Coast Guard, illegal cargo of 500 exotic birds and aquarium fish from Indonesia were seized. Orders have been given that the birds be euthanized and burned due to fears of the deadly bird flu. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Welsh Coast Guard rescued 11 people, including a 13-year old boy, when their dive boat, the Biddy 1 experienced engine trouble and the divers were stranded 10 miles offshore. All passengers and the dive boat were brought to shore safely. (Mon., May 23, 2005)

Two cargo vessels -- not currently identified -- have been detained for carrying 210,000 liters of smuggled diesel in Malaysia. Acting on a tip, marine police intercepted the first vessel as it was traveling to Batang Kemena. Hours earlier, the other vessel had been detained when marine police boarded it near Kampung Jepak and found 10,000 liters of diesel on board and the captain was not able to produce documentation for it. (Sun., May 22, 2005) UPDATE: One of the vessels, M/V Princess Amelia, has now been released after the owner was able to prove he was licensed to supply the diesel fuel. (Wed., May 25, 2005)

Three fishermen aboard F/B Lady Christy were critically wounded in the Philippines when four men aboard a motorized banca pulled alongside them and threw a grenade at the fishermen. The grenade exploded inside the fishing boat, throwing the fishermen into the water and sinking their boat. Nearby fishermen came to the immediate aid of the wounded men, but the suspects have not been captured. (Sun., May 22, 2005)

At the Jawahalal Nehru Port, across the harbor from Mumbai, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have seized firearms and ammunition. The weapons were discovered when a container aboard the cargo vessel, variously identified as "Mimistar" or "Mimitsam," was put through a container security scanner due to investigators' suspicions about the true nature of the cargo. The declared content of the shipment was 27 barrels of industrial lubricant, not guns and ammunitions. The shipment is said to have been sent from Bangkok by purported gangsters. A second container also said to contain grease from the same importer is now slated for further investigation. (Sun., May 22, 2005).

A diver exploring the wreckage of the James Eagan Lane is missing in Whitsand Bay, U.K. after he and another diver resurfaced, discovered their surface marker buoys were tangled and went back down to detangle them. When they resurfaced again, the divers were in apparent trouble. One was able to grab a rope thrown from dive boat Furious, but the other diver has disappeared. A major search is underway. (Sat. May 21, 2005)

13 crew aboard 97-ton Taiwanese tuna fishing boat Sheng I Tsai No. 33 have disappeared off Iwo Jima. The boat lost communication on May 16, 2005. Japanese Coast Guard and military have been searching by air and sea for the missing trawler but have thus far found no clues. (Sat., May 21, 2005).

Five Colombian stowaways were discovered aboard 150 ft. cargo ship M/V Tradepoort during a container search at Port Broward, Florida. U.S. Customs & Border Protection agents were alerted to the presence of the stowaways when they dashed from the cargo hold and jumped into the water 15 ft. below. The stowaways were quickly captured and were turned over to a ship's representative for transport back to Cartagena, Colombia. (Sat., May 21, 2005)

Two of BP's new double-hull supertankers, M/V Alaskan Frontier and M/V Alaskan Explorer have developed mysterious cracks in their rudders. M/V Alaskan Frontier, with several cracks in the rudder, the largest being 9 feet long, is expected to be out of service for repairs for several weeks, and M/V Alaskan Explorer, with 3 cracks, the longest being 15 inches, should be back in service in a week. The new double-hull tankers are part of an effort by the oil companies to develop more environmentally-friendly ships, with the intent being that should the outer hull rupture, the inner hull would contain the oil spillage. BP has assembled a team of experts to determine the cause of the cracks. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

Over protests by some veterans, the U.S. Navy conducted a series of explosive tests on the retired aircraft carrier USS America, and the 1,048-foot warship flooded and sank May 14th off the coast of North Carolina. The Navy conducted the tests to gather survivability data for the next generation of aircraft carriers now in development. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

Arrest warrants have been issued for 9 engine room crew of Panamanian-flagged 663 ft. M/V MSC Elena for dumping untreated oily sludge in Boston Harbor. The vessel was given clearance to depart after owner Mediterranean Shipping Co. posted a 1.5 million dollar bond. A crew member, who said he feared for his safety if he cooperated with U.S. Coast Guard special agents, claimed that his boss ordered him to alter the ship's records and modify the dumping equipment. (Fri., May 20, 2005).

Karma was better for the crew of another ship that was dumping oily bilge water. Last Fall, four Filipino sailors blew the whistle on 600 foot, Cypriot-flagged M/V Katerina for allowing bilge water to dump directly into the Pacific Ocean off the Port of Long Beach. Today they were rewarded a total of $250,000.00 for reporting the dumping and assisting authorities. Meanwhile, owner DST Shipping, Inc. was fined $1,000,000.00 and the ship's captain, chief engineer and second engineer pled guilty to federal charges. (Fri., May 20, 2005).

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

14 May 2005 at 0215 LT at Dumai anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at poop deck and entered E/R. Duty crew raised alarm and robbers escaped with ship's stores. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

13 May 2005 at 0110 LT in position 05:13N - 098:06E, Malacca straits. Armed persons in an unlit 7m craft approached a general cargo ship underway. D/O took evasive manoeuvres but craft came into contact at port side causing damage to ship's hull. D/O sounded whistle and called craft on VHF ch 16 but received no response. No boarding took place. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

10 May 2005 at 0430 UTC in position 13:05.7N - 080:21.0E, Chennai anchorage, India. Five robbers boarded a RO RO ship from stern and attempted to steal ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm and robbers escaped empty handed in their boat. Port control and police informed. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

10 May 2005 at 0850 LT at tanker anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia. Six robbers boarded a tanker at anchor from two fishing boats. They broke open aft locker and stole ships equipment. Robbers escaped in an easterly direction. Port authorities informed. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

09 May 2005 at 0445 LT at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Two robbers boarded a container ship at anchor. Duty crew raised alarm and robbers jumped overboard and escaped in their boat. Port control informed. (Fri., May 20, 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

M/V Ayat, which had been missing between Dubai and Iran since early April with $3,000,000.00 in cargo aboard, has been located by Interpol in Kuwait, where the captain, crew and owner were arrested. The owner had reportedly changed the ship's name to M/V Gulf King and forged documents including the manifest and port clearance from Bandar Abbas to Kuwait. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

The manslaughter case against the owner of 69 ft. scallop dredger Solway Harvester has been dismissed following 5 weeks of prosecution evidence after a court found that Richard Gidney had no case to answer in the deaths of the seven crew. The dredger went down in high seas in January 2000 while heading for shelter in Ramsey Bay (U.K.). Salvage indicated a host of maintenance problems, including a broken flood alarm, missing deck cover, inoperable bilge pump, watertight doors tied open rather than locked, etc., but the court found that Mr. Gidney had demonstrated "proactive and safety conscious conduct." From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Thurs. May 19, 2005).

Crew has abandoned M/V Hui Long off Sri Lanka after the vessel listed 25 degrees to port. All 23 crew were rescued by c.c. Nedlloyd Asia. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

A ferry has sunk in Bangladesh -- the third in five days. A severe storm in Meghna river estuary to the Bay of Bengal led to the sinking. A majority of the 100 passengers on the ferry (vessel name not yet available) were able to swim to safety or were rescued, but 40 remain missing. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking information on the origin of four possible hoax distress calls which have been made in the Ketchikan, Alaska area since May 9th. One call indicated there was a vessel purportedly disabled in Nichols Passage, and 2 of the others were short broadcasts of "Mayday" being repeated twice, with no further details given. Coast Guard conducted unfruitful search and rescue operations after each call and suspects the calls were a hoax. Webfeature>> Listen to the Distress Calls on U.S. Coast Guard Website (Thurs., May 19, 2005).

Bulk carrier M/V Thia Chryssoula, carrying 43,000 tons of steel, ran aground on May 5, 2005 in the East China Sea. All 31 crew members were uninjured, and there was no oil spill. The vessel remains aground in the same position. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (May 19, 2005).

Passenger ship M/V Enchantment of the Seas suffered five broken stateroom windows and water damage on decks two and three when it hit rough weather early in its voyage from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Europe on May 7, 2005. Royal Caribbean says there were no injuries and no significant damage to the vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (May 19, 2005)

200-ft. long tank barge Coastal II caught fire while in mooring at the Pearl River Navigation Facility in Louisiana on May 12, 2005. Welding operations were reportedly the cause of the blaze. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

Angling boat Adventurer ran out of fuel and was sinking near Dover on May 11, 2005. Dover Coast Guard broadcast a Mayday relay and M/V Torrent stood by the Adventurer until the Coast Guard rescued the two men on board and towed the vessel back to Rye. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

65-foot power boat Christopher M ran aground in environmentally sensitive coastal habitat north of Bolinas Point in Marin County, California on May 14, 2005. The boat lost power, took on water and ran into reef. 4 passengers were rescued but 700 gallons of fuel spilled near this significant, biologically diverse site where harbor seals gather and brown pelicans roost. The boat is continuing to break apart as waves slam the uninsured vessel into the reefs. U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service are participating in the clean-up effort and fortunately are reporting minimal environmental damage. (Wed., May 18, 2005) UPDATE: The owner had purchased the 1955 twin diesel Army picket boat just 3 days earlier and was transporting it home when the driveshaft reportedly malfunctioned and tore up the back of the boat. In addition to the loss of the uninsured boat, it will cost $80,000.00 to remove the boat from the biologically sensitive and inaccessible reef. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

Because of its poor condition and not being fitted with the required oily water separator, M/V Harision-9 has been detained for safety reasons in Gujarat-Adani's Mundra port in India since April 14, 2005, and the Iraqi captain says no one will come to their assistance despite distress calls to various agencies and the ship's owner. The crew -- 3 Iraqis, 6 Syrians, 5 Bangladeshi and an Indian -- are reportedly so desperate at being anchored in mid-sea for over a month with almost no remaining provisions or water that they are threatening suicide. (Wed. May 18, 2005). UPDATE: The Marine Mercantile Department has now allowed M/V Harision-9 to set sail but has not offered reasons for the change of heart. (Thurs., May 19, 2005)

Serious engine problems (only 1 of 2 engines works consistently) for St. John's ferry Apollo -the prime connection between the Northern Peninsula and southern Labrador - have been blamed by residents for putting people's lives at stake, holding residents hostage, and possibly hurting the region's economy during upcoming tourism season. Repairs are not expected to be completed until mid-June. (Wed., May 18, 2005).

On a lighter note, three New York sailors became stranded on a deserted island in a 25-foot Defoe sailboat after they set sail with nothing more than a saxophone, a guitar, a bottle of Meyers rum, 4 gallons of gas, some snacks, and a nonfunctional radio. As they were heading home from their outing, the weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed. They ran out of gas, ran out of drinking water, their cell phones became soaked and inoperable, and winds grounded them on the deserted island where they contemplated eating the seagulls. They did have 5 flares with them, but had already shot them off for celebratory purposes before they actually had an emergency need for them. Just as their parents were about to file missing person reports the following day, police officers on a helicopter training run spotted the small mirror one of the castaways was using to make reflections from the sun and rescued them. Webfeature>>Full article w/ photo of Captain Gadzhilov replete with eyepatch (Wed., May 18, 2005)

British-flagged 215 ton, 25 meter fishing vessel Pesorsa Uno was detained on May 12, 2005, in Spain by MCA Surveyors for outdated lifesaving equipment, unhygienic living conditions, inoperative bilge alarms and navigation lights, inoperative C02 alarms, and compromised watertight integrity. (Wed., May 18, 2005).

British-flagged fishing vessel Boy Ethan B215 was detained in Swansea by MCA Surveyors on May 13, 2005 with over 30 deficiencies, including excessive fuel leakage. (Wed., May 18, 2005)

British-flagged fishing vessel Georg'lou-n was detained at Plymouth Sutton Harbor on May 17, 2005 by MCA Surveyors for deficiencies including inoperable watertight door closures, seized ventilation closures, and exposed power supplies. (Wed. May 18, 2005)

Second tragic ferry disaster in three days in Bangladesh as M/V Raipura capsized and sank in severe storm in the turbulent River Jamuna near Arichaghat. More than 200 feared dead. M/V Raipura is registered to carry 150 passengers. 20-50 passengers managed to swim ashore, but hundreds others are feared trapped inside the sunken vessel. The bodies of 2 children have been recovered. Salvage ship M/V Rustam is expected to reach the scene shortly. (Tues., May 17, 2005)

Cambodian-flagged M/V Aura has run aground after striking a waterside mansion in Bosphorus waterways in Istanbul en route to Russia. (Tues., May 17, 2005) UPDATE: This is apparently the second accident in a week for M/V Aura (see our May 10th report on collision with S/V Freddy). This week's collision with a mansion -- said to be a "study house" (a model home?) was apparently the result of a locked rudder. (Friday, May 20, 2005).

Five passengers aboard fishing vessel Rowena are awaiting rescue from a vessel steaming their way after they were spotted by Air Force Orion near Samoa. The Rowena has been adrift since yesterday due to flat batteries. (Tues., May 17, 2005)

Rochester's high speed ferry Spirit of Ontario aka "The Cat" suffered minor damage during routine maintenance and repairs when it slipped off its wooden blocks at Port Weller Dry Docks. The vessel's unusual angled bottom is believed to have been a contributing factor to the mishap. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

46-foot bay scalloper Captain Charlie radioed a distress signal to Coast Guard after the vessel took on water quickly due to a leak somewhere in the engine room 32 miles due south of Cape May, New Jersey on May 16, 2005. 41-foot rescue boat crew from Station Indian River launched as well as Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish and a Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City. Nearby fishing vessels -- Joanna Lynn, The Equalizer and Virginia Reel joined in rescue effort as the Captain Charlie continued to sink. The Joanna Lynn was first to arrive and rescue the 2-man crew, by which time water had already risen to the rails of the Captain Charlie. The Captain Charlie could not be saved and has now completely sunk. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005)

Fishing vessel Sea Sick II grounded 6 miles south of Bandon, Oregon on May 13, 2005 when its propellers became fouled. Coast Guard Station Coos Bay, Ore. launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat and a 23-foot utility boat to assist, and an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter was also launched from Coast Guard Group Air Station North Bend, Ore. Crew and master uninjured, but towing efforts were unsuccessful due to breaking surf and shallow water. Potential environmental hazards are being assessed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

Fishing boat Safina-i-Adil capsized 14 nautical miles off Gwadar on May 12th. 15 crew members and captain rescued, 3 crew members missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

Fire broke out in a cabin of Calais-Dover ferry Seafrance Manet while lying in dock in Calais. Firefighters and a tug extinguished flames in under an hour. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005)

S/Y Arielle suffered water ingress en route to Bremerhaven on May 13, 2005. No injuries were suffered and M/V Alfried Krupp towed the ship to safety. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

Nine yachts, including the Jeu de Spirite, were damaged in rough waters on May 14, 2005 between Cowes, Isle of Wight and Cherbourgh. Most of the boats had joined a Royal Ocean Racing Club competition. Two crew members injured when helicopter rescue attempt was unsuccessful. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

Tugboat Mover sank after collision with dock in dense fog on May 16, 205 in Dutch port of Terneuzen. The wreck was salved together with the salvage ship diver by sheerleg Multraship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005).

Severe damage above water line suffered by tankers M/V Phoenix Beta and M/V Isargas when they collided in harbor entrance of Antwerpen on May 16, 2005. The Isargas ran aground but was freed and returned to harbor two hours later. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues., May 17, 2005)

Homer, Alaska-based fishing vessel Heather Kay caught fire 51 miles southwest of Kodiak. Crew forced to abandon ship. U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter rescued 4 crew members from the ship's life raft. >>Webfeature Coast Guard Video of helicopter rescue (Mon., May 16, 2005) UPDATE: Skipper Kirk Van Doran reports that the worst of their ordeal came after they abandoned ship for the life raft. Van Doran had earlier killed the engine on the Heather Kay to prevent air from moving up the dry stack, but once they were on the life boat, the engine restarted and the burning boat starting bearing down on them. The crew managed to move the life raft out of the way, but then the life raft's tag line became ensnared with the burning boat. With their life raft being towed by the boat and burning debris falling upon them, the life boat began to melt. Their knives already having been discarded to avoid puncturing the life raft, the crew was finally able to burn through the tag line with a lit flare to free the life raft. (Wed., May 18, 2005)

An increasingly horrible stench aboard a Denmark-registered vessel identified only as "Arnold" forced the captain to have his 31 member crew conduct a thorough search for the source of the odor. After 24 hours of searching, the grisly discovery of 3 very decomposed bodies inside an empty container was made. The vessel docked at Port Tanjung Pelepas and was allowed to continue its voyage after a police forensic unit conducted an investigation and removed the bodies. (Mon. May 16, 2005) UPDATE: The vessel has now been identified as 1,148-foot container ship M/V Arnold Maersk and the deceased identified as African stowaways believed to have been attempting to reach Europe. (Wed., May 18, 2005)

Russian twins attempting to get into the Guinness Book of World Records by rowing their wooden boat 7,400 km from Australia to Tanzania had to abort their trip when they lost their anchors and their water desalinator failed. The pair were forced to use their jeans as makeshift anchors until Norwegian LNG tanker M/V Euro Viking rescued them. (Mon., May 16, 2005)

45 foot ketch Almeisan caught in fierce Atlantic Ocean storm 400 miles off Virginia, leaving 1 dead. Avid seaman Thomas Tighe died in the arms of his friend and shipmate Lochlin Reidy after they were swept into the ocean while trying to prepare an inflatable life raft. Panamanian-flagged tanker M/V Sakura Express rescued Mr. Reidy and the body of Mr. Tighe to whom Mr. Reidy had kept hold. The remaining 3 crew members were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. (Mon., May 16, 2005)

An elderly American couple aboard the cruise ship M/V Carnival Destiny has vanished somewhere between Barbados and and Aruba. It is speculated that the couple somehow fell overboard. (Mon., May 16, 2005)

100 or more are feared dead in the sinking of twin-deck ferry M/V Prince of Patuakhali, which capsized and sank in the Tentulia River in Bangladesh during a storm. Bad weather contributed to delays in rescue ship M/V Hamza reaching the scene to assist, and M/V Hamza is not expected to arrive until Monday. M/V Prince of Patuakhali is registered to carry 80 people but is believed to have been carrying twice that number of villagers to a weekly market. (Sun., May 15, 2005) UPDATE: Amongst the dead and missing are a bride & groom and their 70 wedding guests. The Tentulia River is known locally as the Augnmokho River -- the "Mouth of Fire River" because of its fierce currents. (Mon., May 16, 2005)

Thames Coastguard (U.K.) alerted by M/V Maersk Importer that it had picked up part of a MAYDAY call from 25 ft. Dutch yacht Marco in the North Sea. The Coastguard's Rescue Helicopter125 located the yacht and 3 Dutch crew on board. The vessel's rudder had been damaged and emergency repairs are being made. Marco will be escorted into Harwich by RNLI under rough weather conditions. (Sun., May 15, 2005) UPDATE: The lifeboat rescuing Marco encountered its own troubles when one of the ropes holding its launching trailer snapped and became entangled with the lifeboat's propeller. Despite this, the lifeboat crew still rescued and safely returned to shore the yacht & crew from 25 miles out to sea. (Mon., May 16, 2005)

649gt Indonesian cargo M/V Inabukwa -- apparently hijacked by pirates early last week & crew forced to sail to Malaysian port of Pasir Gudang where cargo of tin ingots, worth US$1M, was discharged -- then sailed away back to Indonesia where pirates left vessel & crew raised alarm. There is now considerable controversy about the incident with Johor Port Berhad, which runs Pasir Gudang, saying nothing appeared wrong & that vessel was checked in compliance with Int'l Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). (Sat. May 14 2005)

Chinese fishing vessel from Laoba Port of Hai'an County in east China's Jiangsu Province capsized May 12 on the Yellow Sea, leaving 13 fishermen dead at 32.47 north latitude, & 121.18 east longitude. (Sat. May 14 2005)

51ft. yacht S/V Grandee -- suffered crew overboard in a force 7 gale on May 14 off Dorset coast -- S/V Aurora & another yacht went to man's aid -- crew managed to get him back aboard after 10 minutes. Both yachts were sailing to France in a Royal Ocean Racing Club<<Webfeature, competition. (Sat. May 14 2005)

Newly-refitted cruise M/V Thomson Celebration<<Webfeature, -- cut short luxury cruise in Lisbon after the plumbing in 250 cabins failed -- fleet of 3 aircraft sent to fly passengers - who had paid £1000 each for the cruise to France, Portugal & Spain - to Bournemouth & Gatwick airports last night. The 21-year-old ship left Southampton on May 8 for 14-night cruise -- major problems with pump discovered 3 days later, making some cabins & public toilets unusable. (Sat. May 14 2005)

3978gt. M/V Sea Bee, Qingdao for Manila with 500mt steel -- SOS messages received May 5, from vessel & 1 dead crew found. Cause of incident is unknown, but appears likely ship & cargo total loss. (Fri. May 13 2005)

5,567gt. M/V Olympias (built 1976), Middle East for India -- suffered fire & adrift May 12, in Lat 28 41.1N, Long 50 26.7E. Having lost power she will require professional salvage services. (Fri. May 13 2005) UPDATE: U.S. Navy Destroyer USS Mustin on patrol in the Persian Gulf rescued 27 people from M/V Olympias. (Wed., May 18, 2005)

76,049gt cruise M/V Norway prepares to be towed from Bremerhaven, Germany. On board M/V Norway -- still manned by an NCL crew of 40, everything has been prepared for tow around South Africa -- destination named by crew is Singapore, although other local information refers to Port Klang in Malaysia. M/V Norway has been laid up since July 2003 after boiler explosion in Miami in May of 2003 killed 6. The towage job will be carried out by the Chinese tug M/V De Da -- strongest unit of the Global Towage Alliance with a bollard pull of 221 tons. Regardless where, this grand lady M/V Norway is off to the breakers. She was the last of great cruise ships -- kept in service into 1980's & 1990's. This is a sad note for your editor -- as Barbara & Michael McDaniel first boarded M/V Norway on the Honeymoon of Sept. 19 1981 -- only to sail into a hurricane! Good bye old girl! In 1981 & on our subsequent voyages, you showed us what true "crusising" had been like back in the great era -- but exists no more. The modern ships have every convenience -- but they do not have the majesty of M/V Norway. We shall miss you M/V Norway, your wonderful magic, your particular grace & your secret bars!. McD (Fri. May 13 2005)

35,243gt. bukk M/V Azure (built 1982), South America for Indonesia with soy bean meal -- suffered mechanical problems May 5 off Cape Town. A Salvage tug has been dispatched to assist in bringing the vessel into port. (Fri. May 13 2005)

Cruie M/V Norwegian Majesty -- entering St. George's -- in collision -- with 3 yachts -- S/V Serengeti, appeared to lurch at a 45 degree angle & looked as if she would be sucked under cruise ship & smashed to pieces -- looked like yachts' anchor chain got tangled in cruise ship's propeller -- 3 vessels hit in total. (Fri. May 13 2005)

25ft. Dutch yacht S/V Marco -- issued Mayday -- contacted by M/V Maersk Importer out in North Sea on passage from Holland into Felixstowe --- vessel will be escorted into Harwich by RNLI lifeboats as weather on scene makes for difficult conditions for both rescuers & sailors. (Fri. May 13 2005)

36,015 gt. M/V Carvaros Horizon (built 1985), U.S. for Middle East with fertilizer -- immobilized on May 5, 850 miles SWt of Azores. (Fri. May 13 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

10 May 2005 at 0430 UTC in position 13:05.7N - 080:21.0E, Chennai anchorage, India. Five pirates boarded Ro Ro ship from stern -- attempted to steal ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed in their boat.  Port control & police informed. (Fri. May 13 2005)

10 May 2005 at 0850 LT at tanker anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia. Six pirates boarded tanker at anchor from 2 fishing boats -- broke open aft locker & stole ships equipment. Robbers escaped in an easterly direction. Port authorities informed. (Fri. May 13 2005)

09 May 2005 at 0445 LT at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania -- pirates boarded container ship at anchor. Duty crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard -- escaped in their boat. Port control informed. (Fri. May 13 2005)

05 May 2005 at 0135 LT at Port Au Prince anchorage, Haiti. Pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier. D/O raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. May 13 2005)

05 May 2005 at 2320 LT in position 21:16N - 091:31E, 60 nm SSW of Chittagong, Bangladesh -- fishing boat approached tanker underway -- came close to stbd quarter & persons inside attempted to board. Master took evasive action & boarding averted. (Fri. May 13 2005)

04 May 2005 at 2025 UTC in position 01:46.3S - 117:07.2E, Makassar straits, Indonesia -- pirate in speedboat boarded bulk carrier underway using hooks attached to a rope. D/O raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle, crew mustered & activated fire hoses. Pirate jumped overboard & escaped in speedboat waiting with 4 accomplices. (Fri. May 13 2005)

04 May 2005 at 2255 LT in position 01:23.07S - 117:06.57E, Makassar straits, Indonesia. Pirates in 6 meter blue & black hull colored speed boat attempted to board at stern of tanker underway.  Master raised alarm & took evasive maneuvers. Pirates followed the vessel for 15 mins & moved away. (Fri. May 13 2005)

03 May 2005 at 0700 LT at Tg. Priok outer roads, Indonesia. Six boats approached a ship & 6 pirates armed with steel bars from 2 boats boarded. A further 2 boats remained nearby whilst remaining 2 boats approached another ship in vicinity. Alert crew mustered & robbers left empty handed. Attempts to contact port authorities & patrol boats by VHF received no response. (Fri. May 13 2005)

28 April 2005 at evening hrs at Port Au Prince anchorage, Haiti. Pirates armed with knives boarded refrigerated cargo ship -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Earlier on 27 April 2005 robbers had boarded another vessel & stole ship's stores. (Fri. May 13 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

26,066dwt bulk M/V Alexis entered Port of Santa Marta in Colombia with 2 escorting tugs -- in collision with -- 12,906dwt reefer M/V Comoros Stream loading bananas at Berth 3. The Malta-flagged M/V Alexis then hit Berth 4, causing damage to the structure & fenders. One of the tugs assisting M/V Alexis which then collided with the 1,122 TEU container M/V Rothorn, handling containers on Berth 2. A mess. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

45-foot sailboat with 5 crew Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Bermuda when they encountered severe weather, including winds topping 35 mph. -- 400 miles east of Virginia Beach -- 3 crew preparing life raft to evacuate crew after boat began taking on water from 16- to 20-foot waves when they washed overboard. -- Panamanian-flagged M/T Sakura Express rescued 1 of 2 sailors taken overboard -- 1 dead, 3 remaining aboard were saved. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

7,519gt M/V Aura, ex-London -- in collision with -- veteran S/V Freddy -- both on way to Brunsbuettel locks --S/V Freddy slightly damaged & stopped its voyage in Brunsbuettel. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

4,724gt Norwegian M/V Kasla -- in collision with -- 12,337gt British RoRo M/V Volga Highway -- entering Brunsbuettel locks. M/V Volga Highway lying in lock -- struck at stern ramp. Both ships able to continue voyage to Kiel where police started investigations.From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

Trawler chokka boat (squid) F/V Lindsay, with 14 crew -- in collision -- with18,600dwt fruit juice tanker M/V Ouro do Brasil, en route from Singapore for Brazil, west of Cape Recife, off Sardinia Bay, May 8.. Trawler believd sank -- 12 lost, with Master & i crew rescued. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues.. May 10 2005) UPDATE: The South African Navy has located the position of F/V Lindsay and is preparing to send a remote-controlled vehicle to the ocean floor to photograph the wreckage. Depending on sea conditions, it is hoped that the bodies of the crew -- now being reported as 14 lost -- can be recovered. (Thurs., May 27, 2005).

32ft. F/V Loree -- in collision with jetty near Grays Harbor, Wash -- helmsman fell asleep -- 2 crew walked away.From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

M/V Kabarega, Mwanza in Tanzania for Port Bell in Uganda with wheat & 20 crew -- in collision with -- M/V Kawa on April 9 near Sese Island -- M/V Kabalega sank, but all rescued. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues.. May 10 2005)

Uganda Railways Corp.'s cargo M/V Kabalega, with 840 tons of wheat & 25 crew from Mwanza in northern Tanzania -- in collision with -- M/V Kaawa -- 60 NM (110 km) south of Port Bell on Ugandan shores of Africa's biggest lake. M/V Kabalega took 8 hours to sink, but all crew rescued. (Mon.. May 9 2005)

Chinese M/V, with 800 tons of glass from eastern Jiangsu Province & 8 crew for Southern Guangdong Province -- foundered off coast of east China's Fujian Province -- SANK -- 7 rescued & hospitalized in stable condition. (Sun.. May 8 2005)

U.S. tug M/V Mathew B. pushing barge in Galveston, Texas, anchorage with 58,800 gallons of diesel onboard when it began taking on water & sank -- no injuries. Barge broke free from tug & recovered by tugs M/V San Thomas & M/V Atlas (Sun.. May 8 2005)

45ft. S/V Almeisan, with 3 crew -- 400 miles off Virginia after encountering 28 to 33-knot winds & taking on water from 16 to 20-foot seas -- distress came into U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center Norfolk (RCC) -- 1 rescued & 2 missing. (Sun.. May 8 2005)

600-foot M/T Horizon -- in Boston Harbor -- rescue helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod was launched when Coast Guard received initial call from Boston EMS that Satyam Bagch, of India, was struck by the ship's gangway, fell & was unable to walk. (Sat.. May 7 2005)

Vietnamese M/V Sea Bee, China to the Philippines with 5,000 tons of steel & 23 aboard -- in Chinese waters 120NM (200 kilometres) from Shanghai -- authorities fear vessel may have sunk -- sent SOS late May 7. (Sat.. May 7 2005)

Panama registered M/V El Safa -- broke down on 3 April -- Coastguards in Falmouth, UK. are trying to help the crew of M/V El Safa -- off Yemen who are stranded with no food and water. Int'l Transport Workers Federation has been asked to try to get local authorities to send help. It is not known why the Yemeni authorities have denied crew access to shore, or means to fix engine. Falmouth Coastguards said they would continue to monitor the situation -- vessel also running low on fuel to run its generators. (Fri. May 6 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

30 April 2005 at 2300 LT in position 08:22.7N - 107:14.2E, South China Sea. Two small unlit crafts with high speed approached tug towing manned crane barge underway. One craft disappeared from radar screen, other stayed within 700 meters at port side. Later the craft passed stern of barge &proceeded north. (Fri. May 6 2005)

30 April 2005 at 2300 LT in position 00:24S - 118:12E, Makassar straits, Indonesia. Three unlit wooden fishing boats approached general cargo ship underway. Master raised alarm, crew mustered & directed searchlights. After 35 mins boats moved away. (Fri. May 6 2005)

30 April 2005 at 2030 LT in position 02:49.70S - 105:54.90E, Bangka straits, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with long knives & guns boarded container ship underway. Master raised alarm, switched on deck lights & crew mustered and robbers fled. (Fri. May 6 2005)

30 April 2005 at 1230 LT in position 08:07.24N - 076:43.33E, off Trivandrum, SW coast India -- pirates boarded barge under tow & stole stores. Earlier 4 robbers in boat had made 2 attempts to board at 0630 and 0930 lt. (Fri. May 6 2005)

29 April 2005 at 0315 LT at Taboneo anchorage, Banjarmasin, Indonesia -- 2 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastle -- broke into forepeak locker, stole ship's stores & were about to lower them into a boat waiting with two accomplices. Alert crew challenged robbers, d/o raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped. (Fri. May 6 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

UK FV Orient for Holyhead, N.Wales with 3 crew -- disabled by net entanglement of propeller Tues 3rd May off Pembrokeshire coast. Fishguard RNLB launched, towed vessel to Fishguard, Pembrokeshire for repairs. From our Correspondant A.L Griffiths (Thurs. May 5 2005)

10mt F/V Challenge, with 2 crew -- sinking & required immediate assistance -- 1 NM off Aberdeen Exhibition Center -- both men taken on board M/V Artemis, the crew of the M/V Challenge then took sinking vessel under tow & headed towards the beach with the intention of beaching the stricken vessel -- continued to take on water during tow and grounded while under tow 300 yards from shore, a mile North of the River Don, Aberdeen. Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Team remaining on scene to monitor stricken vessel. (Thurs. May 5 2005)

Pirates Avoided>> Offshore support vessel in northern Arabian Sea -- in position 21:57.7N - 060:46.9E &endash; off Oman -- received distress call "crashed fishing boat" from fishing boat. Master proceeded towards position -- on arrival at scene found no men in water. Master then received another distress call & proceeded towards that position about 3 miles away but suspected something amiss during conversations with "skipper" of fishing boat. Master decided it was trap -- moved away from area at full speed & warned area vessels on VHF. (Wed. May 4 2005)

Chinese oil exploration vessel M/V Tanbao, ex- Guangzhou -- near Taiwanese-owned Pratas Islands<<Webfeature, also claimed by China in South China Sea. Taiwan demanded Chinese oil exploration vessel leave her waters. Taiwan dispatched armed coast guard vessel -- unclear whT action will be taken. (Wed. May 4 2005)

UK 1,600gt coaster M/V Sea Humber, heading north in ballast past Mull of Kintrye -- Master reported to Clyde Coastguard without power & drifting. Clyde Coastguard Rescue Co-ordination Center put out a Pan Pan<<Webfeature, broadcast on behalf of the Master. The ferry M/V LochTarbert responded to Pan Broadcast -- assisting Campbeltown Lifeboat with securing lines to M/V Sea Humber to keep her from drifting onshore. (Wed. May 4 2005)

Dominican Republic tug M/V Henric -- in collision May 2 -- with wooden fishing boat on starboard side which made fishing boat break in two -- fishermen thrown into water & later picked op by tug's crew -- brought to local hospital. No injuries. Unclear who is to blame. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Tues. May 3 2005)

26-foot pleasure M/V Beagle -- reported taking water 5 miles NE of Sequim, Wash. -- broadcasted a mayday on VHF-FM Channel 16. U.S. Coast Guard from Station Port Angeles towed vessel took under tow. U.S. Navy small boat provided dewatering pump & personnel to the M/V Beagle to contain the flooding. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Tues. May 3 2005)

F/V Lovey Joann, with 4 crew -- grounds near Kake 7 miles S. of of Kake, Alaska on April 30 -- no injuries -- will refloat at next tide. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Tues. May 3 2005)

Newbuilding yacht M/V Bayliner, transiting from the Baltic to North Sea -- suffered engin room fire fire April 29, off Marina Wendtorf in Kiel at 09.10 p.m. -- rescue vessel M/V Berlin rushed to aid ship intentionally grounded by skipper so that crew of 4 could escape to near shore. M/V Bayliner engulfed in flames from bow to stern when M/V Berlin arrived 15 minutes after the Mayday-call. ¤140.000 vessel completely destroyed & sank in shallow water. You really didn't want a ¤140.000 yacht anyway! From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Tues. May 3 2005)

New Zealand Bluebridge Ferry M/V Santa Regina (Previously on overnight run between Marseilles & Corsica) -- in collision in Cook Strait --with unidentified 10 meter launch at 1930 NZ Standard Time May 2-- 1 passenger rescued by tender from M/V Santa Regina & taken to New Zealand hospital -- 1 passenger dead recovered by a local water taxi. From our Correspondant Geoff Davies.(Mon. May 2 2005)

UK40ft. private M/V Maral, Ramsgate for Dover with 4 crew --aground off St Margaret's Bay, near Dover -- Mayday -- U.S. Coast Guard hauls off at next tide -- now under tow to Dover. (Mon. May 2 2005) From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Mon. May 2 2005)

8,000gt Antigua-flagged 128mt container M/V Sloman Traveller (ex-M/V Sagittarius 1984), Bremen port for Antwerp -- ran aground after steering failure April 30, on River Weser & blocked river until tugs succeeded in freeing -- towed it to Neustadter Hafen for inspections. M/V Sloman Traveller " had already been severely damaged by fire in late 2001 off the Dutch coast. It was built as "Sagittarius" in Luebeck in 1984. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Mon. May 2 2005)

UK 40ft. F/V Harvester, with 3 crew -- reported engine room fire on April 29 -- Humber Coastguard requested immediate launch of Humber & Bridlington RNLI Lifeboats and helicopter from RAF Leconfield. Rig standby vessel M/V Putford Guardian also proceeded. F/V Harvester crew eventually managed to extinguish the fire. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Mon. May 2 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For April 2005

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

M/V Karen Danielsen -- Photo feature -- Read The Dramatic Story & UPDATES (Mon. Mar. 7 2005)

131mt. M/V Santa Emma -- broke away from wharf on April 28 grounded in Northumberland Strait, in New Brunswick, Canada. Crews removing oily water from ship's engine room & removing tanks of fuel -- vessel has large hole in hull above water line. (Sat. April 30 2005)

14ft. Sunfish fiberglass boat with 2 teens -- launched off Sullivans Island, North Carolina for a short sail -- no fod or water -- were found alive a week later on April 30 off North Carolina coast more than 100 miles from where they were last seen. They were sunburned & dehydrated, but other than that, they're fine. A miracle! (Sat. April 30 2005)

267gt Mirejet high-speed passenger M/V Kobee 5, ex-Pusan, South Korea for Fukuoka, Japan with 170 aboard -- became waterlogged April 29 after hitting an unidentified object, possibly a whale -- exhausted passengers, including some bandaged, 9 hospitalized in Pusan, arrived at Fukuoka's Hakata port aboard a different Mirejet ship. (Sat. April 30 2005)

U.S. & German warships rescued 89 people when un-named vessel capsized 25 miles off Somalia's coast -- 5 others were killed. The warships, on anti-terrorism operations, found vessel did not appear seaworthy & taking on water when they investigated it on April 29 after it failed to respond to routine queries. (Sat. April 30 2005)

Miscellaneous Dispatches ___ Loss or Damage Reports Provided To Us In General

Wallenius line car carrier M/V Aniara (built 1978) abandoned & ablaze in Eastern Med, said with 3200 Hyundai cars onboard. (Sat. April 30 2005)

U.S. F/V Kibitzer grounded & took on water late April 25 night on the backside of Coghlan Island near Auke Bay in Southeast Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard Station Juneau launched rescue boat crew -- arrived on scene & escorted vessel into Auke Bay. (Sat. April 30 2005)

Optical cable laying barge Swissco-12, with 27 crew near Chittagong -- attacked by 60 armed pirates who steal provisions. (Sat. April 30 2005)

29,000gt M/T LNG Laieta (built 1970), in ballast suffered engine failure, drifting in heavy seas in the med. Finally tow line was fixed getting her safely into Barcelona. (Sat. April 30 2005)

MSC Line M/V Roberta -- in collision with -- bulker M/V Aegean Wind in Dardanelles strait -- 3 crew dead. (Sat. April 30 2005)

Syrian M/V Fahim (built mid-1970's), with cement & 7 crew -- sank off northern Israel -- 4 missing & 3 rescuded. Vessel overloaded. (Sat. April 30 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

25 April 2005 at 0315 UTC in position 07:15.4N - 108:20.4E, South China Sea. Pirates in 2 fishing boats attempted to board bulk carrier underway by tying ropes to ship's side. Attempt foiled.(Fri. April 29 2005)

24 April 2005 at 1050 LT in position 02:48.56N - 101:03.0E Malacca straits -- speedboat approached container ship underway. Ship altered course to port but boat suddenly increased speed & headed for ship. Master raised alarm & crew mustered -- boat reduced speed moved away. Description of boat with 4 - 6 persons wearing a dark clothes.(Fri. April 29 2005)

23 April 2005 at 1950 UTC at Belawan anchorage, Indonesia -- pirate armed with a long knife boarded tanker at forecastle whilst another robber was climbing anchor chain. Duty a/b challenged robbers & raised alarm. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped in speedboat waiting with 2 other accomplices. Port authorities informed.(Fri. April 29 2005)

22 April 2005 at 2350 LT in position 29:37nN - 048:45.7E, Umm Qasr anchorage, Iraq -- 3 pirates armed with guns & knifes boarded bulk carrier using hooks attached to ropes -- took hostage several crew, assaulted them & demanded money. They took crew 1 by 1 to their cabins & stole cash/personal belongings -- stole money from ship's safe & master's personal belongings. Pirates took master poop deck & disembarked into 5 meter wooden boat waiting with accomplice. Master reported incident to coalition warships in area.(Fri. April 29 2005)

22 April 2005 at 0500 in position 00:27.1S - 105:09.0E, off Lingga islands, Indonesia. Pirates armed with guns boarded general cargo underway from stern. They tied up all crew & held ship for 2 days. All cargo on board was unloaded. On 25 April pirates left ship in speedboats. Further details are awaited.(Fri. April 29 2005)

18 April 2005 at 1915 LT in position 01:20S - 116:57E, Balikpapan outer roads, Indonesia -- pirates in 2 unlit fishing boats boarded bulk carrier at forecastle -- stole 2 liferafts & lifeboat equipment. Master contacted port authorities but received no response. Ship picked up anchor & left outer roads.(Fri. April 29 2005)

16 April 2005 at 0535 LT in position 01:13.6S - 117 00.7E, Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia. Masked pirates armed with long knifes boarded tug -- stole one liferaft & escaped. (Fri. April 29 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Los Angles Airport Police Officer killed April 29 while trying to stop suspect who stole his patrol car & crashed near Los Angeles Int'l Airport (LAX) -- 1st officer of the Dept. ever died in line of duty. Article<<Webfeature.(Fri. April 29 2005)

784ft. tanker M/T Genmar Strength -- in collision-- with 101-foot crew boat M/V Rene I, in Sabine Channel between jetties where channel enters Gulf of Mexico. M/V Rene I capsized with all 4 crew -- 2 rescued, 1 found found unconscious & Sabine pilot boat rescued 4th crew.Cause of collision is under investigation. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 29 2005) UPDATE>> The rescued crew has died. ((Tues. May 3 2005)

U.S.S 40-ft. F/V Atlantic Breeze from Mashpee, Mass. -- capsized. Survival equipment onboard including life raft, survival suits & electronic positioning indicating radio beacon. Not known if fisherman wearing any survival gear. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 29 2005)

Somalian dhow, with 135 souls off coast of Somalia -- 5 dead, 41 unaccounted on April 29 -- 89 rescued by U.S. & German navies. German frigate FGS Karlsruhe<<Webfeature, & American patrol USS Firebolt<<Webfeature, patrolling in Gulf of Aden between Yemen & Somalia, first came upon boat late in the afternoon -- taking on water & did not respond to German vessel's hails. USS Typhoon<<Webfeature, began taking passengers off boat when it capsized & sank -- 5 bodies pulled from water. Of 89 who survived, 84 were transferred to another American ship, the cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60)<<Webfeature, while the other 5 were too badly hurt to be moved immediately. From our Correspondant Libby Thompson. (Fri. April 29 2005)

4 Cork fishermen rescued from a life-raft after fire sank trawler off the south coast of Ireland, April 27. Crew abandoned ship 15 miles off Kinsale shortly before 9am & sent Mayday call. Crew subsequently picked up by a passing Danish tanker. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 28 2005)

U.S. F/V Kibitzer, on backside of Coghlan Island near Auke Bay in SE Alaska -- grounded and took on water, 25 April -- radio operator aboard 54ft. long liner F/V Sea Dew agreed to remain nesr vessel until F/V Kibitzer safely moored -- Marine Safety Office Juneau investigators determined operator fell asleep at wheel while attempting to bring tow a 30-foot cabin cruiser. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 28 2005)

150ft. Norfolk Dredging Co. dredging barge M/V Pullen, with 20 crew -- located on Elizabeth River near S. end of U.S. Naval Station Norfolk. -- called Mayday at 10:30 a.m. April 27 -- malfunction in dredging gear began flooding barge's forward hold at rate of approximately 400 gallons a minute -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Block Island responded with several dewatering pumps. Six Coast Guardsmen from various units boarded M/V Pullen & able to control flooding -- got the water down to 2 feet in forward hold. M/V Pullen is on edge of shipping channel -- not impeding waterway traffic. U.S. Coast Guard crews currently have 10 pumps running to maintain control of the flooding. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 28 2005)

3,183gt general cargo M/V Storoe (built 2004), Antwerp in ballast for Kristinestad with 10 crew to load approximately 2000 tons of peatmoss -- grounded outside Kristinestad, Finland, at 0600, local time April 28. Finnish pilot on board. According to preliminary investigation, vessel experienced technical fault. M/V Storoe assisted by 2 tugs & refloated 0815 LT, Apr 20. Vessel arrived Kristinestad 0900, where inspected by representatives of Germanicher Lloyd & Finnih Maritime Authority. Punctures noted in 2 ballast tanks & bow thruster out of order. M/V Storoe left Kristinestad Apr 20 -- currently steaming for Emden, Germany. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 28 2005)

Bulk carrier at Umm Qasr anchorage, Iraq -- assuated by pirates armed with guns & knifes -- using hooks attached to ropes to board - took hostage several crew, assaulted them & demanded money. Took crew one by one to their cabins & stole cash & personal belongings. Pirates also stole money from ship's safe & master's personal belongings -- then took Master to poop deck & disembarked into a 5 meter wooden boat waiting with accomplice. Master reported incident to Coalition warships in area. (Wed. April 27 2005)

3,183gt general cargo M/V Storoe (built 2004), Antwerp for Kristinestad in balast in order to load 2000 tons of peatmoss -- grounded outside Kristinestad, Finland, April 19 -- freed by salvage tugs on 21 April -- M/V Storoe left Kristinestad & currently steaming for Emden, Germany. (Wed. April 27 2005)

New build frigate -- PRC order vessel -- ablaze, fire given 3rd level under 5-level scale, more than 20 fire teams were sent to yards -- Severnaya Verf<<Webfeature, shipyards. Fire started in upper decks & spread down to engine room. While saving shiyard workers, Sr. Fireman, colonel Belov Rostislav died & a worker inside frigate -- 4 workers injured. From our Correspondant Mike Voitenko. (Wed. April 27 2005)

Square rigged windjammer S/V Sedov -- biggest still operational sailing vessel -- departing port Dutch port IJmuident with major group of invitees on board as start of "Sail Amsterdam" promotion -- ran onto shallow at low water, ending up stuck with list to starboard & trim astern on April 22. Wijsmuller Harbor Towage tugs M/V Svitzer Marken & M/V Titan came to rescue quickly & soon able to refloat grounded vessel. S/V Sedov thereupon continued trip to sea under tug escort & berthed again late in the afternoon with tug assistance.From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. April 27 2005)

649-ton Indonesian-owned M/V, for Singapore with tin ingots -- worth more than US$4zm -- attacked by pirates who fired at ship early on April 22 when she was passing the Lingga islands -- Pirates boarded her -- ferried vessel to to a port in Malaysia & unloaded cargo before escaping to Indonesia. "They took control of bridge, ransacked the ship & tied up the crew," Int'l Maritime Bureau said. "Crew members were warned they would be killed if they didn't cooperate." Pirates diverted ship to Malaysia's Port Gudang in S. Johor state, where they unloaded ingots. Ship now in Singapore. (Tues. April 26 2005)

61,683 dwt crude M/T Saetta -- departed from Cartagena on 20 April -- touching bottom while transiting Colonial Channel at Boca Chica. Slick of oil 11km long & 180m wide drifting southwards -- being gradually recovered by a fleet of tugs & other vessels, co-ordinated by state oil company Ecopetrol. The 13.7-m Colonial Channel is the deep water route to Cartagena. M/T Saetta was drawing only 11.9m when it touched bottom & damaged hull. (Tues. April 26 2005)

65mt. M/V Clarissa, Tomboa for Walvis Bay with fish meal & 9 crew -- hit unknown object, sprang leak & sank on 23.4. 28 miles off Namibia close to Kunene estuary. Crew rescued by M/V Range & brought to Lobito which heard emergency call after M/V Clarissa sprang leak & started listing after collision with an unknown object.From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 26 2005)

6,060-dwt German-owned reefer M/V Nova Scotia (built 1983), Falkland Island in the South Atlantic -- grounded April 22nd -- no word on crew. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005) UPDATE>>M/V Nova Scotia anchored in Berkeley Sound. But hull was damaged so that some oil could escape out of a 130-t-tank & caused a minor spill. (Tues. April 26 2005)

German 24,8mt. public M/V Forelle (built 1943) -- in collision with -- German 1,593gt. cargo 82mt. M/V Leona -- close to Kiel April 23rd. Both ships for Baltic when M/V Forelle suddenly hit by M/V Leona -- altering course for Poland. M/V Forell struck at stern & damaged. No one was injured, but M/V Forelle had to cancel its tour & turned around for its homeport From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

U.S. F/V Tania Dee, long-lining for halibut off Cape of Ommaney -- issued urgent marine information broadcast -- U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew responded to emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) 60 miles S. of Sitka, Alaska in night of April 22nd. U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk crew arrived on scene within 25 minutes & found unoccupied raft, debris field & oil slick. Helicopter crew spotted 2 men in the water, both wearing survival suits. Jayhawk crew transported both men, one unconscious man to Sitka -- while enroute rescue swimmer & flight mechanic administered cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Once in Sitka, ambulance crew transferred crew to Edgecumbe Hospital, where declared dead. Surviving crew sceduled for pickup today. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

625-foot bulk M/V Liberty Glory -- on a relief mission to Africa with 45-thousand tons of wheat -- grounded on sand bar in Columbia River, 12 miles downstream from Portland early morning April 22nd -- 3 tugs pulled her off same day. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

Cayman Islands flagged 39,000dwt product M/T Chinook (built 2001), with gasoline & 23 crew -- lost steering control, went our of control & run aground in Canakkale Strait<<Webfeature, which was closed on April 24th -- reopening expected at 2100 tonight. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

U.S. 40-foot bay shrimper F/V Alicia Lynn, with 2 crew -- hit unknown object - sank near Houston Ship Channel at about 3 p.m. on April 23rd -- crew reported that they had maneuvered their vessel outside of the channel before she sank. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

Ferry M/V Moby Rider ran aground at 8 p.m. April 20, when leaving Livorno for Olbia. Pilot already dropped when accident occurred. Meanwhile pessengers were evacuated & brought to hotel in Livorno. Salvage of ferry may take some days so passengers will have to wait for their cars. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Moby Rider refloated on 22 April by 5 Fratelli Neri tugs after it had sat on a sandbank off the port of Leghorn for 3 days. Ship now in port to assess any actual damage it has suffered.

Container M/V MSC Katie had to be run aground onto a reef off Mauritius in early morning of April 22 --in collision with -- Maersk-Sealand/Safmarine charter vessel M/V Nordsun. Collision occurred late Thurs, 21 April as M/V Nordsun for Port Louis -- collided head on with incoming M/V MSC Katie, causing a 10m x 2m rupture in the bulbous bow area. Water rushing in soon flooded engine room, extinguishing all power & leaving pilots from Mauritius port authority no choice but to run M/V MSC Katie aground onto a reef & preventing further ingress of water or a possible sinking. Damage to M/V Nordsun confined to her bow section where about 3m of forecastle area badly crushed. No injuries reported. Both vessels deployed on their respective company's South Africa &endash; Far East service, which until a month ago operated as joint service between both sets of companies. M/V MSC Katie for Port Louis when M/V Nordsun collided with her… "who was heading towards the port without pilot on board & without waiting for the clearance of M/V MSC Katie. While M/V MSC Katie tried her utmost to avoid the collision same became impossible as the possibilities to maneuver were nil in view of narrow channel &high speed of the M/V Nordsun." -The statement continued that M/V MSC Katie has 2 large cracks, one over load line & another one under load line resulting in flooding of the engine room and the no.7 hold. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 25 2005)

88ft. Gloucester, Mass. F/V America suffered serious crew illness -- U.S. Coast Guard responded to distress call -- crew taken to Hyannis airport at 8:10 p.m. where he was transferred to a waiting ambulance and taken to Cape Cod Hospital. (Sun. April 24 2005)

185-foot University of Texas research M/V Gyre -- suffered serious crew injury -- severe head injury after falling down ladder in Gulf of Mexico, 90 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-65B Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Houston hoisted ill crew from ship & took him to University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where reported to be in stable condition. (Sun. April 24 2005)

U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Team Duluth's 18-foot workboat sank in Spirit Lake Region of St. Louis River. Crew of workboat setting navigational buoys along St. Louis River when they noticed boat was taking water. Crew turned boat back towards shore when, despite efforts of 4-person crew, boat sank. (Sun. April 24 2005)

Sloop S/V Teno Zaranza found crippled with sole sailor by container M/V Pacific Explorer which responded to Mayday @ 10pm April 23 -- towed into safety of Spirits Bay in the Far North, New Zealand. (Sun. April 24 2005)

U.S. F/V Karen Jean, Wrangell for Ketchikan, Alaska with 4 crew -- grounded April 18 -- no injurines -- extra gear to sister F/V Little Lady -- refloated April 19. (Sun. April 24 2005)

Massive Reefs Found>> Australian scientists on April 22 said discovered new coral reefs stretching 100km in remote Gulf of Carpentaria off the country's rugged north coast. Geoscience Australia said reefs, estimated to be at least 100 000 years old, were a major discovery. (Fri. April 22 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 April2005 at 0500 LT at wharf 114, Tg. Priok port, Indonesia -- pirate mingled with stevedores & tried to steal equipment from general cargo ship. Duty crew prevented theft. (Fri. April 22 2005)

16 April 2005 at 2230 LT at wharf 114, Tg. Priok port, Indonesia-- Pirate mingled with stevedores & stole equipment from general cargo ship. Duty crew recovered the equipment -- robber escaped empty handed. (Fri. April 22 2005)

14 April 2005 at 0800 UTC in position 02:59N - 100:47E, Malacca straits. Helicopter from French warship spotted four 15m long boats, powered by 3 outboard engines with their front covered by canvas. Each boat manned by 2 piates wearing masks. Boats approached container ship underway & came within 300 meters. Upon sighting helicopter, boats altered course& headed towards Indonesian coast. (Fri. April 22 2005)

12 April 2004 at 0200 LT in position 06:02.24S106:55.68E Jakarta anchorage, Indonesia. Armed pirates boarded bulk carrier & attempted to enter engine room. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped in speedboat. (Fri. April 22 2005)

11 April 2005 at 1700 UTC in position 07:35N- 082:07E east coast of Sri Lanka -- 2 unlit speedboats approached container ship underway at stbd quarter. When boats came close crew directed searchlights &boats moved away. (Fri. April 22 2005)

10 April 2005 1200 UTC in posn 00:50S&endash; 047:36E off E. coast of Somalia. Armed pirates boarded ship underway -- took hostage all 17 crew, hijacked ship & forced her to anchor close to Somali coast. IMB Piracy Reporting Center alerted relevant authorities. Further news awaited. Read The Cargo Law Story. (Fri. April 22 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Royal Caribbean cruise M/V Grandeur of the Seas, with 2,000 passengers & 740 crew -- suffered 42-foot hole above watr line -- crashed dock at Costa Maya, in the southern part of Mexican's Yucatan Peninsula on April 20. No injuries. (Thurs. April 21 2005)

Korea-flagged cargo M/V, Egypt's Mediterranean port of el-Arish for Syria's Tartous port with 1,800 tons of cement & 7 crew -- sank in the Int'l l waters 60 miles off western Lebanon. Cypriot vessel rescued 3 crew. According to Syrian Ministry source, ship overloaded & in a poor condition. (Thurs. April 21 2005)

U.S. F/V Karen Jean, with 4 crew -- grounded off Ketchikan, Alaska -- vessel refloated April 19. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 21 2005)

(new) German submarine U-32 -- slightly damaged following collision with Emden Locks<<Webfeature, while departing for trials in the Northsea,April 20. Protection of screw was torn off. Divers working several hours to fix section again -- builder Thyssen-Nordseewerke Emden completed repairs -- 1 of 4 such units for German Navy to be delivered in near future. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 21 2005)

36ft tug M/V Jackie John, with 2 crew -- sank off Ludington, Michigan<<Webfeature, last week in rough seas -- bilge pumps failed in rough seas. Crew rescused. (Wed. April 20 2005)

Unidentified cargo M/V, Egypt for Syria with cement & 7 crew -- sank off Israel's coast 56km west of the N. Israeli coastal city of Nahariya -- 3 rescued by Turkish vessel, 4 missing. Believed problem was overloading of vessel. (Wed. April 20 2005)

U.S, destroyer USS O'Bannon <<Webfeature, (DD 987) assisted crew members aboard a 45-foot fishing vessel in Mediterranean April 20 -- commenced rescue operations after receiving distress signal & sighting emergency flare from fishing vessel. The rescue operation occurred in Int'l waters off Corsica, France. USS O'Bannon deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat &rescue personnel to scene, and transferred Danish crew members from flooding vessel. Both crew members are in good health aboard. (Wed. April 20 2005)

Maritime & Coastguard Agency U.K. 19th April presss reported Brixham Coastguard emergency call from un-named yacht with engine failure, which....., ".. was being harassed by a pod of whales" Direction finding equipment located signal 8 miles SE of Start point,Devon, England - rescue helicopter from RNAS Culdrose assisted search. Towed in by Salcombe RNLI lifeboat. Whales regrouping! From our Correspondant A.L. Griffiths. (Wed. April 20 2005)

K-Line container M/V Tower Bridge -- grounded in Fremantle, Australia, on April 16 due to failure of electrical generator while leaving Fremantle inner harbor -- harbor tugs M/V Wambiri & M/V Burra unable to free vessel -- another 2 tugs, M/V Bunbury & M/V Challenger attended from Kwinana & M/V Tower Bridge was pulled from the North Mole. No structural damage was reported -- electrical failure led to a complete loss of steering & although pilot immediately dropped two anchors -- Vessel ran aground at base of sea wall. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 19 2005)

36-foot U.S. F/V Missy Too -- sank April 18 -- 14 miles S. of Cape Flattery, Wash. -- all rescued. (Tues. April 19 2005)

Finnish 30,500gt registered 188mt ferry M/V Finnclipper, leaving Port of Travemuende --- entering River Trave suffered problems with main engine & started drifting towards shore -- in collision with -- northern mole. Both anchors were dropped & tug assistance required. River blocked until the tug M/V Michael succeeded to get the ferry free at 04.45 in its 2nd attempt with assistance of M/V Finnclipper.From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 19 2005)

Cruise M/V Norwegian Dawn -- hit by 70 ft. wave -- Follow Our Story<<Webfeature, (Mon. April 18 2005)

Cruise RMS Quen Mary 2 -- suffered Mid Atlanitc theft from staff party riot -- 1969 tapestry of Royal family thrown overboard in mid-Atlantic &portrait of the Queen badly damaged after 14 April night's party - thousands of pounds of damage -- men, aged 22 to 23, arrested ship docked in Southampton 16 April & later bailed until 26 May. From our Correspondant A.L. Griffiths (Mon. April 18 2005)

38-foot sport F/V Re-Run -- Pensacola, Fla., for Caymans on April 4 -- overdue, presumed lost. (Sun. April 17 2005)

8-ton wooden-hulled South African yacht S/V Dolphin, with 3 crew-- "side-swiped" in clear weather by 149m, 13,781gt M/V Gisela Oldendoff. Dolphin skipper Gavin Cosgrove said taking on water & feared yacht might sink. Rescued - luckty to be alive. (Sun. April 17 2005)

South Korean F/V with 7 crew -- reportedly seized by Japanese Ntional Defense Force vessel in Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, 200km SE of Jeju Island on April 15. (Sun. April 17 2005)

3,600 TEU NYK Line container M/V Sophia Britannia, Asia for East U.S. Coast via Suez Canal, involved in a high-sea rescue of 2 seamen from choppy waters in Atlantic -- crew member spotted man & lifeboat floating separately in rough seas while navigating 85km off North Carolina. 41-year-old man rescued by NYK's container ship was crew fishing boat which had left fishing harbour at Murrells Inlet, South Carolina with 2 other crew -- 2nd man in the life boat picked up by USCG helicopter. 3rd man not found -- search which later called off by USCG. (Sun. April 17 2005)

Cruise M/V Norwegian Dawn<<Webfeature, Bahamas for return to New York with 2,200 pasengers -- hit by rogue wave -- damaged vessel's hull & crew requested U.S.Coast Gusrd assistance -- vessel diverted to Charleston early April 15 -- said 47ft wave tore off hot tubs on upper decks -- 62 cabins flooded -- 4 injured. Some passengers said sleeping in companionways. M/V Norwegian Dawn arrived Charleston & docked by late April 16 afternoon. Passengers with flooded cabins flown home from Charleston. After repair, vessel will call at New York on April18 at 3pm. For updates.1-800-625-5672 (Sat. April 16 2005) UPDATE>> Authorities now say rogue wave more on scal of 70ft.(21 meters) (Sun. April 17 2005) UPDATE>> Passengers report incident lasted for hours & life jackets being worn at time of major wave event. (Mon. April 18 2005)

25ft S/V Chasing Dreams, from Long Beach -- found adrift near Point Conception April 14 -- with life raft missing -- owner & family could not be reached -- was traveling in circles when spotted by merchant M/V Mr. Clean 3, a mile offshore -- vessel eventually ran aground N. of Government Point -- boarded by Ventura County Fire Dept. personnel. The mystery. (Sat. April 16 2005)

South African F/V Yes Sir -- recently in Durban Harbor undergoing repairs & maintenance -- reported sunk off South African coast April 14. All crew aboard rescued by another fishing vessel in area -- housed in hotel awaiting repatriation. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 15 2005)

U.S. 38 feet-fishing F/V Re Run, Pensacola for Grand Cayman Islands for April 10 arrival -- U.S. Coast Guard suspended search.. U.S. Coast Guard Falcon jet from Mobile & another plane from Clearwater covered search area of 39.000 sq. miles between April 11 & 14 without finding trace of ship & crew. (Fri. April 15 2005)

Fred Olsen cruise M/V Black Prince, for Liverpool -- 1 crew evacuated April 14 after injury with "vacuum cleaner" 25 miles SW of St. David's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales -- taken to Withybush Hospital , Haverfordwest, -- then transferred to West Wales General Hospital Carmarthen. Injury not life threatening. From our Correspondant A.L. Griffiths. (Fri. April 15 2005)

German container M/V Agnes -- passing Kiel-Canal from Kiel toward North Sea -- in April 13 collision near Rendsburg with -- home port Bremen vessel M/T Themsestern. Superstructures of both vessels became "entangled." Geeez! M/V Agnes proceeded to Brunsbuettel harbor with damaged hull & destroyed rescue boat. Picture contirbutions, please. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 15 2005)

M/V Stena Europe, Fishguard, Wales for Rosslare, Ireland -- suffered Fuel leakage 10th April. Voyage to Rosslare abandoned after 15 minutes sailing, returned to Fishguard as precaution. No polloution loss. Subsequent voyages cancelled. From our Correspondant A.L. Griffiths. (Fri. April 15 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

11 April 2005 at 1200 UTC in position 03:30N - 104:24E, South China Sea -- 2 boats, one unlit, followed tanker. When boats came within 4 cables, crew mustered, sounded whistle & witched on lights -- pirate boats moved away. (Fri. April 15 2005)

11 April 2005 at 0430 LT in position 03:47.46N - 098:42.64E, Pertamina jetty, Belawan port, Indonesia -- 3 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at forecastle during cargo operations. D/O raised alarm, sounded whistle & crew mustered. Robbers jumped into sea & escaped in high speedboat with ship's stores. (Fri. April 15 2005)

11 April 2005 at 0100 LT at Buzios, Brazil. Pirates armed with guns, pistols & knives boarded yacht -- stole cash, documents & property -- escaped. (Fri. April 15 2005)

10 April 2005 at 0520 LT in position 03:12.5S - 116:22E, Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia -- 8 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier -- stole liferaft, communication equipment, stores & escaped. (Fri. April 15 2005)

09 April 2005 at 0600 LT in position 04:43.7N - 106:14.8E, 15nm NE of Kakap Natuna oil terminal, South China Sea. Two fishing boats at15 kts speed approached tanker underway -- came within 1 mile from both sides. Crew directed searchlights & activated fire hoses -- pirate boats moved away. (Fri. April 15 2005) (Fri. April 15 2005)

09 April 2005 at 0500 LT in position 05:32.7N - 098:14.8E, Malacca Straits -- speedboat moving at over 23 knots approached tanker underway at port quarter. When boat came within 3 cables, crew sounded whistle & directed searchlights -- pirate boat moved away. (Fri. April 15 2005)

08 April 2005 at 2320 LT in position 01:15.30N - 103:33.72E, off Tg. Pelepas port anchorage, Johor, Malaysia --10 pirates armed with knives boarded tanker -- pirates tied hands of vessel Master & other crew with plastic strings & robbed ship's property & crew personal belongings -- 1 crew injured injured. Robbers escaped in speed boat. (Fri. April 15 2005)

08 April 2005 at 0345 LT in position 01:16.0N - 104:10.0E, Singapore straits. Several small boats surrounded bulk carrier underway & pirates inside attempted to board on both sides from bow to stern. Master took evasive maneuvers, sounded whistle, directed search lights & crew activated fire hoses. Attempted boarding continued for 50 mins - boats finally moved away. (Fri. April 15 2005)

05 April 2005 at 1625 LT in position 25:14.1N - 057:04.5E, Gulf of Oman. Small vessel approached supply ship underway & tried to come alongside. Master took evasive maneuvers & sounded whistle. Suspect vessel moved away. (Fri. April 15 2005)

05 April 2005 at 1615 LT in position 01:08.8N - 103:29.0E, Singapore straits. Seven small boats surrounded tanker underway. Pirates in one boat attempted to board at stern during heavy rain & poor visibility. Crew activated fire hoses &ship increased speed. Boarding averted.(Fri. April 15 2005)

04 April 2005 at 0130 LT in position 03:55N - 100:28E, SW of Sembilan Is., Malacca Straits. Boat chased container ship underway on stbd beam & came close to port quarter. Alarm raised & crew mustered. 45 mins later boat abandoned chase. (Fri. April 15 2005)

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Unidentified Macao vessel capsized on Pearl River, N. of Hong Kong -- 6 mising. (Fri. April 15 2005) UPDATE>> 500-ton feeder vessel with 7 crew capsized at estuary of south China's Pearl River --5 NM northwest of Guishan Island at 7:49 PM.-- Capt. & 5 crew remain missing --2 of 11 containers aboard salvaged. (Sat. April 16 2005)

55,729gt vehicle carrier M/V Asian Chorus (built 1997), inbound to Antwerp, struck Farnese Bridge while entering Kallo Lock at 1730, local time, on April 13 -- vessel, now berthed at Antwerp, has lost part of its railing & some damage to ventilation pipes. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 14 2005)

121-meter North Korean M/V Lujin II, from Romania with 5,618 tons wood, sodium carbonate & 24 crew -- engine stalled early April 11 when ship hit storms off Mediterranean coast near oil refinery port Skikda, 440 km (280 miles) E. of the capital Algiers -- drifted -- then hit rocks & sank. One crew rescued -- 4 dead & 17 missing. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 14 2005)

Panamanian-flagged, 29,000gt LNG carrier M/T Laieta (buit 1970), La Spezia for Huelva in balast with 36 crew, reported engine failure early April 13, when ship was 250km S. of Porquerolles in Mediterranean. Winds of 40kt & 5m waves prevented a tow being attached -- surveillance planes & helicopter from the French navy attending . Ship now being towed to Barcelona. (Thurs. April 14 2005)

154.970dwt Monrovian VLCC Suezmax M/T Tropic Brilliance (built 1992) -- suffered 70% burns to sailor in fire in Malaysian waters 11 NM off Mika Head, Teluk Bahang on April 10. M/V Tropic Brilliance hit headlines last Nov. after steering gear failure caused grounding in Suez Canal -- incident caused Int'lwaterway to close for 1st time in 30 years. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 14 2005)

589-foot bulk M/V Star Eagle, with wood pulp -- reported smoke in #1 hold off Dutch Harbor, Alaska -- fire extinguished April 8 -- U.S Coast Guard recommended Master to transit to Dutch Harbor for assistance & inspection. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 14 2005)

Dutch coaster, fully laden from Rottterdam -- in colision with West pier of German North Sea Harbor of Buesum while entering. Both sides of foreship damaged & gash torn in hull above waterline. The Pier was also severely damaged. The ship managed to reach berth under own power - inspected by police there. Cause of incident not yet known. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 12 2005)

Car carrier M/V Jinsei Maru -- in collision with pier of Bremerhaven locks when entering -- tow line to tug broke & ship thus got out of control. Slight damage. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 12 2005)

M/V Mississagi grounded outside of Muskegon breakwall in the Great Lakes, 2:00 pm on April 11. MCM tugs M/V Tammy & M/V Drummond Islander II assisted M/V Mississagi off sand bar.  She was freed around 8:30 pm & entered Muskegon Lake to off load stone at Verplank's.  The entrance was partially blocked by a dredge clearing the winter sand build-up M/V Mississagi was forced to enter the harbor closer to the breakwall. (Tues. April 12 2005)

6,711gt ore carrier M/V Ta Mak Dol (name unclear) (built 1984), with 21 crew, sank off off Dandong<<Webfeature, on April 7 -- 5 dead, 16 mising & 12 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. April 12 2005)

Containers Lost>>23,540gt. U.S. registered M/V Lykes Voyager (built 1995), near Hong Kong island of Tsing Yi -- in collision with fedder vessel in the "stream" -- M/V Lykes Voyager damaged port side, some containers thrown overside. Cause of the collision seems to be fog. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 11 2005)

Panamanian flag, 539ft. M/V Ocean Belle, Dominican Republic for Tampa, in balast for fertilizer & 18 crew -- suffered smell -- foul smell -- 2 decaying bodies in hold. Now a human trafficking investigation. Whether deceased were Dominicans or were men or women not determined Monday because of advanced state of decay. (Mon. April 11 2005)

Bangla Desh ferry M/V Tarika 2, sank after colision with aother ferry (converted from trawler) on the River Arial Kha close to Madripur in Bangla Desh -- 40 passengers rescued, 1 dead, & 50 missing. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. April 11 2005)

Bulk M/V Kinsman Independent (built 1953 -- retirement from the U.S. fleet at the end of the 2002 shipping season) suffered engine room fire alongside to the McKeil Marine dock in Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Might set back conversion of vessel from steam to diesel propulsion at time of loss. (Mon. April 11 2005)

M/T Ratna Shahil -- in collision with with Kenyan Kipevu Oil Terminal<<Webfeature, on April 8th -- 150 tons crude oil spilt into harbor of Kilindini out of a gash torn into a 5000-ton-tank. Ship listing & in danger of sinking for some time -- oil spill has been contained. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Sun. April 10 2005)

North Korean freighter, with iron ore & 35 crew -- sank April 6, 60 miles from Dandong, one of China's main gateways for trade with isolated, impoverished North -- 12 surviving crew & recovered bodies of 5 sailors returned to North Korea on April 10. (Sun. April 10 2005)

Container M/V Sea Boxer, at Singapore for Europe -- suffered death of Capt. Tiedman Birger Hans Heinrith, 52, a German, believed to have died of heart attack. (Sun. April 10 2005)

23ft yacht S/V Déjà vu, with 2 crew --- out of Bradwell, UK -- steel centreboard swung down & cracked a large hole in hull -- taking on water 5 miles off West Mersea leaving boat at "serious risk" of sinking. West Mersea' lifeboat crew arrived at 2:30pm -- men onboard desperately trying to bale water, salvage pump transferd. Vessel saved. (Sun. April 10 2005)

Pirate Attack>> Singapore-registered M/T Kyosei Maru, with 10 crew -- suffered pirate attack 8km off Port of Tanjung Pelepas<<Webfeature, when 10 Indonesian pirates wearing ski masks slipped aboard vessel at 11.20pm -- pirates fled with US$5,000 (RM18,966) & crew's cell phones after tying up everyone on board. (Sun. April 10 2005)

UPDATED>> Indonesian Navy KRI Rencong & Malaysian Navy Tedung Naga -- naval ships have been involved in series of collisions in disputed waters, April 10. The disputed waters lie close to Sipadan & Ligitan islands, which Indonesia lost to Malaysia in a legal battle in the Int'l Court of Justice in Dec. 2002. Local newspaper reported that vessels collided 3 times on April 8, but no one had been hurt on either side. Both countries rely heavily on oil & gas for revenues and each have awarded exploration contracts in the disputed area. (Sun. April 10 2005) UPDATE>> Tedung Naga damaged at the bow. (Mon. April 11 2005)

6,711gt. M/V Ta Mak Gol (built 1984) , Nampo, North Korea for Dandong, China with iron ore - sank April 7 in Yellow Sea, 40 NM off Chinese port of Dandong <<Webfeature, - 21 crew missing --12 crew found & rescued. (Fri. April 8 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

03 April 2005 at 0145 LT in position 03:08N - 105:24E, 12nm west of P.Mangkai Island, Anambas Islands, Indonesia. Four pirates armed with long bolo knives boarded bulk carrier underway at poop deck. They assaulted 2 duty crew who received knife wounds. Pirates stole ship's equipment & escaped. (Fri. April 8 2005)

31 March 2005 at 1900 UTC in position 03:06.9N - 100:44.6E, vicinity of one fathom bank, Malacca straits. Pirates armed with guns & knives boarded bulk carrier underway -- held master as hostage & stole ship's cash & escaped. No injuries to crew. (Fri. April 8 2005)

31 March 2005 at 1330 UTC in position 00:40.5N - 048:49.1E, Somalia. Six pirates armed with guns 7 grenades in 2 speedboats attempted to board general cargo ship underway. Ship sent distress message, increased speed & took evasive maneuvers. Pirates aborted attempted boarding at 1520 UTC. (Fri. April 8 2005)

30 March 2005 at 2255 LT in position 05:28.29S - 105:17.93E, Panjang outer roads, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with long knives boarded container ship -- held crew members hostage &tied them up -- broke into forward locker & stole ship's stores. Alarm raised & crew mustered -- robbers escaped. Master tried to contact port authorities on VHF but received no response. Boarding took place although 2 shore watchmen on board. (Fri. April 8 2005)

30 March 2005 at 1020 LT in position 04:35N - 119:00E, about 3nm east of Mataking island, Sabah, Malaysia. Five pirates armed with M-16 & AK-47 rifles in speedboat came alongside tug towing a barge -- fired several shots into air & ordered master to stop. Four pirates dressed in dark blue clothes boarded tug & ordered crew to assemble at main deck. Pirates stole crews' personal belongings & tug's communication equipment -- kidnapped master & 2 crew -- left in their speedboat in easterly direction. (Fri. April 8 2005)

30 March 2005 at 0415 LT at Sebuku anchorage, east Kalimantan, Indonesia. Several pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier & broke open forepeak locker. Alert crew & armed security guard rushed forward -- pirates stole ship's stores & escaped in speedboat. (Fri. April 8 2005)

29 March 2005 at 2030 UTC in position 01:53.6S - 116:58.0E, Makassar straits, Indonesia -- pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier underway -- stole life raft & escaped. (Fri. April 8 2005)

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M/V Martina M., in ballast, heavily grounded Feb. 9, close to Hergla, Tunisia. Considering vessel to be heavily aground on rocky stretch with her complete bow & propeller shaft above water, refloating would require considerable forces to be developed. Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. just now (April 7th) succeeded in refloating. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 8 2005)

North Korean M/V, North Korea for Chinese Harbor Dandong with iron ore, sank evening of April 6 -- 12 rescued, 2 dead & 12 mising. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 8 2005)

Freighter M/V Siuita -- in collision with -- container feeder M/V Barbara in Southern Kiel-canal locks of Brunsbuettel. M/V Barbara struck amidships & towed stern 1st out of lock for assessment of damage at Southern Pier of Brunsbuettel harbor. M/V Siuita inspected by police due to possible overload. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 8 2005)

CARGO ALERT>> Five cargo containers, imported from Dubai last month, have been smuggled out of Kochi Port using forged documents, official sources said April 6 -- 3 persons arrested & Customs house agent was absconding, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sources said. Investigations conducted by the DRI have revealed that containers removed from the port recently. No clue about contents of containers taken out of the port -- though one accused allegedly confessed it contained plastic toys. Yes, the free world fears plastic toys. Bound for? From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 7 2005)

154gt coaster M/V Tehoro III (former trawler) suffered main engine trouble, April 1 off Lifou at 1600 & started to drift off South Pacific island of New Caledonia. Passing 1,000dwt M/T Konemu (built 1990), Vanuatu for New Caledonia, unsuccessfully attempted to assist coaster & both vessels ran aground on neighbouring reefs. Water ingress reported in engine room of tanker on April 2 morning, raising fears of possible pollution. M/V Tehoro III re-floated & towed to Nouméa. M/T Konemu still working at re-float. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 7 2005)

10.742gt M/V Zim Houston III (built 2003) -- rammed wharf at Oranjestad, Aruba with such a forcer that the quay severely damaged & nearby building damaged by shock effect. In the process, harbor pilot boat &endash; moored there &endash; hit with such a force that boat impaled on bulbus bow -- 1st estimates of damage is over US$ 500,000. Necessary to mobilize heavy equipment from Valero refinery to hoist the pilot boat from bow & place same on the wharf. Vessel had been waiting whole night outside the port to discharge containers. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 7 2005)

F/V Rochelle, with 6 crew -- aground on rocky outcrop off Morris Point , early 5 April -- all safely evacuated according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority. Declared total constructive loss. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. April 7 2005)

WWII Ordinance Explosion? >> Dutch F/V Maarten Jakob - OD 1 -- suffered severe explosion 100 km west of Dutch port Ijmuiden after fishing up a bomb -- probably dating from WW II -- 2 of 6 crew thrown overboard & found dead later. Another man died on ship's deck. Rescue vessel M/V Koos van Messe from Ijmuiden, fishery inspection vessel M/V Barend Biesheuvel, & naval vessels -- all came to the aid of stricken F/V Maarten Jakob. It appears that a device intended to insure freedom & halt the slavery intended by Adolf Hitler in the 1940's, may have reached from the past to take the lives of free men in the next Century. Today such evils are faced again by mariners in various parts of the world -- a lesson sad, but true. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. April 6 2005)

30,053gt Panama registerd bulk M/V Maritime Antalya (built 2002) New Orleans for Far East with 48.000 tons of grain -- taking water -- 2 Japanese Navy patrol boats & tug headed to ship which had water in holds #1 & #2 --taking water. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. April 6 2005)

3.790gt chemical M/T Georg Essberger (built 2004), ran aground when leaving Finnish port of Uusikaupunki on March 31st. Vessel came to grief on 60 47.6 N 21 17.1 E at about 11 p.m. Unloaded. After 1 1/2 hours -- crew of 14 managed to free ship -- returned to Uusikaupunki for inspections. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. April 6 2005)

Space Ship Nerds>> 7 weeks before release of "Star Wars: Episode III -- Revenge of the Sith"<<Webfeature, -- the faithful have been lining up in front of the wrong theater. Since April 2 -- these folks have been camping out in front of famous Grauman's Chinese Theater<<Webfeature, -- but actual screening will be a mile away at the ArcLight Theater (former Cinerama Dome). Sadly, for these poor media fools -- even LAPD Officers were unable to convince certain of the "faithful" to leave their Hollywood Blvd. location -- they fear an ultra secret misinformation effort. This is like telling the jungle Japanese "hold outs" that WWII was over. Geeez! Next Executive Approach for Grauman's Chinese Theater to clear the street: Using a fire hose in it's capacity as "The Force." (Wed. April 6 2005)

Pirate Defeat & Cautionary Tale>> 150,000-ton Panamanian-flagged , Japanese oil M/T Yohteisan, with 25 crew --just past S. tip of Malacca Strait in heavy rain & poor visibility -- attacked by pirates in Singapore Strait. Seven wooden boats accosted the E. bound tanker near Indonesia's Karimun Islands, April 5 afternoon -- 3rd attack on Japanese vessel in 3 weeks in busy shipping lane which carries more than 25% of world trade. Pirates beaten off by strong water jets from fire hoses -- tanker then increased speed & fled. All safe. Int'l Maritime Bureau said nearly a third of the 325 cases of recorded pirate attacks last year happened in Indonesian waters, including Malacca Strait. One for the good guys tonight! But Issue To Ponder: Maritime official said tankers the size of M/V Yohteisan would be ideal for militants to use to block choke points in narrow Malacca Strait or in the Singapore Strait. See M/V Ocean Bridge. This problem demands a greater level of concern -- where over 25% of world commerce is concerned. This may or may not reflect a certain plan.(Wed. April 6 2005)

19,574 ton Portuguese oil M/T Arteaga, with 119,574 tons of crude oil -- ran aground April 2 morning, near the new Port of Dalian -- freed after unloading nearly 10,000 tons of crude oil. Vessel now docked at Dalian Port. (Wed. April 6 2005)

Oil rig supply vessel M/V Viking Mull suffered engine room fire & explosion at Edinburgh docks. Six pumps were sent to tackle fire -- firefighters using breathing apparatus spent almost 2 hours working to cool down area outside engine room, where explosion occurred. No reported casualties or injuries. (Wed. April 6 2005)

U.S. Services Administration To Close Lighthouses (GSA) >> Seven (7) Great Lakes lighthouses are being made available to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations & community development organizations for park/recreation/historic/cultural or educational use. The lighthouses being offered are Toledo, Ohio Harbor Light, Fairport, Ohio Harbor West Pierhead Light, Menominee, Michigan North Pierhead Light, Ludington, Michigan North Breakwater Light, Holland, Michigan Harbor South Pierhead Light, Charlevoix, Michigan South Pierhead Light and Chicago, Illinois Harbor Light. Notice of Lighthouse Availability (Wed. April 6 2005)

BP supply vessel M/V Furzey Squirrel -- came across 10 people in water after spilled from two Canadian kayaks &small rescue boat in Poole Harbor, UK -- all capsized. Inshore/all weather RNLI lifeboats launched & individuals transferred to lifeboats before being landed ashore. Dorset Ambulance Service then transferred individuals to hospital. Weather on scene today is southwesterly winds veering west 5 to 7, with rain showers & moderate sea state. Ah, tourists. (Wed. April 6 2005)

Sri Lankan Navy patrol vessel with Nordic ceasefire monitor from UN aboard -- taken under fire by Tamil Tiger vessel -- marring a 3-year truce. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)<<Webfeature, are locked in feud with remnants of breakaway faction -- dozens of small-scale attacks & ambushes in recent months in East, where rebels control pockets of jungle. Today 35 rounds fired - no injuries. Read the Story. (Tues. April 5 2005)

Phuket Air flight, Bangkok, Thailand for England April 4, when it stopped to refuel in Sharjah airport in the United Arab Emirates. After stop, plane began its taxi down runway -- that's when passengers say they noticed a problem. British holidaymakers demanded plane stop during take-off when they allegedly saw fuel coming from wing -- threatened to storm cockpit if flight not grounded. Flight was cancelled. The "leak" caused by overfilling fuel tanks, but no-one had been in danger & passengers had just "panicked." Officials are ashamed of drunken Brits who were on original aircraft & caused it to turn back. From our Correspondant John C. Watson (Tues. April 5 2005)

Taiwan F/V No 12 Decheng, with 7 crew -- suffered fire April 4, off off China's south coast, west of Weizhou Isle in Beibu Gulf & 60 NM from Beihai, a mainland city on Beibu Gulf. To it's credit, China Daily today made a big deal of the fact that PRC rescue units rescued all aboard after SOS to Taiwan was forwarded to the PRC South China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Chines Ministery of Commerce. Rescue helicopter from Zhanjiang in W. of Guangdong Province flew to rescue along with 2 ships from Hainan Province. Good show guys! (Tues. April 5 2005)

198-ton chemical M/T Tsubasa, Port of Ube in Yamaguchi Prefecture for Port of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, with calcium chloride & 4 crew -- capsized 14km NW of Izu-Oshima Island in Pacific, some 120km S. of Tokyo. All crew thrown to sea, but rescued -- 1 dead. (Tues. April 5 2005)

Hong Kong-registered cargo M/V Jasmine Ace 2 -- suffered crew fist fight off New South Wales coast -- 1 crew bashed with iron bar & another had nose partly bitten off. Australian officials boarded vessel on April 3, off coast of Forster, N. of Newcastle -- vessel diverted to Newcastle. Sydney Water Police Detectives attempted to question 45-year-old Chinese national about attack on other crew aged 42 & 26, but he was late for a Tea hosted by the Sydney Clean Living Society. Unlikely that charges will be laid due to the difficulty in bringing parties back to Australia for court case & complications with jurisdiction due to location of vessel at time of incident. There is said to be a bid from one Michael Jackson of Santa Barbara, Ca. for purchase of the nose. (Tues. April 5 2005)

Philippine Navy Patrol Boat searching for 3 Indon crew of tug M/V Bongagaya 91 kidnapped by pirates on March 30, near S.southern Philippines clashed with pirates near Sibutu island, killing 2. Philippine Navy regional commander Commodore Rufino Lopez said his men ordered 2 suspicious speedboats to stop for inspection, but its passengers opened fire on the patrol boat triggering sea chase in the Celebes sea on April 2 -- 2 pitrates dead, but others managed to escape on 2nd speedboat. Read The Story. (Tues. April 5 2005)

66ft. F/V Big Leap<<Webfeature, sank April 3 morning while tied up to the Rockland Municipal Fish Pier, Mass., after night of heavy rainfall (& drinking?) Unfinished workshop for F/V Big Leap consumed by fire<<Webfeature, fire of unknown origin on March 9. Interesting -- let's think about this one. (Tues. April 5 2005)

Panamanian-registered container M/V MSC Roberta, Turkey for Greece -- in collision with -- Greek-registered cargo M/V Aegean Wind, Ghana for Ukraine-- off town of Gelibolu, near N. entrance to the Dardanelles Straits. Both vessels damaged -- small leak from fuel tank of M/V MSC Roberta. There are 3 dead, sailors crushed to death. (Mon. April 4 2005)

P&O cruise M/V Pacific Sky -- cancelling 5 more cruises -- mechanical problems continue to plague the troubled vessel - company says the vessel will be out of action until June. Earlier this month, 800 passengers flown back to Brisbane when M/V Pacific Sky broke down near Noumea, 6 days into a 12 day cruise.

UK F/V Aquila (OB 74)with 3 crew -- isssued May Day signal -- stranding on rocks on west coast off island of Muck (Small Isles). Mallaig Lifeboat all weather lifeboat requested to launch & 3 fishing vessels offered to assist -- crew rescued -- Mallaig Lifeboat<<Webfeature, crew just prior to vessel rolling over & sinking. (Sun. April 3 2005)

41,220 gt bulk M/V Polska Walczaca (built 1992) -- grounded Hook of Holland March 24 -- refloated by 3 tugs --currently anchored at Rotterdam awaiting diving inspection. - SMIT Salvage B.V. (Sun. April 3 2005) UPDATE>> Up anchor for unknown port. (Mon. April 4 2005)

Originally reported April 1 as "Unidentified Vessel">> 26,014gt Japanese-owned, Panama-registered bulk M/V Ocean Bridge, for India -- suffered pirate attack at the widely used One Fathom Bank, a narrow area of the Straits of Malacca, just N. of Port Klang -- pirates with guns & knives boarded & carted away contents of the safe at 3am -- no injuries. (Sun. April 3 2005)

Royal Australian Navy HMAS Kanimbla<<Webfeature, -- suffered loss of Sea King helicopter & 9 crew in crash on rescue mission in earthquake-stricken Indonesia April 2 -- those killed - 7 men & 2 women - were 5 Navy personnel, 3 RAAF & 1 Army soldier. Helicopter trying to land in a remote part of the devastated island of Nias. Accident at 4.30pm local time & light said okay for flying. (Sun. April 3 2005)

Greek-flagged F/V Sophia Britannia -- rescued U.S. F/V which sank 50 miles off Cape Fear, N.C. April 2 -- crew rescued. (Sun. April 3 2005)

6,973gt container M/V X-Press Kaveri (built 1980), feeder service Colombo for Tuticorin, India with general cargo -- suffered engine room & accommodation fire on March 20 -- extensive fire damage in engine room & accommodation -- fire apparently commenced in engine room due to technical fault. Attempts by crew to extinguish fire failed & vessel is being towed back to Colombo. (Sat. April 2 2005)

Holly Marine Towing's M/V Margaret Ann, with 4 crew & two barges under tow -- sank off of the Hammond water intake crib, quarter mile S. of Calumet Harbor on March 31 -- U.S. Coast Guard crew responded to scene with 25-foot small boat & retrieved all crew. Barges still afloat. (Sat. April 2 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

26 March 2005 at 1830 UTC Balikpapan coal terminal, Indonesia -- 4 pirates in fast craft approached bulk carrier at berth -- 2 tried to board by climbing mooring rope. Alert crew raised alarm & boardin averted. Authorities informed. (Fri. April 1 2005)

22 March 2005 at 0330 LT in position 05:58.3S - 105:59.4E, Pertamina jetty - 1, Tg. Gerem, Indonesia -- 2 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker. Alert duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped empty handed in high speedboat.(Fri. April 1 2005)

20 Marc 2005 at 2300 LT at Chittagong Alfa anchorage, Bangladesh -- 2 boats with 10 pirates in each approached chemical tanker preparing to anchor -- 2 pirates boarded at stern & stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm &robbers escaped. After 45 mins 10 pirates in 1 boat approached & boarded again at stern -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. April 1 2005)

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45,000gt Wallenius Lines, Singapore registered car carrier M/V Aniara (built 1972), Alexandria forPiraeus, with 4,300 automobiles -- suffered engineroom fire, March 31, 35 km S. of Athens in the Saronian Gulf. Crew abandoned. Greek helicopters rescued 24 crew -- Capt. & an engineer remained aboard tried to contain the fire. Firefighters moved to ship. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (April 1 2005) UPDATE>> A tug is now alongside to combat any pollution & prevent the vessel drifting. Fire rages.(Sat. April 2 2005)

M/V Momar 1, with 400 tons coal -- ran aground on the river Elbe on March 29 & sprang a leak -- attempt to free by M/V Lavenburg failed. -- icebreakers M/V Bison & M/V Widder towed vessel free some hours later. Cargo discharged at Buethfleth near Stade. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 1 2005)

***From The Cargo Letter >> "Grey Poupon & A Night Train Bottle" ...... as the 75ft. diving & excursion F/V Conception was stolen from Santa Barbara Harbor by a homeless man who later abandoned her on the beach at Vandenberg U.S. Air Force Base<Webfeature, some 40 miles North. Donald Patrick Kelley, 41, who had a jar of Grey Poupon from the boat's galley in his pocket, was arrested a quarter-mile from rocky beach where the US$1M vessel was beached. March 27 -- U.S. Coast Guard still trying to refloat vessel. Hot dog not found. (Wed. March 30 2005)

Report of Vessel Owner:
"Wed, March 23, at approximately 1 p.m., our dive boat Conception was stolen from her slip at Sea Landing in the Santa Barbara Harbor. The perpetrator(s) broke into the wheelhouse & managed to start the engines. As the Conception was being piloted through the harbor, she struck 3 other vessels, sinking 1 of them. Hours later, the Conception was found grounded on a secluded beach near Pt. Arguello, about 50 miles N. of her homeport. Salvage efforts are being coordinated, and Truth Aquatics<<Photofeature, remains optimistic about the vessel's chances of being fully restored."(UPDATE>> From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (April 1 2005)

F/V Amigo -- taking water at moorage & in danger of sinking in Depoe Bay, Ore. on mar. 29. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. April 1 2005)

Passenger M/V Adler River (built 1962) -- shipped water in Hamburg on March 27 -- firefighters succeeded in keeping ship afloat & pumping out hull -- cause was broken rudder shaft. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 1 2005)

Passenger M/V Adler VII, with 85 -- ran aground off island Sylt in the Northsea March 23. Rescue M/V Minden evacuated passengers. The ship came free with next tide. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 1 2005)

1.567gt Antigua-flagged 82.5M M/V RMS Laar, Hamburg for Leer in ballast -- ran aground on the Elbe on March 22 -- was freed by the tug M/V Parat & towed to Brunsbuettel for inspections. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 1 2005)

587gt Swedish M/V Corner Brook -- suffered engineroom fire 800 miles off Falmouth on March 20 -- brought under control by CO2-flooding. German tug M/V Fairplay IX assisted. M/V Corner Brook already had a engineroom explosion on April 27th 2004 near Port Canaveral. In Jan. 2003 she suffered another engine breakdown off Chatham & in March 2002 off St. Paul's Island. In Dec. 1999 she had to be towed to Halifax after explosion. Can we bid on the insurance for this vessel? From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Fri. April 1 2005)

26,014-ton M/V Ocean Bridge in Malacca Strait off Kuala Lumpur -- suffered pirate attack north of Port Klang -- boarded by 3 armed pirates from wooden ship -- just now 3 a.m. 1 April -- escaped with undetermined amount of cash. (Fri April 1 2005)

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Vessel Loss Dispatches For March 2005

"Catch of The Day" - for March 2005

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

Makeshift boat, with 23 people aboard -- ran into difficulties off Spains Canary Islands -- drifted at sea for more than a week without food -- bodies of 13 passengers located at sea & 5 in critical condition -- intercepted by F/V 240km off island of Hierro, most southwesterly of the island chain in North Atlantic. All believed to be sub-Saharan Africans, had spent several days at sea & were in a "poor state". Er, ah -- may we ask why? (Thurs. March 31 2005)

181gt North Korean M/V Rimyongsu 7, with crabs & FAK, called at Sakaiminato port, Tottori Prefecture, Japan, March 23 -- more than 100 counterfeit US$100 bills were found -- among some 6,500 used US$100 bills aboard. Nice try guys. Try focus on making a real country, (Thurs. March 31 2005)

Unidentified F/V, with 5 crew -- lost engine power & drifting in heavy seas in Gulf of St. Lawrence -- container ship expected to pull alongside fishing vessel to offer protection from strong winds & heaving seas -- concern vessel damaged by ice floes in area, U.S. Coast Guard Hercules aircraft could be used to drop rescue gear, such as life raft, pumps, food & immersion suits. (Thurs. March 31 2005)

Malaysian tug M/V Bonggaya 91, with barge Bonggaya 90 in tow -- suffered pirate attack off Sabah island in Malaysia's east coast -- master & 2 crew kidnapped -- attackers opened fire before boarding the tug -- forcing captives &endash; all Indonesians &endash; on board pirate speed boat. Pirates fled towards southern Philippines after taking away tug's radio communications set. No ransom demand or further word. (Thurs. March 31 2005) UPDATE>> According to reports 5 pirates carried out attack on M/V Bonggaya 91 in Malaysian waters off Sabah. No ransom demands have been reported so far. (Sat.. April 2 2005)

Unidentified Canadian F/V, with 5 crew -- lost engine power & drifting in heavy seas in Gulf of St. Lawrenc -- container ship expected to pull alongside F/V to offer protection from the strong winds and heaving seas. (Wed. March 30 2005)

2540 grt M/V Steel Queen (built 2003) with 3157 tons steel, grounded on rocky shoal outside Port of Oxelösund, Sweden<Webfeature , on 23 March. Freed by salvage Multraship tug M/V Barracuda. Also barge & crane were mobilized to discharge part of cargo of steel coils. (Wed. March 30 2005)

85-foot, 50-ton tour M/V Carolina Belle, lost power in Charleston Harbor & pushed briefly toward shore by brisk winds before U.S. Coast Guard towed to Charleston Maritime Center. (Tues. March 29 2005)

133mt. container M/V Sea Cloud (built 1996) -- grounded off St. Croix on reefs March 26 -- in clear weather -- few miles off the port (U.S. Virgin Islands; just east-south-east of Puerto Rico). Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. & Resolve Marine Group awarded salvage contract to refloat. Crew tested negative for alcohol use, & preliminary investigations show ship had no mechanical problems. (Mon. March 28 2005) UPDATE>> Sea Cloud has now been released from coral off St Croix's Ruth Cay -- port undergoing an inspection. (Tues. March 29 2005)

M/V ALEXIA M. aground in the Danish Great Belt -- successfully refloated by Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. -- 3 SvitzerWijsmuller tugs M/V SIGYN, M/V SKULD & M/V SVITZER MARKEN executed controlled refloating operation under command of the Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. salvage master & team. (Mon. March 28 2005) UPDATE>> Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. early March 31 morning completed salvage operations of M/V Alexia M. upon her departing from Kalundborg fjord after having completed re-loading operations yesterday evening late. (Thurs. March 31 2005)

U.S. aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV 63)<<Webfeature -- final evening of carrier qualifications at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, &emdash; flight operations practice at sea before a cruise &emdash; an F/A-18F Super Hornet coming in for a carrier landing snapped the arresting cable designed to stop aircraft rapidly -- cable snapped in 2 places, sending jet tumbling overboard & injuring 6 on deck, 2 seriously. "The wire sort of felt different," said Lt. Cmdr. Markus Gudmundsson, the weapons systems officer who sits in the rear seat. "When we got to the end it was pretty evident that something was wrong. It was a race to the ejection handle at that point." He saw fireball from ejection rocket & parachute riser race past his head. His seat and the angle of aircraft going over propelled him in awkward direction. That's when the edge of the ship crept closer. He was pulled underwater by parachute. Vessel stopped engines on that side to prevent sucking the pilots under -- they finally struggled free & surfaced -- both pilots safe.From our Correspondant Fred Mc Cague (Mon. March 28 2005)

GreeK M/T Polris, undergoing maintenance work for 3 months at Tema Shipyard in Tema, Ghana -- suffered fire & explosion March 25 -- 20 people trapped -- vessel still on fire & firemen from Ghana National Fire Service in Accra, the Ghana Ports and Harbor Authority & TOR are trying to bring fire under control. Thus far 3 dead. (Sat. Mar. 26 2005) UPDATE>> Death toll now 13 --burned alive -- total of 17 feared. Fire extinguished. (Sun. March 27 2005)

Colombia's secret police discovered a submarine-like vessel under construction by drug traffickers who planned to use her to smuggle cocaine -- would have been used to carry cocaine to speed boats offshore, which would then take drugs to Central America or Mexico, for eventual delivery to the United States. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

UPDATE>> WHO KNEW? -- badly frounded barge Millicoma was equipt with large air blowers that pump air into the barge's cargo compartments --activated at daybreak pumping air into the barge. Once freed from rocky cove the barge will be towed across the river to Astoria by M/V Salvage Chief. Three other vessels, the M/V Navajo, an ocean tug owned by Sause Bros, & 2 Foss Maritime tugs, M/V American & M/V Betsy L. are near M/V Salvage Chief to provide support. As bad as this was -- a miracle! Photo Feature<<Webfeature (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

U.S liftboat M/V Lauren, with 4 crew capsized & sank in 31ft. waters March 20, at South Timbalier Block 21, about 20 miles south of Fourchon, La. -- all rescued by crew of M/V International Leader & transported ashore without injuries. PHOTO FEATURE<<Webfeature(Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

U.S. tug M/V Nathan James, with 3 crew in Port Lavaca Bay north of Port O'Connor, Texas -- suffered fire -- issued MayDay call over VHF-16 marine radio on March 23 -- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi rescue helicopter & U.S. Coast Guard Station Port O'Connor rescue boats were dispatched to assist. U.S. tug Brown River 1st on scene & rescued 3 crew -- arriving rescue vessels unable to put fire out. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

75-meter Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, 4-mast schooner S/V Polynesia, with gay & nudist passengers, barred from landng by St. Kitts & Nevis government because of concerns of illegal public nudity on shore, not because the passengers were gay. Originally thought to be a bare boat charter (!). Customs officials boarded ship & found most passengers naked. Capt. couldn't guarantee they would be clothed on shore - something Capt. has denied. Public nudity is illegal in St. Kitts & Nevis. Photo feature sought! (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

Alert>> Malacca straits &endash; kidnap & ransom incidents After Tsunami there were no incidents of any kind in the Malacca Straits for 2 months. However, attacks have resumed since 28 Feb 2005. In the last 3 weeks there have been three serious attacks of Kidnapping the crew for ransom in Malacca straits. Heavily armed pirates have boarded ships and seized the master and one or two crew members and taken them ashore. Pirates have not stolen any property and sole aim has been to kidnap the crew. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

20 March 2005 at 1905 LT at Balikpapan inner anchorage, Indonesia. Several pirates boarded bulk carrier -- tried to break open bosun store. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed. Crewmember injured whilst resisting robbers. Authorities informed. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

19 March 2005 at 2245 LT at Chittagong 'B' anchorage, Bangladesh. Pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship at stern whilst anchoring -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Crew raised alarm, sounded whistle & fired flare. Port control informed but no response received. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

16 March 2005 at 0400 UTC in position 12:45.35N - 051:33.18E, Somalia. Three armed pirates in boat, hijacked fishing vessel underway -- directed vessel to come closer to Somali coast. Pirates held 26-crew members as hostage for ransom. IMB piracy reporting center alerted coalition ships in area who rescued vessel & crew -- apprehended pirates. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

15 March 2005 at 1330 UTC in position 11:59.1N - 051:16.6E, Somalia. Three pirates armed with guns in white hull speedboat chased general cargo ship underway & fired upon her. Crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses, increased speed & took evasive maneuvers. After 30 mins pirates aborted attempt & fled. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

15 March 2005 at 0531 UTC in position 14:20N - 050:50E, Gulf of Aden. Three speedboats with 4 pirates in each boat approached RO/RO ship underway & persons inside attempted to board.  Crew activated fire hoses, sounded whistle & warned ships in vicinity. One boat yellow in color & other 2 were brown. (Fri. Mar. 25 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Late News>> S/V Irving Johnson is free & at sea! Original Story<<Webfeature. Photo feature soon. (Wed. Mar. 24 2005)

Singapore cargo M/V Maritime Wisdom -- in collision with barge Prapti -- near Goa, Coast Guard patrol vessels & aircraft fighting hard to avoid oil leak from sipping into Goa beaches & marine life reserve resorts in area -- one mile long & 100 meter wide oil slick so far -- oil slick has already floated 5.4 NM from original leaking position of M/V Maritime Wisdom. (Wed. Mar. 24 2005)

Barge Millicoma, in ballast, under tow by tug M/V Howard Olsen, aground near the mouth of the Columbia River -- in severe weather tow line broke March 19 night. Millicoma drifted 3.5 miles to cove near North Head, Washington -- But -- 5,000 gallons of diesel aboard. So far, none of the fuel has spilled -- Millicoma heavily damaged. Photo Feature<<Webfeature (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

738-foot bulk M/V Zella Oldendorff suffered serious crew injury in Gulf of Alaska -- U.S. Coast Guard helicopter rescue crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak airlifted the 33-year-old man early today for Providence Medical Center on Kodiak Island. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

6,413gt Ro/Ro M/V Baltic Press (built 1979), Sweden for Spain with 4,450 M/T paper & 10 crew, suffered crankcase explosion in engine & hydraulic pump failure -- drifting, & awaiting tug assistance -- currently located lat 49 23N long 04 37 E, drifting in N-NW direction. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

Upper Lakes Shipping Ltd.'s bulker M/V Canadian Prospector, suffered explosion at the North end of Thunder Bay's harbor. Vessel -- tied up for the winter --evacuated March 21, after fumes from fuel tank ignited & sent fireball into the air. More than 30 people working aboard laker when explosion happened, at 1 p.m. No injuries. Round metal cap resembling manhole cover landed on frozen Lake Superior not far from vessel. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

30,053gt. Panamanian flag, bulk M/V Maritime Antalya (built 2002), New Orleans for Far East with 48,000 MT corn, suffered casualty Mar. 21, & taking in water in holds #1 & #2. Japanese patrol vessels escorting vessel & tug is en route. Latest known position is Lat 45 21 N Long 157 00 E. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

UK flagged 22,184gt product M/T Maersk Rosyth (built 2003), on European shuttle service -- suffered casualty March 18, salavage required. No additional details. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

Seattle based 360-foot processor M/V Independence, with 204 crew, requested U.S. Coast Guard assistance -- sustained steering casualty -- left adrift 95 miles S. of Kayak Island in Gulf of Alaska -- Coast Guard cutter UCGC Storis took M/V Independence in tow at 7:45 today -- transiting toward Cape Spencer & Juneau. Cutters 378-foot USCGC Morgenthau<<Webfeature & USCGC Storis<<Webfeature, arrived on scene today between 6:30 & 7:30 a.m. -- weather delayed cutters' arrival. Tug M/V Chahunta will relieve USCGC Storis of the tow when they rendezvous. Weather conditions at time of incident included 50-to-60 knot winds, 20-foot seas & blowing snow. At 63 years of age, USCGC Storis is "Queen of the Fleet" - the oldest U.S. Coast Guard cutter in service. (Tues. Mar. 22 2005)

U.S. 90ft. brigantine with 4,450 square feet of sail & rigging height of 88ft. S/V Irving Johnson (built 2003 for Los Angeles Maritime Institute's TopSail Youth Program<<Webfeature,), Port of Los Angeles for 7-day team-building trip through California Channel Islands by students from National Society of Collegiate Scholars<<Webfeature, -- with 20 crew -- missed entrance to Channel Islands Harbor & foundered this afternoon. All rescued -- surf eventually turned abandoned ship bow first toward land, pushing it in & out of shallows along the rocks. Your editor has been aboard the wonderful S/V Irving Johnson -- we watched her slow demise this afternoon on the rocky Oxnard jetty. There may still be hope. McD (Mon. Mar. 21 2005)

Thai-flagged F/V Sirichai Nava, hijacked in the Gulf of Aden by 3 Somali crew, evening of March 16. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) received telephone reports from Int'l Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, concerning the hijacking as well as fax indicating that hijackers demanded US$800,000 in ransom for vessel's crew. Commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, under direction of COMUSNAVCENT, tasked British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Invincible (R05), destroyer HMS Nottingham (D91) & Alameda based Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Munro to investigate. A "Visit, Board, Search & Seizure" (VBSS) team from USCGC Munro boarded F/V Sirichai Nava, while a boarding team from Nottingham boarded a 2nd fishing vessel, F/V Ekhwat Patana, which was with the Thai vessel. USCGC Munro's boarding team detained the Somalis without incident. (Mon. Mar. 21 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK UPDATE>> 498gt Japanese-flag ocean tug M/V Idaten (built 1997)-- towing large construction barge Kurooshia, Batam for Mynamar -- attacked by pirates -- kidnapped Japanese Master, Chief Engineer & Filipino 3rd Engineer -- Royal Malaysian Police patrol boats summoned to scene but pirates had fled. Patrol boats escorted tug & tow to Penang -- incident took place at 18:30 LT. AttacK involved pirates using 3 fishing vessels 60 miles south of Penang. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Pirates released 3 sailors kidnapped in busy shipping lane between Malaysia &Indonesia, Japan's Foreign Ministry said. Ministry declined to say whether ransom paid. (Sun. Mar. 20 2005)

Luxury charter 24mt. vessel M/V The Matrix, on maiden voyage Perth for Kimberley -- skipper taken while while snorkelling March 19 by 20ft. Great White shark while snorkelling with tourists off Abrolhos Islands group, 60km west of Geraldton, Australia -- reports say man was cut in half. (Sat. Mar. 19 2005)

5,273-dwt Antigua-flagged M/V Gabrielle lost headway March 17 with gearbox problems, near reefs off Cat Island in Bahamas -- Florida-based salvor M/V Titan Maritime appointed to rescue drifting bulk carrier -- project hampered by winds approaching gale force. Plans are to tow vessel with its cargo of 80 back haul containers to destination Port of Palm Beach where she will be docked at Tropical terminal. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005) UPDATE>> Florida-based salvor M/V Titan Maritime appointed to rescue drifting bulk carrier M/V Gabrielle from reefs off Cat Island in Bahamas. Two tugs have taken the 5,273-dwt vessel under tow & 3rd en route. (Sat. Mar. 19 2005)

61,312gt M/V Toledo -- crashed into Northern lock while departing Port of Bremerhaven in spite of aid of 2 tugs on March 15 -- vessel went adrift due to strong wind & suffered a gash of 8mt. length. She berthed at Columbuskaje for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

29,872gt M/V Glory Bridge (built 1980), Far East for Midle East & Europe with containers -- suffered fire on March 14 & requested Saudi Arabia as a port of refuge. She is a feeder vessel on "shuttle service" from Far East, which in turn feeds vessels destined for the Middle East & Europe. There are potential claims for salvage & General Average arising from incident. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

NOTE>> 40 Minutes After Collision of M/V Toledo (loss directly above)>> M/V Capricornus Leader -- in collision with pier in East harbor of Port of Bremerhaven when turning in basin -- hull damaged along 4mt. gash -- cause was obviously fault of Capt.-- to berth for repairs. This was a bad day at Port of Bremerhaven. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

ALERT>>Malacca Straits &endash; kidnap & ransom incidents After Tsunami there were no incidents of any kind in the Malacca Straits for 2 months. However, the "party" is over as attacks have resumed since 28 Feb. .2005. In the last two weeks there have been 3 serious attacks of Kidnapping the crew for ransom in Malacca straits. Heavily armed pirates have boarded ships & seized the master & 1 or 2 crew and taken them ashore. Pirates have not stolen any property & sole aim has been to kidnap the crew. Review Original Reports. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

14 March 2005 at 1735 LT in position 04:25.6N &endash; 099:40.7E, Malacca Straits. Several pirates armed with guns in 3 fishing boats boarded tug towing barge -- kidnapped master, c/e & 3/e and escaped. IMB Piracy Reporting Center alerted Royal Malaysian marine police who sent out patrol boats to escort tug & barge to port. Whereabouts of the 3 hostages are unknown. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

14 March 2005 at 1336 LT at Chennai outer anchorage, India -- pirate climbed up anchor chain of cable laying ship. Alert crew raised alarm & robber jumped in to sea -- escaped in boat waiting with 5 accomplices. Port control informed. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

12 March 2005 at 1755 LT in position 03:37.25N - 099:36.75E, 14nm SE of Berhala Island, Malacca straits. Several pirates armed with machine guns & rocket propelled grenades (RPG) boarded tanker underway -- kidnapped master & chief engineer and left. Pirates ordered crew not to proceed to Belawan which was her next port.  Pirates have demanded ransom for demand has been received and whereabouts of hostages unknown. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

11 March 2005 at 1905 UTC in position 01:15N - 104:05.2E, Singapore straits. Pirates in 3 boats attempted to board bulk carrier underway. Alert crew raised alarm, activated fire hoses & switched on deck lights. After 15 mins attempted boarding aborted. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

08 March 2005 at 1700 LT in position 13:28N - 048:07E, 30 miles off the coast of Yemen, Gulf of Aden -- 2 fast boats with 4 pirates in each boat approached 2 yachts underway & opened fire aiming at cockpits. Crew of one yacht returned fire & wounded 1 pirate. Another yacht rammed pirate boats & pirates aborted attempt & fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes & damage to hull. Description of pirate boats &endash; 30 ft length, blue hulled rib cage with outboard motors. (Fri. Mar. 18 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Japanese-registered tug M/V Idaten -- attacked by pirates Mar.14 -- now Japan offered to send patrol boats & aircraft to Malacca Strait to help Malaysia & its neighbors combat piracy. Original Story. (Thurs. Mar. 17 2005)

UK Maritime & Coast Guard Agency took action in dispute between UK-registered trawlers & Greenpeace vessel following the protest by Greenpeace against indiscriminate catching of dolphins while fishing vessels trawling for bass off Cornish coast. Letters have been issued to all the vessels involved, including the UK-registered fishing vessels F/V Ocean Crest; F/V Ocean Dawn; F/V Ocean Star; & F/V Sunrise -- Greenpeace's Dutch-registered vessel M/V Esperanza, reminding them of importance of keeping the safety of both personnel and vessels, & prevention of pollution, paramount. (Thurs. Mar. 17 2005)

135ft. S/V Corwith Cramer, a U.S. flagged school sailing vessel, came across Haitian S/V with broken mast & 49 aboard, 45 miles N. of Port Antonio, Jamaica. S/V Corwith Cramer, already had 10 crewmen & 23 students aboard, but was able to safely embark the 35 adults & 14 children in distress, some of whom were infants & transport them to Jamaican law enforcemen officials in Port Antonio at 2:05 a.m. today. Boarding team discovered 1 foot of water above deck plates in engine room & began to dewater the vessel. Discovered failed shaft seal was cause of distress. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

46,000gt P&O-owned cruise 240mt. M/V Pacific Sky (built 1984), for Nouméa, with only 1 operational propeller with 1,400 passengers -- stranded in New Caledonia for 2 days, due to what described as engine failure on luxury, South Pacific-touring liner. Passengers to be airlifted this week back to Australia, onboard specially chartered planes -- $$$$. Thus passengers received "faulty screw" & no word yet on handling of resulting bar bills. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

U.S. trawler F/V Keegan David Drew -- lost steering capabilities due to hydraulic problems in NE Yucatan Straits. U.S. Coast Guard initially diverted cruise M/V Zenith, which was more than 6 hours away. U.S. Coast Guard released M/V Zenith at 10:05 p.m. March 15 when search & rescue controllers from Coordination Center contacted AMVER vessel M/V Stellar Dream -- only 22 miles from F/V Kegan David Drew. At same time, controllers diverted 270ft. medium endurance cutter Key West -- USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 917)<<Webfeature., which at time was 11 hours away. M/V Stellar Dream currently on scene awaiting USCGC Mohawk arrival at which time Good Samaritan will be released. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

Pakistan Navy logistics vessel PNS Moawin<<Webfeature, -- sufferd fireball which engulfed vessel last week during routine maintenance in port city of Karachi -- 35 dead -- 29 injured. PNS Moawin<<Webfeature, an auxiliary vessel serves as 1 of 2 fleet tankers. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

U.S. lifeboat Lauren -- capsized & sank March 13th at South Timbalier Block 21, 20 miles S. of Fourchon, La. All 4 crew aboard rescued by crew of M/V International Leader -- transported ashore without injuries. U.S. Coast Guard completed initial questioning & standard drug & alcohol testing. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

F/V Nibong Tebal, with 4 crew -- in pre-dawn collision on march 12,with unidetified container vessel 34 nautical miles S. of Pulau Jarak in Selangor waters on March 12 -- vessel capsized after ramming -- 2 crew missing & 2 rescued after floating for 6 hours. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 16 2005)

Two yachts underway 30 miles off coast of Yemen, Gulf of Aden on March 14 -- attacked by pirates in fast boats with 4 men in each boat -- opened fire aiming at cockpits. The crew of 1 yacht returned fire & wounded 1 pirate. One yacht rammed one pirate boat &pirates aborted attempt & fled. Both yachts sustained bullet holes & damage to hull. Pirates' boats described as 30 ft long, blue &fitted with outboard motors. (Tues. Mar. 15 2005)

Alert>> Malacca Strait -- PIRATES

PIRATE ATTACK>> 498gt Japanese-flag ocean tug M/V Idaten (built 1997)-- towing large construction barge Kurooshia, Batam for Mynamar -- attacked by pirates -- kidnapped Japanese Master, Chief Engineer & Filipino 3rd Engineer -- Royal Malaysian Police patrol boats summoned to scene but pirates had fled. Patrol boats escorted tug & tow to Penang -- incident took place at 18:30 LT. AttacK involved pirates using 3 fishing vessels 60 miles south of Penang. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005) UPDATE>> Pirates released 3 sailors kidnapped in busy shipping lane between Malaysia &Indonesia, Japan's Foreign Ministry said. Ministry declined to say whether ransom paid. (Sun. Mar. 20 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK>>1,289gt. Indonesian-owned product M/T Tri Samudra, with methane gas, Samarinda in Kalimantan province on Borneo island for Belawan on Sumatra island -- attacked by 35 pirates armed with machine guns & rocket launchers in Malacca Strait -- Capt. & chief engineer kidnapped & taken off ship -- staus unknown. Ship's owners believe pirates are rebels from Free Aceh Movement (GAM)<<Webfeature, -- fighting for independence for Aceh province in the N. of Sumatra island. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

UPDATE>> Pirates have released Malaysian Capt. & Indonesian chief officer of tug M/V Highline who they kidnapped in attack on 28 Feb. off Penang port in Malaysia. Crew landed safely in Port Klang in fishing boat on 8 March, the Kuala Lumpur-based Piracy Reporting Center of the Int'l Maritime Bureau confirmed. Believed that ransom was paid, but no details available. Read ordeal of M/V Highline. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

37,579gt. container M/V Christina (built 1998) -- in collision March 8,near Qingdao, in Yellow Sea with -- Chinese domestic trade16,022gt. bulk M/V Hua Ling (built 1996). Vessels now reported locked together -- for tow to nearest yard. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

SPECIAL>> 1.400gt. 56t German Navy submarine U- 31 ran aground in Kiel Harbor during trials -- 2 tugs managed to free disabled submarine -- ship inspected directly afterwards & then docked at its building yard HDW<<Webfeature. The hull obviously did not suffer damage at grounding. Cause for mishap was spot of only 5.5mt. at grounding site - the map had shown 8mt. in that position. The U- 31 cost Euro500M & is to be delivered to German Navy in 2005. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

335gt. ro-ro vessel -- sank off Zeytinburnu district of Istanbul late on Mar. 12 -- 8 aboard rescued by coast guard. Istanbul Strait closed to passage of transit vessels to prevent possible accident. (Sun. Mar. 13 2005)

Bangladesh ferry capsized & sank after collision with cargo vessel at confluence of Buriganga-Dhaleshwari River in Munshiganj district, 32km (20 miles) S. of capital Dhakanear, near Bangladesh capital, leaving at least 1 dead & dozen missing. (Sat. Mar. 12 2005)

U.S. casino vessel M/V Dueces Wild, with 26 aboard -- may have collided with privately owned 160ft. M/V Aurora, 14 aboard & 152ft. M/V Confidant, 5 aboard, on Mar. 10. M/V Dueces Wild also reportedly colllided with Sunrise Blvd. bridge at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. M/V Aurora has a gash port side & M/V Confidant has fiberglass damage. M/V Dueces Wild under tow to Sand Piper Marina. (Sat. Mar. 12 2005)

Pakistan Navy PNS Muavin, on annual maintenance drill in S. port city of Karachi -- suffered major fire March 10 -- 100 injured , 6 dead & 55 seriously injured. Ambulances rushed to site & helicopters seen removing injured to naval hospital -- journalists not allowed to area. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

07 March 2005 at 0755 LT in position 04:47S-114:14E, Indonesia. Pirates boarded tanker underway & stole ship's equipment. Several fishing boats in area at the time. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

04 March 2005 at 0315 LT at Casablanca port, Morocco. 20 pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship at berth. D/O raised alarm & Master called police by VHF. Police arrived promptly & pirates fled after seeing police car. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

02 March 2005 at 2230 LT at Chittagong B anchorage, Bangladesh. Pirates armed with guns boarded general cargo ship -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Port control & coast guard informed but no response was received. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

02 March 2005 at 0110 LT at Tema roads, Ghana. 10 pirates in motor boat attempted to board refrigerated cargo ship. Alert crew activated fire hoses & directed searchlights. Robbers aborted attempt & fled. Port control informed who advised Master to heave up anchor & move further offshore. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

01 March 2005 at 0500 LT at Sebuku anchorage, Pulau Laut, Indonesia. 8 pirates armed with long knives & metal bars boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe -- hit one crew with metal bars causing injuries to his head & legs -- tied him up & gagged his mouth with rags -- stole ship's stores & escaped in boat. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

28 March 2005 at 2030 LT in position 05:01.10n - 099:32.38e, Malacca straits. 4 armed pirates in fishing boat fired upon tug towing barge -- boarded tug & damaged all communication equipment & shot at c/e's legs causing serious bleeding. Pirates took master & c/o as hostages & escaped with all ship's & crew documents. A Royal Malaysian naval ship arrived to assist & took c/e ashore for hospital treatment. Fate of hostages unknown. (Fri. Mar. 11 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

M/V Trishna, Chittagong for Bashundhara cement factory at Mongla with clinker -- in collision in Gabkhan channel near Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge with -- oil M/T Jamuna. M/V Trishna sank with 12 missing. (Thurs.. Mar. 10 2005)

10mt. South African F/V Sea Queen -- capsized in rough seas off Mossel Bay in Southern Cape -- 1 missing & 8 crew rescued. (Thurs.. Mar. 10 2005)

30,151dwt Rickmers-Line<<Webfeature, 192.9mt. Marshall Islands-flagged M/V Genoa (built 2004), Shanghai for Qingdao in China with 27 crew -- in collision 136 miles SE of Qingdao, in Yellow Sea with -- 5,761dwt.South Korean 103.43mt. M/V Sea Cross (most likely "Sun Cross"), China for Japan with 15 crew. M/V Sun Cross sank immediately after collision -- 13 missing & 2 rescued. M/V Genoa suffered fire forward & several salvage tugs on way to assist crew in fire-fighting efforts -- 1 missing. From our Correspondant Fred Mc Cague (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

Hawaii whale watching vessel M/V American Dream seized by U.S. Marshals at Honolulu (& sister ship in Kona, M/V Kona Dream) under Court Order. American Dream Cruises is in default of a US$1.4M mortgage on the American Dream and its sister ship the Kona Dream that operates out of the Big Island, according to court filings. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

36.627gt South Korea M/V Grand View (built 1991) for Port Klang -- in collision on March 5, between China & South Korea with -- 151,039gt. crude carrier M/T Ohminesan (built 1996). Both ships suffered minor damage -- no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

28,559gt, passenger ro/ro M/V Alkmini A. (built 1983), undergoing conversion/repairs at Perama -- suffered fire on deck 8 -- spread aft to self service restaurant area of vessel, Mar. 8 -- extinguished by fire brigade - no injuries. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

Ro/ro M/V Arion grounded fast off Chios. Tug M/V Matsas en route to Istanbu to bring floating crane to site for further salvage work -- expected on scene on March 9th. M/V Arion will be towed to Turkish scrappers after salvage. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

St. Vincent & Grenadines 2,831 M/V Martina M (built 1984) -- aground close to Tunisian port of Hergla -- hard weather -- severely damaged. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

M/V Patricia Jean, 65 miles SE of New Orleans suffered crew overboard -- U.S Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans rescue helicopter crew launched -- enduring offshore thunderstorms, arrived on scene to find crewman Charles Bemis located & recovered by crew of M/V Tristan JaniceU.S Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted Bemis aboard & transported him to West Jefferson Hospital -- suffering from severe hypothermia after spending more than an hour in 60-degree water. (Tues. Mar. 8 2005)

New Orleans offshore oil field Crew Boat crewboat suffered overboard crew 15.5 miles S/SW of Chandeleur Islands, La. Although crew reportedly wearing a lifejacket, it slipped off & he disappeared. U.S. Coast Guard launched Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station New Orleans & 41-foot rescue boatcrew from Station Venice, La. U.S. Coast Guard Falcon rescue jetcrew from U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala., continuing to search today -- located what they believe to be man's parka & lifejacket 10 miles where he was last seen.  The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 87-foot patrol USCGC Razorbill WPB-87332<<Webfeature, en route to assist search.  (Tues. Mar. 8 2005)

17,065 ton bulk M/V Island Gem, Bilbao in Spain for Newport with steel products & 19 crew -- in collision in Severn estuary with -- 13,410 ton M/V Bro Traveller, Pembroke for Cardiff with fuel products. Both vessels sustained damage --no injuries. M/V Island Gem has crack in accommodation area, 4 to 5 meters above sea level. No ingress of water reported to either vessel. M/V Bro Traveller sustained damage to foc'sle & has damaged frames. (Mon. Mar. 7 2005)

43-foot charter F/V Mariner, reporting vessel taking on water from unknown source, March 4, north of Depoe Bay, Ore. -- U.S. Coast Guard 47ft.motor lifeboat, 30ft. surf rescue boat & 25ft. response boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay launched at 8:39 a.m., to assist -- the 3 Coast Guard vessels escorted charter boat through 7-foot seas safely to the U.S. Coast Guard station pier. (Sun. Mar. 6 2005)

Thail ferry, resort island of Phuket for Yao island with 70 passengers capsized & sank in bad weather off coast of S. Thailand, leaving at least 8 dead & unknown number missing. Provinces of Phuket & Phang Nga still recovering from the Asian tsunami of Dec. 26 2004, which devastated coastal areas &left more than 5,000 people dead in Thailand. (Sun. Mar. 6 2005)

54-meter Sea Shepherd Conservation Society protest vessel M/V Farley Mowat, with 30 crew -- taking on water off Nova Scotia, does not appear in serious danger. Pumps keeping pace with a leak & Canadian Coast Guard ship expected to meet the vessel Mrch 6 afternoon. Mowat was on her way to video baby harp seals as part of an Int'll campaign against seal hunt. (Sun. Mar. 6 2005)

Norwegian-flagged M/T Fjord Champion, Liverpool, England, to Rostock, Germany with 28 crew, in ballast with 746 tons of heavy oil and 83 tons of diesel fuel for its own use -- suffered engine room fire off Oslo, Norway -- crew evacuated to nearby city Kristiansand -- tanker drifted aimlessly toward Norwegian shore -- ran aground few kilometers off S.coast -- still burning, & fire is not very easy to reach. (Sat. Mar. 5 2005) UPDATE>> fire which destroyed the engine room & superstructure, extinguished late March 6 -- next step is to empty 825 tons of oil from vessel's fuel tanks. (Sun. Mar. 6 2005) UPDATE>> Local authorities continue to fend off criticism that they were woefully unprepared to deal with the stricken tanker.Vessel now towed to shore. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

5,399gt. M/V Shinko Ocean (built 1997), Bintau for Malaysia & Taiwan with logs -- suffered engine failure & ran aground during heavy seas, losing considerable number of logs stowed on deck. Remaining cargo will be lost or subject to salvage operation & subsequent salvage claim. Anticipate claims for GA & PA losses. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005) UPDATE>> 20 crew having been rescued, 1st mate remains missing after having fallen overboard during yesterday's mishap. Rescuers continue their search for him -- other crew safely helicoptered to Makung after being rescued by the Republic of China "Seagull Squad".

RTW Bid In Peril>> Russian-flag 16.2mt. 2 masted yacht S/V Apostol Andrey (built 1996), St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 14, 2004, with 6 crew --to sail around the world below 60S parallel, around Antarctida. By Feb. 8, yacht passed half planned distance. March 3, 03.00 LT, in position  63, 39.80' S 169,46.43'W &endash; rudder lost, yacht drifting towards New Zealand, 1300km away -- crew trying to makeshift rudder using boom & cabin door. March 4: yacht radio:"drifting towards NZ, still trying to maintain steering by makeshifting rudder. In touch with NZ Coast Guard, crew's ok. Position: 63, 38.97 S 170, 34,72'W Drift speed4.2 Course: 74." From our new correspondant Mike Voitenko in Moscow. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005)

French 48mt. stern trawler F/V Cap Saint Jacques, with 15 crew, in postion 85 miles WNW of the Butt of Lewis -- suffered engine room fire & issued Mayday -- Stornoway Coastguard carried out broadcast action & 2 French fisihing vessels offered assistance. Crew extinguished fire after 30 minutes -- currently disabled in position. Sister ship F/V Cap Saint Jean to arrive on scene at 0930 am. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005)

ALERT>> 3.120gt Bahamas M/V Karen Danielsen (built 1985) Svendborg for Finland -- in collision -- with Danish Great Belt-Bridge <<Webfeature, between Zeeland & Fuenen in the Baltic -- tore off ship's bridge & stuck fast under western part of the Belt bridge 1km off Danish town Nyborg. Fire broke out on board after collision -- 1 dead & 10 injured. Connection between Zealand & Fuenen consists of tunnels & bridges & artificial islands & has a length of 20km. It is 2nd largest building of this kind in Europe apart from Channel Tunnel between England & France. Traffic over bridge interrupted. "It is the most serious accident since the bridge opened in 1998, and one that shouldn't have happened, as the 3,500-ton coastal ship should not have passed under it," said spokesman for Danish Navy's operational command. Photo feature<<Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005) UPDATE>> The helmsman of M/V Karen Danielsen which got stuck under the Storebaelt Bridge in the Baltic was killed in the incident & drunk (huge surprise here). His body found in a cargo hold on March 4th after vessel brought to Lindholm. Helmsman alone on the bridge at time of collision. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Mar. 9 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

24 Feb. 2005 0430 LT at Hon Gai inner anchorage, Vietnam. Pirates boarded chemical tanker preparing to berth -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005)

22 Feb. 2005 at 0530 LT in position: 07:49N - 076:50E, off Trivandrum, SW coast of India -- 2 fishing boats approached tug towing ocean going crane barge. One boat came alongside barge & 4 pirates boarded & started lowering ship's stores from deck. Alert crew mustered & pirates escaped empty handed. (Fri. Mar. 4 2005)

Malaysian tug M/V High Line, 50 NM off Penang near Perak waters, in Malacca Strait with coal barge HIgh Line 22 & 9 crew -- suffered pirate attack -- kidnapped Capt. &1st Officer -- shot 3rd crew in leg, also taking documents. Pirates attacked after tow line of the tug snapped, after hit by the boat's propeller & set adrift coal barge she had been towing. Pirates approaced tug boat & 4 men attired in black came aboard -- firing automatic weapons & destroying equipment on board. Malaysian Navy KD Perdana, directed by Lumut Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center to aid M/V High Line as she was leaving Pulau Langkawi & in Perak waters -- found many spent bullet shells on the tug boat. Lumut Port<<Webfeature. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005) UPDATE>> Crew members said it was a miracle that they survived. They said the odds were against them as the pirates kept shooting at random.  "I felt like that it was not possible to find anyone alive after the shooting," said Samsul Alam who had been working on board the vessel for the last 2 years. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005 late PM) UPDATE>> Pirates have released Malaysian Capt. & Indonesian chief officer of tug who they had kidnapped in attack on 28 February off Penang port in Malaysia. Crew landed safely in Port Klang in a fishing boat on 8 March, the Kuala Lumpur-based Piracy Reporting Center of the Int'l Maritime Bureau has confirmed. It is believed that ransom was paid, but no details are available. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Sad End of A Fighting Lady>> 43,000-ton Kiev class retired Soviet aircraft carrier Minsk<<Webfeature (built 1972) Minsk Theme Park -- declared bankrupt. Court in Shenzhen, a boomtown bordering Hong Kong, declared Minsk World Industries Co. bankrupt with debts totaling US$105M. Minsk World Industries ran a wide range of businesses including restaurants, beauty salons, cultural shows and trading, in addition to the popular theme park aboard the Minsk. Minsk amusement park itself has been hit with visitors from Hong Kong & relatively affluent south China, where many can afford its steep admission price of US$12. The pride of the Soviet Union's Pacific Fleet during the Cold War, the aircraft carrier looms over Chinese fishing boats in harbor near Shenzhen, its decks crammed with carnival attractions & souvenir booths.The carrier was sold for scrap in 1995 to South Korea, which sold it on to China in 1998. Better she should just have retired. Aircraft carrier Minsk now for sale?<<Webfeature. Ad for theme park<<Webfeature. (Thurs. Mar. 3 2005)

Indian trawler F/V Ma Sivani, with 7 crew -- in collision with unidentified merchant & sank 75 km from Orissa's Balasore district. Indian Coastguard ships - Rajia Sultan & Samudra - rushed to the sea & rescued fishermen. (Thurs. Mar. 3 2005)

Tug M/V Intrepid B now refloated at Fishguard Harbor, Pembrokeshire, West Wales, by Dutch Salvors Weissmuller. Tug had been stuck fast on sea bed. Hull inspection revealed large hole (caused by rock?) Temporary repairs underway, further work to be done at a Scottish repair facility. From our correspondant A. L. Griffiths (Thurs. Mar. 3 2005)

U.S. 32ft. F/V Gulf Coaster, reported overdue at Bay Pines Marina Feb. 28 morning after not showing up Feb. 27 afternoon as expected at Clearwater, Fla.. Bodies located March 1 & debris from the vessel as well. Weather likely played part in tragic accident as sea conditions were reportedly 6 to 8-feet waves with up to 40-knot gusts of wind on Feb. 27. U.S. Coast Guard has now cancelled search for remaining crew. Vessel presumed sunk. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005 late PM)

Malaysian tug M/V High Line, 50 NM off Penang near Perak waters, in Malacca Strait with coal barge HIgh Line 22 & 9 crew -- suffered pirate attack -- kidnapped Capt. &1st Officer -- shot 3rd crew in leg, also taking documents. Pirates attacked after tow line of the tug snapped, after hit by the boat's propeller & set adrift coal barge she had been towing. Pirates approaced tug boat & 4 men attired in black came aboard -- firing automatic weapons & destroying equipment on board. Malaysian Navy KD Perdana, directed by Lumut Maritime Enforcement Coordination Center to aid M/V High Line as she was leaving Pulau Langkawi & in Perak waters -- found many spent bullet shells on the tug boat. Lumut Port<<Webfeature. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005) UPDATE>> Crew members said it was a miracle that they survived. They said the odds were against them as the pirates kept shooting at random.  "I felt like that it was not possible to find anyone alive after the shooting," said Samsul Alam who had been working on board the vessel for the last 2 years. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005 late PM) UPDATE>> Pirates have released Malaysian Capt. & Indonesian chief officer of tug who they had kidnapped in attack on 28 February off Penang port in Malaysia. Crew landed safely in Port Klang in a fishing boat on 8 March, the Kuala Lumpur-based Piracy Reporting Center of the Int'l Maritime Bureau has confirmed. It is believed that ransom was paid, but no details are available. (Mon. Mar. 14 2005)

Forget The Tsunami Disaster -- Let's Street Fight>> Indonesia dispatched 3 warships on March 2, to maritime border area off coast of Malaysia's Sabah state & the Indonesia's East Kalimantan province, also claimed by Malaysia amid rising tensions in Sulawesi Sea. Tensions have risen since Malaysia's state oil company Petronas granted energy giant Shell a concession in the area on Feb. 16, 2005. Jakarta says area part of its territorial waters & some of concession granted by Malaysia overlaps with one granted by the Indonesian government to Italy's ENI & the U.S. company Unocal in the 1960s. Indonesia & Malaysia previously disputed ownership of 2 small islands in the Sulawesi Sea. But in Dec. 2002, the Int'l Court of Justice concluded the islands -- Ligitan & Sipadan off Borneo island -- belong to Malaysia. Hey kids, please finish the tsunami relief, then have your rumble. (Wed. Mar. 2 2005)

U.S. 108ft. M/V American Dream on whale watching voyage off Waikiki, Hawaii -- with passengers watching as mother whale & calf approached vessel from 100 yards away -- suffered 22-year-old man who deliberately leaped into ocean -- died -- 2 crew also overboard to help. "The guy was flailing around wildly &emdash; it was obvious he couldn't swim," crew said. As often recorded in New England history, whaling is a dangerous activity, especially for idiots. (Tues. Mar. 1 2005)

8,823grt chemical M/T Goodrich Bay (built 1984), Wilmington, Delaware for Quebec, Canada with chemicals -- struck by unidentified object &holed at water line causing a seawater ingress -- tugs attending. (Tues. Mar. 1 2005)

Please Note The Great New Sea Rescue Book "Gestrandet" ("Aground") From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen

17,098grt bulk M/V Sawat (built 1983) peru for Chile & Buebos Aires with containers -- lost 79 containers overboard in the Channel Castillo on Feb. 24. (Tues. Mar. 1 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For February 2005

"One Brick Short of A Runway" - for Feb. 20055

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

U.S. tug M/V Robert J. Bouchard, with 6 crew, 9 miles off Seaside Heights, N.J., with empty oil barge -- suffered machine room explosion on Feb. 27 -- 1 crew burnt so badly, that he had to be brought to Saint Barnabas Hospital in Livingston by U.S. Coast Guard helicoper. Other 5 crew evacuated by another tug. M/V Robert J. Bouchard drifting. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 28 2005)

U.S. F/V Miss Hayes -- suffered water ingress on Feb. 26, 35 miles off John's Pass, Fla. -- water poured into machine room & threatened to sink ship from Tampa. U.S. Coastguard sent a Jayhawk-helicopter from Clearwatrer & boats from Sand Key & Station St. Petersburg with additional pumps. 90 minutes after the incident 1st pump lowered, & after 3 further pumps vessel stabilized & escorted back into its hompeort. Already on May 1st 2004 the F/V Miss Hayes suffered similar mishap off Naples, Fla. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 28 2005)

39,984gt Chinese 225mt. bulkcarrier M/V Shen Nong Feng (built 2002, suffered large waves off North Norway & severly damaged on Feb. 26 -- thus headed to Kiel for repairs & arrived at HDW<<Webfeature. Platings &several installations on foreship were damaged, bulkhatch damaged & water poured into vessel. Expected to leave Kiel for Poland, March 5. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 28 2005)

125-foot New Bedford F/V Endurance, suffered injured crew crushed by a 1.5 ton gear 100 miles off the coast -- rescued by U.S. Coast Guard.(Sun. Feb. 27 2005)

Happy Ending>> Panama-registered container M/V MSC Denisse -- drifting without power 40 NM south-east of Christmas Island -- flooded engine room, no propulsion & only emergency power (Tues. Feb. 22 2005) -- but Australian Nay crews helped the Denisse's crew pump water from flooded compartments in an effort to stabilize the ship. MSC Shipping Company & tug M/V Nimble were able to resume control of the situation M/V MSC Denisse has resumed under her own power. From our Correspondant Fred Mc Cague. READ THE STORY (Sun. Feb. 27 2005)

137m Moroccan 563-TEU-container M/V MSC Al Amine still aground at Tunis since Feb. 16 -- sustained severe damage, details of which are as follows: the rudder is damaged; water entered the engine-room (to a height of 6 meters) & hold No.3 (to a height of 8 meters); hold No.2 has a fissure on the starboard side & propeller is covered with water -- still dificult to "ascertain". The Dutch salvage company Smit Tak BV., will attempt to pump water out from the engine-room. Clean-up operations by Ministry of Environment, in order to stop dispersion of fuel, still ongoing. Original Story<<Webfeature. (Sat. Feb. 26 2005)

35-ton F/V Hai Lung No 1, from Taiwan sank 45 NM N.W.of Fukuichiao on the northernmost tip of the islandoff Taiwan on Feb. 25 -- 5 Chinese sailors killed, Taiwanese skipper & another sailor also feared dead -- police helicopter picked up a 32-year-old Chinese sailor, who survived by floating on a door of ship -- 5 of 7 bodies recovered. (Sat. Feb. 26 2005)

72-foot Bahamian F/V, with 14 crew suffered fire 50 miles NW of Nassau, Bahamas. U.S. Coast Guard District 7's command center Miami recieved notification of vessel in distress at 9:30, a.m. -- passengers of vessel abandoned ship & sought refuge aboard vessel's deployabl dinghy. U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk arrived -- rescue swimmer lowered to ensure crew safe & accounted for. Helicopter crew began safely hoisting the passengers on board. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

16 Feb. 2005 at 2240 LT at Chittagong 'B' anchorage, Bangladesh -- 10 pirates armed with long knives boarded chemical tanker from 2 boats -- seized duty a/b & held him at knifepoint. D/O raised alarm& crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped with ship's stores. Chittagong port control informed. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

15 Feb. 2005 at 1545 UTC in posn:  02:38N - 107:47E, South China Sea -- unlit craft approached a bulk carrier underway.  Alert crew flashed aldis lamp in direction of the craft. A few mins later craft altered course & moved away. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

15 Feb. 2005 at 0505 LT at Adang Bay anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates armed with iron rods boarded bulk carrier from hawse pipe -- broke open forepeak locker & stole ship's stores & liferaft. Duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers escaped in their boat. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

11 Feb. 2005 at 0400 LT in posn: 10:16N - 064:35W, cement terminal, Pertigalete port, Venezuela -- unlit boats approached bulk carrier within 100m. Security guards fired shotguns in the air & boats moved away. We also would have moved away. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

07 Feb. 2005 at 0400 LT at Buenaventura inner anchorage 3, Colombia -- pirates boarded bulk carrier at forecastle & broke padlocks on storerooms. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard & escaped empty handed. Master informed authorities & coast guard boat arrived promptly within 9 minutes for investigation. (Fri. Feb. 25 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

 UNIDENTIFIED Spanish trawler partially sank off Galicien on Feb. 21 -- 1 of 9 missing crew recovered in rescue boat -- more living crew thought to be aboard helicopter -- this rescue theory disputed -- all considered lost. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Feb. 24 2005)

F/V Patrick James, with 5 crew -- capsized on Feb 22nd -- good samaritan boat rescued 5 crew & handed them over to boat of Venice Coast Guard. (Thurs. Feb. 24 2005)

Panama-registered container M/V MSC Denisse -- drifting without power 40 NM south-east of Christmas Island -- flooded engine room, no propulsion & only emergency power -- Australian HMAS Arunta<<Webfeature, personnel helping crew to pump water from flooded compartments in effort to stabilize ship. (Tues. Feb. 22 2005) UPDATE>> HMAS Arunta<<Webfeature, continuing to assist. (Thurs. Feb. 24 2005)

TSUNAMI UPDATE FOR MARINERS>> The 9.0 earthquake & Indian Ocean tsunami that followed altered depth of the sea by 10 meters (33 ft) but not enough to interfere with shipping as initially feared, British surveyors said on Feb. 22. Some maritime authorities said Dec. 26 quake may have pushed up sea bed & altered water depths. Singapore media said in Jan. sea might be as much as 1,000 meters (3,000 ft) shallower in some places. But a survey by the British Royal Navy's 131-metre (430 ft) HMS Scott<<Webfeature, hydrographic vessel found no such evidence. All is well. (Tues. Feb. 22 2005)

112,046dwt M/T Gerrita, Caribbean for Murmansk, Russia -- lost power Feb. 19. UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency sent emergency response vessel M/V Anglian Sovereign to the tanker, which was about 70 NM north-west of Shetlands in winds of F7-8 & waves of 5-10m. M/V Anglian Sovereign reached the disabled NIS-registered tanker at 1015 Feb. 20 -- 3 harbor tugs assisting tanker to berth. (Mon. Feb. 21 2005)

Chinese F/V Qinglingao 10021 -- sank in Beibu Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Tokin, 33 NM N.W of Yangpu Port, on NW coast of Hainan Island on Feb. 18 -- 12 missing. (Mon. Feb. 21 2005)

M/V Zhehai No. 308, Jintang Harbor, north China for Vietnam with5,415.04 tons of rolled steel -- sank due to likely cargo shift in the Beibu Gulf, also known as the Gulf of Tonkin Feb. 19 -- 16 of 23 crew rescued. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 21 2005)

13.258 BRZ M/V MSC Grace (built 1991), Antwerp for the Baltic -- rammed into inner gate of locks of Kiel Canal with its bulbhead Feb. 19 -- damage to gate could not be assessed as lying beneath surface of water. Vessel proceeding. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 21 2005)

Bangladesh double-decker passenger M/V Maharaj, with 200 on Buriganga River just outside the capital, Dhaka -- capsized & sank Feb. 19, near town of Pagla -- 75 people dead & more than 100 missing. (Mon. Feb. 21 2005)

St Vincent-registered 5,112dwt general cargo M/V Elanta (built 1981) Morocco for Turkey with scrap iron & 18 crew -- aground off SE coast of Chios island. Tugs have been dispatched to assist. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

5,112dwt Greek flagged ro-ro/container M/V Arion -- aground on its approach to Chios Harbor<<Webfeature, on Feb. 17 -- Coast guard vessels & helicopters rescued all 35 passengers. M/V Arion remains grounded with hole in hull & 28 trailers on board. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

2,815dwt general cargo M/V Sea Eagle S (built 1973) -- driven onto rocks in Piraeus area -- M/V Sea Eagle S has been at anchor in Piraeus roads since Sept. with cargo of timber. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

44-foot Scuituate, Mass. registered F/V Lady Lorraine, with 3 crew -- suffered fire 5 miles NE of Scituate Harbor. U.S. Coast Guard Station Point Allerton dispatched 41-foot & 2 47-foot rescue boats to scene -- Air Station Cape Cod launched HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter. Crew from Station Point Allerton extinguished fire & F/V Lady Lorraine, reportedly sunk. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

ALERT>> Typhoon Olaf>> Category 5 Storm, rocked Samoa & American Samoa with wind gusts from 135 to 165 miles per hour & 30 to 40-foot seas Feb. 17 & 18. It has been a long day for the U.S. Coast Guard at Barbers Point, Hawaii<<Webfeature:

68-foot F/V Samoan Boy, with 7 crew -- U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircraft from Barbers Point, Hawaii<<Webfeature, is searching in vicinity of Manu'a<<Webfeature, just east of Pago Pago -- has not been heard from for nearly 36 hours. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

F/V Tautai II, with 6 crew -- Barbers Point C-130 is also assisting in the search for 2 missing -- sank -- 4 crew recovered by another fishing vessel in the area. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

F/V Princess Karlinna -- battered by storm after steering malfunctioned. Barbers Point C-130 crew dropped life vests & supplies -- remained in area until rescue vessel arrived on scene. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

The Aircraft of U.S Coast Guard Station - Barbers Point<<Webfeature

Korean-registered M/V Great Polaris, with 74,000 tons of coal -- broke down in Suez Canal at dawn Feb. 19, blocking passage of 40 ships -- some 32 ships waiting behind M/V Great Polaris, all heading to Mediterranean. Problem is engine & rudder. (Sun. Feb. 20 2005)

Norwegian registered, 60,800 GRT, 243mt M/T Gerrita, in ballast with 21 crew -- lost engine power due to mechanical breakdown -- drifting 80 miles NW of North end of Shetland -- no immediate danger - Shetland Coastguard continues to monitor the situation carefully. (Sat. Feb. 19 2005)

68-ft- F/V Samoan Boy, with 7 crew battered in Cyclone Olaf -- but alive --north of Samoa. Others not so lucky:

F/V Tautai II, with 6 crew, sank -- 4 rescued by another trawler -- 2 missing. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

F/V Princess Karlinna -- adrift with rudder failure in Cyclone Olaf. Life vests & other supplies were supplied off U.S. Coast Guard Hercules C 130 from Barbers Point, Hawaii. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10)<<Webfeature, -- on way home from Arctic is diverted & expected to arrive on Feb. 20th to assist crews of F/V Tautai II & F/V Princess Karlinna. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

M/V Ocean Speed, docked in Labuan jetty for repairs, eastern Malaysia -- suffered death of seaman as gas cylinder exploded aboard -- Seaman Segundino Castro hurled into sea & badly burned. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

137m Moroccan 563-TEU-container M/V MSC Al Amine ( Built 1983) -- ran aground 50km East of Tunis -- leaking oil -- stranding caused by loss of power -- she sits hard aground on reef. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

11 Feb. 2005 at 0400 LT in posn 10:16N - 064:35W, cement terminal, Pertigalete port, Venezuela -- 2 unlit boats approached bulk carrier within 100m. Security guards fired warning shots & boats moved away. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

10 Feb. 2005 at 0900 LT at Banjarmasin Roads, Indonesia -- 12 pirates armed with knives attempted to board general cargo ship along with stevedores. C/O and bosun spotted them & stopped boarding. Robbers threatened them with knives. Master raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers aborted boarding & escaped in their speedboats. (Fri. Feb. 18 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Hong Kong hovercraft, Hong Kong for China's Nansha Island & city of Panyu with 156 passengers & 9 crew -- in collision-- with Chinese freighter in Hong Kong waters on Feb. 17, injuring 94, with 4 in serious condition -- vessels collided in waters NW of Hong Kong island. Decendants of the famous Hong Kong "Star Ferry"<<Webfeature, -- your editor has spent considerable time aboard the Hong Kong Hydrofoils -- our initial response is that these vessels are ultra safe & professionally operated, but the condtions are often murky with keen seamanship being a 1st priority in these congested waters . McD (Thurs. Feb. 17 2005)

UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency 2004 Statistics ....it's dangerous out there

Total reports to the Coastguard: 13,849 Vs. 14,240 for 2003

Total occasions of assistance rendered: 8,070/ 8,056

Total numbers of persons assisted 25,118 / 21,600 (but not life threatening situations)

Total number of persons rescued (where life at risk): 5,689/ 5,276

Total recorded deaths (excluding suicides): 198 /188

Of the fatalities recorded by the Coastguard:

• 96 were maritime-related

• 92 were recovered bodies

• 176 suicides, or suspected suicides, in 2004 (118 in 2003)

Hoax calls up from 232 in 2003 to 301 in 2004. (Wed. Feb. 16 2005)

Container M/V CMA CGM Pasteur at German repair specialist Lloyd Werft in the port of Bremerhaven (for extensive overhaul including class renewal) -- evacuated Feb. 11 after floating dock in which ship was berthed for repair broke free from moorings -- harbor tugs scrambled to prevent dock from striking a quayside & keep it in position. All yard employees working on vessel's stern were able to move to safety. All safe. (Wed. Feb. 16 2005)

Bulgarian-flagged M/V Elanta, Morocco for Turkey with iron & 17 crew -- suffered engine troubles Feb. 15 & caught in open sea by the grave weather conditions -- drifting 2 days -- now near Aegean isle of Chios. (Wed. Feb. 16 2005)

66mt. cargo M/V Fritind (ex-Arklow Dew) (built 1978), Rotterdam for Averoy with Corn-Maïs -- departed Rotterdam 21:40, Feb. 14 -- reported offshore Hook of Holland, flooding & needed assistance -- Lifeboat Christien & Scheveningen lifeboat Jan Van Englenburg dispatched -- took off 3 of 6 crew -- 2 large holes on SB side of M/V Fritind reported & she loosing diesel oil -- tug M/V Fairplay 23 dispatched from the Europort (Amsterdam) & tug M/V RPA 16 on scene. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Feb. 15 2005pm)

11,152gt. passenger ro/ro M/V Arion (built 1972), Piraeus-Chios-Mytilene with 20 passengers, grounded in lat 38 34.6N, long 25 51.4E, on NW coast of Chios, following damage to steering gear, at 0430, LT, Feb. 11 -- passengers taken off by Super Puma helicopters<<Webfeature, all crew safe. Vessel sustained some damage.(Tues. Feb. 15 2005pm)

St. Vincent & Grenadines M/V Sea Ray, with 10 crew for Crete's Souda port-- sank off Crtete Island Coast -- 8 rescued by M/V Inka Dede -- 2 dead. (Tues. Feb. 15 2005) UPDATE>> Ship had length of 70 m & was on way from Libya to Turkey -- developed increasing list & started to sink -- 2 warships, 1 helicopter, 1 plane & severalmerchant ships participated in the search. Shipwreck occured in the same area where M/V Voyager came to grief (see beow). Windforces were up to 10, waves up to 14 m. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Feb. 15 2005pm)

Bahamas cruise M/V Grand Voyager, Tunis for Barcelona, with 732 passengers, crippled by severe storm with Force 11 winds (100km/hr) -- adrift In Distress in W. Mediterranean -- several people injured (fractures) & lost all engine power -- high wave smashed through bridge windows, damaging electronics - thought to have caused the power cut-off -- 2 ocean tugs - Spanish & French - traveling to stricken vessel -- hoping to tow her into French port. Crew will turn M/V Voyager<<Webfeature, into weather when power restored. From our correspondant A.L Griffiths. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Voyager has limped to Sardinian Port of Cagliari<<Webfeature, All safe. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005pm) UPDATE>> M/V Voyager sistership M/V Explorer also damaged in the Pacific several days ago. These sisters don't like bad weather! From our Correspondant José Luis at Ships of The World. (Tues. Feb. 15 2005)

UK tug M/V Intrepid B, sank in W. Wales, Pembrokeshire Harbor Feb. 14 -- went down fast & stuck fast -- started taking water just after 0800GMT sank to sea bed as tide came in with 45,000 liters of diesel. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

Severe Storm In Feb. 12 Weekend -- Given Name Ulf, Storm Led to Following For Kiel-Canal area:

M/V Bothniaborg & RoRo M/V Alteland -- in collision -- at entrance of Brunsbuettel locks of the Kiel-Canal. All recovered. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

M/V Amirante (built 1975) touched head of Brunsbuettel Locks of the Kiel-Canal on departure. No injuries.. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

Car carrier M/V San Mateo ordered tug assistance for entering Kiel-Canal but broke lose from tugs 3 times. Ship then dropped both anchors, but chains entangled with each other. Tug secured the M/V San Mateo until problem solved. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

80m Duth M/V Nola (built 1999) -- stuck fast in Kiel-Canal for 3 hours -- tug from Kiel ordered to get ship free but freed itself own power. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

M/V Freiheit capsized & sank -- Capt. saved from life boat with slight hypothermia by a policeboat in Bremerhaven -- wreck spotted & to be raised on Feb 14th. (Mon. Feb. 14 2005)

M/V Dartmouth Higher Ferry -- broke free from its guide chains In poor & squally weather -- seen drifting down river with 34 passengers, 2 crew & 15 cars aboard. M/V Higher Ferry seen drifting amongst other vessels & turning in the wind. Dartmouth; Torbay & Berry Head Coastguard Rescue Teams immediately sent to area who quickly established that no one was in the water and the Police were notified. All passengers rescued. Intention is to wait until low water when M/V Dartmouth Lower Ferry will drive up river & by lowering its ramp onto the Higher Ferry will allow cars to be driven from one vessel to the other & then finally brought ashore. (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

Celtic Link Ferries M/V Diplomat, Rosslare for Cherbourg, with more than 100 passengers -- drifted for 4 hours off SE coast of England after loss of engine in high seas & gale force winds. Repairs made -- vessel proceeded. (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

U.S. 72-foot trawler F/V Anna Marie, with 3 crew began taking on water 18 miles south of Oregon Inlet, N.C. -- lost her shaft packing & taking on water quickly -- engine completely swamped. U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter arrived at 4:18 a.m. -- 2 feet of freeboard left on F/V Anna Marie. Helicopter lowered 2 pumps to the boat &fishermen used rags to stem leak -- towed to Fort Macon, N.C. (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

Taiwan flag 5,177-ton M/V Jui Tai No. 8, Hualien Port on Taiwan's east coast on Feb 10 for Ishigaki, Japan's southern-most island, with sand & 18 crew -- LOST -- empty life raft found -- 6 search vessels in area -- 18 feared dead. (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

U.S. F/V Adriana, grounded near Kodiak, Alaska, about 8:40 a.m. Feb. 10 -- all rescued. (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

U.S. 165-foot 289t dredging M/V Eland, acting as support vessel for Santa Ana River dredging project, ran aground Feb. 6, while trying to tow dredging pipes to offshore dump site -- pulled free Feb. 8 by a fleet of Newport Beach, CA shoreline by tugboats operated by a Long Beach towing firm, Sauce Brothers Ocean Towing. Nehalem River Dredging Inc., owner of vessel, was fined US$5,000 for waiting 24 hours before notifying U.S. Coast Guard of the incident (Sun. Feb. 13 2005)

Ferry M/V European Highlander, with 43 passengers & 57 crew, became casualty of atrocious weather which battered much of Britain. Winds up to 100 knots pushed vessel aground on stretch of shingle beach only 100 yards from her intended berth. Those aboard unlikely to get off until noon Feb. 13 - a full 30 hours after they should have safely arrived at the SW Scotland ferry port of Cairnryan. (Sat. Feb. 12 2005)

Bangladesh ferry with 33 passengers collided with another ferry shortly after having sailed from the terminal at about 10:30am in river Rupsha -- capsized -- 11 passengers swan ashore -- 25 missing -- rescue operations continue. (Sat. Feb. 12 2005)

U.S. tug M/V CSS Arkansas -- sank after collision-- with 505ft Greek M/V Rodon Amarandon. 1 of 7 barges with M/V CSS Arkansas also sank. All crews safe. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

2,736dwt Cambodian M/V Helena 2. Russian port of Nakhodka for Onahama port on the other side of Honshu in Fukushima prefecture NE of Tokyo with timber & 28 crew -- aground off Japanese island Honsu on Feb. 10th. Vessel expected to sink. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

07.02.2005 at 0400 LT at Buenaventura inner anchorage 3, Colombia -- pirates boarded abulk carrier at forecastle and broke padlocks on store rooms. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed. Master informed coast guard -- coast guard boat arrived promptly within 9 minutes for investigation. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

06 Feb. 2005 at 1936 UTC in posn: 01:21.6S-116:58.3E, Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates boarded tanker during STS operations. Police on board opened fire at pirates but they managed to cut ropes of 2 liferafts & throw them overboard.They jumped overboard & escaped in their boat taking liferafts. Police searched area but could not apprehend robbers. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

03 Feb. 2005 at 1530 UTC in posn: 03:12S - 116:21E, Kota Baru anchorage, Indonesia -- 6 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier. They hit duty A/B on his head & tied him up. D/O sent cadet to look for A/B but robbers held knife at his throat & tied him up. Robbers opened forward locker & tried to steal ship's stores. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ships equipment & escaped in unlit boat. Master called port control but received no response. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

02 Feb. 2005 at 0245 LT in posn: 01:16N - 104:10E, Singapore straits. Ten masked pirates armed with guns& long knives boarded chemical tanker underway. They tried to break bridge window glass but did not succeed & escaped empty handed. Master raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle & reported to VTIS Singapore. Marine police came -- searched the area. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

02 Feb. 2005 at 0130 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- 7 pirates armed with long knives boarded chemical tanker -- stole ship's stores & escaped in unlit boat. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

02 Feb. 2005 at 0350 LT at Kandla anchorage, India -- pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastle. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped in an unlit boat with ship's equipment. Authorities informed. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

01 Feb. 2005 at 0030 LT at Tan Thuan port off Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam -- pirates boarded bulk carrier at berth during discharging operations - broke into storeroom & tried to steal ship's stores.  Alert crew raised alarm -- robbers escaped empty handed. (Fri. Feb. 11 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

130-foot U.S. tug M/V Betty Wood, pushing 500-foot barge with 10 crew, experienced engine fire 17 miles E. of Haulover Beach<<Webfeature,. Crews from U.S. Station Miami Beach, Station Fort Lauderdale, Air Station Opa Locka & Coast Guard Cutter Gannet responded -- fire reported extinguished, although there is still smoke on board. From our Sr.Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 10 2005)

Cambodian flagged dry cargo M/V Helena-2, Russian port of Nakhodka for Onahama port in Fukushima prefecture NE of Tokyo, with timber & 28 crew -- aground near Japanese Aomori prefecture, N. of Honshu Island. Vessel transmitted a SOS signal, but reports lacking -- vessel damaged. All crew evacuated. (Thurs. Feb. 10 2005}

38-foot F/V Hollywood -- reporting SOS - sinking & all 3 crew to life raft. U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flying in Gloucester, Mass. area headed to sinking vessel & rescued all crew on life raft. Helicopter crew took fisherman to Coast Guard Station Gloucester<<Webfeature, where met by local EMS. Refused treatment & released. 2 of 3 wearing survival suits -- had an emergency position-indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB), which went off at 1:30 p.m. -- confirmed distress & position for U.S. Coast Guard. (Wed. Feb. 9 2005)

ICC Int'l Maritime Bureau reports chemical tanker underway in Singapore Strait on Feb. 2 -- attacked by 10 masked pirates armed with guns & long knives -- pirates tried to break bridge window glass but didn't succeed & escaped empty handed. Master raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle & reported to VTIS Singapore. Singapore Marine Police responded & searched the area without finding attackers. (Wed. Feb. 9 2005)

North Korean cargo M/V Adnan-1, Russian port of Novorossiysk<<Webfeature, for Syria with iron & wood -- began sending S.O.S. signals at 1000 GMT after suffering serious list 30 NM off Black Sea port city of Sinop, off Turkey's N. coast -- capsized in snow storm late Feb. 8 -- 9 crew pulled from life boat by Turkish Army helicopters as bad weather prevented local coast guard from acting -- 2 missing & presumed dead. (Wed. Feb. 9 2005)

Chemical M/T Eberhard, in ballast, ex-Antwerp for Brunsbuttel, suffered engine blackout after which the vessel tried to anchor -- but vessel ran on sandbank in the Bocht van Walsoorden near Paal at about 1330, local time, Feb 5 & got stuck on bank. After several hours tugs M/T Union 9 & M/T Schelde 12 managed to refloat vessel at 1500 LT. Crew of tanker solved engine problems & vessel sailed under its own power down river under escort of tug M/V Multratug 12. The vessel was bound for Brunsbuttel where there will be inspection of her bottom. (Tues. Feb. 8 2005)

3,201dwt Isle of Man flagged, 86.7 meter M/V Jökulfell (ex-Nordland Saga) (built 1989), with 1978 tons of construction steel, containers & 200 tons of gasoil bunkers & 11 crew -- capsized & sank in the North Atlantic, Feb. 7, 60 miles NW off Faeroe Islands. Electronic distress signal (DSC) was picked up 20:00 UTC 7/2-2005. Approximately 2 hours later a rescue helicopter was on scene & noticed vessel being capsized. Royal Danish Navy frigate Vædderen (F 359)<<Webfeature, has rescued 5, but 6 missing. Faeroese ship also took part in rescue. From our Sr.Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Feb. 8 2005)

PIRATE ATTACK 2005 UPDATE>> There were 325 reported attacks against ships in 2004, compared to 445 in 2003, according to 2004 Piracy Report released by the ICC Int'l Maritime Bureau (IMB) but more seafarers were murdered. The number of crew killed increased to 30 as compared to 21 in 2003. Eighty-six crew kidnapped with ransoms demanded for their release. The Report Continues:

"Although the decline in the number of attacks is to be welcomed, there is concern that in some key hot spots the situation has deteriorated," said Capt Pottengal Mukundan, Director of the ICC Int'l Maritime Bureau (IMB) which runs the IMB Piracy Reporting Center. "There is an increase in the attacks in the Malacca Straits. Violence in the attacks in Nigeria has increased. Attacks in Lagos accounted for the highest number reported in a single port. Balikpapan, a major oil port in Indonesia had the 3rd highest number of attacks reported. Overall, vulnerable vessels such as tankers accounted for over a quarter of all attacks".

Indonesia continued to record the highest number of attacks with 93 reported incidents in 2004. IMB commented: "This is a welcome drop from 121 in 2003 but it still accounts for more than one quarter of the worldwide incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships."

Attacks in Malacca Straits are ranked 2nd highest with 37 incidents. Many of these attacks were serious and involved vessels being fired upon and crew kidnapped for ransom. During 2004, 36 crew members were kidnapped, four killed and three injured in the Malacca Straits.

Attacks in Nigeria decreased from 39 in 2003 to 28 in 2004. However, Nigeria still has 3rd highest number of incidents and is regarded as the most dangerous area in Africa for piracy and armed robbery.

Other countries and areas where there is a marked increase of reported attacks include Malaysia, Singapore Straits, South China Sea & Haiti." (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

50 ton former Bodensee-ferry M/V Schrauberl-Claudia (Built about 1974) -- sank in yacht harbor of Steyreegger, Austria, on Feb. 5 -- Firefighters tried to save 30 meter vessel with pumps but failed. Feb. 6 divers tried to repair the leak, ship is still aground. Formerly carried 140 passengers. From our Sr.Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

150.000 dwt, 267mt M/T GenMar Kestrel, at anchor -- in collision off Egypt Feb. 4, with -- U.S. registered M/T Trijata -- vessels lost total of 1.500t. oil. M/T Trijata (ex-M/T Singapore) suffered Tank no. 5 torn open, none of 26 crew injured. Smit Salvage sending tugs for salvage. From our Sr.Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

5,910dwt dry cagro vessel M/V Saatli (Built 1963), with 42 tons of diesel fuel & 3 tons of lubricants, blown onto sand bank -- when gale force winds dragged the vessel's anchors on Feb. 5-- 5km north Russian Caspian port of Makhachkala. Salvage vessel, M/V Atkai Veliev dispatched immediately from Baku, but ran aground itself at rescue site -- had to be refloated Feb. 6 evening by Russian rescue vessel. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

Australian ferry M/V Spirit of Tasmania I, Melbourne to Devonport -- hit by rogue waves of 20 meter height in Bass Strait, Australia. Vessel returned to Melbourne with structural damage - being assessed now. Wind was up to 50 knots. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

Give These Guys A Driving Test>> 8.226 BRZ French 147 meter ferry M/V Dieppe (ex-M/V Sagaland) (Built 1981), ex-Newhaven -- in collision with pier in Dieppe, Feb. 2 -- extensive bow damage -- repeat of March 7 2004 incident. As 2nd ferry of New-haven-Dieppe-Service already is in a shipyard for repair, there is no ship left now for the ferry service. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. From our Sr.Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

UK S/V Jacaranda found near the western entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, Feb. 5. -- casualty a male in his 50's believed overboard from his yacht. Onboard also was the casualties wife and three children -- casualty was lifted from his yacht in a spinal brace and transferred to Queen Alexandra Hospital. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

Bulk M/V Iolos Celebrity, with 75.000 tons soja -- suffered engine room fire at Hamburg harbor on Feb. 1 -- crew able to tackle flames. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

SPECIAL READERS NOTE>> Visiting Editor Libby Thompson has covered dramatic stories while this site was dark -- BELOW are Feb. 4 &5 stories held until now --

What Is It About The Super Bowl? Three Maritime Law Enforcement Incidents --

Jacksonville Sheriff Office patrol boat with 2 deputies patroling St. Johns River waters for Jacksonville's Super Bowl fireworks celebration -- collided with Old Fuller Warren bridge at 8:41 p.m. on Feb. 3 night.

Volusia County Sheriff's Office patrol boat struck the bulkhead of the St. Johns River near St. Vincent's Hospital in Riverside Feb. 4 afternoon. Deputy Howard Wetzel thrown from patrol boat, perhaps by large wake, then vessel struck the wall. Wetzel rescued from water & not hurt. Vessel with canopy collapsed &heavy damage to fiberglass bow, towed to U.S. Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This was 2nd accident involving law-enforcement boat patroling St. Johns River for The Super Bowl in less than 24 hours.

Holland America cruise M/V Zaandam, for Jacksonville for the Super Bowl was delayed for 6 hours at Port Canaveral Feb. 2 because a passenger on a previous cruise accidentally brought a gun aboard. Passenger discovered her husband had packed her gun bag, thinking it was her camera. "Nobody is allowed to bring a weapon on board, not even the captain," U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer JosephIngram said. "Considering the vessel is going to Jacksonville and had a breach of security, we did a complete sweep and made sure the vessel was following its security plan." From our correspondant Libby Thompson (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

22,046gwt bulk M/V Aurelia (built 1981), Peru for Japan & China with copper & zinc concentrates & 22 crew -- sank off Japan's Chichijima Island on Feb. 2 --9 crew rescued --13 missing. Cause being investigated. From our correspondant Libby Thompson (Fri. Feb. 4 2005)

100,000gwt Marshall Islands registered, 250-meter M/V Overseas Josefa Camejo, Venezuela for Sweden with crude oil -- suffered death of 34-year-old Filipino Master -- stabbed at 1800 GMT, Feb. 3 -- despite medical treatment, pronounced dead on board -- murderer may have jumped overboard 3 miles off Berry Head, off Devon Coast, UK -- currently anchored in waters outside Brixham. Brixham Coastguard conducted sea search off Berry Head for the missing crew, but no results. Widow of deceased Master will be flown to UK from her home in Philippines. From our correspondants A. L. Griffiths & Libby Thompson (Fri. Feb. 4 2005)

Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Halifax<<Webfeature, with 225 crew, on routine maneuvers off the U.S. eastern seaboard -- struck broadside by rougue wave -- causing violent, stomach-churning roll early Feb. 3, sending sailors flying & injuring 3 -- vessel will continue deployed off United States, & has carried on with her mission. From our correspondant Libby Thompson (Fri. Feb. 4 2005)

2,7001gtchemical/oil M/T Red Point (built 1984), with gasoline -- aground at entrance to River Amazon for about 2 to 3 days. Smit Salvage BV have been contracted under Lloyd's Standard Form salvage contract -- mobilizing tugs & salvage team. From our correspondant Libby Thompson (Fri. Feb. 4 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Red Point refloated by SMIT Salvage BV salvage team Sunday/Monday (Feb 6/7) & shifted to safe anchorage in Macapa area, where diving inspections undertaken. On completion of inspections, vessel redelivered to its owners . (Fri. Fe. 11 2005)

SPECIAL READERS NOTE>> This feature will be "Dark" on Feb. 4 & 5 2005 due to travel schedule. Your Visiting Editor Libby Thompson will be monitoring activities on the "Internet Sea Frontier" for timely postings when we resume on Sunday, Feb. 6 2005. Thanks For Your Support. McD

Honduran flag M/V Virginia (ex -M/V Vigla, ex-M/V Janne Wehr), Tunisia for Slovenia with salt & 6 crew -- sank early morning hours today 212 nautical miles W. of Pilos inside Malta FIR. British warship collected 2 bodies early morning today, while merchant ship in region picked up 3rd body hours later -- 3 missing -- very adverse weather conditions. (Fri. Feb. 4 2005) UPDATE>> 3 of 7 crew dead. Little hope for the remaining 4. From our correspondants Libby Thompson & Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Feb. 7 2005)

72ft F/V Enterprise, with 4 crew, suffered engine room fire 2 miles E of Nantucket -- 1 dead --remaining crew picked up by U.S. Coast Guard -- taken to Cape Cod Hospital.(Thurs. Feb. 3 2005)

Hong Kong registered 555-foot bulk carrier M/V Cape Flattery, with cement & 117,000 gallons of fuel oil & lubricants -- aground at entrance to Barbers Point Harbor. Vessel inbound 7 a.m. to offload cement when it ran aground 400 yards from entrance. USCGC Washington<<Webfeature, on station -- plan is for the ship's owner to complete a salvage plan & have 4 tugs in place before high tide at 8 p.m. to assist in refloating. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.(Thurs. Feb. 3 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Cape Flattery refloated this morning. (Sat. Feb. 12 2005)

68ft F/V Placida Queen, with 24 souls -- began taking on water 10 miles west of Charlotte Harbor. U.S. Coast Guard vesserls from Station Fort Myers Beach, 2 helicopters from Air Station Clearwater & Marlin aircraft were dispatched to Placida Queen's location. Good Samaritan vessel F/V Angler's Dream, also responded to the call. Twnenty-two transfered to F/V Angler's Dream. Capt. & Mate F/V Placida Queen remained aboard. Both Placida Queen & Angler's Dream, escorted by U.S. Coast Guard back to port -- F/V Placida Queen limped back into Gasparilla Marina in Boca Grande, Fla. From our Sr. Correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Feb. 3 2005)

Alert>>Ship's Master injured during Pirate Attack in the early hours of Feb. 1 morning in Gulf of Thailand off West coast of Vietnam -- pirates armed with guns & long knives boarded chemical tanker while underway. They raided Master's cabin, stole cash from the ship's safe as well as the Master's personal belongings -- then tried to take Master to their boat but he resisted & received injuries. Pirates then escaped in their boat. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

U.S. 68-foot charter F/V Placida Queen, with 22 passengers - taking on water 10 miles W. of Charlotte Harbor, St. Petersburg, FL. U.S. Coast Guard responded -- rescued all aboard -- Capt. & crew member remained aboard as vessel escorted by Coast Guard boats back to Placida Deep Sea Fishing Company on Gasparilla Sound. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

72-ft F/V Enterprise, with 5 crew -- suffered engine room fire 2 miles E. of Nantucket -- 4 crew picked up by U.S. Coast Guard helicpter in life raft & flown to Barnstable Airport -- then taken to Cape Cod Hospital -- 1 dead identified as 45-year-old William Langisera. Other crew OK -- all New Bedford residents as well: Capt. John Verissimo, Shannon Pacheceo & Jose Barbosa. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

23,904gwt product M/T Radwan (built 1980), Rio Grande for Iran with unkown cargo -- suffered engine failure Jan. 31. at approximately lat 34 08S, long 08 52E. Salvors have rendered assistance on LOF terms. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

28,739gwt M/V Hardwar (built 1987), Houston for Thessaloniki with 43,270 M/T Petroleum Coke -- slipped her anchor in heavy seas NW of Bermuda on Jan. 31 -- 1600 M/T of water discovered in the vessel's forepeak but because of the draft was unable to berth in Bermuda. M/V Hardwar currently 20 miles N. of Bermuda awaiting owner's instructions. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

14,895dwt Chemical/product M/T Frank, suffered machinery problem off Guernsey, Channel Islands, Jan. 28. Adrift. At sea repairs could not be effected --Belgian salvors, URS Salvage & Towage Union<<Webfeature, -- engaged on Lloyd's Open Form. From our correspondant Cameron Roberts, Esq. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005) UPDATE>> German-owned chemical/products M/T Frank taken in tow Feb. 2 night after suffering main engine trouble on 28 Jan. Belgian tug M/V Alphonse Letzer & M/T Frank expected to arrive at French port of Le Havre Feb. 3 afternoon under escort of emergency towing vessel M/V Abeille Languedoc. Year 2000-built M/T Frank carrying 11,000 tons of oil products loaded at Donges, oil port of Nantes-St Nazaire, for Teesport in the UK. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005pm)

22,000gt. Maltese-registered cargo M/V Aurelia, for Japanese port of Shimonoseki with zinc ore & 22 crew -- was close to Chichijima, an island 1,000 km (620 miles) south of Tokyo -- sank --14 of 22 crew rescued. Japanese Coast Guard searching. (Tues. Feb. 1 2005)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For January 2005

"One Brick Short of A Runway" - for Jan. 20055

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

Polish ferry M/V Pommerania, Copenhagen to/or/from Swinoujscie, Poland with 140 passengers & 79 crew -- in collision early today off Denish Falsterbro -- with Swedish M/T Rio Grande, with 13 crew -- both vessels damaged above waterline. M/V Pommerania escorted by the Danish coastguard into Port of Copenhagen. M/T Rio Grande resumed its way to Swedish Port Halmstad. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 31 2005)

British M/T Stolt Fulmar (built 2001), Hamburg for Antwerp with 4.900t chemicals, on Hamburg departure -- in collision at 4.15 off Blankenese -- with tug M/V Schleppko 7 (built 2001) had left Petrol harbor at 3 a.m. -- pontoon as well as tug severely damaged & taking water -- firefighters stood alongside, pumping until morning. M/T Stolt Fulmar slightly damaged, bulb steven deformed -- starboard hull torn open -- vessel left Hamburg after rudder, failure of which obviously caused the collision, was repaired. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 31 2005)

Russian trawler F/V Kafor near coast of Russian Primorye Maritime territory in the Far East. Stormy weather persists in incident area - wind force is reaching 20 meters per second -- waves 6 meters high. Crew signaled SOS at about 12:00 pm LT (05:00 am, Moscow time). Nakhodka guard unit of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) Frontier Dept. & 2 other vessel steaming to scene. Crew of An-26 plane has just discovered 2 rescue rubber rafts in the disaster area. Air crew cannot make out whether there are people on the rafts because of poor visibility, reported Vladivostok Rescue Center. (Mon. Jan. 31 2005) UPDATE>> 13 crew rescued from Russian trawler F/V Kafor by helicopters & rescue M/V Primorje -- 2 bodies found -- 2 other rescue ships, M/V Juri Orlenko & M/V Naporisty as well as aircraft still searching for remaining 5 missing crew on Feb. 2nd -- gash of 4m length tore open hull in rough sea when heading for Nachodka instead of Pusan as result of severe storm -- shotly thereafter, vessel capsized & forced crew into rafts. Update from our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Feb. 2 2005)

M/V Anke Angelika collided with Northern lock of Kiel-Canal in Brunsbuettel, Jan. 30, night -- caused by machine problems. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 31 2005)

85m, 1.939 BRZ M/V Helm Trader -- in collision port to port on Elbe River, close to the Rhinplate on Jan. 28 -- with 226m, 36.433 BRZ M/V Clipper Glory. M/V Helm Trader got on wrong lane & scraped M/V Clipper Glory. Both vessels damaged -- an officer obviously had a wee nip. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 31 2005)

North Korean-flagged M/V Lady Hassan, Cork for Mediterranean with 8 crew. early Jan. 29, but began to take water 20 nautical miles off coast -- returned to deep-water quay in Cork Harbor. Irish Coast Guard helicopter & Ballycotton Lifeboat attended scene. All safe. (Sun, Jan. 30 2005)

Port of Baku registered M/V Saatly, with 20 crew, aground off shore Makhachkala -- waves 4 to 5 meters high in the Dagestani area of Caspian Sea. All rescued, vessel under tow for Baku. (Sun, Jan. 30 2005)

33ft. F/V Nikki Louwith, with 3 crew , aground on Scarweather Sands, Porthcawl, UK. Mumbles RNLI All weather lifeboat was also requested to launch, and they were successful in assisting the vessel off the bank. Mumbles lifeboat evacuated 2 crew cold/wet & vessel being towed to Porthcawl. (Sun, Jan. 30 2005)

4535gt. general cargo M/V Welfare Diana (built 1973), disabled due to loss of propeller in lat 20 12S, long 35 55E, at 0100, UTC, Jan 27. Vessel remains in the same position -- owners are making arrangements for towage. Report: Cape Town. (Sun, Jan. 30 2005)

Holland America cruise M/V Veendam<<Webfeature, on Caribbean voyage suffered 230 people of 1,220 pasengers ill with gastrointestinal illness -- 30 of ship's 572 crew also became sick. Sick passengers were quarantined to their cabins while crew scrubbed banisters, elevator knobs & other areas to eliminate the virus, which spreads easily in close quarters. Made Tampa 13 hours early. (Sat. Jan. 29 2005)

Phillipines ferry M/V Joy Ruby, Manila for Coron -- hit shallow waters & sandbar off the port of Coron, Palawan. No injuries reported. (Sat. Jan. 29 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

23 Jan. 2005 at 0340 LT at Panjang port, Indonesia -- 3 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at berth. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped empty handed in speedboat. (Fri. Jan. 28 2005)

19 Jan. 2005 at 0135 LT at berth no.2, Rio Haina port, Dominican Republic -- pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker during cargo operations. Duty a/b raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard & escaped. (Fri. Jan. 28 2005)

16 Jan. 2005 at 0010 LT in posn: 20:39N - 106:51E, Haiphong anchorage, Vietnam. Several pirates boarded general cargo ship at forecastle. Duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & fled in unlit boat. Port authorities informed. (Fri. Jan. 28 2005)

14 Jan. 2005 at 0430 LT at Nanjing anchorage, China -- 3 pirates boarded chemical tanker -- broke padlock on locker & stole safety equipment. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped in a speedboat. Master attempted to contact local authorities but no response received. (Fri. Jan. 28 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

U.S. tug M/V John 1:1, preparing to take control of barge when tug began to sink on lower Mississippi River, near Destrahan, Louisiana. M/V John 1:1went down hampered by strong currents & high river levels -- 40-year-old Capt Chester Cheramie missing & presumed drowned. Traffic on river slowed significantly as safety zone was established from mile marker 117 to 115 with one-way traffic restriction. (Thurs. Jan. 27 2005)

25,000-ton, Bahamian-flagged 591-foot M/V Explorer<<Webfeature, Vancouver for Japan with Semester at Sea<<Webfeature, program of 681 students, 113 faculty & 196 crew, in 35-foot seas & winds gusting above 50 miles per hour approximately 650 miles south of Adak, Alaska -- disabled after reported 50-foot wave broke bridge windows & damaged bridge controls & injured 2 crew on Jan. 26. 378-foot Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Jarvis, is underway from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to assist -- as well as 3Coast Guard HC-130 long range aircraft -- to position 1,600 miles from Honolulu & 800 miles from Midway Island. (Thurs. Jan. 27 2005)

6.395 BRZ M/V Sea Venture II, Finnish harbor Kotka for Casablanca -- aground between Zeeland & Funen -- 40mt crack in bottom of ship as well as holes in 3 fuel tanks -- 200 tons bunker fuel pumped off. M/V Sea Venture II to remain at anchor until damage repaired. Oil fighting equiment sent to Kalundborg Fjord<<Webfeature, survey flies arranged until oil threat over. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 26 2005)

Death of The Full Moon>>Thousands of backpackers & Thais gather every full moon for all-night parties at the Haad Rin beach<<Webfeature, on Pha Ngan island, Thailand. Boat (rated for 30) crammed with 40 passengers to Samui island from nearby Pha Ngan, where revellers had gathered for all-night party -- capsized off E. Thai Coast -- 7 dead, 13 missing. From our correspondant A.L Griffiths. (Wed. Jan. 26 2005)

Greek crude carrier M/T Minerva Eleonora, with 103.000 tons of crude -- aground off Belgian Zeebrugge -- after some hours tugs managed to free the double hull ship -- meantime traffic to Zeebrugge stopped. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 26 2005)

Freighter M/V Assiduus, first collided with bank of Kiel-Canal<<Webfeature, near Landwehr-ferry -- but while trying to avoid collision -- M/V Assiduus collided with M/V Annerdiep which also grounded in Kiel Harbor<<Webfeature. Both ships as well as the ferryquay severely damaged. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 26 2005)

Coaster M/V Vika,ex--Riga for Swedish Västervik on Jan. 22, ran aground off Sweden -- came to rest on reef near to Marsholmen. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 26 2005)

ALERT>>Russian icebreaker M/V Krasin<<Webfeature, for American McMurdo Antarctic Station <<Webfeature,leading convoy of ships, includning U.S. hydrographic scientific research icebreaker USNS Natanell Palmer & U.S. 32,572dwt project carier USNS Paul Buck<<Webfeature, with 19,000 tons of diesel fuel for American polar explorers -- blocked by giant iceberg. Total area of iceberg exceeds 3,600 sq. Km. (Size of Rhode Island) & height 8 meters. Iceberg firmly embedded in low waters. If convoy fails to circumvent iceberg & approach berth at McMurdo Station<<Webfeature, which desperately needs fuel, will be necessary to evacuate over a thousand American polar explorers by air. Operational orders received from Russian government after U.S. administration asked Russian authorities for help. McMurdo is largest scientific research stations in Antarctica -- located on coast of Ross Sea. Shades of "Ice Station Zebra."[Howard Hughes' favoritie movie]<<Webfeature.(Tues. Jan. 25 2005)

Norwegian 60-meter trawler F/V Paula -- one of largest fishing vessels in Killybegs-based fleet, flooded & sank shortly after 7am on Jan. 24 -- all 11 crew safe. (Tues. Jan. 25 2005)

Liberian-registered M/T Kasco Monrovia, with 30,000 tons of diesel oil for state-owned oil importer Saigon Petrol -- crashed into pier at Catlai Port on Dong Nai river in southern Vietnam on Jan. 21, causing disruption to river traffic -- leaked thousands of tons of diesel oil into river in Vietnam's rice basket Mekong Delta region. No one shot to our knowledge, yet. (Tues. Jan. 25 2005)

Unidentified Chinese oil tanker, with 1,000 tons of light diesel oil -- in collision -- with 1,400-ton cargo M/V in ballast -- 20km (13 miles) E. of Nan'ao Island near Shantou, coastal city in China's Guangdong Province. Tanker sank within 10 minutes, forcing all crew to abandon -- 4 missing. Cargo vessel holed but not in danger of sinking. Rescue continues. (Tues. Jan. 25 2005)

135mt Dutch container M/V Jowi, suffered fire Jan. 22nd on Rhine River near Koblenz. Ship anchored near Rhens -- fire developed intense smoke --tackled by fire fighting ships. M/V Jowi anchored near Germersheim. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

7,923dwt Greek M/V IIce Prince, with 19 crew -- developed list of 30 degrees to port in Baltic off Sweden on Jan. 22nd. Cargo shifted in storm. Finnish tug M/V Baus came to aid &towed M/V IIce Prince to safe anchoreage off Oskarshamn in Kalmarsund. List of ship with 131,6mt.length reduced to 20 degrees. Two helicopters of Swedish Coastguard in attendance to save crew. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

UK tug M/V Fairplay 23 successfully reached Cuxhaven Jan. 19 to assist barge with stone-load of 70.000 tons which got into difficulties from Norway to England in Northsea after having been damaged by heavy seas. Water poured into barge -- developed list. Attempt to reach Danish port Esbjerg failed due to weather conditions. M/V Fairplay 23 reached Cuxhaven & fixed her to Humber Quay. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

M/V Regensburg, with barges of 2.300 tons oil to Ludwighshafen -- threatened to sink on the Rhine --ran aground close to Nackenheim -- taking water & ran it controlled at Guntersblum. Firefighters found water standing half meter high in engine room Jan. 20. Two boats with additional pumps succeeded to pump out 1.170 cbm water iduring following 6.5 hours. M/V Regensburg towed by container M/V to Oppenheim where leak repaired. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

German coaster M/V Ilka -- threatened to run aground off St. Peter Ording night of Jan 22nd after net blocked the screw. Ship in ballast, but but 35t diesel fuel in tanks. Rescue boat succeeded to tow ship to Husum harbor. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

Cruise M/V Mariner of the Seas, Port Canaveral on Jan. 16 for touring the western Caribbean -- 250 people fell ill with stomach virus, inlcuding 20 crew. (Sat. Jan. 22 2005)

Brittany Ferry M/V Val de Loire, arrived at Plymouth late Jan. 21 evening -- in process of co-ordinating search for missing foreign national 53 year old clean shaven male was last seen in bar area around 9.00 p.m. M/V Val de Loire had set sail from Cherbourg in France Jan 21 lunchtime & docked at Plymouth at 22.30 p.m. -- he failed to collect car upon docking & crew carried out a full search of the ferry. Need to check out that "bar area" thing again. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

UPDATE>> M/V Schieborg -- re-delivered back to her owners after vessel declared gas-free &fires confirmed out. Under control of a Wijsmuller salvage team, including fire fighting & chemical experts, who boarded by helicopter -- vessel towed in continues bad weather to Eemshaven. Further SvitzerWijsmuller fire fighting tugs moved in to assist with 1st attempt to enter port made impossible due to again deteriorating weather conditions during 12 Jan. With 2 additional seagoing SvitzerWijsmuller terminal tugs brought in from Denmak -- approaches to Eemshaven in between sand banks were successfully taken during next weather window with M/V Schieborg entering port at slack tide during evening of 14 Jan. Operations completed today the 21st of January to full satisfaction of owners & Dutch authorities involved. Follow Our Story<<Webfeature. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

15 Jan. 2005 at 0730 UTC at Macapa anchorage, River Amazon, Brazil. Pirates boarded general cargo ship via anchor chain & stole ship's stores from forecastle locker. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped in speedboat. Master reported incident to local authorities but no response. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

13 Jan. 2005 at 1550 UTC at Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates armed with guns & long knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastle. Alert duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole life raft & escaped in a speedboat. Master tried to contact port authorities & PFSO but no response. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

12 Jan. 2005 at 1045 LT in position 20:47N - 059:14E, off Oman, Arabian Sea. Four masked pirates in 4 white hull speedboats attempted to board container ship underway. Alert d/o raised alarm, crew mustered & activated fire hoses -- master took evasive maneuvers. Pirates aborted attempted boarding & moved away. At 1115 LT master observed another 6 speedboats in vicinity. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

11 Jan. 2005 at 0350 LT at Kingston, Jamaica -- 3 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker underway at forecastle -- broke in to forecastle locker & stole ship's stores. Crew mustered and at 0415 robbers jumped overboard & escaped in a boat waiting with 2 accomplices. Kingston coast guard informed. (Fri. Jan. 21 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Panama-flagged 214-foot freighter M/V General Lee -- denied entry to Port of Hampton Roads Jan. 11 -- U.S. Coast Guard crew boarded ship 10 miles off Norfolk after requests for M/V General Lee to remain 12 miles offshore for a security check were ignored. Capt. found intoxicated. Capt. Gyori arrested after U.S Coast Guard Sea Marshals smelled alcohol on his breath (no injuries reported to Coast Guard crew) -- Capt. Gyori failed 6 field sobriety tests but refused to take a breath test (6 tests!) -- Capt. being likely unable to even find his own breath at the time or to locate where his breath comes from. U.S. Magistrate James E. Bradberry, who presided at bench trial, convicted Capt. Gyori of operating commercial vessel while drunk & banished him from U.S. waters for one year. U.S. Coast Guard officers said they believed at the time they might have been dealing with terrorists. (Thurs. Jan. 20 2005)

Chicago barge in Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal<<Webfeature, on city's southwest side -- with 13,000 barrels, or more than 500,000 gallons, of clarified slurry oil (byproduct created when refining petroleum) ignited, exploded & sank -- 1 crew mising. (Wed. Jan. 19 2005)

Jinxed? >>£200m P&O cruise M/V Aurora -- set for round the world cruise from Southampton Jan. 9 -- continues with propulsion system problems -- 200 passengers jumpedship despite being offered free hospitality while awaiting departure. Voyage now expected to take 93 days instead of 103, with some smaller ports left out of the revised itinerary. In 2003, more than 1,000 people fell ill with a virus on board. From our correspondant A.L Griffiths. (Wed. Jan. 19 2005) UPDATE>> Troubled £200m liner M/V Aurora arrived back in Southampton after failed engine trials -- P&O cancelled its ill-fated world cruise -- passengers, who paid up to £41,985 each to take in 23 countries disembark Jan. 21 morning -- passengers to be refunded full fare & receive "cruise credit" worth 25% of amount paid for holiday if they booked another cruise holiday before end of Jan. 2007 -- applicable to those seniors who might remain alive. "Midnight Buffet" had been scheduled for 9pm. From our correspondant A.L Griffiths. (Thurs. Jan. 20 2005)

2,862-ton South Korean M/V Pioneer, Russian port of Vladivostok for Chinese port of Qingdao with 4150 tons iron products & 18 crew -- sank in high seas off North Korea's east coast -- only 4 recuscued, 14 presumed dead. 5000-ton South Korean vessel with helicopters entered North Korean territorial waters for rescue operation -- 1st time that South Korean ship allowed into North Korean waters for a rescue mission since Korean peninsula divided into the communist North & free South in 1948. Hope sprongs eternal. (Wed. Jan. 19 2005) UPDATE>> only 4 saved --search suspended Jan 24th. Rescue vessel M/V Naporisty returned to Vladivostok.From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 24 2005)

Dutch registered cargo M/V Hansa Lyon, departing River Ouse in UK, heading into Humber Traffic Separation Scheme with pilot aboard reported to Humber Coastguard -- suspect Master has fallen overboard -- pilot was piloting vessel & Master below at 2.15 am to get a few hours rest before pilot departed vessel. Crew later went to wake the Master, in order for pilot to depart vessel at 5.12 am -- Master not in his cabin. Immediate search of ship undertaken but the 52 year old Polish national was nowhere to be found. Weather is West North West F5, with slight swell & good visibility. (Wed. Jan. 19 2005)

70mt German registered F/V Annie Hillina, with 25 crew -- dragged anchor to North of Bressay in Voe of Cullingsburgh -- UK Shetland Coastguard contacted -- UK Coastguard tug Anglian Sovereign on scene -- able to connect tow & bring the trawler into harbor. (Tues. Jan. 18 2005)

UPDATE>> M/V Schieborg Stricken M/V Schieborg finally arrived in Eemshaven on Jan. 15 -- tugs M/V Fenha & M/V Frigga and standby vessel M/V Esvagt Gammamade final tow through the approach channel towards an anchor position 2 miles off the breakwater of this Dutch harbor. This took another 5 hours. The tugs M/V Neftegaz 57 & M/V Simson were still in attendance. Final fire fighting works & inspections started immediately. Vessel has continued to burn past Jan. 12. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. Follow Our Story<<Webfeature. (Mon. Jan. 17 2005)

>>New Sea Rescue Book "Gestrandet" ("Aground") From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen

Former passenger ship turned scrap barge Alabama broke partially loose from its moorings in Rouge River in Detroit Jan. 16 morning --vessel's stern swung out into the channel & blocked traffic in the river. (Mon. Jan. 17 2005)

North Korean-flagged M/V Lady O, with 700 tons of steel, from Evia in central Greece for Istanbul & 10 crew --sank 16 NM north of Psara island off the north Aegean island of Chios in strong winds & heavy seas -- 3 rescuded, 2 dead in lifeboat & 5 missing. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005) UPDATE>> 3 crew rescued alive! From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Jan. 17 2005)

13Mt. F/V Aquarius, with 3 crew -- in collision -- with 56,000gt. Bahamian M/T Alpha Germania, in ballast for Teesport. Humber Coastguard requested launch RNLI Amble Lifeboat & Rescue Helicopter from RAF Boulmer, which is standing by with Coastguard pumping equipment. A near by F/V Rejoice attended scene & has secured tow line to F/V Aquarius which lost all steering but not sinking. M/T Alpha Germania reported undamaged. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005)

Paddlewheel S/S Cajun Queen & New Orleans ferry bumped into each other while docking on the French Quarter side of Mississippi River. S/S Cajun Queen, a replica of a 19th century riverboat, sustained minor damage on its port side. No injuries. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005)

Indonesian tug M/V Christian & barge Flora -- towing through South East Asian Waters -- Philippines for Kota Baru, Banjarmasin in Indonesia -- hijacked & taken by pirates Jan. 8 2005 -- Confidential intelligence from the IMB Piracy Reporting Center resulted in recovery of hijacked tug & barge at Tawau in East Malaysia. As part of this operation, the Royal Malaysian Police detained 3 pirates & another individual taken into custody. Unfortunately, all 9 crew members still missing. Royal Malaysian Marine Police discovered the two vessels, operating under the false identities M/V Hita & M/V FL2 -- flying the Belize flag. At time of seizure, vessels were at local shipyard where staff had been instructed to change the names of vessels by altering lettering of their original names. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005)

4,412gt chemical/oil M/T Eco Princess (ex M/T Eleanna) (built 1990), in ballast, under Lloyd's Open Form, dated Jan 13, suffered engine breakdown. Salvage tug M/V Leopard proceeding to assist vessel. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005)

Panamanian-flagged M/V NYK Athena, Hong Kong for Los Angeles -- L.A. crane operator saw 3 men climb out of a container -- total of 32 stowaways found. Smuggling fees from China typically range from US$30,000 to US$60,000 per person. (Sun. Jan. 16 2005)

113mt. Papua New Guinea 8,027 DWT log carrier M/V HCH Ocean -- aground in Komalu Bay, on island NewIreland<<Webfeature, in the Bismarck Archipelago (03:35 S152:12 E) refloated by tug M/V Pacific Hawk. Vessel escorted to Rabaul for (underwater) inspections & re-delivery. (Sat. Jan. 15 2005)

92-foot crab F/V Big Valley, out of Kodiak with 6 crew -- sank in the Bering Sea on Jan. 15 -- U.S. Coast Guard said 1 dead, 1 died after rescue of 3 -- other 3 missing 70 miles W. of St. Paul Island. (Sat. Jan. 15 2005)

134ft. F/V Sultan, out of Seattle -- crewman washed overboard in the Bering Sea. (Sat. Jan. 15 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

>>Pirates Take No Tsunami Holiday _____

09 Jan. 2005 at 0500 LT at Tanjung Priok anchorage, Indonesia --5 pirates armed with knives boarded general cargo ship & entered engine room. Alert crew mustered & fought with robbers. Robbers jumped into boat & left empty handed. (Fri. Jan. 14 2005)

07 Jan. 2005 at 1220 LT anchored 3 miles off breakwater, Tanjung Priok cargo anchorage, Indonesia -- 4 armed pirates boarded general cargo ship & stole engine spares. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped in a high speedboat. Port authority informed. (Fri. Jan. 14 2005)

06 Jan.2005 at 0400 LT at Chittagong outer anchorage, Bangladesh -- several pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at poop deck. Alert crew mustered & activated fire hoses. Robbers stole ship's stores & fled in their speedboat. (Fri. Jan. 14 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Medallion Transport Corp. M/V Our Lady of Divine Grace, with 86 aboard, ran aground & stranded for 2 hours on shoal off Mactan Channel during the annual fluvial procession held on the eve of the Catholic Feast of Señor Sto. Niño in Cebu. Vessel among over 100 sea craft that joined fluvial procession, in highlights of various religious activities held prior to Jan. 16 celebration of Feast of Señor Sto. Niño, Cebu's patron saint. (Fri. Jan. 14 2005)

Unidentified M/V with Indonesian aid workers & relief supplies for tsunami-battered province of Aceh -- in collision -- with wrecked ship & sank -- all 30 crew swam to safety. (Fri. Jan. 14 2005)

Liverpoool F/V Siskin issued MAYDAY by mobile phone -- taking to raft 10 miles West of St Bees Head -- vessel capsized -- Workington lifeboat was 1st on scene & assisted in safe transfer of all 3 crew in the life raft to rescue helicopter which took them to St Bees Head to be met by Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team. (Thurs. Jan. 13 2005)

F/V I Don't Know capsized & partially sank -- held upright by M/V Troy Williams, a jack-up oil rig off Hackbury, La. (Thurs. Jan. 13 2005)

UPDATE>> M/V Schieborg remains afire. Salvage experts are trying to tackle the flames. Follow Our Story<<Webfeature.. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

75,905gt bulk carrier M/V Great Moon (built 1984), Singapoe for Rotterdam & Immingham -- suffered crankcase problem & lost rudder control Jan. 7 -- crew attempting to carry out repairs & tug on standby as weather expected to deteriorate to violent Force 11 over next days. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Pirates Lay Low>> as latest weekly piracy report from the ICC Int'l Maritime Bureau (IMB) is an unusually short one with only 3 attacks reported. No incidents of piracy in the previously dangerous Malacca Strait have come to light since the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster on Dec. 26. This has fuelled speculation both that pirates based in Aceh may have become victims of the disaster & also that the reported ceasefire by the Aceh independence movement may also be a factor. Still, there is also that part about the whole U.S. Navy being on scene. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Europe Storm "Erwin" has led to several mishaps in the Kiel Canal, Germany ---

17,86grt, M/V Sandetti (built 2004), Norway to Greece for Dutch port of Harlingen -- in collision -- with 371gt trawler F/V Volharding (built 1987) -- both vessels headed for port with bow damage. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

10mt luxury motor yacht, with 2 men, 2 women & 4 children -- lost power on Dutch river Maas near Borghaven -- thrown over dam by current -- wreck broke into pieces -- not yet located on the bottom of Riiver Maas. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Gibraltar-flagged freight M/V Baumwall, entering Brunsbuettel lock of Germany's Kiel Canal<<WebCam, on Jan. 9th -- in collision -- with lock & M/V Anja Funk. Locks & both vessels severely damaged. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Container M/V OOCL Neva struck Brunsbuettel lock of Germanys Kiel Canal<<Webfeature, Jan. 7 & hit in stern by German coaster in same lock. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

M/V Annegret -- in collision with Kiel-Holtenau locks gate of the Kiel Canal<<MapFeature, -- vessel damaged on starboard side.(Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Germany's Kiel Canal<<Webfeature, is a major internal shiping route of modern Europe. All from our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.

22mt passenger M/V Kieler Sprotte (built 1905) grounded Jan. 10 in Kiel Harbor -- firefighters fought water in engine room & aft saloon after witnesses noticed unusual list of ship. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)from our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Unidentified Spanish F/V 120 miles off Scottish coast lost power during storm gusting to 100mph wind speed. 19 crew (spanish & portuguese) believed safe. From our correspondant A. L. Griffiths (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Norwegian M/T Havtank, in collision with buoy off North Sea-port Cuxhaven. Multipurpose M/V Mellum & rescue boat M/V Hermann Helms came to aid. M/V Havtank meanwhile arrived in Hamburg. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

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

Tsunami UPDATE>> U.S. military, primarily U.S. Navy has delivered 6.576 million pounds of emergency relief supplies to survivors throughout the tsunami-stricken areas of the Indian Ocean since humanitarian operations 1st began in late Dec. 2004. U.S. military flight crews have flown 872 missions in support of relief operations across 12-nation region, according to U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) fact sheet issued Jan. 11. Be proud of this long tradition. (Tues. Jan. 11 2005)

28,148gt container M/V CCNI Chages (built 1998), Europe for Chile -- carrying out an investigation into whereabouts of 30 containers following upon bad weather during the voyage -- also checking service to reefer container bank -- company report suggests containers lost or damage during voyage. (Mon. Jan. 10 2005)

Reinauer Transportation's<<Webfeature, unidentified tug with 446-foot barge with 4 million gallons of home-heating oil -- heading north through Hell Gate waters on New York's East River -- hit rocks north of Roosevelt Island Jan. 7, at 7:20 p.m. -- amount of oil spilled into East River wasn't immediately known. Staten Island-based Reinauer Transportation, was put into service &emdash; against the captain's wishes &emdash; without completing steering repairs, according to a report. (Mon. Jan. 10 2005)

Miracle>> United Arab Emirates-registered M/V AL Yamamah, Muscat in Oman for Malaysia, rescued Ari Afrizal, 22, at sea late last week -- swept out to sea when Dec. 26 tsunami hit his home in Aceh on Sumatra island -- ship has not provided other details or an exact date of rescue. (Mon. Jan. 10 2005)

528-foot M/T Global Challenger, with 258,836 gallons of heavy oil & 56,339 gallons of diesel -- briefly grounded in the Columbia River near Skamokawa, Wash. -- vicinity of Pillar Point Range at river mile 30 while transiting upriver on Columbia River. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Portland en route to scene to investigate Jan. 7 incident. (Mon. Jan. 10 2005)

Act of Humanity>> Thailand declined Jan. 8, to accept US$20M in tsunami aid from Japan, saying it should go to countries with greater need. "As far as the disaster relief efforts right now, Thailand believes that we've come to grips with the situation, but there are other countries that are in more need," Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow told a news briefing. "We believe the bulk of the assistance the Japanese government is providing right now should go to these countries," Sihasak said after Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura met with his Thai counterpart, Surakiart Sathirathai.

Campbell Transportation Co.<<Webfeature, 110ft. tug M/V Elizabeth M, with 7 crew, making way through Montgomery Island Dam on rain-swollen Ohio River, pushing 6 coal barges -- swept over a dam spillway & sank -- 3 dead, i missing -- 3 barges sank downriver from the dam & 3 sank above. Capt. may have tried to swing vessel around to help crew who were aboard barges when current swept the vessels into dam. When that happened, barges likely pushed M/V Elizabeth M through the dam. Vessels use locks to travel between different sections, or pools, of the river that have different water levels. Had M/V Elizabeth M not been swept into the dam after it left the lock, it would have continued up river to its destination -- water in area normally flows at 3 to 4 miles per hour, but was going 10 to 15 miles per hour because of recent rains. (Sun. Jan. 9 2005)

Alert>> 21,005gt Ro/ro M/V Schieborg (built 2000), with 10,000 rolls of paper, tank containers, machinery in containers & 15 crew -- currently afire in lat 55 54N, long 006 32.3E -- drifting in extreme bad weather off Danish coast. Capt. reports cannot fight blaze -- has abandoned into (a) liferaft(s). Wijsmuller Salvage team, consisting of salvage & fire fighting experts including 'first aid' operational equipment flown in to Esbjerg to take charge of operations -- tugs/standby vessels M/V Esvagt Omega & M/V Esvagt Gamma are proceeding. (Sat. Jan. 8 2005) UPDATE>> Taken in tow by tug/supply M/V Esvagt Gamma --proceeding at 2 knots -- fire understood still burning. Crew safe. (Sun. Jan. 9 2005) UPDATE>> M/V Schieborg remains afire. Salvage experts are trying to tackle the flames. (Wed. Jan. 12 2005)

Los Angeles class nuclear submarine<<Webfeature, USS San Francisco (SSN-71), with 137 crew (home port Guam) headed for a port visit in Brisbane, -- grounded Jan. 7 in Pacific, 560km S. of Guam --20 crew injured, 1 critical -- still out of helicopter range to allow evacuation of the sailor. USS San Francisco underway -- on the surface -- expected in port Jan. 10. Applications being taken for new commanding officer. (Sat. Jan. 8 2005) UPDATE>> Injured crewman has died. (Sun. Jan. 9 2005)

P&O ro-ro ferry M/V European Highlander, Larne for Cairnryan with 43 passengers & 57 crew beached on a shingle bank. Tugs will leave Greenock tonight bound for Cairnryan -- expected to arrive 8.00 am Dec. 9, morning -- plan is to refloat the vessel mid morning & berth it at Cairnryan. (Sat. Jan. 8 2005) UPDATE>> Tugs M/V Flying Phantom & M/V Point Gilbert were able at 10.30 LT/GMT this morning to refloat the grounded ferry -- but for passengers, it was 30 hours without a bar!

10,835gt container M/V Gilian (built 1980), in feeder service between Singapore & Jakarta -- suffered engine room explosion 250 miles SE off Singapore. Salvors rendering assistance tug on the scene shortly. Casualties not reported. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

Cruise M/V Pacific Sky off Queensland coast today suffered passenger overboard -- 23-year-old Victorian man -- helicopters on 3rd search of the near Caloundra on Sunshine Coast. Helicopters reporting sighting many objects thrown overboard as potential flotation devices but still no sighting of missing man. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

Rudder Rats>>U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office New Orleans issued a Marine Safety Bulletin advising masters & operators to be alert to stowaways trying to gain access to and hiding in rudder trunks on deep draft vessels. Coast Guard require fax from the master of ships bound for Port of New Orleans that requires the following information: (1) That a thorough search for stowaways was conducted upon getting underway from a foreign port; (2) Whether or not stowaways were found on board; (3) Stowaway history in the past 24 months; and (4) Whether or not the rudder compartment was checked during the search. The MSO also distributed information on installation of grid work to make the rudder trunk inaccessible from outside. Note: the hassle resulting from carrying a stowaway into the U.S. these days far exceeds the manpower expended in conducting a thorough shipboard search for stowaways when getting underway. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

790-feet M/T Tsunami (odd timing for a vessel with this name) appeared to be out of control on Mississippi River & had struck a marine terminal Jan. 4, along the west bank, near Westwego. Tanker currently anchored at mile marker 102 near Westwego -- light sheen reported in area, but source not identified. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

02 Jan. 05 at 0730 LT in posn: 26:13.2N - 056:52.2E, Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf / Arabian Sea. Several pirates armed with guns in six blue speedboats about 6 - 8 meters long crossed a container ship from starboard to port -- dressed in black clothes with facemasks. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered -- activated fire hoses. Boats followed, but later moved away. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

31 Dec. 2004 at 0330 LT at CBM Rio Haina terminal, Dominican Republic -- pirates armed with long knives boarded LPG tanker tied to mooring buoys. Duty watchman raised alarm & one robber jumped overboard -- other pirate threatened D/O with knife & also jumped overboard. Port control informed. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

29 Dec. 2004 at 1720 UTC in posn: 22:05N - 091:43E, off Chittagong, Bangladesh. Eight pirates armed with knives in an unlit boat boarded bulk carrier underway. Alert crew mustered & switched on deck lights. Pirates broke in to aft locker & stole ship's stores -- jumped overboard & escaped in waiting boat. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

27 Dec. 2004 at Kandla inner anchorage, India -- pirates boarded general cargo ship from small boat -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports

Brazilian flag 25,703gt container M/V Alianca Sao Paulo (built May 2003)-- aground in Elbe estuary at 05.25 - when trying to get pilot, ship stuck fast on Scharhoern reef, a well known graveyard of ships. First ship on scene was rescue M/V Hermann Helms from Cuxhaven, which had not enough power to help. Next tug M/V Taucher Otto Wulf 3 at 8.15am. Then emergency-tug M/V Oceanic arrived. M/V Alianca Sao Paulo could be turned, but not freed. As tide fell, the tugs M/V Taucher Otto Wulf 8, M/V Bugsier 12, M/V Bugsier 21, M/V Parat as well as the large rescue ship M/V Hermann Marwede -- sent to site. The multipurpose vessel M/V Mellum sent to prevent possible oil spill. At16.25 salvage fleet succeeded with help of rising flood to get M/V Alianca Sao Paulo -- with the bow ahead -- into deeper water. As the container vessel sitting with the aft part deep in the sand it had not been able to give assistance with its own machine. After freed M/V Alianca Sao Paulo escorted to Hamburg for further investigation -- originally delivered as M/V Rio Verde by Kvaerner-Warnow-Yard in May 2003 -- length 208 meters, 33.716 tdw & loading capacity of 2.524 TEU. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Jan. 7 2005)

2,219-ton Latvian M/V Sea Fox, Riga for Liverpool with timber & 10 crew, caught in a force nine gale Jan. 6 -- off Castlebay on the island of Barra under its own power listing 50 degrees to port -- SOS --ship's cargo shifted -- UK Barra lifeboat went to help. Clyde Coastguard reports no injuries. 2nd time the Sea Fox has required assistance in UK waters.as vessel was brought to Falmouth under tow after losing power following engine room fire on 11 Jan. 2003. See The Photo Feature<<Webfeature. From our correspondant A. L. Griffiths (Thurs.. Jan. 6 2005) UPDATE>> At 14:41 tied up alongside in port of Castle Bay, Isle of Barra, on her own power. (Thurs.. Jan. 6 2005PM)

The St. Lawrence Seaway officially closed for the season on Dec. 30, 2004, with passage of M/V McKeil Marine integrated tug and barge, McCleary's Spirit, through the St. Lambert Lock at 5:51 a.m. in the Montreal/Lake Ontario section. The Seaway opened its 46th shipping season on March 25 & remained open for 281 days in 2004. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

Danish trawler F/V, off island Ruegen in Baltic Sea -- began taking water Jan, 2 -- German Sea Rescue Service<<Webfeature, M/V Wilhelm Kaisen<<Webfeature, came to aid with additional pumps. Situation was brought under control -- ship escorted to harbor of Sassnitz. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

British F/V, Kiel for Denmark Jan. 3,after engine loss -- towed to yard by German Sea Rescue Service<<Webfeature, M/V Berlin. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

An uncommon event, icebergs spotted in New Zealand waters. The Marine Safety Authority has issued navigation warnings for the area. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

ALERT>>Water depths in parts of the Straits of Malacca, one of world's busiest shipping channels off coast of Sumatra, reached depths of about 4,000 feet before last month's tsunami. Now, Reports coming in<<Webfeature, of just 100 feet - too dangerous for shipping, if proved true. In another area of tsunami-effected waters, a merchant marine ship has logged that the depth was cut from 3,855 feet to just 92 feet. A U.S. intelligence imagery agency working around the clock to gather information, warn mariners & begin time-consuming task of recharting altered coastlines & ports throughout the region. Maritme Safety Reports<Webfeature.. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

10 meter yacht, Norderney for Dutch Delfzijl -- capsized off Northsea island Borkum Jan. 3 -- vessel dismasted & issued SOS -- German Sea Rescue Service<<Webfeature, M/V Alfried Krupp reached vessel 20 miles off Borkum. In waves of 4 m height -- managed to tow to Borkum harbor Jan. 4 morning.One crew to hospital.From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Jan. 5 2005)

Container M/V Durban Bridge, South Africa for Port Klang, rescued tsunami survivor after drifting 100 nautical miles from Acheh for 8 days in the Indian Ocean managed to cling on to an uprooted tree while praying for his survival after the giant wave struck his village on Dec 26. (Tues. Jan. 4 2005)

UK M/V Accordance -- MISSING -- last undertaking routine a radio contact within the Cardiff Roads area -- no further word since Jan. 3 morning. Swansea Coastguard leading search. Send word to The Cargo Letter. (Mon. Jan. 3 2005)

Another Tsunami Casualty? ....Portuguese-registered cargo M/V Global Island, Kenyan port of Mombasa on Dec. 25 for Dubai with 7 crew for repair -- foundered off Somalia's southern coast -- sent SOS -- U.S. crusier USS Hue City (CG-66)<<Webfeature, patrolling Indian Ocean started search on Jan. 2 night -- rescued only 5 sailors -- 2 missing. Precise time & circumstances of wreck unclear, but Somali's coast battered by tidal waves caused by a massive Dec. 26 tsunami. (Mon. Jan. 3 2005)

Depth Alert>> Ships plying the Straits of Malacca have been alerted to check the water depth regularly because the channel may have been altered following the tsunami disaster on Dec 26. The sand waves created by the tsunami could have changed the water depth following seabed movement in some shallow areas of the 600-nautical-mile-long straits. In an advisory to mariners, Marshall Island marine authorities urged the shipping community to observe any depths that may have changed and to make the appropriate reports. (Mon. Jan. 3 2005)

Many rescue stories tonight of Indonesian tsnami victims as U.S. sailors work around the clock along a 120-mile stretch of Sumatra's ravaged coast line, mainly from the air by helicopter units of USS Abraham Lincoln<<Webfeature(CVN-72) & her 5 vessel Carrier Group. In adition to a 2nd full Carrier Group, the Pentagon also has decided to send hospital ship USNS Mercy<<Webfeature, a 1,000-bed hospital ship based at San Diego, to join relief effort (Mon. Jan. 3 2005)

Pakistan Navy vessels PN Khaibar and PN Moawin<<Webfeature, - loaded with relief goods, medical supplies, doctors & 3 helicopters departing Karachi Jan. 4 morning to conduct relief operation for tsunami victims in Sri Lanka & Indonesia. (Mon. Jan. 3 2005) http://www.paknavy.gov.pk/FLEET/Ships.htm

Auckland Harbor Fullers ferry M/V Quickcat traveling from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island -- in collision -- with 20ft.fishing boat with 8 aboard -- 2 people in 70's taken to hospital. (Mon. Jan. 3 2005)

Canadian flagged H type 10,880 BHP Anchor-Handling Tug/Supply M/V Maersk Gabarus, with 11 crew, struck by rogue wave Dec 27, in North Atlantic storm off Nova Scotia. Radio reports indicate shattered windows &power knocked out in +50 knot winds. No reported injuries. Vessel eventually regained power & able to ride out conditions southwest of Sable Island -- being escorted Dec. 28, to port of Halifax by Canadian Coast Guard. M/V Maersk Gabarus services rigs operating the Sable Offshore Energy Project<<Webfeature for AMI / Exxon Mobil. From our correspondant Strongcoffee in Halifax, NS. (Sun. Jan. 2 2005)

USS Abraham Lincoln<<Webfeature(CVN-72)>>Desperate, homeless villagers on tsunami-ravaged island of Sumatra mobbed American helicopters carrying aid Jan. 1 as U.S. military launched its largest operation in region since Vietnam War, ferrying food & other emergency relief to survivors across the disaster zone. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

96ft. Washington State Ferries M/V Sealth -- Christmas Eve grounding near Friday Harbor -- initial estimates put the damage at US$700,000. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

US$9.7M book value cement carrier M/V Sinar Andalas, with 19 crew, anchored at Port of Lhok Nga in Aceh, Indonesia -- missing after tsunami capsized ship Dec. 26 -- 4 rescued. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

Philippine inter-island M/V SuperFerry 12, Manila for Cebu City -- rammed small fishing boat Dec. 30 -- 2 injured. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

9,648gt M/V Jaami (built 1979), Chittagong on Dec 21, called at Colombo for U.S. with ready-made garments, jute goods, handicrafts & other commodities -- capsized at Colombo outer anchorage following the disastrous tsunamis of Dec. 26 -- struck breakwater at entrance to Colombo port pm, Dec 26 -- all 22 crew safe . -- Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. together with Messrs. Sri Lanka Shipping Co. were contracted Dec. 29 to assist in operations. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Dec. 2004 at 0230 LT at Samarinda anchorage, Indonesia -- 3 pirates boarded bulk carrier during loading operations. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard -- escaped empty handed in a speedboat. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

22 Dec. 2004 at 0310 LT at Campha anchorage, Vietnam -- 8 pirates armed with iron bars boarded bulk carrier & assaulted duty A/B. Robbers stole ship's stores -- escaped. (Sat. Jan 1 2005)

Back To Year 2005 Reports
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For Reports From Last Year 2004 - Jan Through Dec. 2004

INDEX To Maritime Casulaties Database:

For Reports Fron 2003 - Go To Year 2004 Database

For Reports Fron 2003 - Go To Year 2003 Database

For Reports From 2002 - Go To Year 2002 Database

For Reports From 2001 - Go To Year 2001 Database

For Reports From 2000 - Go To Year 2000 Database

For Reports From 1999 - Go To Vear1999 Database

For Reports From 1998 - Go To Year 1998 Database

For Reports From 1997 - Go To Year 1997 Database

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Keep Exploring At Our Database Which Features Losses At 1999 & Before

 

  NOTE: The historic dangers of carriage by sea continue to be quite real. Shippers must be encouraged to purchase high quality marine cargo insurance from their freight forwarder or customs broker. It's dangerous out there. Buy the cargo insurance, before the loss!

 

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