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Daily Vessel Loss Dispatches Current Maritime Loss & Pirate Reports & Special Articles From The Cargo Letter -- Edited By Michael S. McDaniel, Esq. May God Bless Those At Sea Tonight. God's Speed & Following Seas !
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"Singles Only" - individual photos recent of transport crisis! Have You Seen The New Stuff? Seen -"Light OUTse"? Thar She Blows! - M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania - Nov. 2002 "T-E-U Bar-Be-Cue" - aftermath of M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania Loss Full Speed Ahead For M/V Alva Star - Oct. 2002 "Container Pool" - A Cargo Law Mystery - what? May 2002 "Dropping In On The Trucker" - it happened again - April 2002 DRAMATIC PHOTOS OF DUBAI DRY DOCK GATE COLLAPSE. (Wed. March 27 2002) 'UNDER Achiever" - tell your friends ! - March 2002 September 11, 2001 That Day -- Frozen In Time "White Planes Can't Jump" - trouble at Kuala Lumpur - dramatic photos! Pier Review- roll to the hole - Disaster at L.A. - Exclusive Photos! Sept. 2001 Tell It To The U.S. Marines! - A Symbol of Our Day of Infamy - Sept. 11 M/V Modern Drive - Incredible Story! Incredible Photos! May 2001 M/V Tracer - hero ship we overlooked! Oct. 2001 The Gallery of Transport Loss - See All Our Photo Features Did You Miss A Maritime Loss Report From Year 2001? << click here. Photos of The M/V Kodima Incident SEE > (Sat. Feb. 16 2002)

MARITIME LOSSES AROUND THE WORLD TODAY The Cargo Letter -- Edited By Michael S. McDaniel, Esq.

SPECIAL NOTE: The reference to "<<webfeature" in our articles is a premimum service from The Cargo Letter which provides a hot link window to additional information for you on the subject under discussion. We try to bring you the WHOLE story. All Dates & Times Are Local To Incident Except Where Indicated. Posting Date Reflects Report To The Cargo Letter at LAX. U.S. Navy & related <<webfeature links may not work during the current terrorism crisis as a matter of security imposed by U.S. Dept. of Defense.

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

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"Sit Down STRIKE At LAX"

In Memory of Shuttle Orbiter Columbia (OV-102) On Her Final Mission STS-107 -- Jan. 16 To Feb. 1 2003.

For Reports From 2003 - January To December

For Reports From All Years

Vessel Loss Dispatches For December 2004

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

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

Tragic Mid-Air Collision<<Webfeature, with details begining to be received. (Fri. Dec. 24 2004pm)

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

Singapore-based Sea Consortium's container M/V Jaami entering Colombo just as tsuami struck -- pounded against breakwate -- crew abandoned vessel & yesterday salvage operations reported about to start. (Tues. Dec. 28 2004)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guide us through the watery way;

In the hollow of thy hand

Hide, and bring us safe to land."

Classics Ethereal Library server, at Wheaton College.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vessel Loss Dispatches For November 2004

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

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

For Reports From All Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norwegian registered tug M/V Nestor -- aground outside Katthammarsvik<<Webfeature, east of Gotland in Baltic Sea -- rescue crews fear vessel may sink -- 5 of 6 crew rescued -- one crew reamins aboard -- trapped in a toilet, cannot evacuate due to extreme vessel list -- divers on way & planning to board vessel & knock in shut door, or extract trapped man via a vent. Weather condition so poor that M/V Nestor could not be approached by helicopter or boat. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004) From our correspondants Tim Schwabedissen & Staffan Gullsby. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004) UPDATE>> Divers found man dead inside toilet of capsized & sunk wreck of M/V Nestor. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Nov. 25 2004)

40,160-dwt chemical M/T Montana Sun (built 1994), Houston for Zarzis & subsequent Turkish ports with refined corn oil & tallow-- aground in Zarzis, Tunisia on Nov. 22. Vessel with 9.5 meter draft, but 2 pilots onboard, port authority & the ship agent all declared draft to be 13 meters. Guess who was incorrect. Guess who will be shot. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

21,630 gt bulk carrier M/V Polo M (built 1980), for Port Everglades with 26,000 tons of cement & 28 crew -- grounded on island of Gotland, Sweden. A number of double bottom tanks breached. Wijsmuller Salvage B.V.<<Webfeature,. . contracted Nov. 23 to assist & tugs from Sweden & Netherlands being mobilized to take charge of operations. Site is in lat 57 38N, long 18 48E. No ingress of water but hole in ballast tank. 10 crew evacuated by helicopter & rest remains aboard, vessel stable at present. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. Nov. 24 2004)

Liberian oil M/T Genmar Progress, Russia for Savona, Italy with cargo 74,000 tons crude -- afire -- close to entrance of Dardanellen, Turkey -- 30 crew remain aboard. Paul Wit From our correspondant Paul Wit. (Tues. Nov. 23 2004) UPDATE>>fire successfully fought by ship staff -- reported fully extinguished at 1400 UTC -- vessel currently underway. (Tues. Nov. 23 2004pm)

F/V Taruna Jaya with 91 people for wedding party, in waters between Ubur island & Dullah Laut island in Maluku island chain - 2,500km (1,600 miles) SE of Indonesian capital Jakarta -- capsized -- rated for only 30 passengers -- 84 rescued by passing fishing boats -- 20 other passengers taken to hospital on Tual & authorities arrested Capt. & crew over accident. (Mon. Nov. 22 2004)

Syrian-flagged cargo M/V Aradosh -- damaged to 2 holiday homes as she ran way aground on Asian side of Bosphorus in Istanbul damaging gardens & swimming pools of villas in Uskudar district -- high, gusting winds blowing over Turkish metropolis on Nov. 20. Pictures Please. (Sun. Nov. 21 2004)

2,900-ton Russian F/V Almaz, with 73 crew, suffered fire 35 miles (56 kilometers) N.W. of eastern island of Ullung, South Korea. South Korean Navy rescued 70 crew from burning ship before maritime police later salvaged one more -- search under way for 2 missing crew in heavy seas nearby. (Sun. Nov. 21 2004)

Bangladesh<<Webfeature, ferry M/V -- with passengers, passenger bus, 2 loaded trucks & pickup truck -- deemed overloaded -- capsized & sank early Nov. 20 -- at Kirtankhola River in Barisal-Bhola route of S. Bangladesh, in Barisal district<<Webfeature,120km (75 miles) S. of capital Dhaka -- Master of ferry fled scene immediately after accident -- 16 missing & presumed dead -- so far.. (Sat. Nov. 20 2004)

Russian Delta III-class nuclear submarine<<Webfeature, K-223<<Webfeature (built 1980), equipped to carry 16 intercontinental ballistic missiles<<Webfeature, docked at at Vilyuchinsk<<Webfeature, base on Kamchatka Peninsula in Far East -- suffered pipe burst Nov. 14 -- 1 sailor killed -- accident damaged vessel section, but boat remains fully operable, said Russian Navy. Some 24 years after launch & the well known lack of proper maintenance -- expect the worst from these subs. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

Greek M/V AVANTIS III (built 1977), Greek port of Messolonghi for Cyprus. with bricks & other construction materials & 12 crew -- sank -- after hitting clearly marked reef near Aegean Sea island of Aegina -- 1 dead as cook aboard went down with vessel just before dawn -- other 11 crew picked up by coast guard - taken to Aegina, located near Athens. From our correspondant Onno Miedema (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

Ferry M/V Wave Master 7, with 27 passengers on Tanjungpinang-Singapore route, left port at high speed & ignored signal given by another vessel approaching port on Nov. 18 off of Banten Island -- in collision -- all 27 passengers thrown into water -- most able to swim to Tanjungpinang seaport -- Ms. Siti Maryam, 60, fell overboard & drowned. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

U.S. 23-foot F/V Sea Fox, with 2 crew off Oregon Inlet off Cape Hatteras, N.C. -- capsized & sank by major wave -- F/V Fishing Fool picked up in crew less than 5 minutes -- for tranfer to U.S. Coast Guard. No injuries. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

77m Korean-owned but New Zealand-leased trawler F/V Melilla 201, suffered overboard loss of crew in the Southern Ocean Nov. 18 -- search now called off after any chance of him surviving in rough & freezing waters faded. Not the 1st time F/V Melilla 201 hit the headlines -- as 33-year-old Chinese fisherman disappeared in Aug. 2001 when she was fishing off Westport -- also 4 crew taken to Christchurch Hospital in July 2000 when faulty valve began leaking ammonia. F/V Melilla 201 is a"hard luck" vessel. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

M/V Godrilabuan II -- apprehended with illegal logs in Papua, allegedly involved in rampant illegal logging. Smuggling has gone on for 9 months & has involved local loggers -- backed by politicians from Jakarta & security officials from Navy & National Police. Papua governor Jaap Solossa demanded central government take action against corrupt security personnel from local police & Navy units who have backed ravaging of forests in province. Illegal logs shipped with fake documents from Papua New Guinea (GNP) through Mali in S. Philippines to China & India, 2 alleged major destinations of illegal logs from Indonesia. The timber barons have used many Thai vessels to transport illegal logs & their crews -- mostly Chinese & Thais. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

Piracy Warning>> Vicinity of Banjarmasin, off Pulau Laut, Balikpapan & Bontang in the Makasar Straits, Indonesia -- 13 attacks have been reported in past 6 weeks in these locations. Most attacks occurred while ships were at anchor. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

12 Nov. 2004 at 0730 LT in position 03:45.5N - 008:59.5E, Cameroon -- 6 pirates in a 6m white speedboat attempted to board supply ship underway. Master increased speed & boat abandoned chase. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

11 Nov. 2004 at 2230 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh --- 6 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier & stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard. Master informed coast guard which despatched patrol boat. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

09 Nov. 2004 at 0400 LT at Balikpapan coal terminal, Indonesia -- 3 pirates boarded bulk carrier. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard & escaped in speedboat. (Fri. Nov.19 2004)

1,378 gt M/V Northern Seeker (built 1975), Yumiden for "the German Sector", with oil rig equipment, suffered fire aboard, in lat 55 47.5N, long 03 59.50E -- Mayday relay sent by German oil rig platform. Fishery Protection Vestkysten departed Thyboron & headed for incident location -- fire extinguished by M/V Northern Seeker -- no injuries. Standby safety vessel M/V Esvagt Omega escorted M/V Northern Seeker to Esbjerg, due to maneuvering problems aboard Northern Seeker. Extent of damage unknown. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. Nov. 18 2004)

HONORS>> Destroyer HMAS Sydney<<Webfeature, with lost 645 crew -- enters it's 63rd year search for the missing vessel off Western Australia -- attacked by German raider Kormoran<<Webfeature, in Indian Ocean, 240 km south-west of Carnarvon on Nov. 19, 1941. Lost with all hands, location of wreckage remains subject to speculation. Royal Australian Navy today commemorated World War II destruction of HMAS Sydney - 2nd of 4 Australian Navy vessels to bear name - Royal Australian Navy today commemorated with wreath-laying ceremony at Martin Place cenotaph in Sydney. For More Information<<Webfeature. The Official Naval Report <<Webfeature. May this crew find peace. (Thurs.. Nov. 18 2004)

Australian M/V Maysora, with 3,000 Australian cattle stranded 3 weeks at Jordanian port as dispute continues between importers over an Israeli feedlot space. Over 5,500 already offloaded from vessel -- remaining 3,000 have access to feed & water. (Thurs.. Nov. 18 2004)

96mt. Panama registered 2,451gt general cargo M/V Fione (built 1967), French port of Montreuil for Tilbury with 12 crew in ballast -- grounded at Long Nose rocks at Margate, Nov. 17 -- refloated this morning. (Thurs.. Nov. 18 2004)

3,959gt general cargo M/V Eastern Challenger (built 1986), Hong Kong for Korea -- in collision -- with 21,932gt container M/V Rithi Bhum (built 2204), with containers, Singapore for Hong Kong -- - M/V Eastern Challenger sank as result of Nov. 16 incident -- all crew rescued. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004)

17.500 dwt M/T Vicuna (built 1983. ex-Jo Cypress), with 28 crew, loading 11.000 ton methanol at Port Paranagua, Brazil -- exploded broke in two & sank to bottom -- 4 dead & 24 rescued. Superstructure still visible. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. NOTE: We have dramatic photos to be posted soon. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004)

Kolkata Port Trust reports major fire suffered in a three-storeyed warehouse at Netaji Subash docks early today. Fire brought under control after 12 hours. Goods in warehouse included consignments meant for export & imported cargo. Carpets, polythene granules, edible oil & chemicals among cargo destroyed. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004)

Falmouth Coastguard received Nov. 16 request via UK Sailing Academy to assist lone sailor on his capsized 18 foot catamaran, 30 miles off coast of Morocco. The Australian sailing his small craft from Cadiz to the Canaries when capsized in rough seas. Finding himself on capsized hull in dark with only mobile phone & GPS, he called sponsors in UK. Falmouth Coastguard immediately contacted Moroccan Authorities for assistance & put out satellite broadcast to shipping in area requesting help. At 2.10am Nov. 17, the container M/V CMA CGM Rabtat recovered Australian safe & well. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004)

Chinese ferry M/V Liaohai, Yantai for Bohai Bay with 283 passengers & 49 crew -- suffered fire Nov. 16, shortly before entering Dalian in the N.E. Liaoning Province. Vessel evacuated & then ablaze -- 16 injured. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004)

UK 36' steel hulled F/V Jann Denise II, with 2 crew -- Missing -- Humber Coastguard coordinating search of area around Tynemouth covering 60 square miles of sea & requested attendance from Rescue Helicopter 131 from RAF Boulmer, RNLI lifeboats from Tynemouth, Hartlepool & Sunderland and shore search teams from Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team & Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade -- westerly winds force 6-7 & moderate to rough sea conditions. (Wed. Nov. 17 2004) UPDATE>> Humber Coastguard detected a smell of diesel & possible sonar "object" on the sea bed 4.5. miles from mouth of the Tyne & well within the search area. Absent of any sign of vessel or crew during search, Humber Coastguard have requested side sonar looking equipment from Humberside Police to determine if the object is the Jann Denise II now believed lost with all hands. (Thurs.. Nov. 18 2004)

NOTE>> We're Back From Port of Chicago. New Postings From Nov. 17 - Are Above -- We'll Catch Up From Nov. 14th - Below.

Our Visiting Editor Libby Thompson Has Monitored Vessel Losses For Posting The Complete Updates, Below. McD

Here Are All Reports from 14,15 & 16 Nov. --

Passenger ferry M/V Liaohai, with 273 passengers & 78 vehicles, suffered fire Nov. 16, Yantai City in eastern China's Shandong Province for Dalian -- 2 crew dead. (Tues. Nov. 16 2004)

Tempest At Algiers>> Algerian cargo M/V Bechar sank in high seas & Turkish M/V Wanda ran aground on Nov. 13 -- 100 km (65 mile) an hour winds & meter high waves, making it very difficult for helicopters to rescue anyone -- Algerian rescue services were searching for 17 sailors missing from the vessels on Nov. 14. Algerian transport M/V Batna also ran aground near port, but did not report crew missing or injured. Several other vessels at the port were damaged. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

UPDATE>>Operation in search of sailors from sunk M/V Arosa & M/V West dry cargo ships is to end in the Sea of Japan. The 2 crews included 42 Russian sailors. Follow the sory<<Webfeature. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

100,4mt Antigua-flag 4.450gt German 518 TEU container M/V Amisia J (ex-Herm J, built 1999), suffered fire Nov. 13 & aground off Norwegian Westcoast near Sande. 14 crew well. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Rhine River Roulette>>As no less than 5 ships involved in collisions on Nov. 12 in dense fog. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

80mt M/V Carmen leaking after collidision with M/T Stesa, laden with oil from Dutch port of Terapel, & in collision with 99mt M/T Patric coming from Rotterdam between Leverkusen & Duesseldorf. 2 of 4 crew of M/V Carmen thrown over board, but rescued. M/V Carmen in danger of sinking, but could be salvaged after unloading hundreds of tons of grain. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

M/V Monika, Duesseldorf for Kaiserswerth -- in collision -- with tanker -- Capt. of tanker thrown against bulkhead of wheelhouse & injured -- vessel then ran aground. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Mystery submarine detected in Israeli territorial waters Nov. 10 -- foreign vessel on spying mission, 5km inside northernmost limit of Israel's territorial waters, & 18km (11 miles) from Mediterranean coast -- submarine spotted as it entered Israeli waters but not made public. Only Arab neighbor to have fleet submarines is Egypt, which signed peace agreement with Jewish state in 1979. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Russian transport M/V Obayatelny of the Arctic, with fish, Island Shikotan of Kurile Islands for Vladivostok -- main engine failed 20 miles off coast of Primorye Territory -- despite rough seas, rescue ship M/V Grif managed to take in tow. M/V Grif prenstly leading tow to Vladivostok. Transport ships M/V West & M/V Arosa sank in similar conditions on Nov. 2 2004. From 42 crew of both transport ships -- 9 saved, 20 killed & fate of 13 sailors remains unclear. Ships along coast of the Primorye territory are continuing search of those lost in wreckage area of M/V West & M/V Arosa. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Carnival Cruise Lines M/V Holiday lost engine power -- in collision -- with pilings along Mobile River -- coming up Mobile River before dawn Nov. 13 morning -- in middle of turn to head back to its berth at new cruise terminal, ship's starboard engine & bow thruster died -- despite being aided by tug -- cruise ship collided bow-on with pilings. Divers inspected below waterline --nothing wrong eccept buffet disruption.. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Chilean flagged M/T Vicuna, loading at Brazil's main grains port of Paranagua in S. state of Parana -- exploded -- while loading methanol next to state oil company Petrobras' terminal where there are many fuel tanks. "Flames could be seen from a long way off," said port spokesman (Mon. Nov. 15 2004) UPDATE>> 6 dead. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004pm)

U.S. F/V Melissa Jayne -- issued Mayday by satellite phone at 3:15 a.m. to report crew member had compound fracture to ankle. U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flew to vessel's location 128 miles E. of Chatham -- airlifted Mr. Alfredo Rivas to Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. Scene of rescue were 40 knots, with seas of 18 feet. (Sun. Nov. 14 2004)

Algerian registered cargo M/V Bechar, with 20 crew -- sank in 100 km (65 mile) winds in E. Algerian waters -- 2 bodies recovered -- 18 mising. (Sun. Nov. 14 2004)

P&O cruise M/V Pacific Sky -- from Brisbane more than 15 hours late after being delayed by swarm of jellyfish -- ship's engine clogged with jellyfish, trapping vessel at Pinkenba port. (Sun. Nov. 14 2004)

Florida's Sanibel Island drawbridge shut down for 3 hours Nov. 13 morning, because Capt. of barge lost control of vessel & hit causeway -- 60-foot barge with crane & several construction pilings couldn't get under bridge. No injuries. (Sun. Nov. 14 2004)

READERS NOTE>> All Postings Above Are Reconstructed frm Nov. 14 To Nov. 16, By Our Visiting Editor Libby Thompson of The Cargo Letter During Our Nov. Chicago trip. Thanks Libby!

Dutch oil M/T Arctica -- S.E. of Landsort in Stockholm archipelago -- Master lost over board -- helicopter & rescue boats searching, it is 6 degrees C in water & theoretical survival is up to 3 hours -- search ceased. From our correspondant Per-Åke Kvick. (Sat. Nov. 13 2004)

South Korean cargo M/V Marine Osaka, with 16 crew -- crashed into breakwater near Port Hokkaido, 850km N. of Tokyo - almost split in two after crash -- 6 crew dead & 1 missing. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

Korean 129gt F/V -- struck by crane 40 nautical miles off Hong Island, South Jeolla Province, Japan -- 3 crew who had fallen into comas died while being treated in hospital. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

U.S. tug M/V Spence & container barge Guantanamo Bay Express suffered casualty as line (tow bridle) parted Nov. 11 morning -- tow outbound on St. Johns River near Jacksonville Florida. Barge Guantanamo Bay Express then drifted & grounded along Jetties breakwall. No pollution. Titan Marine Salvage<<Webfeature, will try to remove barge Nov 12th night at high tide. No marine traffic disrupted. From our correspondant Brian Henesey. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

08 Nov. 2004 at 0300 LT in position 01:36.0S - 117:01.6E, off Balikpapan, Indonesia. D/O onboard tanker underway noticed 3 suspicious unlit crafts. Upon investigation he found that crafts were speedboats with masked men inside & they were trying to board from starboard quarter. D/O switched on deck lights and raised alarm. Upon noticing crew alertness boats reduced speed & moved away. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

07 Nov. 2004 at 0105 LT in position 05:06S - 117:23.5E, off Sunda Islands, Java Sea, Indonesia -- 4 pirates armed with long knives & dressed in black clothes approached a bulk carrier underway from speedboat. One pirate boarded ship at starboard quarter poop deck. Master raised alarm, took evasive maneuvers, crew mustered & switched on deck lights -- pirate jumped overboard. Speedboat then returned to its mother vessel. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

06. Nov. 2004 at 0345 UTC at Callao anchorage, Peru -- pirate boarded tanker at forecastle -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

05 Nov. 2004 at 0410 LT at Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier -- broke into forecastle locker & stole ship's stores. Crew raised alarm -- robbers escaped. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

05 Nov. 2004 at 0005 LT at Taboneo - Banjarmasin anchorage, Indonesia -- 3 pirates armed with knives attempted to board bulk carrier via anchor chain. Alert crew raised alarm & activated fire hoses & boarding averted. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

03 Nov. 2004 at 1900 LT in position: 05:02N - 099:11E, Malacca straits. Several look alike fishing boats followed tug towing oil rig. One boat came close & pirates inside started shooting causing extensive damage to navigation equipment, bridge windows & superstructure. In response -- tug's crew switched on lights, activated fire hoses & fired 3 rocket flares. Pirates continued to fire with automatic weapons & came within 50 meters. Tug then took evasive maneuvers & pirates moved away. No physical injuries to crew but they were shaken -- all changed underwear. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

03 Nov. 2004 at 1815 UTC in position 01:34S - 117:13E, Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia -- 3 pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship -- took duty A/B as hostage. -- stole 2 life rafts & escaped. (Fri. Nov. 12 2004)

5,974gt M/V Pauwgracht (built 1986), Port Lincoln, Australia for Taiwan & Japan with barley -- suffered collapsewd stow when ship's buklhead collapsed during loading of 6000 M/T of Barley -- internal structure failed -- scheduled to carry both Barley & consignment of sand in 3 separate compartments separated by bulkheads consisting of wooden planks. (Thurs. Nov. 11 2004)

On The Anniversary of Her Sinking>> M/V Edmund Ftzgerald Building Gallery (Thurs. Nov. 11 2004)

German yacht S/V Moonstrike, sailing single-handed from Chichester, UK (where he purchased her) to Dover via Newhaven -- rowed to shore -- exhausted knocked on door of couple at Greatstone at 1.00 am today --asked for help saying vessel had sunk. Dover Coastguard located vessel aground -- refloated & towed to Dover. Capt. shocked & hypothermic with broken rib. (Wed. Nov. 10 2004)

Submarine intruded Japanese territorial waters near S.W. Okinawa Prefecture on Nov. 10 morning is highly likely to be a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine, Japan Defense Agency said. (Wed. Nov. 10 2004) UPDATE>> Beijing said her submarine on a training mission, & for "technical reasons," ventured into Japanese waters. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

11-meter Irish F/V Emerald Dawn, with 2 crew departed Kilkeel harbor this morning -- no further word. Vessel missing, despite search. (Wed. Nov. 10 2004) UPDATE>> Following extensive search over 1400 square miles of sea, 1 survivor from the missing F/V Emerald Dawn found alive in life raft -- 2nd crew missing & search continues. (Thurs. Nov. 11 2004)

ALERT>>Suez Canal reopened to shipping Nov. 9 after tugs moved grounded 154,000dwt oil Liberian-flag M/T Tropic Brilliance that had caused the longest stoppage in almost 30 years in the strategic waterway. (See Nov. 7 For Full Story.) (Wed. Nov. 10 2004)

Norwegian M/V Menominee, with lumber for Toledo & Green Bay -- hit wall at Beauharnois Nov. 9, Montreal, causing a 30 foot by 3 foot gash on port side above waterline. Cause not determined M/V Menominee escorted back to Montreal sec 44 by the Groupe Ocean tug M/V Laprairie. Repairs are underway by Mount Royal Walsh Marine & should be complete in 5 days. Photo of Damage. (Wed. Nov. 10 2004)

13 m Austrian veteran tug M/V Grein (just rebuilt as nostalgic pleasure boat in 2004), with 6 crew, -- in collision -- with German M/V Meister 2, on late Nov. 4. M/V Grein broke in 2 & sank immediately on Nov. 4 to bottom of river Donau<<Webfeature, close to Austrian capital Vienna -- 2 dead & 4 missing. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Nov. 9 2004) UPDATE>> M/V Grein raised from bottom of the river Donau. Despite expectations none of 4 missing passengers found inside wreck -- towed for further inspection on deck of barge to Kuchelau harbor. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Nov. 10 2004)

North Korean passenger M/V Sontong-5, with 24 North Korean citizens -- aground in Bay of Kitovy, N.W. of Iturup Island in Sea of Okhotsk. -- stranded on sand 80m off coast -- stands right on keel with no holes in hull -- crew apparently waiting for good weather to take leave of vessel. Radio communication with M/V Sontong 5 crew is impossible, as none speak English or French & nobody on Iturup Island speaks Korean. Strong winds (up to 15m a second) still blowing & high waves of 1.5-2 meters rise at accident site N.. of Iturup Island -- prevents tow ships or small boats from approaching rescue vessels. From our correspondant Fred McCague. (Tues. Nov. 9 2004)

UDATE>>18 More bodies located from tragic losses of M/V Arosa & M/V West. Follow the sory<<Webfeature. (Tues. Nov. 9 2004)

Indian cargo M/V Sher-e-Hind, ex-M/V Porbandar in Gujarat for with 550 tons rice & 19 crew -- in collision -- with wreckage of another ship & broke down near Sikatra island, very close to Somalian coast -- capsized & sank in Arabian Sea off Somalia, Africa -- 8 crew managed to swim to safety while whereabouts of 11 other crew reported to be on rescue boats -- uncertain. (Mon. Nov. 8 2004)

19gt F/V Suehiro Maru No. 55, with 8 crew -- in collision on Nov. 5 -- with 612gt gravel M/V Myoetsu Maru No. 18 -- in open sea in the Sea of Japan -- F/V Suehiro Maru No. 55 sank with 1 dead & 4 missing. Sea relatively calm. (Mon. Nov. 8 2004)

4.9gt F/V Fukusho Maru -- in collision & capsized -- with 8,273gt South Korean cargo ship, with 16 crew, 9km W. of Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture at 4:30 a.m. -- owner of F/V Fukusho Maru rescued 2 hrs. later in critical condition. (Mon. Nov. 8 2004)

Liberian-registered M/T Tropic Brilliance, with 85,000 tons of fuel, suffered engine failure early Nov. 7 -- 45 miles S. of Mediterranean coastal city of Port Said -- blocking passage of 40 ships & forcing closure of Suez Canal, strategic Egyptian waterway --10 tankers traveling south on the canal are stuck behind M/T Tropic, while another 30 ships bound for Mediterranean also forced to wait. Suez Canal, which opened in 1869, is one of Egypt's main foreign currency earners. It was closed after the June 1967 Mideast war & reopened in 1975 by late President Anwar Sadat. (Sun. Nov. 7 2004)

UK F/V Venture, with 4 crew -- issued SOS early Nov. 7, 14 miles north west of the Shetland mainland in North Sea -- rescue helicopter from Sumburgh flew to scene & tug from Sella Ness also responded to call -- helicopter lowered pump to extract water flooding hold &tug escorted F/V Venture back to Colla Firth Pier. All safe. (Sun. Nov. 7 2004)

Empire Tug's 13-metre tug M/V Manson (built 1970), with 2 barges & 2 crew north from New Westminster for Texada Island -- sank in heavy seas & 60km winds in the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island & the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. Satellite picked up SOS beacon at 3a.m. Nov. 6, from an south of Texada, near Thormanby Island. Rescue crews tried to contact but had no luck. Crew missing. (Sun. Nov. 7 2004) UPDATE>> Searchers gave up hope of finding 2 crew whose tug M/V Manson sank off coast of Texada Island -- focus shifted to trying to retrieve bodies & salvage M/V Manson. From our correspondant Fred McCague. (Tues. Nov. 9 2004)

612-ton cargo M/V Myoetsu Maru No. 18 -- in collision with -- 19-ton F/V Suehiro Maru No. 55 in Sea of Japan off Tomamae town 150km N of Sapporo in NW Hokkaido -- F/V Suehiro Maru No. 55 capsized -- 4 of 8 crew missing. (Sat. Nov. 6 2004)

Antigua & Barbuda registered 10,917gt M/V Milena, Singapore for Bombay with 574 containers Nov. 4 -- ran aground 18KM S. of Singapore. (Sat. Nov. 6 2004)

Mercy Ships<<Webfeature, 51-year-old relief mission 522-foot vessel M/V Anastasis -- sustained damage to bow & forward water tank in collision with docking pier at Benin,<<Webfeature, Africa, on Nov. 1. (Sat. Nov. 6 2004)

55-foot Colombian-flagged F/V Aventurero engaged in possible refueling operation with a "go-fast vessel" 270 NM north of Galapagos Islands early Nov. 3 morning. Honolulu-based Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Rush (WHEC-723)<<Webfeature, discovered refueling operation -- go-fast tried to flee scene at speeds up to 30-knots -- Coast Guard crew fired warning shots & disabled the go-fast with rounds to engine compartment. Boarding team from USCGC Rush, searched go-fast vessel & discovered 91 bales of cocaine totaling approximately 4,835 pounds -- street value of the cocaine is about US$43M -- master claimed legitimate fishing trip, but U.S. Coast Guard found only 2 fish, & inoperable fishing gear aboard. This is 2nd drug bust in U.S. Coast Guard's Pacific Theater of operations for this fiscal year, bringing the total to approximately 17,435 pounds. U.S. Coast Guard set new records in fiscal year 2004, seizing US$7.8Bn in cocaine. (Sat. Nov. 6 2004)

Royal Caribbean 916-foot cruise M/V Enchantment of the Seas<<Webfeature, at berth in Key West<<Webfeature, with 2,040 passengers (eating breakfast) & 741 crew -- in collision with 80 feet by 100 feet wide dredging barge under tow by tug M/V Huey L. Cheramie -- caused 8ft. gash above water line in forward port side -- patch welded so vessel may make way for for Cozumel. U.S. Navy is overseeing a US$32M, 18-month dredging project to deepen Key West's Outer Mole Pier shipping channel area -- project will allow U.S. Navy to bring destroyers & other large ships into channel. No injuries, except for omlet-in-the-lap dry cleaning. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

9,475 container M/V Da Qng He (built 1996), Taiwan for Tianjin & Japan with dangerous chemicals (Furfuryl alcohol<<Webfeature.) -- in head on collision Oct. 31 -- with local trading vessel M/V Xin Fudaon departing Tianjin port. M/V Da Qng He currently off loading damaged containers at Tianjin port. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

Russian 355-foot Galveston outbound M/V SCM Athina, with containers & 16 crew -- slammed into unmanned natural gas platform High Island 207 (owned by Houston-based EOG Resources Inc.) in Gulf of Mexico & sparked fire on platform 17 miles off Galveston -- blaze seen from shore -- High Island 207 sustained significant damage. Platform is a transfer point for various pipelines. By mid-morning, fire suppressed, officials said all lines connected to platform secured. No injuries. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

19-ton F/V Suehiro Maru No. 55, Tomamae Port for Teshio Port on fishing trip with 8 crew -- in collision with -- 612-ton gravel-carrier M/V Myoetsu Maru No. 18 in Sea of Japan off Tomamae<<Webfeature. All 8 crew of of M/V Suehiro Maru No. 55 thrown into sea -- vessel sank shortly after accident -- 4 missing. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

31 Oct. 2004 at 2150 UTC at Santan anchorage, Indonesia. A 10 meter wooden boat, white in color with green hull, approached LPG tanker & 1 pirate armed with a knife boarded. He lowered one life raft into water. Alert crew raised alarm & lowered lifeboat to recover life raft. Pirate jumped overboard & escapePatrol boat came for investigation. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

31 Oct 2004 at 0230 LT at Banjarmasin anchorage, Indonesia. Six pirates tried to board bulk carrier via anchor chain. Alert crew raised alarm & boarding was averted. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

31 Oct. 2004 at 0145 UTC at Lagos port, Nigeria. Group of pirates boarded bulk carrier at berth #13 & tried to steal cargo of rice. D/O raised alarm &informed port control. Crew mustered & fired flares. Port police came at 0400 LT but robbers already fled. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

30 Oct. 2004 at 0140 LT at Maracaibo anchorage, Venezuela. A pirate boarded bulk carrier at forecastle via anchor chain. Alert duty a/b raised alarm & robber escaped in waiting boat. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

28 Oct. 2004 at 1945 LT in position 00:00.02N - 117:36.09E, Bontang anchorage, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier. Robbers attacked a crew with knives causing him injuries. Alert crew mustered & robbers jumped overboard empty handed. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

28 Oct. 2004 at 0950 UTC in position 12:33.0N - 045:14.7E, Gulf of Aden -- 3 boats doing over 18 kts with 3 persons in each boat approached bulk carrier underway. Boats crossed ship's bow & attempted to come alongside. When boats came close master raised alarm & took evasive maneuvers. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses -- boats moved away. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

28 Oct. 2004 at 0320 LT in position 06:41.7S - 039:27.3E, outer roads Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. About 15 pirates in long boat approached container ship awaiting berthing -- 3 pirates armed with knives boarded at forecastle & stole cargo from 2 containers on deck. Duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped with ship's stores & stolen cargo. Port control informed. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

27 Oct. 2004 at 0145 UTC in position 01:45N - 102:40E, Malacca straits. Five persons dressed in black clothes in 2 speedboats attempted to board reefer ship underway from starboard quarter. Master raised alarm & took evasive maneuvers. Crew mustered, switched on deck lights & activated fire hoses. Attempted boarding averted. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

27 Oct. 2004 at 0145 LT at Dumai anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates boarded chemical tanker at poop deck. Duty A/B raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard -- escaped empty handed. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

26 Oct. 2004 at 1925 UTC at Dumai anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates boarded tanker. Alert crew raised alarm & activated fire hoses & robbers fled. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

26 Oct. 2004 at 0905 LT in position 05:30.0N - 097:31.2E, northern entrance of Malacca Straits. Four grey-green colored speedboats approached container ship from port bow whilst another 4 boats approached from starboard quarter. There were several persons inside the boats dressed in black clothes. Master raised alarm, took evasive maneuvers & increased speed -- crew activated fire hoses. Boats aborted attempt & fled. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004)

P&O cruise ship M/V Pacific Sky, to sea with 1,500 passengers on 12-day cruise but 350 nautical miles into trip engine trouble struck, reducing power & forcing ship to return to origin port of Brisbane. (Thurs. Nov. 4 2004)

M/V Wilhelmsen Tampa, boarded & searched at Port of Los Angeles Nov. 2 -- Norway's Mr. Wilh Wilhelmsen upset & filed a complaint with U.S. officials through Norway's Foreign Ministry. We say Wilh needs to take a breath, chill & get with the program. The fact that U.S. Coast Guard had reason to suspect a problem to the point of gathering a Strike Team -- should suggest a need to cooperate. Once cleared, there was no problem. (Thurs. Nov. 4 2004)

38,995gt bulk M/V Red Fern (built 1998), Argentina for India, with unknown bulk cargo, aground off Balikpapan<<Webfeature, Indonesia -- still aground despite efforts to refloat her. Salvors contracted under LOF to assist. (Wed. Nov. 3 2004)

UPDATE>>Rescuers spotted bodies of 13 more seamen from M/V Arosa &M/V West that sank off Russian Maritime region on Nov. 2 --bodies now being recovered from sea. Earlier on Nov. 9, 5 more bodies found & retrieved from the Sea of Japan. Not yet clear to which of 2 ships the seamen belonged. (Tues. Nov. 9 2004) These Losses Posted Just Below --

Cambodian flagged Russian M/V Arosa, with 15 crew & 4,000 tons coal, sank 46 km off Russian Pacific coast, Nov. 2 -- Capt. & 6 crew suffered injuries -- rescued by Russian military helicoper -- brought to hospital in Wladiwostok -- 1 dead, 7 missing -- search continues. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Nov. 3 2004 -UPDATED) UPDATE>>Operation in search of sailors from sunk M/V Arosa & M/V West dry cargo ships is to end in the Sea of Japan. The 2 crews included 42 Russian sailors. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

Mongolia flagged M/V West (built 1970), Primorje for Japan with 27 crew & wood, sank 40 miles off Primorye Krai territory coast<<Webfeature. Capt. sent SOS signal 10:40 p.m. LT Nov. 2 -- deckcargo of wood shifted in storm -- Vladivostok rescue center responded -- sighted by Russian Navy -- crew missing.. (Wed. Nov. 3 2004) From our correspondants Onno Miedema & Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Nov. 4 2004 -UPDATED) UPDATE>> 4 life rafts cast from vessel -- 1 found unopened & another turned upside down & empty --search for 4th raft continues. on Nov. 4 , at a distance of 20 miles from where life rafts were found, tug M/V Grif lifted aboard M/V West's mechanic Safar Dzhanmerzoyev & 2 dead sailors but failed to lift them on board. (Fri. Nov. 5 2004) UPDATE>>Operation in search of sailors from sunk M/V Arosa & M/V West dry cargo ships is to end in the Sea of Japan. The 2 crews included 42 Russian sailors. (Mon. Nov. 15 2004)

44-foot F/V Canadian Mist from South Thomaston, Maine, sent distress call -- boat taking on water off Nantucket - communications lost -- vessel sank -- U.S. Coast Guard helicopter & Falcon jet sent to scene & located the 4 crew at 11:30 a.m. in life raft 32 miles SE of Nantucket -- all 4 crew airlifted to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, where treated for mild hypothermia & in good condition. Water temperature 53 degrees, with 12-15 foot seas. (Wed. Nov. 3 2004)

American-flagged 281-foot M/T Kristin Poling, New York, for Oceanside, Long Island, N.Y., grounded in Newak Bay during low tide -- freed itself 3 hours later as tide rose -- escorted by U.S. Coast Guard vessel to dry dock in Staten Island, N.Y., where divers will assess repairs. (Mon. Nov. 1 2004)

Vessel containing hydrogen sulfide<<Webfeature, at oil refinery at Daqing field in Heilongjiang province<<Webfeature, in NE China -- as 7 workers carrying out repairs sufferd explosion after fire broke -- 2 workers killed immediately while bodies of remaining 5 workers found inside vessel. (Mon. Nov. 1 2004)

Philippine M/V Trans Asia, Cebu City for Cagayan de Oro<<Webfeature, with 426 passengers went into panic when lights went out for an hour with heat & smoke coming from ship's engine room -- broke down in open water -- approaching Minalon, Siquijor. Ship brought back to Cebu City using coastguards' tugs in area. This time a Philippine ferry cost no lives. (Mon. Nov. 1 2004)

F/V Hall Point responded to U.S. Coast Guard Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) -- came on scene to assist capsized F/V Blue Fin, her 2 crew equipped with life vests, clung to overturned vessel for 20 min. Skipper Don Munhoven of F/V Blue Fin pulled crew aboad, including his son Don Munhoven Jr. F/V Blue Fin attempted to re-right capsized vessel, but a line became fouled in F/V Hall Point's propeller. F/V Blue Fin remains in Revillagigedo Channel as a hazard to navigation -- awaiting arrival of 47-foot motor life boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Ketchikan<<Webfeature, Alaska. (Mon. Nov. 1 2004)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For October 2004

"Coal Face" - the cargo was danger - July 2004

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

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Ferry with 78 passengers in river in North Bangui<<Webfeature, capital of Central African Republic<<Webfeature,-- sank -- 50 killed & 28 rescued from vessel, though remaining total passengers remain unaccounted for. Rescue operations ongoing. No cause yet found, but an abnormally strong wind suspected. (Sun. Oct. 31 2004)

Massacre>> Lightering vessel Al-Samit-3, with 13 crew at outer anchorage of the Chittagong port -- stormed by 20 pirates at 7:00pm & looted ropes, tents, gas cylinders, mobile phones & cash from crew at gunpoint -- all 13 crew injured as they tried to resist -- taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital in critical condition. Vessel went to outer anchorage in afternoon for lightering cement clinker from mother vessel. (Sun. Oct. 31 2004)

Darwin-based Australian frigate HMAS Geraldton<<Webfeature, berthed at Sihanoukville in Cambodia -- when freak tropical storm with 40 knot winds & 2m waves hit -- slammed her into wharf. None of the 11 crew on board at the time were injured. Suffered nearly US$500,000 damage. (Sun. Oct. 31 2004)

66,433gt, China Shipping Uk Ltd. 280m, container M/V XIN QING DAO, Malta (Valetta) for Felixstowe -- Storm Force 11 , 30 meter seas & 30 degree rolling -- 31 laden 40' containers lost overboard & another 29 damaged off Brittany, night of Oct. 27, 2004. (Sun. Oct. 31 2004)

Stena fast ferry M/V HSS Explorer, with 400 passengers, returned to Holyhead on Oct. 28 after sustaining damage 30 minutes into its journey to Ireland. Stena Line said ferry returned to port as precaution -- passengers were not in any danger-- sailings cancelled Oct. 29 while the ship awaited repair. (Sat. Oct.30 2004)

She is Now Lost>> M/V BBC China, went aground at Port Grosvenor<<Webfeature, on the Wild Coast 2 on Sept. 16, will not be refloated. Smit Pentow Marine, company responsible for salvage work on vessel, says ship declared a wreck because of extensive damage suffered. Pounding waves & rocky shoreline have taken toll & decision taken to write her off. Next move to decide on possible removal of larger structures aboard -- 29 tons of heavy fuel so far been pumped out. Some paint cargo & 40 sealed lead batteries taken ashore by helicopter -- 7 meter swells broke over ship & 2 containers washed overboard earlier this week -- small dinghy from ship ripped apart & vital salvage equipment lost. FOLLOW OUR STORY OF M/V BBC China MARITIME DISASTER.<<Webfeature. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

Trawler F/V Kawsara returning to Cox's Bazar<<Webfeature, Bagladesh after fishing -- 9 out of 14 crew killed by pirates -- stealing caught fish -- on Oct. 28 -- pirates abandoned vessel after looting stock of fish worth about Tk 3 lakh. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

Belize-registered 2,000-ton, 80 meter cargo M/V See Brise -- dragged anchor & stranded on rocks in Kinsale Harbor<<Webfeature. Ireland on Oct. 28 -- now re-floated & transported to harbor, where salvage experts assessing damage. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

830-foot cargo M/V Hebi No. 1 -- declared emergency for injured crew 120 miles off coast on border between Washington & Oregon -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter launched, but average range for Jayhawk helicopter 200 miles with air support -- so -- M/V Hebi No. 1 turned about & headed for Northwest's coastline -- crew taken back to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria<<Webfeature, where emergency medical technicians waiting. Surgical precision for the U.S. Coast Guard. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

23 Oct. 2004 at 0240 UTC in position 05:54N - 096:19E, Northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia -- 4 boats with armed pirates approached container ship at speed. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses -- ship increased speed & boats retreated. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

23 Oct. 2004 at 1130 LT in position 02:57S - 107:18E, 3 miles W. of Mendanau island, Gelasa straits, Indonesia -- 6 armed pirates wearing masks & black clothes in a grey colored speedboat approached bulk carrier underway -- fired gun shots at superstructure & ordered ship to stop. Master raised alarm, sounded ship's whistle & took evasive maneuvers. Pirates aborted attempt & fled. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

Norwegian submarine KN Utstein, on UK military training exercise off west coast -- in collision - with Norwegian M/T Kilstraum, in ballast,18 miles off Lewis at 3:50am Sept. 30. No injuries. M/T Kilstraum continued journey from Liverpool to Norway. (Thurs. Oct. 28 2004)

Trans Asia Shipping Lines M/V Trans Asia 1, Cagayan de Oro City for Cebu City with 426 passengers & 42 crew, suffered engine room fire off Minalunan Point, Siquijor, Philippines -- no injuries -- fire damaged only auxiliary engine -- fire under control after 30 minutes. (Thurs. Oct. 28 2004)

U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will promulgate Notice of Proposed Rulemaking which would allow non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to offer NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs). NSAs would be individually-negotiated contracts between NVOCCs & their shipper-customers. Such NSAs would be exempt from tariff publication requirements of the Shipping Act of 1984. Copies of the otherwise confidential NSAs would have to be filed with the FMC to ensure compliance with other applicable provisions of the law. In related action, the FMC voted to issue a final rule regarding ocean common carrier & marine terminal operator agreements. AT LAST. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

UK 18.2 meter F/V Boy Shane, with 7 crew, drifting 31 miles West of Orkney near Sule Skerry after ropes caught in propeller -- Shetland Coastguard requested attendance of RNLI all weather lifeboat from Stromness -- able to connect tow to drifting vessel -- now on route back to Stromness -- estimated arrival time of midnight. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

14,141gt M/V Stepan (Built 1980) out of Amsterdam with "Apatites"<<Webfeature, -- wrenched from anchor & driven on rocks in area of Cape Lodeyny -- took water & sank Oct. 2. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

Norwegian M/T Bergitta, with 100.000 tons oil for Dutch port of Rotterdam -- in collision -- with 21.584grt Panamaian, Mediterranean Shipping Company chartered M/V MSC Eyra (ex-Kapitan Kozlovsky) (built 1982) on Oct. 25 between Danish islands Seeland & Fuenen in Baltic S. of Great Belt Bridge. Vessels hit port to starboard -- as they changed course at last minute. M/T Bergitta after inspection allowed to resume her voyage. From our correspondants Tim Schwabedissen & Per-Åke Kvick. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

52,090gt M/V Ever Dynamic (Built 1998), with containers, suffered engine room fire Oct. 20 at public bertyh at Osaka --damage to main engine & generator. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

15,938gt M/V Chainat Navee (Built 1978), out of Singapore -- suffered fire in #3 hold Oct. 20, outside Port of Hull, UK -- major damage suffered by cargo before fire extinguished by UK firefighters. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

75,484gt M/V NYK Argus (Built 2004), with containers -- suffered fire #3 hold off Algeria -- hold sealed -- vessel proceeding to Europe. (Wed. Oct. 27 2004)

Maritime Tip of The Day: Stay out of that #3 hold.

U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City & Station Manistee searched for the source of reported commercial vessel on fire in the middle of northern Lake Michigan Oct. 12 -- received report from FAA Minneapolis of large commercial vessel afire. First reported by commercial jetliner flying at 12,000 feet --2nd report came from small aircraft 50nm away. FAA diverted a 3rd commercial flight to pinpoint location while HH-65 from Air Station Traverse City & 47-foot small boat from Station Manistee proceeded to the last known position. 3rd aircraft provided accurate latitude & longitude of vessel placing it closer to shore near Manistee, MI. M/V Saginaw located in that approximate position & found no distress. Case suspended based on probable false alarm, smoke from vessel's stack in extremely clear visibility. (Tues. Oct. 26 2004)

F/V San Rochelle, with 3 crew, suffered fire -- New Zealand Air Force Orion found lifeboat after crew made distress call to MSA's maritime operations center -- Orion tracked boat to emergency locator beacon & guided Auckland Westpac Rescue helicopter to lifeboat to pick up crew. (Tues. Oct. 26 2004)

United Arab Emirates-flagged M/T Zirku, off Western Australia -- suffered crew injury with 2 compound fractures in right leg when drum fell while he was working on deck 2 days ago. (Tues. Oct. 26 2004)

Greek flagged oil 148m M/T Hellas Renaissance in Torres Strait, Australia -- suffered loss of pilot from Pilot Boat M/V The Alert during pilot transfer -- 55-year-old pilo fell overboard -- crushed between ships. (Tues. Oct. 26 2004)

Sloop USS Constellation<<Webfeature,-- moved to U.S. Naval Academy<<Webfeature, at Annapolis by tugboats -- 1st voyage to academy -- 6 day visit is part of celebration of 150th anniversary of Constellation, launched in 1854. U.S. Naval Academy band greeted ship when it docked on the Severn River at Annapolis. (Tues. Oct. 26 2004)

Yacht S/V Spirit, with 15 crew, formerly America's Cup contender S/V Spirit of Australia<<Webfeature, -- sailing on Sydney Harbor suffered embarrassing accident -- running into rocks at base of Sydney Opera House<<Webfeature, -- spent morning sailing harbor but 1:00pm AEST tacked too close to world famous landmark & tore off vessel's keel -- capsized her -- impaled on top of Opera House light fitting -- some crew thrown overboard. No injuries, but some early bird tickets to Opera House released. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

French frigate FS Surcouf (FS 711) <<Webfeature, rescued crew of Panamanian flagged M/V Sara 2, with16 crew, -- aground on reef off coast of Yemen Oct. 14. FS Surcouf part of coalition Task Force (TF) 150<<Webfeature, a multinational force comprising key element of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet<<Webfeature, contribution to campaign against Int'l terrorism & conducting Expanded Maritime Interception Operations (EMIO) in Horn of Africa region. Thanks France! (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

Two-deck ferry M/V Sadia in collision with M/V Niharika, with 50 passengers Barisal for local town Potakhali in Barisal district, on Bishkhali River in southern Bangladesh 120km S. of capital Dhaka-- smaller M/V Niharika -- 15 missing. M/V Niharika capsized & sank. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

Shipwreck: Cuba said that US$ dollars no longer accepted at island businesses & stores in dramatic change in how commercial transactions have been done for more than decade. Resolution announced Oct. 25 by Cuba's Central Bank seemed aimed at finding new sources for foreign reserves & regain more control over economy as the U.S. government steps up efforts to prevent dollars from reaching island as part of strategy to undermine Fidel Castro's government. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

15m trimaran S/V Traveller -- suffered loss of skipper 105nm E of North Stradbroke Island<<Webfeature, New South Wales, Australia, 2.30pm on Oct. 23 -- fell from bow -- mate threw out raft -- lost sight. Queensland Rescue Helicopter chief aircrew officer Brett Mitchell said haze hampered search & chances weren't rated highly -- but helicopter dropped down to look for buoys they had thrown out -- saw the raft &endash; 100nm E of North Stradbroke Island 10.30am, Oct. 24. Rescued & returned. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

Murmansk Sea Shipping Company's M/V Stepan Razin ran aground at mouth of Kola Bay<<Webfeature. on Oct. 23 - all 23 crew safe. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

Pitcairn Island<<Webfeature -- 5 of 7 men charged with sex crimes found guilty today, including island's mayor, Steve Christian -- will be sentenced later this week, however guilty will remain free at least until New Year -- found guilty of 5 counts of rape against island girls as young as 12. The 7 men - among population of 47 inhabitants on tiny British territory halfway between New Zealand & South America - faced total of 55 charges, some dating back 40 years. Lawyers will argue before Privy Council<<Webfeature, in London that England does not have legal jurisdiction over tiny island settled in 1790 by Fletcher Christian & his mutineers on board HMS Bounty<<Webfeature -- mutineers burnt ship -- lawyers argued during earlier hearings that event severed ties with Britain. Pitcairn Island Official Site<<Webfeature.. (Mon. Oct. 25 2004)

North Carolina state-run ferry M/V Neuse, with 29 passengers struck water access ramp & piling structures at Cherry Branch landing Oct. 24 morning, causing significant damage to ramp & several vehicles aboard. No injuries. (Sun. Oct. 24 2004pm)

An Indonesian F/V Capt. & 2 crew approached man waving a white cloth in 13-meter vessel -- seemed to be in distress, near Pulau Pisang, Indonesia -- pirates opened fire upon rescuers -- 44-year-old Capt. suffered serious injuries to his rear, ribs & chin, apparently by homemade gun(s) -- victims escaped from pirates & returned to Kukup<<Webfeature. (Sat. Oct. 23 2004)

M/V Adi Lomai (Ex-Fiji government vessel Daunivosa), sank on Oct. 23 at Narain Jetty -- vessel bought for US$27,000 by Lomaiviti Province<<Webfeature, but has cost US$100,000 "just to keep it afloat." Happy times in Fiji. (Sat. Oct. 23 2004)

U.S. F/V Daddy's Girl, with 2 crew -- overdue 15 miles off Clearwater Pass -- U.S Coast Guard boats, helicopeters & jet searched throughout Oct. 23 - no signs. (Sat. Oct. 23 2004) UPDATE>> Rodney Post, 36, spotted floating 25 miles SW of Clearwater Pass by crew of a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater C-130 airplane at 8:52 a.m., Oct. 24 -- HH-60 "Jayhawk" helicopter arrived on-scene 10 minutes later, hoisted Post for transport to Tampa General Hospital. Fellow fisherman, Jay French, last seen earlier this morning wearing orange lifejacket. (Sun. Oct. 24 2004) UPDATE>> crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Pea Island (WPB 1347)<<Webfeature, discovered body of missing fisherman Jay French, 42, at 12:16 this afternoon, 23 miles SW of Clearwater Pass -- 3 miles from location where Rodney Post, 36, rescued this morning. (Sun. Oct. 24 2004pm)

M/T Gemini<<Webfeature, upbound in lower Detroit River below Grassy Island -- 35-foot wooden pleasure boat misjudged Gemini's distance & cut across bow of M/T Gemini --pleasure craft struck by tanker -- with no way of stopping or adjusting coarse -- pleasure craft destroyed, wooden hull disintegrated -- occupants of boat taken to hospital but no updates on condition. (Sat. Oct. 23 2004)

Typhoon Tokago Casualties in Japan>>

Russian ferry M/V Antonina Nezhdanova, with 87 cars 44 passengers & 62 crew -- smashed against quay in Fushiki, 250 miles W. of Tokyo, Oct. 20. -- took list of 50 degrees -- waiting for tugs to leave harbor to Wlasiwostok, but these did not arrive in time - sank. All safe (except if you were a car). (Fri. Oct. 20 2004)

4,883gt Bahamas-flagged container M/V OOCL Seti, with 16 crew, aground Oct. 20. Crew rescued. Ship freed itself same afternoon -- resumd voyage to Hongkong. (Fri. Oct. 20 2004)

M/V Shuri ran aground Oct. 20 off Uma Island in Seto Inland Sea close to Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. All 12 crew safe. (Fri. Oct. 20 2004)

2,556gt sail training S/V Kaio Maru, with167 crew, 102 of them pupils. -- in Yokohama the 110 m long 4-masted barque, smashed against breakwater & sank. All rescued, with 3 injuries. (Fri. Oct. 20 2004)

From our feature correspondant Tim Schwabedissen.

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

16 Oct. 2004 at 1000 UTC in posn 03:52.4N - 077:05.4W, Buenaventura anchorage, Colombia -- 10 pirates boarded a general cargo ship using long pole with hooks -- broke open forecastle locker & stole ship's stores. Alarm raised & crew used flares to deter boarders. Pirates jumped into water & escaped. Master reported this was 3rd attack on his vessel in this port in past 2 months. (Fri. Oct. 20 2004)

Port Canaveral<<Webfeature, cargo area suffered damage as tornado tore through -- damage to property, cargo & power lines pulled down -- flipping several cars, part of shipment waiting at port & destruction of office trailer -- "It looks like Bigfoot stepped on it," official said. Ironically, earlier today port held grand reopening ceremony to honor those who got facilities running again following the 3 hurricanes to hit Florida's Atlantic coast. (Thurs. Oct. 21 2004)

Boeing 747-R owned by Kalitta Air<<Webfeature, Chicago's O'Hare Int'l Airport for New York, suffered engine trouble late Oct. 20 -- may have dropped one of its engines into Lake Michigan -- crew reported engine engine problems over Lake Michigan. When aircraft landed, engine missing. (Thurs. Oct. 21 2004)

UK F/V Demares, with 5 crew, 55 miles south SE of Sumburgh Shetland reported taking water -- Shetland Coastguard scrambled Coastguard rescue helicopter 'Oscar Charlie' from Sumburgh to scene & Nimrod from ARCC Kinloss supplying top cover for helicopter -- lowered 1 pump aboard vessel -- Rescue helicopter returned to Sumburgh -- vessel now making way to Peterhead. Weather conditions not favorable with winds ESE force 7 to gale force 8. Bad scene. .(Wed. Oct. 20 2004)

U.S. F/V Gun-Mar, 91 miles NE of Cold Bay in Bering Sea -- issued Urgent Marine Information Broadcast -- David Robinson reportedly suffered 6 inch laceration & possible skull fracture after crab pot boom block struck him in head-- U.S. Coast Guard launched Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Kodiak's<<Webfeature, forward-deployed facility in Cold Bay -- hoisted injured fisherman & transported him to Cold Bay. (Tues. Oct. 19 2004) [Bad week for middle aged Crab Fishermen - see Oct. 17]

RESCUERS IN PERIL>> 50ft M/Y Enterprise, crewed by skipper & sailor, aground on reef off coast of Jura<<Webfeature, -- then Clyde Coastguard 2-man UK Lifeboat crew became trapped on sliver of reef along with stranded yachtsman they had been attempting to rescue -- Royal Navy Sea King helicopter<<Webfeature, managed to hover close enough to reef to allow rescued & rescuers to clamber aboard. (Tues. Oct. 19 2004)

F/V St Andria, near Musa Island in New Ireland -- rescued 17 passengers in New Guinea Island waters after spending almost 24 hours in open seas from 23-foot fiber glass boat they were on went missing Oct. 17 between Manus & New Ireland provinces -- attempting to cross sea between Manus & Kavieng when boat developed engine problems leading to them lost after drifting for sometime. (Tues. Oct. 19 2004)

General cargo M/V Taipan 1, in difficulty to W. of Cape Town -- salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla sent to take her in tow. (Mon. Oct. 18 2004pm)

5,548gt German 400ft.general cargo M/V BBC China (built 2001) (ex-Beluga Superstition) -- for Durban with 2,800 tons of sub-assembled steel equipment from Port of Spain, Trinidad, went aground near Port Grosvenor on the notorious Wild Coast of South Africa Sat, 16 Oct. -- early Oct. 17 morning ship firmly aground with tugs hurrying to her assistance -- crew safely airlifted shortly after midnight by helicopter chartered from Port of Durban, after Master requested assistance when engine room began flooding. Anchor handling tug M/V Pentow Service sailed from Durban at 4am. Oct. 17 morning & expected to arrive today -- famous salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla has left Cape Town & expected on scene late Oct. 19. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Oct. 18 2004) UPDATE>> Gert Potgieter of Subtech Diving said: "Vessel aground & flooded. The engine room, bulks, tanks -- everything is full of water so there's no chance of being able to move her. What we have to do now is remove all hazardous materials like bunker fuels -- so that it doesn't go to sea." Neither ship's owners nor their agents are willing to talk. From our correspondant Teague. (Mon. Oct. 18 2004pm) UPDATE>>Salvors working since first light on Oct. 19 to set pumping of oil from M/V BBC China into M/V Pentow Service -- should begin early Oct. 20 morning. (Tues. Oct. 19 2004pm) UPDATE>> Salvage teams waiting for break in weather to transfer of 120 tons of fuel-oil from stranded vessel. Swells of up to 4m made it impossible for other vessels to get close to stranded ship. Capt. Bill Dernier from the South African Maritime Safety Authority says deteriorating weather conditions have brought operation to temporary halt. (Thurs. Oct. 21 2004) UPDATE>> 2 men washed off the deck o M/V BBC China as salvors tried to attach hoses to pump out 120 tons of oil aboard. (Mon Oc. 25 2004) UPDATE>>Lost>> M/V BBC China, which went aground at Port Grosvenor on the Wild Coast 2 weeks ago, will not be refloated. SmitPentow Marine, the company responsible for salvage work on the vessel, says the ship has been declared a wreck because of extensive damage suffered. Pounding waves & rocky shoreline have taken toll & decision taken to write her off. Next move to decide on possible removal of larger structures aboard -- 29 tons of heavy fuel has so far been pumped out. Some of paint cargo & 40 sealed lead batteries taken ashore by helicopter -- 7 meter swells broke over ship & 2 containers washed overboard earlier this week -- small dinghy from ship ripped apart & vital salvage equipment lost. (Fri. Oct. 29 2004)

Unidentified UAL Cargo M/V suffered fire at Manchester Terminal of the Port of Houston early Oct. 18 morning. (Mon. Oct. 18 2004)

48ft. U.S. F/V Susan Ann, declared uncontrolled engine room flooding 9:02pm Oct. 17 in Chatham Strait<<Webfeature, Alaska -- U.S. Coast Guard vessel from nearby Chatham Cannery responded -- arriving on scene to distressed vessel in minutes -- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka Jayhawk rescue helicopter<<Webfeature, equipped with dewatering pumps, also launched to assist -- all arriving just F/V Susan Ann began sinking near Catherine Island -- all rescued. (Mon. Oct. 18 2004)

The U.S. Coast Guard .... everywhere & so very far beyond.

75-foot U.S. water shuttle vessel M/V Express Shuttle II, with 3 crew for Sun Cruise Casino boat homeported in New Port Richie, suffered fire Oct. 17 morning in Pithlachascotee Channel near mouth of the Coyte River, FL -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., on training mission heard distress call & responded to rescue with Pasco County Fire Rescue, M/V Towboat U.S., a Coast Guard Auxiliary boat & rescue boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Sand Key, Fla. -- 1 of 3 transferred to hospital via ambulance for smoke inhalation -- currently attempting to pump water out of vessel to prevent sinking & allow further towing. (Sun. Oct. 17 2004)

U.S. F/V Bella K issued Urgent Marine Information Broadcast -- 40 year-old male, crushed by vessel's crab pot launcher in Bering Sea -- relayed through U.S. Coast Guard Communication Station Kodiak, Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak's forward-deployed helicopter facility in Cold Bay-- arrived on scene -- hoisted stricken fisherman & transported him to Cold Bay -- arranging for commercial air ambulance jet to meet Jayhawk & transport patient to Anchorage for medical treatment. (Sun. Oct. 17 2004)

U.S. catamaran S/V Endeavor, crew info not available, capsized 5 miles W. of Egmont Key, FL -- U.S. Coast Guard searching with C-130 airplane & HH-60 helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater for 9 people reportedly embarked liferaft. (Fri. Oct. 15 2004)

120-foot steel-hulled Gloucester F/V Prosperity, on 10-day hagfishing trip, 35 miles E of Cape Cod -- rolled on stern & sank slowly into sea -- storm hit, stirring up 35 to 45 mph winds & seas between 15 to 20 feet -- 6 a.m. Oct. 12 -- vessel lost steering power -- crew donned survival suits & jumped into life raft -- crew transferred to Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Sanibel<<Webfeature, & taken to Woods Hole for the night. (Fri. Oct. 15 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

06. Oct.2004 at 0945 LT in position 02:39N - 101:17E, Malacca Straits -- dark brown hulled vessel approached container ship underway & stopped in vicinity. Vessel then followed ship in parallel for 10 minutes at 20 knots. Due to ship's alertness, pirates stopped following. (Fri. Oct. 15 2004)

08 Oct. 2004 at 1002 LT in position: 00:18.67N - 104:29.26E, Selat Riau, Indonesia-- 6 armed masked pirates in speedboat attempted to board tug towing barge. During maneuver speedboat collided against tug & capsized. Tug continued voyage. Take that PIrates! (Fri. Oct. 15 2004)

Chinese M/V Shan-Hai, 370 NM southeast of Norfolk, VA -- hit large wave -- causing wood board to hit knee of crew, Qing Jie Chu, 47 -- taken by Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., based Coast Guard helicopter to Naval Station Norfolk, & transferred to Norfolk Sentara Hospital. (Fri. Oct. 15 2004)

Double-hull M/T Luzon Spirit -- ran agrund in Little Belt<<Webfeature, Oct. 13 after loading 100,000 tons oil Danish port of Fredericia. Tow to tug parted &ship drifted aground just 100mt from terminal. Oilboom around tanker. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 14 2004)

DEAD RECKONING>>U.S. S/V Tournesol, with an array of navigational aids including GPS & 10-power video magnifier for reading charts, as vessel departs San Francisco to circumnavigate the world - an intrepid enough challenge for any sailor but especially daunting for 2 crew who are legally blind. Mr. Duncan & Ms. Habek estimated trip will take 2 years - 1st down U.S. west coast towards Panama, then across Pacific & Indian oceans. Their biggest fear is that some huge tanker would be bearing down & they would not be able to see it. God's Speed for this brave crew. Pray they don't show up in this list again. Are they nuts? (Thurs. Oct. 14 2004)

Chinese M/T Yuming Oil 1, with 800 tons gasoline, in shipyard on Gang River in Xinhua Province on Oct. 6th -- exploded Oct. 13 -- whole ship engulfed in flames for hours & sank to bottom of river -- 1 crew dead. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 14 2004)

Dutch S/V Waddenzee, with 28 children & 2 adults -- in collision with buoy between Terschelling & Vlieland off Dutch coast -- evacuated by lifeboat M/V Graaf van Bylandt from Vlieland & brought to Terschelling. With aid of additional pumps - situation brought under control & S/V Waddenzee towed to Terschelling by tug M/V Typhoon. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Oct. 14 2004)

480-foot Cyprus M/V Tatiana L, Port Everglades for Brazil, suffered "man overboard" -- U.S Coast Guard & local law enforcement launched search -- found Gurjit Singh conscious & floating 6 miles off Florida coast Injury: exhausted & in want of better deck shoes. From our correspondant Andrew D. Kehagiaras, Esq. (Wed. Oct. 13 2004)

Unidentified South Korean "Special Training Vessel" from the ROK Fleet Command<<Webfeature -- completing "joint exercise on land, water, & air" in East Sea -- sank 11:52 p.m. on Oct. 12, 20 miles E. of Ulsan on return to base after completing "joint exercise on land, water, & air" in East Sea -- 4 naval officers missing -- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kim Kyung-Seok rescued by nearby speedboat. ROK Ministry of National Defense said on Oct. 13 conducted full-out anti-submarine operation to no avail after receiving intelligence claiming to have "spotted a suspicious submarine-like object in East Sea," from U.S. forces on Oct. 10. Publicity officer of Defense Ministry says no connection between sunken vessel & report of North Korea submarine in area. Of course there could not be a connection. Not possible (!) Geeez. (Wed. Oct. 13 2004)

26-meter M/V White Manta with 32 Germans, American, Malaysian & New Zealand divers detained since Oct. 9 on their excursion boat by Indonesian Navy warship -- Freed Oct. 13 - now back in Singapore -- had been intercepted & escorted to Bintan -- dive boat said entered Indonesian waters illegally. (Wed. Oct. 13 2004)

Malta flagged 620-foot M/V Napoleon, in ballast, attempted to over take tug 66-foot M/V Jonathan Thomas, near buoy number 54, while heading out bound in Houston Ship Channel near Redfish Bar in Galveston Bay --in collision with M/V Jonathan Thomas & her 4 barges --1 with 10,000 barrels of octene, 1 with 10,000 barrels of hexene & 1 with 20,000 barrels of lube oil & 1 empty -- Oct. 11 night -- lube oil barge damaged on starboard quarter, but no pollution reported. M/V Jonathan Thomas de-watered & no longer in danger of sinking. Cause of collision under investigation. (Wed. Oct. 13 2004)

Coastal Feeder M/V Jiu Lian Shan (built 1990), with 73 containers, in head-on collision with unidentified M/V with sand Oct. 12 morning at a small port in SE China's Fujian Province -- M/V Jiulianshan sank with all cargo as entered Songmen Wharf-- but vessel with sand barely damaged. No injuries. (Tues. Oct. 12 2004) UPDATE>> Reports have just been received that this vessel collided & sank whilst entering wharf at Fuzhou, China. Apparently, vessel had head on collision with a local sand carrier & sank with the loss of 73 containers. (Wed. Oct. 13 2004)

South Korean Navy vessel sank off E coast Oct. 12 -- while returning to base after conducting a nighttime exercise -- 4 South Korean sailors missing of 5 man crew. South Korea restricts naval vessel information due to threats from North Korea. (Tues. Oct. 12 2004)

Yacht S/V Raya on passage from Netherlands to Bay of Islands -- Maritime Radio requested assistance of New Zealand Navy after Raya suffered rigging & engine difficulties late Oct. 11. RNZAF P3 Orion tasked to look for yacht. HMNZS Kahu<<Webfeature, will rendezvous with Raya at 4:00 pm today to provide assistance, which may include towing yacht to Bay of Islands<<Webfeature. HMNZS Kahu was on EEZ patrol in vicinity of North Cape & will resume her patrol on completion of tow. (Tues. Oct. 12 2004)

General cargo M/V Black Pearl, for Rotterdam with lumber, issued mayday at 3.00 am this morning -- deck cargo began to shift in gale force weather, causing ship to list to 20 degrees -- Yarmouth Coastguard scrambled rescue helicopter & launched 3 lifeboats from Gorleston, Cromer Caister -- after some cargo jettisoned situation became more stable. M/V Black Pearl now making way very slowly towards Rotterdam with M/V Gerd Knutsen & M/V Viking Fjord escorting. Dutch government emergency towing vessel M/V Waker making for scene -- will tow vessel to Rotterdam. (Mon. Oct. 11 2004)

Canadian 50-foot sightseeing M/V Galactica 001, moored at Port of Toronto Queen's Quay & Jarvis St., took on thousands of gallons of water & sank to bottom of Lake Ontario -- battle to save pleasure ship went on for 1 hour before she finally slipped beneath surface in 38 feet of water. (Mon. Oct. 11 2004)

Indonesian wooden F/V Usaha Karya 4 (IV), with 11 all-Indonesian crew -- suffered engine space fire & sank -- "fire more than 2 meters high & whole ship on fire" -- 6am, 6km off Bedok Jetty -- had finished selling fish at Jurong Fishing Port & on way home to Tanjung Pinang in Bintan -- Singapore Police Coast Guard rescued all crew. (Sun. Oct. 10 2004)

Russian M/V Fesco Voyager, Pusan for Vladivostok with containers, in collision Oct. 8 evening in bad visibility with Marshall Islands flag Unidentified M//T near South Korean port of Pusan -- tanker hit in starboard, damged seriously -- no injuries. Both vessels put toward Pusan. (Sat. Oct. 9 2004)

U.S. 60-foot catamaran S/V Blue Star -- suffered hull breach -- made distress call 3:30pm Oct. 9 afternoon -- HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka rescued Richard & Wayne Sharp from beach between Sugar Loaf Island & Hankinson Peninsula N. of Cross Sound after beached vessel. (Sat. Oct. 9 2004)

Teenage porter of of the Zamboanga Porterage Services, Inc. fell to his death when he jumped to approaching M/V Rizma for berthing at 6:00 a.m. at local Zamboanga Berth No. 14, coming from voyage in Jolo, Sulu -- young porter fell short of M/V Rizma & pinned down by the cargo-passenger vessel struggling to berth because of constant pounding waves. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

03 Oct. 2004 at 2250 utc at Lagos outer anchorage, Nigeria. Small fishing vessel flashed light at tanker to distract watchmen on duty. When watchmen went to port side to investigate, a larger boat came to stbd side & 2 pirates boarded -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

03 Oct. 2004 at 0400 LT in position 00:33.0N - 117:41.8E, Tanjung Bara anchorage, Indonesia -- 6 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe --threatened duty A/B & stole his walkie-talkie & escaped with ship's stores. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

02 Oct. 2004 at 1820 LT in position 04:46N - 098:41E, Malacca Straits -- 8 armed pirates in fast fishing boat fired upon tug towing barge causing damage to tug's wheel house window & destroying all radio & navigation equipment -- 4 pirates armed with guns boarded tug & stole crew belongings & tug's documents and left taking master & c/e as hostages. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

30 Oct. 2004 at 1900 LT in position 03:27.6N - 099:47.2E, Malacca Straits -- pirates boarded tug towing barge underway -- broke window glass, stole equipment & documents & left taking master & C/E as hostages. Owners reported incident to Indonesian authorities. Whereabouts of master & C/E unknown. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

26 Oct. 2004 at 0530 LT in position: 30:06N - 047:55E, Khor Al Zubair anchorage, Iraq -- 4 pirates armed with automatic rifles boarded chemical tanker -- stole ship's stores & fled. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

UK passenger M/V Black Watch, for Dover, 19nm SW of Portland Bill lighthouse -- signaled Portland Coastguard that British passenger had suffered acute heart failure -- Coastguard rescue helicopter `Whiskey Bravo' responded for rescue. (Thurs. Oct. 7 2004)

546-foot Panamanian-flagged M/V Federal Pescadores, Port Canakkale for Port Everglades with 38,500 tons of cement, aground late Oct. 7 while attempting to anchor off Port Everglades -- U.S. Coast Guard overseeing operations to salvage -- problem came to light 2330 hrs when U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Everglades heard freighter call for commercial salvage help -- discovered vessel aground 750 yards W. of the Port Everglades anchorage area. oops! (Thurs. Oct. 7 2004)

Singaporean-flagged iron ore carrier M/V Lowlands Grace, going through routine safety exercise 12nm off Port Hedland about 3.45pm Oct. 7 -- 2 Filipino seamen killed & 3 others taken to hospital after lifeboat fell 30m -- lifeboat fell from lowering crane & capsized when hit water -- trapping men as it became fully submerged. (Thurs. Oct. 7 2004)

196-ton Philippine M/V Alpha Verde, for Leyte province with 60,000 sacks of cement &18 crew, suffered engine failure & sank earlier on Oct. 8 -- but crew said in same report strong waves caused vessel to sink. Still another report said Surigao City for Cebu when she sank off coast of Surigao on Oct. 7 night due to large waves. Ah, the comfort of accurate records. (Thurs. Oct. 7 2004)

U.S. 80-foot F/V Boss -- aground inside jetties of Yaquina Bay, Ore. -- U.S. Coast Guard sent multiple units including 2 rescue lifeboats & land rescue unit from Yaquina Bay to assist. When pumps could not keep up with 6 ft. flooding, crew of F/V Boss taken aboard 47-foot U.S. Coast Guard motor lifeboat. Arrangements being made with a private company to salvage vessel, partially submerged. (Thurs. Oct. 7 2004)

ALERT>> 14,953-ton Panama-registered container M/V MSC Lucia, for Singapore with over 700 containers -- in collision with 86,192-ton M/V Heng Shan, for China with 160,000mt of iron ore -- 5.5km off Changi coast, SE of Singapore -- vessels communicating with each other just minutes before accident -- small fire extingushed. Radio broadcast at 4.21am alerted all ships that M/V Heng Shan departing Singapore --alerted again 20 minutes later when vessels were about 4km apart -- both vessels acknowledged warnings & said they started communicating with each other --but 6 minutes later -- collision! Well, hard to get reliable help these days! (Wed. Oct. 6 2004)

20mt F/V Serenity, with 5 crew, issued SOS to Aberdeen Coastguard at 4.00 am this morning on satellite phone -- report broken down with 2 nets partly shot. Supply vessel M/V Troms Falken connected tow to vessel & nets --acting as drogue (sea anchor) were cut. F/V Serenity expected in Aberdeen at midnight tonight -- all safe. (Wed. Oct. 6 2004)

19 meter Swedish yacht S/V Merengue -- 81 miles N. from Aberdeen -- issued SOS -- received by Falmouth Coastguard -- passed alert to colleagues in Aberdeen. Rescue helicopter scrambled with pump & Peterhead lifeboat launched. Once RAF helicopter arrived -- agreed that 9 of Swedish nationals would be lifted off & taken to Aberdeen airport. All safe. Vessel escorted back to Peterhead by RNLI lifeboat. (Wed. Oct. 6 2004)

50-foot F/V Delma Ann, suffered engine trouble 60-miles off coast of Yachats, Oregon -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River, Ore., launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat to assist -- took vessel in tow -- transferred to 2nd 47-foot motor lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay, Ore. -- will continue tow into Yaquina Bay. No injuries. (Wed. Oct. 6 2004)

Cessna 182<<Webfeature, flying with 2nd Cessna, Hilo, Hawaii for Pago Pago with pilot Ray Clamback, 67, of Australia, ditched 750 miles S. of Oahu -- treaded water alone for hours in Pacific -- spotted Oct. 4 evening by crew of U.S. Coast Guard C-130 from Honolulu -- had been searching for 7 hours -- dropped life raft in which Mr. Clamback spent night bobbing -- container M/V P&O Nedlloyd Los Angeles, Melbourne for Los Angeles -- diverted -- picked up Mr. Clamback -- safe. Should be a Nobel Prize for LUCK -- this guy would win! Where island hoping is concerned, the range of a Cessna 182 is only 443nm (extra tanks?)! From our correspondant Libby Thompson. (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm)

Indian cargo M/V Al-Moidoon -- 3 rescued, 4 dead & 5 missing -- trapped in cyclone, collapsed near Jakhau, off Dwarka coast. on Sept. 30. (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm)

M/V Mississagi -- upbound Great Lakes vessel --had a near miss when she nearly collided with sea wall under Blue Water Bridge at Port Huron Oct. 4. Vessel dropped anchor effort to avoid hitting wall. After the incident, M/V Mississagi raised anchor & continued out into Lake Michigan. No word on what caused close call. (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm)

Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi -- adrift in high seas 100 miles NW of Ireland -- 9 of 57 crew suffered fire & breathing problems after smoke spread through vessel -- surfaced to clear fumes & injured treated on board -- vessel adrift.. Incident will come as huge embarrassment for UK Ministry of Defence, coming only 4 days after vessel formally handed over to Canadians -- last of 4 such submarines bought in deal dogged by escalating costs, delays & reports of corrosion, leaks, turbine breakdowns & other technical faults encountered during their refits. Only 1 of 4 is on active service. Some reports suggested Canada is considering suing Britain over deal. Blaze led to loss of power on HMCS Chicoutimi. Of the 4 submarines, HMCS Windsor, formerly HMS Unicorn, is only 1 in service. HMCS Corner Brook, formerly HMS Ursula, being repaired, while HMCS Victoria, formerly HMS Unseen, to undergo sea trials this autumn. Next tme try Electric Boat Corp.<<Webfeature, we'll outfit you just fine! (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm) UPDATE>> British rescue HMS Montrose<<Webfeature, reached Canadian submarine & its 57 sailors stranded for nearly 24 hours in high seas in N. Atlantic after fire caused loss of power - 1 crew dead -- 9 casualties. (Wed. Oct. 6 2004) UPDATE>> Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi (former British submarine sold to Canada) stranded in North Atlantic for 3 days was Oct. 7 night under tow towards W. coast of Scotland by atug M/V Anglian Prince, towards either Royal Navy base at Faslane or shipyards at Barrow-in-Furness where its original refit carried out. (Fri. Oct. 8 2004)

Indian F/V Al-Sanani -- gone missing -- 5 crew of 9 reached Mandvi port<<Webfeature. (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm)

228m Liberian M/T Fotini Lady, with 63000 tons oil, aground in the Kattegat off Denmark Sept. 30 -- rescue attempts failed as of Oct. 3. Barges now to lighter the double hull vessel whic still intact. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 4 2004) UPDATE>> Wijsmuller Salvage B.V., part of SvitzerWijsmuller, succeeded in refloating crude oil M/T Fotini Lady. Fully loaded with gasoil. Wijsmuller arranged lighterage tanker arrived on site at 1300 hrs, Oct. 3 & moored alongside at 1500 hrs, using SvitzerWijsmuller tugs M/V Frigga & M/V Fenja. Pumping started after completion of formalities at 1715, Oct 3, & completed at 0700 hrs, this morning, having transferred 10,800 tons. Lighterage tanker then was moved off using SvitzerWijsmuller tugs again. Controlled refloating attempt then executed using 4 powerful tugs. Vessel safely refloated & moved at 1015 hrs. vessel safely refloated at 1015 hrs. Vessel towed to Kalundborg Fjord for further inspections . BRAVO ZULU! From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 5 200pm)

Komoren-registered bulker M/V Nina, with coal, suffered fire in one of its hatches Sept. 27 -- brought under control with aid of tug. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 5 2004)

Scottish F/V Sunrise, with 5 crew, in collision Oct. 2 with F/V Ocean Dawn that was trawling with the casualty 142 miles ENE of Fraserburgh in Norwegian waters is standing by. F/V Sunrise taking water, additional pumps will shortly be airlifted to the vessel by Norwegian Rescue helicopter -- Sunrise crew will then be able to assess situation further as to whether to abandon vessel. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Oct. 5 2004)

Antigua-flagged, German M/V Marie O, with sawn timber, hard aground early Oct. 2 after leaving harbor at Mönsterås paper mill. Swedish Coast Guard<<Webfeature, on scene in case of oil spill. Some cargo discharged before possible to pull vessel off ground Oct. 3 afternoon. No injuries. From our correspondant Per-Åke Kvick. (Mon. Oct. 3 2004) (Tues. Oct. 5 2004)

Immigrant vessel, for Italy capsized in Mediterranean, killing at least 22 people & leaving dozens more missing -- craft was Tunisia for Italy with 70 Moroccans & 5 Tunisians aboard. Rescue teams saved at least 11 people -- 42 reported missing. (Mon. Oct. 3 2004)

Soo Locks tour vessel M/V Le Voyageur, with 60 dinner cruise passengers, stranded Sept. 30 night on sand bar during its sunset dinner cruise. No injuries. Tiur M/V Nokomis sent to the scene. No injuries. (Mon. Oct. 4 2004)

M/V Katerina suffered arrest of her Capt. Loannis Kallikis -- taken in handcuffs at Port of Long Beach for illegal pumping oily bilge water into harbor, lying to federal officials & obstruction of justice. U.S. Coast Guard -- alerted by port union official -- also found numerous safety & sanitation violations aboard vessel, including overflowing toilets & unsafe equipment. Chief engineer & 2nd Engineer also arrested. M/V Katerina being held in port until deficiencies corrected. (Mon. Oct. 4 2004)

U.S.-registered 48ft F/V Confidence -- taking on water S. of Lituya Bay in Gulf of Alaska near Glacier Bay National Park, Oct. 3 -- U.S. Coast Guard assisted -- Air Station Sitka<<Webfeature, launched Jayhawk helicopter & crew to deliver portable dewatering pumps to vessel -- crew found ship's fuel filters clogged with gunk from bottom of empty fuel tank. All safe -- F/V Confidence anchored in Lituya Bay 9:35 p.m. with less than 50 gallons of fuel remaining. (Mon. Oct. 4 2004)

Holland America Line cruise M/V Rotterdam<<Webfeature, in 'heavy' North Atlantic seas, 260 ÑM from center of Hurricane Karl, 24 Sept. -- suffered loss of power with resultant 20° list for 2 hr. 43 min. period beginning 1811 hrs. -- wine glasses, plates & pianos moving to starboard at speed -- total of 90 passengers sought medical attention, with most serious injuries being a broken collarbone & a broken hip. Engineers discovered "an accumulation of sediment in engine lubricating oil filters that was unprecedented". Sediment build-up, disabled ship's engines & lack of forward motion rendered ship's stabilizers ineffective - after which "an extremely unpleasant & scary" rolling ensued. Vessel designed to survive a 48-degree roll. Engineers eventually brought power back online by rigging a filtration system to counter the sediment build-up. Investigation begun, including inquiries to the supplier of the ship's fuel. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. Your editor has been to about 37 degrees -- not a holiday treat! McD (Mon. Oct. 4 2004)

17,153gt M/V YM People (Built 2003) Singapore & Hong Kong for Turkey & Greece with containers, suffered engine room fire & explosion Sept. 29 whilst vessel passing off Sri Lanka -- 4 crew dead -- diverted to Colombo where incident under investigation. (Sun. Oct. 3 2004)

23 foot yacht S/V Seacow, abandoned from position in mid-Atlantic -- container M/V Canmar Spirit<<Webfeature, responded to SOS broadcast & altered course to the position -- 09:44 hours casualty recovered from yacht -- Australian male, in his thirties. (Sun. Oct. 3 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Sept. 2004 at 0130 LT at Conchan, Peru. Five armed pirates boarded bulk carrier at berth & took hostage security guard on patrol -- severely beat him. Shore security patrol responded with exchange of gunfire. Pirates stole ship's stores & escaped in high speedboat. No injuries to crew. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

26 Sept. .2004 at 1255 UTC in position: 12:37.5N - 043:19.2E, off Perim island, Southern Red Sea.Two speedboats with 9 pirates armed with guns in each boat approached container ship. Pirates inside tried to board using hooks attached to ropes. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses -- ship zigzagged course & boarding averted. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

25 Sept. 2004 at 2000 LT in position: 03:12.2S - 116:20.6E, North Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia -- armed Pirates boarded bulk carrier via anchor chain. D/O raised alarm & robbers fled empty handed. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

23 Sept. 2004 at 2350 LT at Tanjung Pemancingan anchorage, Indonesia. About 30 - 40 Pirates armed with long knives & swords boarded bulk carrier & threatened crew. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Pirates escaped at 0115 LT on 24.09.2004 with ship's stores. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

20.Sept. 2004 at 2220 LT at berth no. 3, Conakry port, Guinea.-- 6 pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship during cargo operations -- tried to open accommodation door. Crew mustered & informed local police & port control. Pirates stole ship's stores & escaped in waiting boat. Local police came onboard for investigation. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

SPECIAL NOTE>>> WE'RE BACK!

Vessel Casualties was DARK from Sept.15 while our staff, including your editor Michael S. Mc Daniel attended the World FIATA Congress at Johannesburg, South Africa & then pressed on to Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe. During this period, your Visiting Editor Libby Thompson of The Cargo Letter has maintained your daily news events & welcomed special news contributions from our volunteers of The Cargo Letter correspondents.

READERS NOTE>> Below Visiting Editor Libby Thompson has preserved your news from Sept. 16 to Sept. 24 2004. There are far more incredible stories waiting to fill the gap between Sept. 24 & Oct. 1. These stories from Sept. 24 to Oct.1 are now posted for you below! McD

Dover-Calais services of P&O, M/V SeaFrance, M/V Hoverspeed & 5 other ferries stranded after protesting French fishermen blockaded Port of Calais -- hundreds of travelers stranded -- 7 fishing boats strung across entrance to harbor in protest about rising fuel prices. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

Up to 5 tons of cocaine washed up along Atlantic beaches of France between Arcachon and Biarritz & Spain as far west as Bilbao, apparently a single shipment dumped overboard by Mexican smugglers. "Street price has fallen by over a 33%, there's been a big rash of related hospitalizations, & large number of people who had never even tried cocaine are now hooked," said Jean-Michel Delile of the Bordeaux drug research centre. The 1-kg bricks are shrink-wrapped & bear crown logo &words Calidad Total (Total Quality). Could have been dumped in panic at approach of patrol vessel, or lost while transfer from freighter in heavy seas. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

23 foot UK yacht S/V Seacow broadcast distress signal Oct 1, mid-Atlantic -- container M/V Canmar Spirit diverted -- sighted red distress flare & proceeded towards position -- Australian male, in thirties recovered. During night small yacht knocked down 3 or 4 times in rough seas -- now abandoned. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

280-foot cement M/T Contrader capsized at Clifton Pier, Nassau<<Photofeature during sea surges from Hurricane Jeanne on Sept. 25 -- set to make its return to Cuba, Sept. 24, after delivering cement to Island Cement Co. when it uploaded contaminated fuel. As a result vessel forced to stay at Island's dock -- has spilled hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel & lubricating oil. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For September 2004

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

"Enjoy Your Flight!"

Dover-Calais services of P&O, M/V SeaFrance, M/V Hoverspeed & 5 other ferries stranded after protesting French fishermen blockaded Port of Calais -- hundreds of travelers stranded -- 7 fishing boats strung across entrance to harbor in protest about rising fuel prices. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

Up to 5 tons of cocaine washed up along Atlantic beaches of France between Arcachon and Biarritz & Spain as far west as Bilbao, apparently a single shipment dumped overboard by Mexican smugglers. "Street price has fallen by over a 33%, there's been a big rash of related hospitalizations, & large number of people who had never even tried cocaine are now hooked," said Jean-Michel Delile of the Bordeaux drug research centre. The 1-kg bricks are shrink-wrapped & bear crown logo &words Calidad Total (Total Quality). Could have been dumped in panic at approach of patrol vessel, or lost while transfer from freighter in heavy seas. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

23 foot UK yacht S/V Seacow broadcast distress signal Oct 1, mid-Atlantic -- container M/V Canmar Spirit diverted -- sighted red distress flare & proceeded towards position -- Australian male, in thirties recovered. During night small yacht knocked down 3 or 4 times in rough seas -- now abandoned. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

280-foot cement M/T Contrader capsized at Clifton Pier, Nassau<<Photofeature during sea surges from Hurricane Jeanne on Sept. 25 -- set to make its return to Cuba, Sept. 24, after delivering cement to Island Cement Co. when it uploaded contaminated fuel. As a result vessel forced to stay at Island's dock -- has spilled hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel & lubricating oil. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

Container carrier 17,153gt M/V YM People (built 2003), Singapore & Hong Kong for Turkey & Greece -- off Sri Lanka -- explosion in engine room causing dealth of 4 crew -- diverted to Colombo where incident under investigation. (Wed. Sept. 29 2004)

Sitka-based U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender USCGC Maple (WLB-207)<<Webfeature, searched SE Alaska waters for float plane & 4 passengers reported missing since Sept. 20. U.S Coast Guard & others searched 4, 615.4 square miles in 204.9 hours for missing plane & occupants. U.S. Coast Guard suspended search pending further developments Sept. 29. (Wed. Sept. 29 2004)

62,000-ton, Holland America Line 237-meter cruise M/V Rotterdam<<Webfeature, (built 1997), Ireland for eastern Canada, lost power from all 4 engines near edges of hurricane Karl, Sept. 24 -- loss of electrical systems & stabilizers caused severe list TO 40 DEGREES in swells reaching 10 to 15 meters. Passengers said: "Furniture was flying all over the place. Pianos were not bolted down. In the gym all the weights came loose & started rolling around. In onboard restaurant that had 1,000 plates on hand, 800 came loose & crashed to the floor." "In the cabins, refrigerators came loose, TV sets were flying through the rooms." Crew ordered to lifeboat stations. Numerous minor injuries & fractures. Vessel can accommodate 1,316 passengers & 593 crew. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

Vietnamese-flagged 7,045dwt M/V Vihan 05 (Built 1990), for Vietnam to load steel with 20 Vietnamese crew, at Oita Anchorage of Japan -- 200km/h wind swept away ship from anchoring shelter only 1.1km off Oita Port by Typhoon Chaba -- vessel dragged anchor & stuck rock, sank rapidly -- 4 of 20 crew dead, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Engineer & 1 Saloir. (1st & 2nd Engineers were brothers) (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

Japanese carrier Mitsui OSK Line has hired ST Education & Training Pte. Ltd. (STET) to supervise security aboard the company's ships which travel through piracy-plagued Malacca & Singapore straits. STET will place "experts" on board 6 MOL-operated vessels. They will board vessels bound from the Middle East to Japan before reaching the Strait of Malacca, and confirm security measures are in place around the clock, especially the bridge. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

Famous schooner S/V Bluenose Two<<Webfeature, with full passemger load, suffered near collision in Lunenburg harbor, 24 Sept. Another ship -- reportedly flying the jolly roger -- came close to colliding with several other sailboats involved in a race -- rogue vessel eventually apprehended by RCMP vessel outside the harbor. Police say 58-year old man failed a breathalyzer test while 50-year old man refused to take one. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

High-speed ferry, M/V Spirit of Ontario, arrested at Port of Rochester by U.S. District Judge Michael Telesca. Suit brought by feul supplier Amerada Hess Corp. claiming US$372,868 in unpaid bills. Canadian American Transportation Systems, the private ferry operator, abruptly suspended service 3 weeks ago, saying it couldn't continue operating -- after only 80 days in operation & after carrying about 140,000 passengers. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Sept.2004 at 0130 LT at Conchan, Peru. Five armed pirates boarded bulk carrier at berth & took hostage security guard on patrol & severely beat him. Shore security patrol responded with an exchange of gunfire. Piratess stole ship's stores & escaped in a high speedboat. No injuries to crew.

26 Sept. 2004 at 1255 UTC in position: 12:37.5N - 043:19.2E, off Perim island, Southern Red Sea. Speedboats with 18 pirates with guns approached container ship. Men inside tried to board using hooks attached to ropes. Crew mustered & activated fire hoses & ship zigzagged course and boarding was averted.

25 Sept. 2004 at 2000 LT in position: 03:12.2S - 116:20.6E, North Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia. Two armed pirates boarded bulk carrier via anchor chain. D/O raised alarm & robbers fled empty handed.

23.09.2004 at 2350 LT at Tanjung Pemancingan anchorage, Indonesia -- 30 to 40 pirates armed with long knives & swords boarded bulk carrier & threatened crew. Alarm was raised & crew mustered. Pirates escaped at 0115 LT on 24.09.2004 with ship's stores.

20.09.2004 at 2220 LT at berth no. 3, Conakry port, Guinea -- 6 pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship during cargo operations -- tried to open the accommodation door. Crew mustered & informed local police & port control. Pirates stole ship's stores & escaped in waiting boat. Local police came aboard.

Vanuatu-flagged 615-foot bulk M/V Bahama Spirit, Canada for Charleston with crushed granite, grounded 6 a.m., 7 miles from Charleston's Battery, shipping channel leading into Charleston Harbor -- near marker #29 at Fort Sumter Range 7 miles offshore in 26-feet of water -- gale warning was in effect for waters 20 miles out as remnants of Hurricane Jeanne trekked across Upstate South Carolina. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

India-flagged 36,512-ton M/V Jag Arpan, berthed at Jurong Shipyard<<Webfeature, Singapore, with 100 people working on deck -- suffered fire Sept. 27 -- left 13 Indian nationalsinjured, only 4 workers, suffered burns ranging from 7%to 14%, were hospitalized. (Tues. Vessel owned by Great Eastern Shipping. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

50-year-old excursion M/V Galactica -- sank Sept. 22 in Toronto Harbor, cause unknown. The white-hulled, 200-passenger ship will be raised. No injuries. (Tues. Sept. 28 2004)

U.S.31-foot F/V The Rogue, with 2 crew, issued distress signal near Clearwater in Category III hurricane Jeanne -- later boarded by U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer -- crew missing. Life raft remained aboard. (Mon. Sept. 27 2004) UPDATE>> Chris Stecker, 25, & Pablo Nuanez, 53, both of Tarpon Springs, Fla., located inside liferaft 2.5 miles off Anclote Key -- hoisted up to helicopter &flown to Air Station Clearwater for examination by medical personnel & released. (Fri. Oct. 1 2004)

Half-laden Liberian-flagged container,150m M/V Merkur Bridge trying to overtake Singapore Navy 141m RSS Persistence along narrow stretch of Singapore Straits -- scrapped side of navy ship, causing M/V Merkur Bridge to slam into the 183m-long, 30,000-ton Liberian-flagged tanker in ballast, for Ho Chi Minh City with 20 crew, tearing small hole just above waterline. From our correspondant David Boey.(Mon. Sept. 27 2004)

118 mt. M/V KM Nusa Damai, with 41 trucks & 2 cars -- began to list dangerously while being loaded -- developed leak & sank at Ippi Port in town of Ende on Flores island<<Webfeature, Indonesia. Vessel had 5,878 ton cargo capacity. (Mon. Sept. 27 2004)

14ft inflatable with 1 man & 2 girls set off Sept. 26 from Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey<<Webfeature, -- but at 6.40pm a member of public phoned UK Coastguard to say upturned blue & white vessel spotted floating a quarte mile off land. Coastguard units from Cemaes, Holyhead and Rhos- colyn alerted, while Holyhead's inshore & offshore lifeboats were scrambled, together with RAF rescue helicopter, but nothing found. A safety device had killed engine, to stop vessel speeding away in event of accident -- after capsize calm waters, the 3 people held onto hull for 20 minutes -- boat drifted close to rocks & they swam for what believed was shore - but when they got there they realized that rocks were actually offshore & they had to swim again to reach shore -- hapless sailors then had to climb 100ft cliff before reaching safety of nearby farmhouse. (Mon. Sept. 27 2004)

F/V San Jose, intercepted Sept. 23 with12 tons of cocaine & 65ft. Cambodian flag F/V Lina Marie boarded Sept. 16 & found carrying 15 tons of the drug by U.S. Coast Guard using U.S. Navy frigate S. of Galapagos Islands, 450 miles off Ecuador -- 18 crew put up fight, but only minor injuries-- "Operation Panama Express" siezure for both vessels worth US$360M. U.S. Coast Guard seized a record 240,518 pounds of cocaine, worth US$7.7Bn during fiscal year 2004 -- previous annual record of 138,393 pounds was surpassed May 29 with the seizure of 4,300 pounds of cocaine off a go-fast vessel in Eastern Pacific. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

22,746gt Chinese container ship M/V Dainty River, with containers for Durban Container Terminal, in collision with concrete anti-submarine caisson Sept. 24 night -- harbor closed to incoming vessels highlighted urgent need for widening & deepening port's entrance channel -- buckled bulbous bow & number of holes on port side below waterline -- ship may also have bottom hull damage -- impact caused caisson, which weighed more than 1 000 tons, to break in two. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

Asmat Regency Administration in Papua Province cargo M/V KM Asmat Daci, Agats in Asmat for city of Merauke with 9 passengers & 10 crew -- developed leak & sank 1:15 a.m. off Habee Island in Kimaan District -- all rescued. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

Royal Caribbean cruise M/V Jewel of the Seas arrived in Saint John Sept. 26 morning with a dead 20-metre-long finback whale draped across bulbous bow -- struck somewhere between Quebec City & Bay of Fundy. Canadian Coast Guard vessel towed whale off the bow & to sea for disposal. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

Cruise M/V Van Gogh, for Tanger with 500 passengers, in collision Sept. 26 with 274m Greek M/T Spetses, Egypt for Algeciras with 139.000 tons crude oil in dense fog off Gibraltar -- both ships severely damaged. M/V Van Gogh returned to Gibraltar. From our correspondant Tim Schwabedissen. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

Nigerian Navy authorities arrested & detained 8 officers in Apapa, Lagos, over alleged complicity in disappearance of detained illegal bunkering ship, M/T African Pride. Those being detained include Commanding Officer of NNS Beecroft (ex-NNS OlokunL), Navy Captain George Alily, Commander Jatatu, Lt. Commander Kabir & Lt. Commander Abubakar. M/T African Pride arrested on Oct. 8, 2003 by NNS Nwana while on routine patrol of the nation's waters & handed over to NNS Beecroft. (Sun. Sept. 26 2004)

Cruise M/V Miracle, returning from New York after week-long trip to the Bahamas, suffered prank as 3.45am Sept. 25 passengers awoken by a prankster who'd managed to take over vessel's public-address system -- orders "ABANDON SHIP!" -- thinking terrorists had taken over ship, hundreds of holidaymakers gathered on 3rd deck in their pajamas, awaiting instructions. Crew then took control & cancelled event. (Sat. Sept. 25 2004)

122 ft. Hatteras class ferry M/V Conrad WirtSh, with sand, aground Sept. 23 afternoon just N. of Churches Island, VA -- proceedimg to an area to an area behind Whalehead Club<<Webfeature, where state contractors dug a 700-foot channel illegally in May. Freed by around 2 a.m. Sept. 25. (Sat. Sept. 25 2004)

19-foot Baymaster Predator U.S. Boarder Patrol boat capsized Sept. 19 near the Free Trade Bridge at Los Indios killing 2 agents -- bodies of senior agents Travis M. Attaway, 31, and Jeremy M. Wilson,29 recovered from Rio Grande Sept. 21 -- 1st on-duty drowning on Rio Grande in 50 years. (Sat. Sept. 25 2004)

36 foot catamaran S/V Free Cat, for Annapolis Boat Show in Maryland with 3 crew, when high winds & seas from passing Hurricanes Jeanne & Karl tore sails & disabled vessel -- satellite receivers began receiving distress signal Sept. 22 afternoon emanating 400 miles N. of Puerto Rico -- confirmed by airliners passing overhead & a merchant vessel transiting nearby -- responding to call was crew of 650 foot Liberian flagged bulk carrier M/V Sentinel II -- diverted to intercept -- once on scene, crew of S/V Free Cat decided to abandon vessel taking 10 to 14 foot seas over bow -- all safe. S/V Free Cat did not make the boat show. (Fri. Sept. 24 2004)

Chinese ferry overloaded on Yellow River in N. China's Shanxi province -- capsized Sept. 23 -- 12 dead & 36 missing -- was taking 65 villagers from local ferry point to pick cotton on island in river. At least 17 people survived -- unclear if vessel was licensed ferry boat. (Fri. Sept. 24 2004) UPDATE>>20 dead, 6 missing & 57 rescued. (Mon. Sept. 27 2004)