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"Happy Landings' - for July 2006

"Vine Ripened Tires" - M/V Saga Spray -- May 2006 -- Amazing !

"Mis-Fortune" - M/V Hyundai Fortune - March 2006

M/V APL Panama - March 2006

"Scheldt Snafu!" - M/V Grande Nigeria - Feb. 2006

"Curse of The Pequot" - M/V Maesrsk Holyhead - Jan 2006

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

"The Boeing Tri-Motor" - for April 2005

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M/T Vicuna Explodes - for Jan. 2005

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

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

"Sea (to) Land Express" - May 2004

"Rocknes Monster" - Feb. 2004

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"Stepping In It" - Dec. 2003

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Have You Seen The New Stuff? Seen -"M/T Front Sunda - Exploded And Abandoned? - July 2006

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"Keel Hualed" - M/V Hual Europe - May 2003

"Thrice Bitten" -- M/V Tricolor - Jan. 2003

"Thar She Blows!" - M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania - Nov. 2002

"T-E-U Bar-Be-Cue" - aftermath of M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania Loss

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"Container Pool" - A Cargo Law Mystery - what? May 2002

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DRAMATIC PHOTOS OF DUBAI DRY DOCK GATE COLLAPSE. (Wed. March 27 2002)

'UNDER Achiever" - tell your friends ! - March 2002

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"Happy Landings' - for July 2006

New Singles Only>>Ultimate Transport Crisis - Sept. 2006. Because Ship Happens©

EDITORS NOTE>> The Cargo Letter -- to join the free subscription -- Subscribe -- be sure to request "Subscription".The Cargo Letter[425] For July 2006 is Posted. Subscribe ..... be sure to request "Subscription" & get the news weeks earlier when we live publish in a readable format.

"Happy Landings' - for July 2006 -- Amazing !

MARITIME LOSSES AROUND THE WORLD TODAY

New Singles Only>>Ultimate Transport Crisis - Sept. 2006. Because Ship Happens©

Another Real Time Event for The Cargo Letter --

ALERT>>Have you seen M/V Cougar Ace Laying Down On The Job - SEE DAILY UPDATES - keel out of the water! July/August 2006. You should! because Ship Happens©
UPDATE>> New Photo Feature - 9 Sept. 2006 - - The Movement To Re-Name -- "M/V Marty Johnson" Your Comments Are Very Much Needed
Movement To Rename M/V Cougar Ace - and our reader comments - Marty's Sister Speaks Out !
Marty's Brother In Law Speaks Out - Aug. 24

Marty's Sister Speaks Out - Aug. 27

The Lady Is Coming To Port! - Aug. 28

Update For Today

We currently expect Port of Portland arrival about Sept. 11 2006

EDITORS NOTE>> Read>>The Cargo Letter[425] For July 2006 is Posted. Subscribe ..... be sure to request "Subscription" & get the news weeks earlier when we live publish in a readable format.

Vessel Loss Dispatches For September 2006


New Singles Only>>Ultimate Transport Crisis - Sept. 2006. Because Ship Happens©

"Laying Down On The Job" - M/V Cougar Ace - feature for Aug. 2006 -- Quite Amazing !

EDITORS NOTE>> The Cargo Letter -- to join the free subscription -- Subscribe -- be sure to request "Subscription" " & get the news weeks earlier when we live publish in a readable format.

Another Real Time Event for The Cargo Letter --

ALERT>> Have you seen M/V Cougar Ace - Laying Down On The Job - keel out of the water! July/August/September 2006. You should! because Ship Happens©
UPDATE>> Sept. 9. 2006 - Campaign For "M/V Marty Johnson" Your Comments Are Needed. Please Support Us! We Are Getting Close!
Movement To Rename M/V Cougar Ace - and our reader comments. Add your comments. Marty's Sister Speaks Out !

We currently expect Port of Portland arrival about Sept. 11 2006

 

22,000gt 600 ft. U.K. registered cruise ship M/V Alpha, in tow from New York to Bremerhaven for refurbishment, took on water and sank in storm off the coast of Nantucket. Tow crew of 6 aboard safely evacuated -- no fatalities or injuries. From our Correspondent Beta Charlie. (Sun. Sept. 10 2006)

M/V Amanth Sah, Burma in Southeast Asia for Mumbai, India with 34 Bangladeshi nationals -- developed a technical failure close to the Sri Lankan coast Sept. 7. While being towed to port in Colombo -- started sinking in rough seas & Sri Lankan navy on way to assist. From our Correspondent Thushara Gunawardene. (Sat. Sept. 9 2006)

M/V Francois Vieljeux, Tanzania for N. Europe with 5,500 tons copper & 700 tons zinc -- sank in a storm in 1979 off the coast of northern Spain. Salvage expert SubSea Resources<<Webfeature, has started recovering copper -- expects to be able to recover 80%, worth about £17.3M (US$50.25M), by the end of this month. The shipwrecks SubSea targets are usually owned by the marine cargo insurers. It either buys the rights to the salvage on board or does a deal with the insurer for a percentage of the sale value. Over the past 20 years it has built a database of more than 12,000 wrecks. Prime targets are identified according to cargo & ease of salvage operation. The recovery is undertaken by M/V Geomaster, a 117mt vessel which carries the remotely operated grab used to recover the cargo from within wrecks. Next project will be a mail ship with 20,000 ounces of gold worth £5M (US$14.5M) on board. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Sept. 8 2006)

Cargo M/V Krios -- in collision on Sep 4 while transiting downbound Welland Canal, approaching Thorold docks. At 7.55 p.m she suddenly dropped anchors. 2 minutes later she was on a collision course with Guard Gate's NW approach wall. She hit the wall hard, engine went silent -- moored immediately -- crew disembarked & began inspecting the hull for any visible damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Sept. 8 2006)

Oseberg South Oil Platform -- Norwegian producer Norsk Hydro has shut down as fire broke out in a transformer room early Sep 5. "The fire was quickly brought under control -- all procedures were followed & functioned as they should. Production will resume when the relevant equipment in the transformer room has been checked andfound in order," said officials. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 7 2006)

56-foot commercial F/V Chrissy K, out of Barnegat -- grounded Sept. 5 at Island Beach State Park 2 miles N of Barnegat Inlet, N.J., in the Atlantic Ocean. Commercial salvage crew contracted & plans to re-float and remove vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 7 2006)

72gt. fuel ship M/T Ralf, Datteln for Blumenthal -- sprang a leak for unknown reasons Sept. 6. 100 liters oil escaped from the machine room into the water -- 35 tons oil in cargo tanks remained intact. In the lock the Capt. remarked, that the stern of the ship was sinking. He steered his ship at once into shallow waters where the stern sunk onto the sand, but thus he prevented M/T Ralf from sinking completely. Fire brigade laid out oil booms around the ship. M/T Ralf towed into yard by tug. During the salvage works the lock of Flaesheim was closed for shipping. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 7 2006)

U.S. S/V Vega -- disabled in severe weather Sept. 4 in the Gulf of Alaska -- One Dead & One Rescued -- vessel's master, 66-year-old Mike Price, fallen overboard when vessel's steering damaged in severe weather. S/V Vega was located using VHF direction finding equipment by U.S. Coast Guard. HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Sitka -- Capt. Price found to be unresponsive with no pulse. At the time of the accident Price tied off to the vessel, but not wearing a life jacket or survival suit. Water temperature 55 F with eight to 15 foot seas. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Sept. 7 2006)

ALERT>>Russian Northern Fleet<<Webfeature, nuclear Shchuka or Victor-1 Class submarine<<Webfeature, Daniil Moskovsky K-414, with 96 crew -- suffered engine room fire late Sept. 6 -- while under tow on the surface to its base at Vidyayevo<<Webfeature. Vessel armed with PK-55 Granat cruise missiles, Shkval & Vodopad torpedoes. Warrant officer & sailor thus far reported dead. Officials report no nuclear threat. Careful watch. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006) UPDATE>> Casualty was K-414 Daniil Moskovsky, a Victor III class nuclear-powered submarine, as wesuspected. (Fri. Sept. 8 2006) Russian Northern Fleet From our Correspondent Al Raithel.Capt. USN (Ret.) (Fri. Sept. 8 2006)

Ed Note: Despite the above press report from Associated Press, we find that the Russian K-414 is a far more modern Victor III Classs<<Webfeature, Russian submarine named Matroskin put into service 1985. The Russian submarine Daniil Moskovsky reported by the press tonight was K-388, also Victor III Class<<Webfeature. But was it the K-414? Always question both the press & us. It takes some work to get the story right -- and with a nuclear sub accident, the distinctions could be deadly important. McD (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

UK registered cargo M/V Dealer, for Teignmouth, in Devon with animal feed -- in collision with -- UK registered cargo M/V Vindo, for Spain with fertilizer -- 17 miles off Ramsgate, in the Dover Strait, at 0230 BST. Maritime and Coastguard Agency's enforcement branch & Port State Control officers have been notified of the incident -- both ships damaged -- tugs underway. From our Correspondent A. L. Griffiths. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

120mt. German passenger M/V Maxima (homeport Munich), Colgne for Wertheim with 171 passengers -- on Sept. 5 collided with a bridge spanning the lock of Klingenberg on the river Main, Germany -- damage assessed to be Euro 400,000. Accident caused by ship's wheelhouse which was not lowered enough. Warnings radioed to ship were overheard as Capt. was outside wheelhouse. When crashing into the bridge the wheelhouse was pushed down & destroyed completely -- position of bridge changed by 1 meter, cables for operating the lock were cut through. Both ship & lock suffered damage. Traffic on the Main had to be stopped for some hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

Legendary 5,209gt cruise 127mt. M/V Stella Polaris<<Webfeature, -- sank Sept. 2, while being towed from Japan to China for repairs -- later for Sweden for further use as a hotel ship M/V Scandinavia. Vessel foundered into a depth of 70mt, a short distance from Wakayama. Before it had been berthed for 30 years in Kisho Nishiura, Izu-peninsula, where a special ceremony was held before departure on Aug 23. Built at Gotaverken, Gothenburg, in 1927 for Bergen Lines & carried 165 passengers 1st class only. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

Sunken inland container M/V Ferox -- salvage underetaken Aug. 29, in the Rozenburgsluis by sheerleg Poseidon (Smit Waalhaven) & M/V Ajax (G.P.S Marine Services.).. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

Russian M/V Feizulli departing port Eisk, Azov sea, with 2 tugs assisting, pilot on board, Aug. 6, grounded on channel edge. Azebaidzhan-flagged, length 123.5 meters, breadth 15.0 meters, 4150 dwt, cargo 3000 tons oil cakes. Draft loss 0.9 meters fore, 1.0 meter aft. No damages, no list, no injures. Several attempts to refloat M/V Feizulli with the help of 3 tugs and M/V Delphinus failed, aborted at 24.00 moscow time due to worsening weather. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

U.S. S/V Seagar & S/V Crystal Lynn -- traveling together from Port Canaveral to the Abacos in the Bahamas during the arrival of Tropical Depression Ernesto Aug. 30 -- both suffered sail & engine damage in 4-6 foot seas & winds at 26 miles per hour. U.S. Coast Guard launched an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter & HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Clearwater & arrived on scene at 12:53 p.m. and established better communications with the Akasha crew. All rescued & vessels escorted to port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

U.S. 46ft. S/Y Crystal Glenn Shawnie with 2 other sailboats -- into the worst of Tropical Depression Ernesto Aug. 30 -- lost power & steering due to the extreme weather offthe Florida Coast -- issued distress call 27-miles E. of Port Canaveral, Fla. Rescued by U.S. Coast Guard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Sept. 6 2006)

UK tug M/V Cumbrae, with 6 crew & barge in tow -- got into difficulties off Ramsgate as emergency tow wire had become lodged around the rudder under the towing vessel -- drifting at the time & Master did not wish to use his propellers for fearing of fouling & exacerbating the situation -- anchor dropped but this wasnt holding the vessel & she was still drifting just outside the shipping lanes off Dover, UK. Dover based Coastguard tug Anglian Monarch & now has M/V Cumbrae & barge in tow. (Mon. Sept. 4 2006)

British container M/V Mariming Miral, with 52,000 tons -- ran aground due to engine failure in the eastern branch of the Suez Canal. Sep 2 and stopped traffic along this part of the waterway. Suez Canal Authority tugboats are currently trying to steer the container away from shipping lane. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Sept. 4 2006)

33ft. S/Y Wight Spirit, with 5 crew -- dismasted Sept. 2 in the entrance to the E. Solent -- navigational lights were also not working, and the VHF antenna was attached to the mast. RNLI lifeboat from Bembridge was requested to launch to the vessel to provide assistance, a pan pan broadcast was undertaken by the Coastguard to alert passing shipping to the position -- approximately in same sea area rescue assets were searching last week for the crew of the missing S/Y Ouzo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Sept. 4 2006)

Russian M/T Caesar, Vladivostok for Sakhalin's Korsakov -- aground near Skryplev Island, Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, Sept. 3 -- managed to get afloat but was detained for inspection. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Sept. 4 2006)

UK RNLI Coastguards mounted major rescue operation to aid 17 laser class yachts racing from Abersoch & got into difficulties entering Pwllheli harbor on Sept. 3. The 16ft vessels were in difficulties in heavy 3 meter swell & winds of 35 knots. From our Correspondent A. L. Griffiths. (Mon. Sept. 4 2006)

USNS San Jose<<Webfeature, at the Guam Shipyard -- boom lift with 2 men overturned -- 1 died -- men were in bucket of the boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, which is usually mounted to a truck & used to lift workers so they can conduct electrical line work -- not know how high men were & where they had fallen. Case under investigation. USNS San Jose is on Guam to undergo maintenance. Ship's command based in Singapore. From our Correspondent Fred Mc Cague. (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

Naval Inquest>> Inquiry Sept. 1, into the deaths of 3 sailors who drowned in the English Channel after their yacht supposedly hit by a ship. All drowned off the Isle of Wight on August 20 when their 25ft Sailfish sloop S/V Ouzo disappeared Aug. 20. Earlier this week investigators examined the P&O ferry M/V Pride of Bilbao and obtained its black box data recorder. The inquest held at the Isle of Wight Law Courts in Newport. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

Sunken inland container M/V Ferox -- raised Aug 31 close to the Dutch Rozenburgsesluis, Maas, by W. Smit BV Duik- en Bergingsbedrijfs Rotterdam and G.P.S. The sheerleg used assisted by its tug M/V Zeepia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

50ft. F/V Kristina, with 4 crew -- taking on water 10 miles west of Ozette Lake, Wash. Aug. 31 -- HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, Wash., were launched to assist. F/V Kristina towed to port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

Wreck of the burnt out M/Y Swan -- raised by a 60-ton sheerleg of the company Vohlen & Doyen off the island Juist. Vessel sank Aug 19 after a fire. A pontoon had been fitted out in Norddeich. The sheerleg was on the wrecksite which was marked by a buoy. At low tide ropes were attached to the wreck which was then raised & taken on board the pontoon to Norddeich. On Aug 30 she was taken to Esens for scapping. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

Japanese salvage M/V Senshei Maru - arrived at the Iloilo Strait & now anchored at the Iloilo In'll Port. Reports said the salvage ship's 1st mission is to confirm exact location of sunken M/T Solar 1 that has been leaking oil under Panay Gulf. Officials estimated M/V Solar 1's location at 600 meters underwater at the Panay Gulf. The Japanese salvage vessel is equipped with seabed scanners & a remotely operated submersible that can determine the position, condition and the exact location of sunken tanker. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

195-ft. dive support M/V Odyssea Voyager -- severely damaged by fire Aug. 11 -- cause unknown. Vessel is now safely docked in Amelia, La. U.S. Coast Guard assisted with the USCG Pelican by rescuing passengers & crew and also flying via helicopter 2 crew needing medical attention to West Jefferson Hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Sept. 1 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For August 2006

"Laying Down On The Job" - M/V Cougar Ace - feature for Aug. 2006 -- Quite Amazing !

EDITORS NOTE>> The Cargo Letter -- to join the free subscription -- Subscribe -- be sure to request "Subscription" " & get the news weeks earlier when we live publish in a readable format.

Another Real Time Event for The Cargo Letter --

ALERT>> M/V Cougar Ace - Laying Down On The Job - keel out of the water! July/August/September 2006. You should! because Ship Happens©
UPDATE>> Sept. 2. 2006 - Campaign For "M/V Marty Johnson" Your Comments Are Needed. Please Support Us! We Are Getting Close!
Movement To Rename M/V Cougar Ace - and our reader comments. Add your comments. Marty's Sister Speaks Out !

19,864grt Turkish flag bulk M/V Gulsum Ana (built 1975), with coal -- suffered fire in 2 of the cargo holds on Aug. 15 in the Red Sea. Lloyds Open Form has been signed between owners and Smit, the salvors. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

12,927gt Chemical M/T Fantasy I, with with 20,800 tons vegetable oil -- ran aground at the San Lorenzo Roads - Pirana River - Argentina on Aug. 12 -- in lat 34 44 5.58S, long 57 50 19.31 W, at 0220, UTC, Aug 14, course 76.5 deg, speed 7.3 knots. Vessel refloated. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Liberia flagged 64,254gt. M/V YM Green (built 2001) , Singapore for Egypt with containers suffered fire on Aug. 6.Eventually source of the fire was discovered, to be one of the 40 ft containers in No.4 hold. In total, this hold contained 348 Containers and the heat had spread, causing damage to at least 20 more containers. Fire fighting operations continued with teams entering the smoke filled hold to cut small holes in the burning containers & insert water sprays and slowly but surely the fire was successfully contained. When it was deemed safe enough to do so, the ship was brought into one of Singapore's Container Terminals at Pasir Panjang, so that some of the above-deck containers, some 320 of them, could be off-loaded. This was to make it possible for the deck-level hatch covers to be removed, allowing access to the burned out containers beneath. A large offshore barge crane & a flat barge, these for removing the hatch covers and the burned out containers. This operation was completed on Aug 16 with 25 burned out containers safely transferred damaged containers to the flat barge, leaving M/V YM Green in a completely safe condition -- with quite a number of its containers missing. M/V YM Green sailed Singapore Aug 24, for Port Said. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

22,350-ton Egyptian freighter M/V Edco, with 29 crew -- has been stuck -- arrested by the U.S. District Court -- in Charleston for 2 months since Hong Kong-based Grand Max Marine Ltd. sued owner Misr Edco Chipping after a contract with sister ship M/V Edco Star could not be fulfilled because she was deemed not seaworthy. M/V Edco will be put up for auction Sept. 21, U.S. District Judge David Norton ruled Aug. 25. Bidding is expected to start at UD$2M. That money will be set aside as security in the lawsuit. Meanwhile, the crew cannot leave the ship until they have plane tickets. The ship's owner has not paid some of the crew in as long as 9 months. Capt. Mohammed Ellewaa has asked the Egyptian Embassy for help in getting the crew paid & sent home. ........ and tonight Hurrincane Ernesto approaches! From our Correspondent Mark Levdahl. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Greek freight M/V -- in collision -- with the quay of a shipyard at Port Saint, NE Egypt, near the Suez Canal. Collision caused substantial damage to the bow of the ship. Greek vessel was transporting wheat that had to be unloaded at the Egyptian port. Officials at the Suez Canal will assess damage caused by the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Tanker M/T Luchegorsk -- being held in Conakry<<Webfeature, Aug. 30, at berth #9. Investigation under way, though it's clear that tanker didn't violate any rules or regulations. Guinea<<Webfeature, authorities trying to force owner & charterer to pay something like administrative ransom, to free the ship. Each day is a loss in financial terms, so, looks like charterer and owner will have to pay. Financial piracy? From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Russian-flagged floating crane P-3 torn off anchor Aug. 29 by strong wind (SW 15-20 meters\sec) & swell (2-3 meters), drifted aground, 3 cables off shoreline, Taman peninsula<<Webfeature, Kerch strait, area 451. No damages, stable communications, no injures. Standing by tug M/V Arktur, trying to refloat crane, disabled due to fouled propeller. M/V Arktur tugged to Kavkaz port by passing by tug M/V Captain Soushek. Owner Eurotek Universal. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Crippled M/V CP Valour -- last of her containers are removed & covers of the bilge & the complete engine are also removed from the ship, The refloat work with air will begin between 4 & 9 of Sept. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

12,200-gt Egyptian ferry M/V Cleopatra 1 (built in 1971) with 1,000 passengers, mostly Muslim pilgrims -- began transmitting distress signals Aug. 28 -- lost part of its engine power on way for the port of Suez. Ferry taken in tow & returned to the Saudi port of Jeddah from where it had sailed earlier in the day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Sunken cargo M/V Sea Trader -- salvage has begun in Gent -- ship which sank during scrapping is to be salved by B.T.S. using M/V Amsterdam & tug M/V Ijsland. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thus. Aug. 31 2006)

30ft. P/V Compromise -- sank near the mouth of the Columbia River Aug. 26 -- sole 43-year-old skipper from Hillsboro, Ore. contacted the Coast Guard at 7:15 a.m. today & reported he had just put out an early morning fire on his vessel & in need of assistance. U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco,Wash., maintained communication with the vessel and launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew at 8:18 a.m. to assist. Vessel took on water rapidly -- rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 31 2006)

Inland water M/V Minerva was raised Aug. 26, in the Port of Antwerp & wreck lifted onto pontoon whch was towed to Rotterdam by M/V En Avant 21. Salvage workers also found the body of missing dock worker in the engineroom. Because of its age & damage to the vessel -- she will be scrapped there. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 28 2006)

German tug M/V Magnus -- on Aug 26 sank 2 other ships of the Muetzelfeld yard in Bremerhaven while testing the machines. She sank the harbour tug M/V Erbse and a pontoon barge. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 28 2006)

Faithful Service -- Devoted Diving Reefs>> 497 ton former German passenger M/V Karwela & M/V Cominoland -- were sunk off ix-Xatt l-Amar in Gozo on Aug 13 -- event attracted sizeable crowd that took to the coastline to watch spectacular phase of this much awaited project. Activity formed part of Ministry for Gozo Niche Tourism Project for the island of Gozo that targets the specialized tourism market of diving. M/V Karwela was built at Meyer Yard Papenburg in 1957 & connected Norderney & Norddeich for 20 years as M/VFrisia II, carrying 9863 passengers, from 1977 until 1981 she served as M/V Nordpaloma for Peter Deilmann, Neustadt, then for an owner in Travemuende until being declared as a total loss after collision with the ferry M/V Rogalin on Dec. 10, 1985. In 1987 it was sold to Comino Marina Lt. in Valletta & served as M/V Karwela. Good night ladies. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 28 2006)

M/V Beautiful Queen departing Port of Los Angeles for Hong Kong -- ship's crane hit the Vincent Thomas Bridge<<Webfeature, in San Pedro causing authorities to close the span to traffic while it was inspected for evident damage -- then reopened. Initial reports indicated crane struck scaffolding under bridge & knocked off 20ft. rail from under works of bridge. The Vincent Thomas Bridge spans the main channel of the Los Angeles Harbor between San Pedro & Terminal Island. (Sun. Aug. 27 2006)

63mt. inland container M/V Ferox (ex Estra Hopper) sank Aug. 25 -- close to the Dutch Rozenburgsluis in the Hartel Canal. Capt. & family were rescued by M/V Nieuwe Maas. A part of the cargo, 30 containers with cacao, drifted in front of the lock. Cause of sinking unknown, but container stowage is considered. Smit Salvage is to salve the containers, the wreck which endangers shipping is to be raised ASAP. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 27 2006)

Russian tanker M/T Luchegorsk still detained in Conakry, Guinea. Guinea is trying to find excuses for this act of state-run piracy, under different contradictory pretences, like "veesel didn't hoist flag" or "they were involved in illegal bunkering in Guinea economical zone' or best off all "Rusian sailors look like bandits". Guinea authorities still didn't explain why their navy robbed master of US$7,000, or why boarding team was half drunk, half doped. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Sat. Aug. 26 2006)

Aug. 24 Was A Bad Day On the Mississippi River occurred 3 separate accidents along the river on Aug. 24:

1. 140ft. towboat M/V Capt. Russell Simpson ran aground at 3:15 p.m. today, 40 miles S. of Helena, Ark., at mile marker 626.1. Towboat was pushing 25 barges of dry cargo at the time of the accident The river is closed between mile marker 623.1 & 628.

2. 200ft. towboat M/V Robert A. Kyle ran aground at 6:30 a.m., 15 miles N. of Rosedale, Miss., at mile marker 595.5. Towboat was pushing 32 barges at the time of the grounding. The river is closed between mile marker 595.9 & 594.4 at Victoria Bend.

3. 128ft. towboat M/V Noble C. Parsonage ran aground at 3:15 a.m, 180 miles S. of Angola, La., at mile marker 265.5.  At the time of the accident, towboat was pushing 25 barges loaded with grain & coal. The river is closed between mile marker 263 & 267.

From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

U.S. passenger M/V Totem Princess -- grounded Aug. 24, half mile north of Totem Bight, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard launched a 25-foot & 47-foot small boat from Station Ketchikan. Passengers donned life-jackets. Coast Guard vessel pulled M/V Totem Princess off the rocks & into safe water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

F/V Challenger, with 2 crew -- issued Mayday just before 3pm, Aug. 24 -- run aground onto rocks off the North end of Hoy, Orkney, West of the Pow -- swamped by a sudden, unexpected swell which rapidly pushed the vessel onto rocks. UK Shetland Coastguard tasked the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter Oscar Charlie, which was already airborne on an exercise in Orkney, to the scene. Shetland Coastguard also requested the assistance of the Stromness RNLI all weather lifeboat which was on scene alongside the Challenger within ten minutes of being contacted. RNLI lifeboat team had to use their inflatable boat to get the 2 crew safely off F/V Challenger and onto the lifeboat, they were then taken to Stromness. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

Ro/ro ferry M/V Finn Arrow -- suffered fire Aug. 22, in the Baltic in the approach of South Quay, berth 6 in Luebeck-Travemuende, where she was expected at 02.30 a.m., Aug 23. The fire was on a truck carrying peat. The crew prevented the fire from spreading to other trucks on the car deck. But as they were unable to extinguish the fire completely, the fire brigade Luebeck was alarmed. Forces from Kuecknitz, Schlutup and Travemuende & special equipment were already waiting at the quay when the ship arrived at 02.21 a.m. Several trucks had to be unloaded to reach the burning truck. This was unloaded at 02.25 a.m. With the help of special cameras fire still burning was traced on the aft part of the truck. The truck was unloaded and the fire extinguished on the quay. The fire was completely extinguished on 02.54 a.m.-- 30 members of the fire bridgades were involved. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

13.4mt. 2 mast S/V Sueno (built 1972), with 2 crew -- suffered engine room fire Aug. 23, 6 miles off Suederoogsand in the North Sea. After Mayday-call, 2 rescue boats, including M/V Hermann Marwede rushed to the scene as well as a police boat & took vessel under tow -- towline broke -- connection could not be estalished again. At 07.25 a.m. wooden ship sank 9 miles W. of Eiderstedt peninsula. Slight oil film was seen above wreck position. There were winds of 60 km/h & waves of 2 m height. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006) UPDATE>> Rescue boat that tried to tow the burning ship into port of Husum was the Nordstrand-based M/V Vormann Leiss. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

Ran Out of Gas>> U.S. container M/V Horizon Hawaii, Puerto Rico for U.S. -- diverted on Aug. 6 to assist S/V Kokomo Cat, with 4 crew -- issued Mayday, became stranded 40 NM N. of the North West Coast of Puerto Rico. M/V Horizon Hawaii spotted her & maneuvered alongside to help refuel the sailboat, which was then able to make way under its own power. (Sat.. Aug. 26 2006)

German pilot M/V Elbe 3 capsized in the afternoon of Aug 23 in the Elbe estuary. Of the crew of 3 two were rescued safe, 3rd had to be treated for shock & hyperthermia. M/V Elbe 3 was on the way to take off the sea pilot from the Russian cargo M/V Delta St. Petersburg when she suddenly capsized & drifted upside down in the North Sea. The 3 persons on board, 1 pilot & 2 crew, were rescued by M/V Elbe 4 -- standing by. The rescue M/V Hermann Marwede took injured man to Cuxhaven<<Webfeature.. Police investigators found that waves caused by a fast maneuver of M/V Delta St. Petersburg caused M/V Elbe 3 to capsize. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

Dutch S/YFubito (homeport B.V. Kuffeler). with 2 crew for Delfzijl -- ran aground off Borkum Aug 22 at 08.05 a.m. The rescue M/V Alfried Krupp from Borkum refloated ship & towed her to Borkum harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006) From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

27ft. blue hulled sloop S/V Ouzo -- vessel missing after 1 crew found in water early morning of Aug 22, off the Isle of Wight. UK Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, India Juliet, spotted 2 more bodies the same evening, 5 miles south of St Catherines Point, just off S. tip of Isle of Wight. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

F/V Body Snatcher -- near Egg Island south of Cordova, Alaska -- uncorrelated Mayday on Aug. 20, of missing crew. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Liberty & Alaska State Troopers searched for Septien for more than 40 cumulative hours over approximately 390 square miles & 85 shoreline miles. Negative results. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

Panama flag cargo vessel, with 500 tons of stainless steel, Taicang Port in E China's Jiangsu Province for Pohanghang Port in the Republic of Korea -- on the verge of capsizing night of Aug 18, waters off the mouth of the Yangtze River, saving all seven sailors on board. Vessel lurched & water began to pour into cabin at 9:00 PM. The East China Sea Salvage Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Communications sent 4 rescue ships to site after receiving an SOS call. By 1:55 AM on Aug 19, all seven sailors had been rescued and taken on board a patrol ship from the Shanghai Maritime Bureau. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

ARSON of HOPE>> New Orleans shrimp F/V Dolphin (ex Father's Day) -- carried inland by Hurricane Katrina's surge & became a symbol of storm's power has been heavily damaged by a suspicious fire. Fire-fighters were called late Aug 18 and needed 12 hours to extinguish the flames that fed on fibreglass, hydraulic fluid and an unknown amount of fuel remaining in the boat's 800-gallon tank. The 65-foot trawler served as a backdrop for national & local TV broadcasts and had gained a place on the list of landmarks for officials and tourists coming to see Katrina's destruction. Tourists were on the scen taking pictures of the boat in the morning of Aug 19 while fire-fighters were putting out the blaze. Storm carried boat into Chalmette from somewhere on the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet, a channel from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. Storm surge apparently carried her through the marshland of Bayou Bienvenue & across a levee, covering a distance of 2.5 to 3 miles. Fire-fighters had to use a backhoe in the morning of Aug 19 to break open parts of the boat so they could get at areas of fire below deck. Part of the boat's stern burned completely & the vessel was a total loss. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

Uruguayan pilot M/V Ederra 3 (built 2002) -- sunk during strong winds & low temperatures at 8.30 p.m., Aug 20, in the River Plate, 750m from the Uruguayan coast, while delivering pilots in order to board vessels which were to enter the port of Montevideo. Total of 6 aboard -- pilots & crew members -- 2 disappeared & 4 rescued, one later died in hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Aug. 25 2006)

Claiming to Be Guinea Military - Pirate Attack? >>Russian M/T Luchegorsk, with 19 crew -- issued emergency message Aug. 21 -- tanker attacked & captured by pirates armed with AK-47 rifles. In Sierra Leone economy zone 2 boats approached tanker, 10 persons, in black fatigues, with Guinea military badges, boarded tanker & declared violation of Guines economical zone. Master presented map with coordinates, well off Economical Zone of Guinea. Persons alleged to smell alchohol & marijuana -- demanded US$20,000 as a fine for violating zone. Master managed to collect US$7,000, but then persons commanded master to head for Conakri, Guinea. On arriving to Conakri tanker was berthed -- armed guards prohibited any landing -- took ship's log & passports of all crew. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Wed.. Aug. 23 2006)

U.S. 2,000-passenger crusie M/V Summit -- pulled into iAlaskan port with an 8mt. to 9mt. dead whale pinned to bow. U.S. officials investigating the incident said it did not appear the ship's operators did anything wrong.Ttentatively identified as a humpback, an endangered species -- towed by a tug Aug 19 to a nearby beach. A necropsy scheduled to help determine whether whale was alive or dead when struck. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 23 2006)

20mt. trimaran S/V Intermezzo -- capsized off the Algarve<<Webfeature, Aug 17 -- but now Portuguese police are investigating the death of a retired French civil servant, found tied hand & foot in the wreck - suspects - aboard at the time - might have been attempting to smuggle arms or drugs. After abandoning ship in rubber dinghy equipped with radio -- during storm -- they sent no distress call. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 23 2006)

M/V RM Margaux (ex M/V Rupelmonde URS) -- has been lying capsized in the river Gironde, South France, since July - salvaged by the M/V Jacomina. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 23 2006)

Dutch passenger M/V Princess (built 1981) caught fire on the Rhine at Lahnstein on Aug 21 at 7.35 p.m. -- fire was accompanied by dense fume in engine room. Impossible to tackle the flames, the ship anchored at Lahnstein. Police boat evacuated the 90 passengers who had been taken to the upper deck. Fire Brigade Koblenz extinguished fire. Only one injury -- vessel towed to nearby yard by tug. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Aug. 23 2006)

HIGH SEAS ATTACK>> 13,000gt. Romanian oil rig Orizont (built 1987) with 27 crew, moored near Kish island<<Webfeature, in the Persian Gulf since Oct. 2005 -- ATTACKED as Iranian warships opened fire, boarded with troops & seized the platform. GSP, also known as the Oil Services Group, a private Romanian company established in 2004 operates 6 offshore rigs that it bought from Romania's largest oil company, Petrom, 2 in the subject area. Details few. Contacct lost with rig.  From our Correspondent Sean Garcia. (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

Sea Saga>>8mt. Mexican shark F/V from town of San Blas, State of Nayarit with 3 crew -- suffered engine trouble Oct. 2005 -- drifted on diet of raw fish & capture birds for 9 monhs -- arrived Marshall Islands & rescued by Taiwanese tuna trawler. Can expect heroes' welcome when they arrive home in Mexico on Aug. 25. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

19,864gt. bulker M/V Gulsum Ana (built 1975) under Lloyd's Open Form 2000 since Aug 15 -- with coal en route to the Suez Canal presently southern part of the Red Sea. Cargo of coal spontaneously caught fire in the first 2 holds. SMIT Salvage has sent out a team to liaise with the assisting tug from Egypt. The services are ongoing at this stage.   From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

507gt. F/V India Rose (built 2004) -- Killybegs for shipyard at Skagen Aug. 17 -- took water & sinking -- UK Lochinver lifeboat arrived on scene & connected towline to the F/V India Rose. Tug M/V Anglian Prince arrived on scene at 0642, UTC, &connected tow at 0754, UTC. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

German M/Y caught fire off Juist, Aug 19. The 12mt. ship was passing the Memmertbalje, which leads to the Easterems off Juist, with a crew of 2, when the skipper called Mayday at 8 a.m. The rescue M/V Juist was on patrol in a short distance & reached the ship 15 minutes later. Also rescue cruiser M/V Bernhard Gruben and rescue cruiser M/V Alfried Krupp from Borkum proceeded. M/V Juist rescued the 2 crew. Minutes later the bulleyes burst, and the ship was totally engulfed in flames. M/V B. Gruben could not prevent her from being totally destructed. The police secured the wreck. The crew was taken to Norddeich. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

BLAST FROM THE PAST - THE SHIP THAT WOULD NOT DIE>>For 7 years, M/V New Carissa has refused to move from its spot off the Oregon Coast. A broken section of the wood chip freighter weighs 1,500 tons and is dug 40 feet deep into the sands of the Oregon Coast. Salvage experts have set her on fire, yanked her in half and eventually walked away, wondering aloud if she shouldn't just be left where she sits, 150 yards from the beach. Now the State of Oregon is ready to try again. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006) Our 7 Year Old Feature>> The Ship That Would Not Die -- attacked by U.S. Navy gunfire & a submarine TORPEDO attack --M/V New Carissa. Our Photo Story of M/V New Carissa

Former harbour ferry M/V Bergedorf, homeport Hamburg, caught fire in the museum harbor of Oevelgoenne in the evening of Aug 18. Fire fighters needed 30 minutes to tackle the flames -- damage not yet assessed. The ship is actually used as a floating restaurant. No one was hurt in the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 21 2006)

134.61mt. Antigua and Barbuda flagged M/V Anna Sophie Dede (Built: 2001) (ex-Names: HOLLAND MAAS ANTILLES, JOANNA BORCHARD)-- grounded in Kiel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Aug. 21 2006)

134mt. 11,382dwt. container M/V Anna Sophie Dede, for Rotterdam -- suffered total engine failure following fault in cooling circuit in the Kiel Canal at 11 a.m. Aug 20, one hour after leaving Kiel Holtenau locks. In spite of the attempt of an emergency anchoring with starboard anchor she ran aground in S. embankment of the canal a short distance before the passing point Neuwittenbek at Canal KM 90. Capt. realized that he was unable to refloat his ship -- tugs M/V Kitzeberg & M/V Holtenau of SFK Kiel were contracted -- arrived at 12 a.m. -- ship refloated & towed to the Kiel North Harbor for diver inspection of the ship's boottom. The Kiel Canal had been totally closed for 2 hours - unclear when the ship's voyage to Rotterdam will be resumed. (Mon. Aug. 21 2006)

Japan F/V Taiko Maru -- cracks & holes in hull so numerous, that pumping water out is impossible, sank Aug. 21. Fuel from bunker tanks pumped into barrels and then transported to shore. No danger of pollution. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Mon. Aug. 21 2006)

Russian M/V Rumyantsevo, fishing Kronotskiy Bay, E coast of Kamchatka Peninsula -- able seaman fell overboard Aug. 20, -- search is under way, all vessels in area warned to keep lookout. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Mon. Aug. 21 2006)

Russian F/V Jilonka -- suffered accident close to Kamchatka shore, Okhotks sea -- 11 fishermen handling stationary net, depth 5-6 meters, 500 meters off shore -- capsized -- salvage impossible due to stormy weather, wind 20 meters/sec, swell 3 meters. Nearby Coast guard ship afraid to send rubber boat, risking crew life. August 19 5 crew were taken out with help of salvage team from Russsian Coast Guard ship, working from inflatable. Six still inside alive, knocks heard. Helicopter & salvage vessel on the scene, with divers & equipment. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

M/V Minerva while loading direct overboard at Antwerp from barge on Aug. 18, onto vessel a heavy lift piece of 154mtons, which came loose from the slings on appr. 20 mtrs height & tumbled back into the barge, smashing the tanktop,after which the barge sunk immediately -- was berthed alongside Chipolbrok vessel M/V Chipolbrok Moon -- skipper of the barge was foud dead by divers within 1 hour after the incident but still 1 crew is missing & 3 Dockworkers were brought into hospital all with minor injuries. Divers are still looking for the missing person, believed to be the skipper's wife, but that wasn't confimed yet. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

M/V Amar -- suffered fire off the Nicobares -- rescued by the German cargo M/V HS Colon after M/V Amar had been -- in collision with -- M/V Bright Artemis on Aug 14. -- 1.5 hours after the action had to be cancelled M/V HS Colon arrived on site & succeeded in rescuing 22 crew of M/V Amar in spite of bad weather. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

85ft. P/V Seawave --taking on water near Foulweather Bluff, Wash., Aug 17 -- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Seattle received mayday call from Master reporting that the vessel was taking on water with 4 onboard. A Coast Guard HH-65 helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles & Coast Guard 41-foot utility boat crew from Station Seattle requested to assist vessel but stood down after learning that nearby Good Samaritan removed 2 of the 4people, leaving the remaining 2 aboard to wait for commercial assistance.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Sinkining>> Aug 17 an inland water craft, name unknown, sank in the port of Antwerp. Capt. was killed, 2d man is missing, 3 were rescued and treated in hospital. The ship was loading steel rolls at quay 306. One roll fell into the cargo hold and crashed through the ship's bottom causing her to sink. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Inland 97mt. M/T Melanie -- in collision with -- M/V Viking on Aug. 16 -- bow of M/T Melanie torn open, the foreship sprang a leak -- bow had sunk so deep, that thereby she grounded at Ballauf. M/V Viking which was underway from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt with 1,500 tons diesel fuel could resume her voyage Aug 17 after inspections. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

U.S. cruise M/V Celebration propeller struck the sea floor while docking Aug 15 in the Bahamas, spilling oil and damaging the vessel -- forced to abandon its planned stop in Nassau & return to its homeport in Jacksonville, Florida. Propeller damaged & one of the ship's engines was not functioning properly as a result, forcing the crew to operate with the other engine. Passengers were to receive a US$50 (euro39.29) per person shipboard credit for the missed call at Nassau as well as a 25% discount off a future cruise. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

U.S. 80ft. P/V On Your Mark -- began sinking in vicinity of Weehawken when she sent out distress call to U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. P/V Yogi Berra threw a rope line to the cruiser and pulled it to the Weehawken terminal, where a special lift was used to remove it from the water. No one was injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Container M/V YM Green, with 3,200 to 3,900 containers on board, at Singapore roads Aug. 14, where negotiations are in hand, with the authorities to allow the entry into the port in order to discharge the deck container there. Thereafter, the ship will return to the roads where an attempt will be made to open holds 3 & 4. Hold 3 is currently on fire and was flooded to a depth of 8meters. Hold 4 was also flooded but with to a depth which not specified yet. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006) UPDATE>> After several days' firefighting efforts, M/V YM Green was berthing at designated terminal of Singapore Port on August 14 for the discharge of deck cargoes for the purpose of investigating the cause of the fire. Vessel in a stable condition and expected to leave Singapore after completion of cargo reloading estimated Aug 23. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006) UPDATE>> Vessel was able to resume a voyage to Europe. Only a small, unquantified part of the cargo was damaged, but the scare has caused a flurry of claims activity. Experts have reportedly identified the container where combustion began, but the precise cause unknown. Container was a groupage load with several parcels The box was in # 4 hold, and 25 containers, damaged by fire or heat, had to be unloaded from vicinity, in Singapore. Other containers were feared to be affected by water used to extinguish the fire, or by smoke. Salvor Smit signed a Lloyd's Open Form, and salvors' security was set at 10% of the cif (cost, insurance & freight) value of each cargo owner's interest, & similarly for the vessel, while the general average estimate is 5%. Cargo underwriters have instructed several specialist cargo recovery companies. The vessel had to discharge some deck cargo at anchorage, to allow access to number four hold, after which it returned to Singapore to prepare for sailing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 22 2006)

Bulker M/V Midas anchored 3.7 NM from the sea buoy off Karachi, fully loaded with bulk cement, Aug. 14. The ship had sustained some cracks in her hull & water is entering the hull. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

The River Danube was closed for shipping on Aug 13 for several hours after German inland M/V Klosterneuburg, with 2800 tons iron ore, ran aground at Küning in the Bavarian region of Deggendorf with the port bow due to a mistake of the Capt. -- current then turned her around so it came to rest across the whole river and also grounded with the stern -- successfully refloated and the river reopened. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Swiss passenger m/v collided in Cologne with a Dutch passenger m/v while leaving her berth & trying to turn around, Aug. 13. The Dutch ship which was berthed beneath the Swiss ship's berth was slightly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

An operation has begun to recover F/V Greenhill, which sank near Ardglass<< Webfeature, in Jan. with the loss of 2 lives. The body of one fisherman was found. One is still missing. An operation to try to assess the boat, which is lying in 80ft of water, took place. Contractors have begun the operation to bring the trawler up and it is expected to take several days. Three were aboard when she hit rocks in darkness & sank. The skipper survived and was treated for hypothermia. The wreck was located the following day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Dutch tank m/v collided with a Czech inland water craft on the Rhein-Herne-Canal close to Hern, Aug. 13. The Dutch ship had difficulties keeping its course. This was seen by the other ship which was carrying a cargo of lime, and its captain reduced speed. Thus he could not prevent a collision but due to the low speed the damage was only slight. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

601gt. cargo M/V Lungyun No. 3 -- sank off the coast of Yunlin Aug 13 after sideswiping passing fishing boat, 15 NM (27.78km) off Yunlin's Taitzu port. M/V Lungyun No. 3 began to take on water from a large gash in its side soon after the crash, causing it to sink very quickly. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

12,927g., chemical M/T Fantasy I (built 1982) -- vessel grounded in San Lorenzo roads & was refloated Aug 12, by SMIT Salvage BV. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Japan 499gt. M/V Shinfutaba (built 1989) , with 5 crew & sand -- in collision Aug. 11, with -- 6,306gt. Panama-registered M/V Dewi Parwati, with 19 crew -- in dense fog. M/V Shinfutaba sank -- boatswain slightly injured -- all crew rescued by M/V Dewi Parwati. M/V Dewi Parwati with 3 meter-long crack on port bow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

Ex-troop carrier M/V State of Maine & Navy research vessel USNS Shadwell -- which were grounded on Little Sand Island in Mobile Bay, Ala., as a result of hurricanes Katrina & Rita -- recently removed by Donjon Marine, Co., Inc. -- operation was planned, and directed by Donjon, but performed with the use of local subcontractors for dredging, crane barge, and towing services. A U.S. Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) also was deployed for diving & support labor. Donjon served as the lead Salvage Contractor for the Federal Response as a result of its competitively bid U.S. Navy Salvage and Related Services Contract with the U.S. Navy, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. Donjon has held that contract, uninterrupted, since 1979, after a competitive bidding process approximately every five years. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

132-foot, U.S.-flagged towing M/V Mama Lere -- began flooding while transiting from New Orleans to Houston Aug. 11 -- partially submerged and accompanied by a 4 barge tow -- not obstructing navigation and the waterway currently remains open to traffic as monitored by Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

U.S. F/V Maranatha -- issued distrss call to U.S. Coast Guard Group Port Angeles -- taking on water Aug. 11. HH-65 helicopter crew lowered pump to the vessel -- then towed to La Push, Wa. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Aug. 20 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

12 Aug. 2006 at 0830 LT in posn 24:59.4N - 059:16.1E, Gulf of Oman, Iran. 12 pirates in boat approached container ship underway. Pirates demanded ship to stop but master evasive maneuvers. Boat approached ship & suddenly increased speed. Master raised alarm & crew mustered -- activated fire hoses. After 15 mins pirates aborted attempt. (Fri. Aug. 18 2006)

11 Aug. 2006 at 2255 LT at Manila south harbour anchorage, Philippines. Eight pirates armed with guns boarded container ship. Alert cadet on forecastle sighted boat near bulbous bow. Master raised alarm, blew ship's whistle & crew mustered. Robbers ransacked forward locker & escaped with ship's stores. VTIS Manila & coast guard informed. (Fri. Aug. 18 2006)

11 Aug. 2006 at 1910 LT at Callao anchorage no. 12, Peru -- 4 pirates boarded abulk carrier via hawse pipe & forced open bosun store. C/O raised alarm & alerted crew. Robbers escaped in boat empty handed. Port authorities were informed. (Fri. Aug. 18 2006)

08 Aug. 2006 at midnight off Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Pirates boarded supply tug & kidnapped 4 crew & took them ashore. Pirates are demanding a ransom for their release. Owners negotiating. (Fri. Aug. 18 2006)

04 Aug. 2006 at 2030 UTC at Teluk Semangka anchorage, Indonesia -- 8 pirates armed with knives boarded tanker -- entered engine room & tied up and assaulted 2 duty crew. Robbers stole generator spares & escaped. (Fri. Aug. 18 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Estonian reefer M/V Tahoma Reefer -- suffered engine room fire -- while repairing at port of Monrovia, Liberia -- damaged commercial pier. U.S. Embassy in Liberia phoned USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)<< Webfeature, requesting response. Using the ship's rigid hull inflatable (RHIB) boat, Apache Chief Mate Troy Bruemmer and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Pete Sharpe, officer-in-charge of the 12-member embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 & 3 other crew , rushed to the scene. USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)<< Webfeature, worked to put out the flames for 4 hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Reefer M/V Kapella -- capsized Aug. 13 -- Japan sea, Laperuz strait. Salvage M/V Rubin on the scene & searching. No sign of vessel or crew. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Rubin searching the area S of Moneron, where M/V Kapella last seen gliding on its port side at an angle of 80 degrees. M/V Kapella & M/V BBC Texas collided on Aug. 3, and the Russian vessel registered in Vladivostok got a hole of 5 square meters. The 16 crew were rescued from rafts by the trawler F/V Sokolovka, Khabarovsk territory. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri.. Aug. 18 2006)

Japanese F/V Azuma Maru -- made urgent distress call reporting seriously ill sailor on board 350 km SW of Cap Leeuwin,Aug. 13. Australian Navy HMAS Anzac<< Webfeature, responded with rescue operation during heavy seas & took the sailor on board for transfer to a civilian hospital on Aug. 13. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Jpanese F/V Taiko Maru ran on rocks Aug. 13, SE Sakhalin island tip. 12 crew, L=32 m, B=4.5 m, 62 grt, russian owner. No injured, no distress signal. Owner arranging salvage. Weather calm. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

PARTY ON>> Russian M/V Rakhmaninov, Port Olya, Volga estuary for Enzeli, Iran, Capsian sea -- on Aug. 12, suffered drunken passengers of Iran nationality -- quarreled & fought. Captain asked for Coast guard help. Russian Coast Guard sent patrol boats, which escort M/V Rakhmaninov to Makhachkala port. Injured sent to hospital, the rest detained for investigation. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Philippine-flagged oil 998gt M/T Solar I, with 500,000 gallons of industrial fuel sank in heavy seas off the island of Guimaras, 312 miles SE of Manila, Philippines, on Aug. 12 -- abandoned after crew's water pumping efforts failed. Vessel was enroute from Limay, in northern Bataan province, to Zamboanga City. Local fisherman, passing vessels & local coast guard helicopter rescued 16 crew 2 crew missing. Divers examining & maintaining vessels integrity in an effort to refloat, oil spill response team deployed to site. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

14mt. timber commercial reef fishing F/V Sundance destroyed by fire on Aug. 12 at Mourilyan Harbor, just S. of Innisfail, Australia, after reported explosion in engine room. No injuries. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

175-foot research M/V Odyssey Voyager -- issued Mayday 10.5 miles south of Grand Isle, La. -- suffered fire in engine room. Two Good Samaritans looked on as an HH-65C helicopter rescue crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans met the Cutter USCGC Pelican<< Webfeature, at the scene and medevaced 2 crew to West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, La. The injuried had been fighting the fire since 2:30 p.m. & suffered minor injuries according to the operational crews on scene. USCGC Pelican<< Webfeature, transported 40 of the rescued crew to Fourchon, La. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Vietnamese fishing boat collided with Singapore cargo ship off southern Vietnam, in the South China Sea near the port town of Vung Tau on Aug. 11. 15 fishermen missing & feared drowned. Cargo vessel left collision scene, however later identified and captain held pending investigation. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Cypriot flagged M/V Cemfjord, Belfast for Goole with cement & 6 crew -- issued Mayday on Aug. 8, 3.5 miles to NW of the Island of Islay. Commercial tug M/V Shrove from Londonderry to proceed to assist -- Clyde Coastguard took the decision to request the launch of Islay and Portrush RNLI lifeboats to stand by -- taken under tow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

Former expedition ship M/V Feuerland -- suffered a water ingress on the North Sea which led to engine failure afternoon of Aug 7 -- towed into port & berthed at the Alte Liebe. The water had poured in through damaged deck plating. Construction was based on a F/V & built in Buesum in 1927. Bought by a German owner this year, she was returned to Germany on the deck of container M/V Monte Cervantes -- was to be converted in a museum ship in Buesum where the ship arrived Aug 12 in spite of mishap. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

51ft. towing vessel M/V Prince Lew -- sank in Mississippi River near Bayou Goula, La, Aug. 8 --all 3 crew safely swam to shore. Salvage crews successfully raised the towboat and reopened the river to all traffic at approximately 11:15 p.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

U.S. 60ft. sport F/V Dream Catcher taking on water at 5:30 a.m. Aug. 8 -- rescued by U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocean City, New Jersey & private vessels. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

146,463-ton crude oil M/T Bright Artemis, Mina Al-Fahl, Oman & Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia for Japan with 249,997 tons of crude, owned by Japanese carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines -- suffered damage to hull & spilled estimated 4,200 tons of oil as she attempted to rescue the crew of a vessel on fire in the Indian Ocean -- responding to distress signal from the 10,208-ton M/V Amar 290 miles west of the Great Nicobar Island between Sri Lanka & Sumatra Island. M/V Amar swept by wind wave & struck M/T Bright Artemis, causing a gash of about 1 meter high & 5 meters wide on her starboard. Crews from both ships are safe. M/T Bright Artemis now sailing eastwards, adjusting its speed to minimize any turbulence. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

495ft. Panamanian-flag car carrier M/V Dayana -- sank Aug. 10 -- 100 miles off the northeast coast of Colombia -- 1 dead & 1 missing -- U.S. Coast Guard cutter & other vessels in area responded to request for help & rescued the13 crew. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006) UPDATE>> Distress call relayed by the Panamanian government at 1950 LT Aug 10 that the 500-vehicle ship was going down 100 NM east of Colombia's San Andres archipelago. U.S. cutter USGC Gallatin arrived on scene 9 p.m. & began search for missing crewman. USGC Gallatin also rescued 4 people, recovered one deceased & continues searching for remaining crew. Three Good Samaritan commercial vessels, F/V Patagonia, F/V Osprey 1 & F/V Stolt Creativity also responded to distress call -- assisted in saving 9 of 15 crew. Ship had been taking on water for 3 days & distress call was only sent after she had gone down. The ship was built by Santierul Naval Galatz, Galatz, Romania 1973 as M/V IrisFrom our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

6,985-dwt reefer M/V Ice Flake (built 1987) -- disabled off Maputo Augut 11 -- after engine room fire -- now in tow to Durban. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 15 2006) UPDATE>> Under tow and is heading for Durban. The refrigerated ship, registered in the Cayman Islands & owned by a Greek company had earlier loaded citrus fruit at Maputo and is believed to have been off the Mozambique coast near Beira when the fire broke out -- since been extinguished leaving the ship without power hence the tow. Understood Durban firm of Dormac has secured the contract to repair the ship in Durban. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 17 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

12 Aug. 2006 at 0830 LT in posn 24:59.4N - 059:16.1E, Gulf of Oman, Iran. 12 pirates in a boat approached a container ship underway. Pirates asked the ship to stop but master evasive maneuvers. Boat approached ship & suddenly increased speed. Master raised alarm & crew mustered -- activated fire hoses. After 15 mins pirates aborted attempt. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

11 Aug. 2006 at 2255 LT at Manila south harbour anchorage, Philippines - 8 pirates with guns boarded container ship. Alert cadet on forecastle sighted boat near bulbous bow. Master raised alarm, blew ship's whistle & crew mustered. Robbers ransacked forward locker -- escaped with ship's stores. VTIS Manila & coast guard informed. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

11 Aug. .2006 at 1910 LT at Callao anchorage no. 12, Peru -- 4 pirates boarded bulk carrier via hawse pipe 7 forced open bosun store. C/O raised alarm & alerted crew. Robbers escaped in boat empty handed. Port authorities informed. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

08 Aug. 2006 at midnight off Niger Delta region, Nigeria. Pirates boarded supply tug & kidnapped 4 crew & took them ashore. Pirates demanding ransom for their release. Owners are negotiating. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

04 Aug. 2006 at 2030 UTC at Teluk Semangka anchorage, Indonesia. Eight pirates armed with knives boarded tanker - entered engine room & tied up -- assaulted 2 duty crewmembers. Robbers stole generator spares & escaped. (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Polish train barge M/V Koziorozec, homeport Opole, aground on the river Oder close to Lebus with 3 crew & 320 tons steel products destined for a power station in Hürth close to Cologne, owned by Odratrans in Wroclaw, refloated Aug. 11, after the water depth of river increased. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

64254gt Liberian-flagged container M/V YM Green (built 2001), suffered fire in No.4 hold discovered 3 hours after sailing Singapore Aug 6. Vessel is now (Aug 9) at Singapore anchorage where the hold is still very hot. Salvage services are being rendered to SMIT Salvage BV. M/V YM Green was scheduled to arrive Rotterdam Aug 21. It had 5,000 containers on board and is on voyage Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, for Rotterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp. It is owned by All Oceans and was built as M/V MING GREEN 2001 at HYUNDAI HEAVY IND., IMO 9224491, 64254 dwt, L.O.A 263mt, beam 40mt. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 10 2006)

ALERT>> FIRE NOT EXTINGUISHED - Itallian 190mt. M/V Cala Palma suffered fire on Aug. 8 -- iin dry dock at the Lloyd shipyard in the Port or Bremerhaven -- temperatures are in excess of 300 degrees Celsius -- fire department unable to enter ship it is so hot equipment would melt .As the main deck was starting to melt somehow it was not possible to get beyond. 74 tons of foam were pumped into the cargo holds, also a fireboat from Bremen supported the work. In the afternoon of Aug 9 there was nothing left of M/V Cala Palma. An oil tank in the bow could be prevented from exploding, as well as the machine could be successfully cooled so it did not catch fire -- 1 fireman has been injured & 6 people taken to hospital due to smoke inhalation. -- M/V Cala Palma is (was) 1st of 4 reefer vessels which was extended from 174mt. to 190mt., at the Lloyd Shipyard. The construction/connection of the 16 meter long middle section was just finalized. The vessel was scheduled to sail under Italy flag on Aug. 21 that the next vessel could be dry docked. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen AND from our Correspondent Hilde Krause of Roanoke Trade Insurance Services. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006) UPDATE>> 24 hours after the outbreak of a devastating fire on M/V Cala Palma at the Lloyd Yard Bremerhaven the fire was still raging in the cargo holds. Firefighters tried to prevent the flames from reaching engine room & superstructure. The isolation is still in flames, temperatures are 300 degrees C. It is still unknown which material is burning that fiercely. Special forces of the fire brigades are working inside the ship which is very dangerous due to the immense heat and the darkness. There are holes in the ship through which they could fall down. The burning zones still cannot be reached, so the ship`s cargo holds can only be cooled from outside. Too much water inside would cause the danger of the ship falling on its side inside the drydock. The dense fume could be reduced meanwhile. During the day there were thoughts about evacuating Bremerhaven. A shpermarket in a distance of 2km was closed. A strong smell of smoke lasted in the streets of the town. The 5 people which had to be treated in hospital after inhalation of smoke were released during the day. In spite of these bad news M/V Cala Palma not expected to become a total loss as long as the spreading out of flames into the superstructure & engine roóm could be prevented. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Aug. 10 2006) UPDATE>> Police investigators found out that the fire on M/V Cala Palma indeed was caused by welding works in the foreship. The isolation then caught fire in spite of security regulations (fire extinguisher in close distance). After it proved impossible to extinguish the fire it quickly spread beyond control. The worker who caused the fire thus is not responsible. Meanwhile the owners of the ship decided to have it repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Aug. 15 2006)

Commentary>> Ths accident inevitably evokes memories of the fate of the NCL cruiseship M/V Pride of America, which partially sank at the Lloyd Werft quay in Jan. 2004. The incident forced the shipbuilder into temporary insolvency due to the financial implications & late delivery. The Sea Trade Fleet Management Director, who was on site in Bremerhaven on Aug 9, said that he did not plan to cancel the order for the enlengthening of the 4 ships. There was "no connection between the fire and the order as such". Once the fire had been extinguished, he would sit down with the yard and discuss consequences. It was already clear that the vessel will be delivered late, as the original completion date was August 21. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

M/V Safmarine Agulhas fought bravely to resist the fury of gale-force winds but with an audible 'bang' snapped in half & broke in two on Aug 6. See our SAD END>> M/V Safmarine Agulhas UPDATE From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

Paddle steamer S/S Waverley, with 715 passengers & 25 crew - ran aground Aug. 7 while departing Girvan, UK. She was able to get back alongside her berth & disembark passengers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

Panama-flag14,312DWT general cargo M/V Nama (built 1988) -- ran aground on Aug, 2 --17 NM from Kakinada, Singapore, on 30 July 2006. SvitzerWijsmuller offices in India & The Netherlands were mobilized -- vessel is being stabilized in its present condition. Still aground Aug. 7. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

U.S. towboat M/V Prince Lew, with 3 crew -- sank in the Mississippi River near Bayou Goula, La. on Aug. 6 -- while crossing the Mississippi River from the Kinder Morgan docks 30 river miles south of Baton Rouge when the vessel started taking on water. Within moments M/V Prince Lew sank in the middle of the river in 45 feet of water. All crew, who were wearing life jackets, were able to swim to shore. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

U.S. 130-foot dredge-barge Courtney -- unmanned dredge-barge sank in 800 feet of water, 21 miles west of Frankfurt, Mich.-- while under tow by tug M/V Carol Ann. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

Claude Thomas owned 29mt. tug M/V Margaux (built Belgium 1983) hit submerged object July 14, near Bec de Ambes (Gironde river 10 km north of Bordeaux) in SW France & capsized near jetty of the Yarra fertilizer plant in Ambes -- crew was able to put vessel aground on the side of river & close fuel valves before leaving vessel. Tak Marine salvage vessel M/V Jacomina has begun the salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

6409gt Antigua & Barbuda-flagged container M/V CMA CGM Alger (built 2002) which departed Malta Aug 3 for Georgia fully loaded, stranded at Kalo Ambeli Bay, S. of Serifos island, Greece, on Aug 5 -- all 14 crew healthy and secure. Tug M/V Matsas Star departed Lavrion salvage station &arrived in lat 37 07.4N, long 24 29.5E, where M/V CMA CGM Alger heavy aground. Vessel's master together with the tug master agreed & signed LOF 2000 "No Cure - No Pay" contract. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

Estonia-owned M/V Sylve, Rotterdam for Liepaja with soy -- suffered difficulty as mate fell asleep while on duty & vessel ran aground off Bornholm in early Aug. -- vessel removed off ground -- taken to Ronne for examination & reloading of cargo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

Retired New Zealand navy frigate HMNZS Canterbury (F-421)<< Webfeature, (commissioned 1971) will be sunk as a dive attraction in Deepwater Cove at Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands -- 3000 ton, 36-year-old warship, the last steam ship in the navy, will become 3rd navy ship to be sunk off the Northland coast as a dive attraction. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. Aug. 9 2006)

M/V Stella Maris, homeport Haren -- in collision Aug. 5, on the Dortmund-Ems-canal at Ladbergen with -- Polish M/V BM 5284, homeport Bydgoszcz -- while the Polish ship passed the German. It came off cours & crashed with her port side against stern of M/V Stelle Maris which was hit on starboard side. The damage was only of slight nature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Aug. 7 2006)

48ft. P/Y Chango Loco -- issued Mayday near San Clemente Island, Calif., early Aug. 5 -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew responded -- arrived on scene, reported that vessel was hard aground on the rocks in Pyramid Cove. A rescue swimmer was lowered to hoist all 6 passengers -- flown back to the sector. P/Y Chango Loco being recovered by commercial salvage company. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Aug. 7 2006)

Trident submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733)<< Webfeature, was submerged when she caught & severed a 500-foot line between tug M/V Phyllis Dunlap & one of two barges being towed from Honolulu to Seattle with a load of empty containers late Aug 2 or early Aug 3. A 2nd tug was sent to retrieve the barge. Members of the sub's crew felt the impact, & damage was found in a fiberglass part of the sail, the large vertical structure on top of the sub, after the vessel returned to its base on Hood Canal, near Seattle. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. Aug. 7 2006)

26-ton Japan Coast Guard patrol ship JCG Aikaze -- plowed into 5mt. pleasure boat off Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture -- seriously injuring a man on the boat -- taken to hospital. Believed accident occurred due to negligence by skipper of JCG ship. (Sun. Aug. 6 2006)

110ft. U.S. F/V Laurel -- issued Mayday - taking water 120 miles southwest of Oahu, Aug. 4 -- U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point dropped two dewatering pumps and a VHF radio to the distressed vessel. USS Peleliu (LHA-5)<< Webfeature, was diverted to the scene & took 4 of the vessel's crew members to Pearl Harbor. The master remained aboard to attempt salvage. (Sun. Aug. 6 2006)

351gt. South Korea tuna F/V 628 Dongwon-ho, with 26 crew -- captued by Somali pirates -- identified by Seoul as the "Somali Marine." Owner Dongwon Fisheries, a major Korean fishing company -- refused to disclose amount, but sources estimated ransom at US$800,000. All crew arrived at Kenyan port of Mombasa on Aug. 5, a week after their release by their Somali captors. Last year alone, Somali insurgents attacked 35 vessels passing through or fishing in the economic zone where the South Korean tuna vessel was abducted. All of them set free after paying ransom. (Sat. Aug. 5 2006)

Seychelles registered bulk carrier M/V Shearwater -- Mombasa, Kenya for Durban with soda ash --taking water from one of its top hatches which had not been closed properly off coast of KwaZulu-Natal no longer in distress, said the South African Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Center (MRCC) on Aug. 5 -- ship's crew pumping water out of the hold. Vessel due to arrive in Durban on Aug. 5, but due to heavy seas with swells of up to 7mt. & need to pump out the water -- vessel is traveling at a reduced speed of 2 knots. (Sat. Aug. 5 2006) UPDATE>> The diminutive general cargo M/V Shearwater not only surviving the scare and remaining afloat but safely making it under its own 'steam' to Durban. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. Aug. 9 2006)

Bahamian flag cargo M/V Westwood Anette -- hit a pier terminal In British Columbia & a fuel tank burst -- hole repaired an hour after tank ruptured. Oil spill was contained -- but t least 4 windsurfers were covered in the sticky, black Diesel oil -- no serious injuries -- slick was quickly pushed by the wind about 500 meters into Howe Sound, the picturesque stretch of water along highway between Vancouver, Squamish & Whistler. (Sat. Aug. 5 2006)

Chinese M/V ran aground & sank in China's 900-year-old Grand Canal dumping 200 tons of sulphuric acid into the water -- officials dumped 200 tons of liquid alkali into the water within 12 hours to neutralise the acid -- crash occurred Aug. 2, in the canal's Yuhang section in Hangzhou, 100km S. of Shanghai. About 1 000 vessels a day use the 10th century Yuhang waterway. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

Russian trawler F/V Capella (Vladivostok registry), Vladivostok for Severo-Kurilsk (Kuril islands) with 15 crew & 1 passenger -- in collision July 3, with italian M/V BBC Texas Laperuz strait, 18 miles SW off Krilyon cape, position 45 42.7N 140 51.8E. F/V Capella decided to abandon vessel, nearby Russian trawler F/V Sokolovka took crew & passenger on board, no injures. F/V Capella capsized, salvage looks impossible. Russian losses report a little late. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

28 July 2006 between 2100-2200 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'b', Bangladesh. Three pirates boarded tanker using long poles with hooks. Alert crew activated fire hoses and repelled boarders. Master reported this was 3rd attack that night. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

26 July 2006 at 0200 LT at Belawan anchorage, Indonesia. Three pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at forecastle & stole ship's stores. All crew chased robbers who jumped into water & escaped in a boat waiting with 5 accomplices. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

30 July 2006 at 2115 LT at Chittagong outer anchorage 'b', Bangladesh. Three pirates armed with knives boarded container ship at poop deck & stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard -- escaped. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

27 July 2006, 67 NM from Langkawi, Malacca straits. Five armed pirates attacked 2 fishing boats & kidnapped 4 crew. They are demanding a ransom from the owners for the release of the crew. This is usuallly about U$50,000. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Italian M/V -- in collision Aug. 3, with -- Russian trawler F/V Kapella -- severely damaged & developed list -- towed to Russia. The 16 crew evacuated to another Russian ship & transported to Japan. Italian vessel resumed her voyage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

French F/V Déesse des Flot -- sank 4 km off Cherbourg in the English Channel on Aug. 3. 2 crew rescued & 2 missing in spite of a massive search by SAR-forces. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

Historic 1902 tug & passenger steam S/S Nordstern 2 -- suffered coal bunker fire in Berlin in morning of Aug 2 -- extinguished by 35 firefighters -- vessel severely damaged. Vessel in servic to 1978 & permitted for 200 passengers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

S/Y Möve II -- sank in Kiel-Dietrichsdorf at its berth on Aug. 3. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

Motiva Dock T Providence,RI, suffered an explosion on Jul 19 -- still smoldering a day later & now completely destroyed, no one was hurt in the massive blaze, and M/T Nordeuropa -- discharging at the time -- narrowly escaped a catastrophe. The dock was unloading the tanker during a very powerful thunderstorm. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Aug. 4 2006)

Container M/V Oel Vision, with 268 containers & 28 crew -- sank near ONGC platform in Bombay High without damaging the oil rig on Aug 2. Vessel had been stranded nearly a nautical mile from oil platform & had posed a threat to rig. Indian Navy & Coast Guard helicopters are searching for any containers that may have broken free of the ship -- will be sunk so they pose no danger to other ships. Sea King helicopter of the Indian Navy rescued 27 crew -- airlifted them to the naval air station at Colaba. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

45mt. passenger M/V Iris, Amsterdam for Brugge, Belgium, ran aground Aug. 2, on the Maas close to the mouth of Tholenstad. A tug of Polderman came from Hansweert refloated the ship. It carried passengers which had joined the Eurosail in Amsterdam. Two tugs in vain had tried to salvage the hotel ship after it was pushed aground by strong winds. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

47ft. fin keel yacht S/Y Cariad, with 3 aboard, taking in water through engine room afternoon Aug 2 -- requested the assistance of UK Coastguard. Swansea Coastguard received MAYDAY call VHF channel 16. Pumps put aboard & ingress stopped. RNLI crew is aboard the yacht & making for Swansea. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Irish Ferries car ferry M/V Jonathan Swift -- may have hit a whale or another underwater mammal at 1400 on Aug. 1 -- hit something big & soft -- the suggestion is that it's some kind of sea mammal just off Holyhead in north Wales -- M/V Jonathan Swift taken out of service as a precautionary operational measure for 48 hours. Thousands of passengers have had travel plans disrupted. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

F/V Hanse sank on Jul 31 off Hiddensee in the East-Baltic while under tow -- wind was Bf 6. Aug 2 salvage search vessel M/V Deneb traced wreck at depth of 20mt. between Hiddensee & Wittow peninsula. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Dutch inland cargo M/V Onderneming IV, homeport Tholen -- suffered engine room fire Aug. 2, on the Rhine close to Emmerich. The crew succeeded in tackling flames without help -- caused by a damaged fuel pipe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

M/Y Usinga, with 4 aboard -- left Cape Town on Aug 1 bound for South America, had to be taken in tow by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) after running into difficulty 4 miles off Vulcan Rock near Hout Bay. Yacht began taking on water & by the time SOS was received by the NSRI the crew were up to their armpits in water. High swells delayed a transfer of NSRI personnel to stricken yacht but tow established & once in calmer waters a pump was sent on board to pump out the water as well as a paramedic to treat 1 crew for hyperthermia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Container M/V CP Valour -- scrapping of the grounded wreck as on Aug. 1 -- barge Atlante I reached the grounding site to take the remainder of the container cargo & srap metal -- smaller barge was fully loaden towed to Lisbon by the tug M/V Battleaxe on Jul 30. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Cruise M/V Enchantment of the Seas -- suffered small fire in the harbor of Cozumel, Mexico, on Jul 30 -- short circuit on board is to blame. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

FESCO owned Russian ro-ro M/V Nikolay Przhevalskiy (built 1984), Japan for Port of Magadan in Okhotsk Sea, with cars -- ran aground on Shikotan island, Kuril islands, July 2. Crew managed to refloat vessel, and get to Yuzhno-Kurilsk port, Kuril islands. Hole in engine room partially sealed, leakage under control. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Russian trawler F/V Rumyantsevo, with 55 tons of frozen fish & 29 crew -- suffered hull breach July 2 -- unknown circumstances. Russian Coast guard patrol boat Velbot attended on July 4 with support vessels. Hole is in ballast tank. Cargo offloaded & vessel taken in tow. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Thurs. Aug. 3 2006)

Tug M/V Floyd H. Blaske grounded just downstream of Lock & Dam 11 in Dubuque, Iowa on July 31 -- was on the normal approach for the lock when she suddenly turned & struck the shore with at least one barge. The barges are sitting at least a foot higher on the rocks due to the grounding. The barge ACBL 3083 also holed & had to be dewatered with portable pumps. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Aug. 1 2006)

M/V Albion sank in 180 feet of water on Jan. 31, 2005 two miles north of Monterey Harbor -- remained there ever since. U.S. Coast Guard & NOAA will begin work with the contractor, Titan Maritime Corp., until wreckage removal is complete. Small sheens have been observed at the wrecksite since the vessel sank with an estimated 1700 gallons of diesel in its fuel tank. Measures will be in place to prevent any pollution during the recovery. Operations are planned to begin in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary<< Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Aug. 1 2006)

560ft. cargo M/V CS Ocean -- grounded 30 July, on Columbia River near the Willamette junction in Vancouver, Wash. Vessel refloated itself at approximately 4:30 p.m. and was taken to a deeper anchorage in the area. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Aug. 1 2006)

Inland tank M/T Linda, homeport Dordrecht -- off course July 28, while passing the Rhine River upstream at Km #654.8 in Bonn. Another ship which was passing brought M/T Linda into difficulty as shewas in danger of drifting against a pile of the Kennedy-Bridge. The police boat WSP 5 joined by the Dutch inland M/V Eemshoorn prevented M/T Linda from crashing against the bridge. Nevertheless ship damaged at rudder & propeller. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Aug. 1 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For July 2006

The History Channel - "Return of The Pirates" featuring Michael McDaniel of Countryman & McDaniel

U.S. National Television Prime Time Premier 8pm to 10pm - Sunday, July 16 2006 -- Rebroadcasts to follow.

"Happy Landings' - feature for July 2006 -- Quite Amazing !

Panama flag M/V registration number QN 0217TS, with 8 crew -- in collision with & sank local fishing vessel 45 NM off the shore of Cat Ba Town, Hai Phong City -- all recued, but 2 serously injured. (Mon. July 31 2006)

Massive Explosion>> Split hull of an oil tanker sailing down a canal in eastern China's central Jiangsu's Yizheng district -- 2 missing after blast & feared dead. Another person is in critical condition. (Sat. July 29 2006)

The Aircraft Carrier That Never Was>> 262mt. WW II Nazi 33,550dwt aircraft carrier Graf Zeppelin -- found & identified by the Polish Navy<< Webfeature, on Jul 27 by Polish Navy<< Webfeature . Vessel, with 42 aircraft capacity, constructed by Hitler, but never saw action when completition finally stopped beyond 85% due to lack of material & capacity in 1943. In 1945 the ship was sunk in the River Oder when the Russians were coming close. In 1946 she was refloated & towed to Swinemuende -- renamed "PB 10" by the Russians. After her construction was investigated, the ship was to become a target. On June 18, 1947, she was sunk by torpedoes of Russian destroyer Grozyashchiy. During the Cold War speculation arose as to the whereabouts of ship. Now the riddle is solved due to modern marine technology. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri.. July 28 2006) Ed. Note>> We are captivateded by the notion of a German WWII aircraft carrier, never seen at sea and what might have happened. Fanasy aside, thank God this ship was stopped before becoming a threat to Allied shipping. McD

Italian F/V Pindaro -- suffered accident 139 NM to the south of Malta -- Capt. lost 3 fingers -- 43-year-old Vito Perniciano, was winched onboard Italian Air Force Agusta-Bell 212 helicopter, and flown to St Luke's Hospital. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

Cosco Hong Kong Shipping M/V Zhi Qiang, for South Korea with Queensland sugar -- hit Long Reef, between Samarai & Misima Islands in Papua New Guinea about July 1 -- aground -- holed but seawater had spoiled sugar in 2 holds. On July 13 sugar pumped overboard to gain buoyancy -- vessel now refloated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

24 July 2006 at 0200 LT, 1.5 nm off breakwater, Pointe Noir, Congo. Pirates boarded a bulk Carrier at anchor by using hooks -- stole ship's stores & escaped. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

23 July 2006 at 0015 LT at Chittagong Alfa anchorage, Bangladesh. 10 pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at forecastle - attacked shore watchmen & tied them up. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & robbers jumped into water -- escaped with one lifebuoy. Port control & coast guard informed. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

20 July 2006 at 0205 LT in posn: 08:45.9S - 013:16.6E, Luanda bay Anchorage, Angola. Pirate boarded container ship -- broke forward store padlock & stole ship's stores. Ship's motion sensors sent signal to D/O and he raised alarm & crew mustered. Robber jumped into waiting boat & escaped. Master unable to contact port control. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

18 July 2006 at 0345 LT at Telok Banten, Merak, Indonesia -- 4 armed pirates boarded tug at anchor. Alert crew mustered & robbers left empty handed. (Fri.. July 28 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

German train barge M/V Straubing/SL 18005 -- ran aground on River Rhine during night of July 26 -- started to drift due to swell of passing ships & thus grounded with the stern. The pusher tug was disconnected & succeeded in refloating itself at 10 a.m. July 27. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006)

U.S. F/V Wild Mary -- sank 70 miles west of Depoe Bay, Ore., in July 25 night -- An HH-65 helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, Ore., an HH-65 helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Facility Newport, Ore., & 47-foot motor lifeboat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Depoe Bay, Ore., launched to assist -- located the 3 crew in liferaft & hoisted to a helicopter at 12:25 a.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006)

Dutch M/T Favoriet, homeport Zwijndrecht, grounded July 25, while departing from the oil mill at Rhine River -km 857,2 close to Emmerich. Capt.had stopped due to passing traffic & tried to re-enter port -- but ship startet drifting & grounded in 20mt. distance from shore. Another inland water craft refloated M/T Favoriet same day. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006)

18mt. German F/V Dithmarschen, homeport Büsum -- half capsized July 22, during an intended dryfall in the Port of Büsum -- had been berthed at a special quay for some underwater repair. When the water fell, the ship plunged onto her port side at 02.30 a.m & came to rest with a list of 45 degrees. Some planking damaged. The fire brigade called & pumped out oil sludge from engine room. As it proved impossible to repair the leakage until next tide, the ship was kept afloat with the help of strong mobile pumps -- ship righted herself with rising tide & could be moved to nearby yard for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006)

Polish train barge M/V Koziorozec, homeport Opole, ran aground July 20, on River Oder close to Lebus with 320 tons steel products destined for a power station in Hürth & 3 crew -- water depth is only 0,7mt. M/V Koziorozec now disconnected from barge which is stuck fast in the middle of river -- with no rain expected -- to remain on the grounding site for some weeks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006)

SAD END>> M/V Safmarine Agulhas UPDATE>> For all extents and purposes the grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas -- now seen as a shipwreck with no hope whatsoever of removing her from her beached position outside East London harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006) UPDATE>> Further indication that the grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas is nothing less than an undeclared total structural loss comes with photographic evidence of a crack extending all the way around the ship, practically breaking the ship in half. Expert opinion suggests that were it not for the strong hatch coamings the ship would have surely split in two by now. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. July 27 2006) The unfortunate M/V Safmarine Agulhas has come to an end on the East London breakwater where she will be unceremoniously broken up by the action of the seas and by a team still to be appointed. The next step is for a tender to be issued for the removal of the wreck. About 85% of the ship's cargo of containers saved from the wreck by the efforts of the salvage team of Smit Salvage, working with a giant mobile crane brought specially from Gauteng for the job. The fact that M/V Safmarine Agulhas had come to rest right against the breakwater assisted in other respects the breakwater probably also hastened the end of the ship. The containers were taken to a position within the harbour to be checked before they could be re-sent to their final destination.. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. Aug. 1 2006) FOLLOW OUR FEATURE THROUGH THE AMAZING STORY

75,801gt, Chinese bulker M/V Brilliance (built 1990) -- reported engine problems while off the south eastern Cape coast on July 24 night, is continuing her interrupted journey to Brazil and is expected to pass Cape Town around Jul 26/27 -- vessel caused minor stir among residents of the area between Krom River & Cape St Francis when the ship approached close inshore, although according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) in Port Elizabeth at no time was she closer than 6 miles. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

Russian barge train ran aground River Ob<< Webfeature, Novosibirsk on July 25 -- tug M/V RT-665 pushing barges 3000gt. each, down River Ob from Novosibirsk River Port<< Webfeature. On 975.5 km. mark, train went off channel & ran aground. Barges were loaded with crashed stone. No injures and damages. No leakage reported. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Wed. July 26 2006)

40ft. S/V Mureadrittas XL, with 4 crew -- collided with what presumed to be whales 450 miles north of the Big Island of Hawaii on July 25 -- crew abandoned. U.S. Coast Guard Coast Guard C-130 Hercules and crew, from Air Station Barbers Point continued to circle overhead life raft U.S. Coast Guard put out call for "Good Samaritan" vessel in area to assist. Container M/V Maersk Darwin & M/V Cammie M assisted in the rescue of fellow mariners -- along with three C-130 aircrews, U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel are currently engaged in various locations throughout the Pacific Ocean conducting a variety of missions. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

710ft. container M/V Horizon Discovery, New York for Florida -- ran aground in the St. John's River near Little Jetties Park in Mayport, Fla. on July 25 -- ship freed at 11:15 p.m. by tugs from Moran Towing & is on way to Blount Island, Fla. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

U.S. F/V Scratcher -- struck an object July 25, in the vicinity of Horseshoe Shoal & immediately began taking on water -- sent out a distress call via their marine radio -- U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod was diverted to the scene, as well as small boats from Station Chatham & Station Woods Hole -- hoisted the fishermen & returned them safely to land. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

100mt. Portuguese car carrier M/V Autoroute -- in collision July 24 with -- M/V Kaiserschleuse in Bremerhaven -- roadway of the western side of the inner lock was damaged, metal parts in a length of several metres torn off & thrown into the water. M/V Autoroute slightly damaged. After inspections it was allowed to resume its voyage to Oslo. The lock was closed for car traffic due to the damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

U.S. Coast Guard buoy tender USCGC Walnut<< Webfeature (WLB-205) -- experienced a mechanical failure off the Big Island of Hawaii evening of Jul 23 -- required assistance. Available U.S. Coast Guard assets did not have the towing capability to safely tow the 2,000gt. USCGC Walnut to Honolulu, so the Coast Guard contracted with Young Brothers. The tug M/V Pacific Master currently has USCGC Walnut in tow & both vessels arrived safely into Honolulu Harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006)

Product M/T Fidelity for China with 33,000 tons soya bean oil, -- aground near Rosario, River Parana, Jul 5 -- refloated with the aid of tugs M/V Ona Temple & M/V Don Vicentein, Jul 10. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. July 25 2006)

ALERT>> 22 Crew & US$72M of Cars In Jeopardy>> 654ft. Singapore-flagged Mitsui O.S.K Lines car carrier M/V Cougar Ace, Japan for Vancouver B.C., Canada with 4,813 automobiles & 22 crew -- sent SOS late July 23 -- suffered 80 degree list (press says 90 degrees, but that is hard to do) in N. Pacific, 230 miles S. of the Aleutian Islands. One crew has broken leg, but no other reported injuries at this time -- crew wearing survival suits. Vessel taking water. 378ft. U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Rush (WHEC-723)<< Webfeature, from Hawaii is in Alaska waters & beating to scene. U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, two U.S. Army Pave Hawk helicopters, two refueling planes and a U.S. Air Force C-130 plane en arrived from a U.S. Air National Guard base in Anchorage -- helicopters hoisted stranded all 23 crew members to safety. Bravo Zulu! Heavy seas. Things do not look good. (Mon. July 24 2006) UPDATE>> Current situation of M/V Cougar Ace still lying on her portside about 85-90 deg. for the last 4 hrs. Cannot contact w/ the Capt. probably due to battery failure. The keel and the propeller are out of the water. She is stable, and does not appear to be sinking. M/V Cougar Ace maintains its position 240 miles south of Adak. (Mon. July 24 2006) UPDATE>> U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged with state, local & tribal officials in making preparations in case the salvage company requests to tow the vessel into Alaskan waters. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed.. July 26 2006) DAILY UPDATES AT OUR PHOTO FEATURE. Our Photo Feature Will Contine The Watch --See Daily Updates Here

U.S. 56ft. M/Y Alianca VI , home-port St. Louis, Mo. with 4 crew, on July 22, suffered engine-room fire & on-board extinguishing system failed to put fire out . U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach immediately launched a 25-foot rescue boat to respond to fire, along with the Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Marlin, Naples Fire & Rescue, Lee County Sheriffs Office, Tow Boat M/V US and M/V Sea Tow out of Naples. Station Fort Myers Beach transported the crew to Naples where they are in good condition. Naples Fire & Rescue extinguished fire at 1:15 p.m. -- vessel twed back to the owner's home in Naples. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

U.S. F/V Panchito -- engulfed in flames, July 21 -- U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi launched an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter and diverted an HH-25 Falcon jet from patrol to assist the fishermen -- crew abandoned ship into a life raft -- rescued by 81ft. USCGC Steelhead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

U.S. Military Sealift Command roro USNS Mendonca (IMO 9147320) had slight collision July 21, when entering Bremerhaven with the help of tugs coming from an anchorage at Helgoland. Accident could not be prevented by the tugs. The stern touched the quay at Bugsier building opposite to the Lloyds Yard. On land side a lantern was damaged. The ship then swung round with its stern & got under control. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

90mt. Antigua/Barbuda-flagged chemical M/T Verdi(homeport St. Johns) suffered fire July 21,in Bremerhaven -- rapidly spread out over the deck installations -- crew suppressed fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

3-masted charter S/Y Grote Beer -- ran aground July 21, when approaching Dutch harbor of Harlingen. The ship was successfully refloated by the tugs M/V Tempest & M/V Typhoon -- resumed its voyage to Harlingen. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

M/V Eva Jones, with 3,000 tons of sand, sank S. of AT&T Park, in San Francisco Bay on July 4. No injuries reported. The 11 July deadline for wreck removal has been pushed back. (Sun. July 23 2006)

29,592gt Greek flagged product M/T Foleggandros (built 1992) with 36,600 tons of crude oil, went aground between buoys 33/34 in the middle of Maracaibo Channel, Venezuela at 0445, local time, Jun 27 -- refloated July 19. (Sat. July 22 2006)

4,200gt Cyrus flag LPG M/T Dolllart Gas (built 1990), with Ethylene towed to Kaohsiung outer anchorage July 17 -- engine falt. (Sat. July 22 2006)

Russian M/V Reidoviy-13 was mooring in Togliatti port<< Webfeature, River Volga, lock 24. During mooring operation, helmsman badly injured July 20 one leg torn off, another broken. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Fri. July 21 2006)

Russian tug M/V Mekhanik Krasotkin with barge Aphine, Kerch for Togliatti (river Volga port), in ballast -- in collision July 20, with -- dry-cargo river-sea M/V Sormovskiy-32, Rostov for Italy with grain. Barge bow damaged, no leak, port anchor jammed. Dry-cargo bulwark crashed, from 2nd frame to aft superstructure. No injures. Both dry-cargo & barge train anchored at Azov road waiting for investigation. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Fri. July 21 2006)

31mt. German passenger M/V Wappen, of Norderney -- suffered engine failure during evening cruise trip, July 19, in North Sea in evening of July 19 -- drifted off Island Norderney with 28 persons -- in danger of running aground in shallow water. She radiod for help & was taken in tow by rescue M//V Bernhard Gruben of the Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbruechiger (DGzRS) at 09.10 p.m. -- towed the ship into the harbor of Norderney where the passengers could leave ship at 11 p.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. July 21 2006)

80mt. M/V Siegfried Lehmann (IMO 8003931-- observed steering strangly & on dangerous courses on the River Elbe, July 19. Ships which were lying on Meedem AAnchorage close to Cuxhaven & taking bunker oil had to raise anchor to avoid collisions. Police asked rescue M/V Hermann Helms from Cuxhaven for assistance to board the ship. M/V Siegfried Lehmann then collided with a buoy -- and for some time became entangled with it off Cuxhaven, but finally managed to get free again. Police entered ship -- found Capt. from Estonia obviously drunk. He violently tried to resist police & arrested. Alcohol blood test with a positive result. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. July 21 2006)

25 year-old oil M/T Banglar Shourabh -- caught fire last month at the outer anchorage of Chittagong port -- fate soon to be decided whether she will be repaired or scrapped. Suspect while cleaning ship's tanks, sparks from the electric blower might have caused the fire & explosion which killed 3 crew on board. Heavy seas & fractures in the ship's hull July 21, appear on to have put that beyond question. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. July 21 2006)

60Mt. Polish inland cargo M/V ran aground on the iver Trave in Lübeck on the way from Sceczcin to Lübeck with corn. -- grounded at 7.58 p.m. on Jul 19. Capt. had not enough knowledge on the water depth at the grounding site at Breitling. In the afternoon of Jul 20 he managed to get free under own power but was stopped by police -- pilot helped him to reach deep water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. July 21 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

16 July 2006 at 0225 LT at Luanda anchorage, Angola. Four pirates armed with knives in wooden boat boarded container ship at forecastle. Threatened duty a/b with knives & broke open paint store padlock. Duty a/b escaped & raised alarm and crew mustered. Robbers jumped into their boat and left empty handed. Local authorities informed. (Fri. July 21 2006)

15 July 2006 at 1200 LT in posn: 05:16.00S - 106:07.80E, enroute to Batam from Merak, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with pistols approached a tug towing a barge. Four pirates boarded and assaulted crew causing injuries. They stole crew belongings and ship's equipment and escaped in a speedboat. (Fri. July 21 2006)

13 July 2006 at 1020 UTC in posn: 10:12S - 112:15E, south of Java island, Indonesia  / Indian Ocean. Six pirate boats (2 boats - white hull, 4 four boats - black hull) approached a bulk carrier from stern. Each boat had 5 masked persons dressed in black clothes. Boats came close to stern & alert crew mustered and ship altered course. Boats aborted attempt and moved away. (Fri. July 21 2006)

07 July .2006 at 2345 LT at Punta Guanta anchorage, Venezuela. Robbers boarded container ship & stole cargo from two containers. Master informed authorities. (Fri. July 21 2006)

21 June 2006 at 0300 LT at berth b1, Godau port, Vietnam. Three pirates in unlit boat boarded a chemical tanker at stern. Duty a/b raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & safety equipment -- escaped. (Fri. July 21 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Taiwanese trawler F/V Isabel III -- ran aground on a coral reef in Lakshadweep on Jul 15 -- 32 crew abandoned -- vessel stranded on Suhaili Island. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. July 21 2006)

Pusher barges Joern & St. Josef (homeport Haren) -- in collision July 19 with -- inland M/V Fiomar, homeport Millingen -- on the Weser-Datteln-Canal at Dorsten. The Capt. of the pusherbarges had lowered the bridge for passing a bridge and thus lost eye contact with the other ship. He collided with its stern on starboard side which suffered a gash & other damages. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 20 2006)

Container M/V Umfolozi -- which sank in Walvis Bay harbour in Sept. 2005-- after collision with the South African dredger Ingwenya, has escaped the attention of law & detention order in Walvis Bay by slipping away from the port Jul 15. M/V Umfolozi, now renamed M/V Michael S, made its escape -- thought to have reached Angolan waters. Two security guards stationed on board vessel, which was recently sold to a new owner, were locked in a room & later evicted from the ship as she sailed. Earlier the crew had come on board on a pretext. M/V Umfolozi had been on charter to Ocean Africa Container Lines & deployed on the Durban West Coast service when she sank at her moorings after colliding with the dredger in the port approaches. After managing to get back to port and coming alongside one of the container berths the vessel sank until her bottom came to rest on the harbor bed, leaving her decks under water at high tide. A salvage team eventually refloated vessel & repairs were carried out, however the National Ports Authority of South Africa brought an order through the Namibian High Court against the owners & agents of the vessel on account of the damage caused to the dredger in the collision. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 20 2006) From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 20 2006)

11,935gt combined chemical & oil M/T Sten Moster (built 2006) hit berth at St. Nazaire in the afternoon of Jul 17, sustaining damage to the bow & causing damage to the dock. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 20 2006)

Russian flagged F/V Boguchar, port of registry Nakhodka -- fishing in Bering sea, Capt. missing. Fishing vessels in area rushed to scene, 4 vessels including Boguchar search area. Weather calm, water temperature +5 Celcium, air +8. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Wed. July 19 2006)

Dawa-R4006UM -- sank July 14 near Kamchatka, still searching for crew. Trying to recover bodies. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Wed. July 19 2006)

German F/V Stoer, homeport Pellworm with 2 crew -- suffered fire while fishing crabs south of the island. Customs boat Amrum & rescue boat Hannes Glogner of the Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbruechiger<< Webfeature, rushed to the burning ship and tackled the flames -- technical fault in the boiler in which the crabs are cooked is thought to be the cause of the fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. July 19 2006)

80ft. schooner S/V Nathanial Bowditch, with 17 passengers -- ran aground just S. of Castine, Maine near Nautilius Rock. Passengers safely taken off the vessel by S/V Natanial Bowditch's tenders and taken to the town pier in Castine. The 6 crew remained onboard vessel. Captain reported that the vessel didn't appear to have sustained any damage -- refloated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. July 19 2006)

German M/T Irmgard Gerhardt -- in collision July 17 -- with pier off the old Kiel-canal lock in Brunsbuettel and was damaged in bow on port side. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. July 19 2006)

17,042gt cruise M/V New Flamenco -- in collision July 5 with -- luxury yacht P/Y Lady Moura in the harbour of Ibiza. The 450ft. cruise ship pushed the stern of P/Y Lady Moura against concrete pier -- hull & gangway was damaged. Sailing yacht S/Y Baronesse of Thyssen caused the incident, she first struck M/V New Flamenco & then S/Y Lady Moura -- 10th biggest luxury yacht in world & belongs to Nasser el Raschid in Saudi Arabia -- to be repaired at Blohm & Voss Yard in Hamburg, but actually no berth is available. Parts of the gangway have already been sent to Hamburg. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. July 19 2006)

DISASTER AVERTED>> Princess Cruise Lines M/V Crown Princess<< Webfeature, -- on her 4th voyage ever -- departed Port Canaveral<< Webfeature, July 18, at 3:40 p.m., experienced unexpected -- extreme -- list to port side as she was sailing north to New York -- swimming pools emptied -- stairwells turned into waterfalls -- all the pools pouring down the aft staircase & aft elevator shafts >>> 93 injured, 16 serious -- 2 critical -- 17 other patients arrived via ambulance to Cape Canaveral Hospital, 7 with moderate injuries. Uninjured passengers & crew will stay aboard until July 19, morning -- passengers will leave ship -- cruise officially been terminated. M/V Crown Princess was on a 9-day Western Caribbean roundtrip out of New York. Port Canaveral was last port of call before her return to New York. Well, she did not capsize! After all, this is the important fact. Close call -- why? (Tues. July 18pm 2006) UPDATE>> July 23: The cruise ship sailed with only a 15% cancellation on a shortened cruise following the severe list at sea incident. One condition, applied by the U.S. Coast Guard, requires crew to manually steer ship while in water less than 50 meters deep. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006)

Grounded container M/V CP Valour off the Praia da Faia -- suffered a further indignity -- fire broke out in the engine room of the wreck July 17 -- tug M/V Battle Axe quickly responded to the fire & able to control it soon. The engine room thereby was flooded but much of it pumped out later. M/V CP Valour is currently being dismantled with the help of the jack up barge MEB-JB1. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. July 18 2006)

M/V Safmarine Agulhas UPDATE>> Grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas>> DOOMED SHIP>> Signs that the Safmarine Agulhas is beginning to break up comes in the form of large fish swimming around in the container vessel's engine room, which has been flooded for over a week. Divers operating inside the vessel to inspect damage in the flooded engine room and other sections of the vessel (two holds are also flooded) reporte seeing large fish swimming freely, indicating that large fractures open to the sea have occurred. Any likelihood of the ship being returned to serviceable condition is rapidly receding and this has become obvious from the statements of the salvors and other officials when they say that there will be no further attempts at refloating the ship in the immediate future. Salvage tug Smit Amandla continues to hold the vessel away from the breakwater, which it has been doing for more than a week. Salvors have focused on removing the cargo and fuel on board but about 200 containers remain in the ship's flooded holds 2 and 3. A small amount of fuel also remains on board the doomed vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 17 2006) UPDATE>> About 170 containers remained on board being taken out of holds 2 and 3, which are flooded with oil & water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. July 19 2006) UPDATE>> Total of 130 containers still remain in 2 holds and must still be removed by the team from SMIT Salvage. A total of 199 containers were located in the holds where water ingress was reported when this phase of the cargo removal operation began. The team continues skimming heavy fuel oil from holds and the engine room.From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 24 2006) UPDATE>> For all extents and purposes the grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas -- now seen as a shipwreck with no hope whatsoever of removing her from her beached position outside East London harbor. Main problem now will be what to do with shipwreck, as it will be considered unthinkable to leave her where she is, in full view of virtually all of East London & every passing ship but the first step is to declare her to be a total write-off. The next step then would be to decide how best to remove the ship from the western breakwater, or if this proves impossible then to remove as much as possible of the vessel down to the waterline. In several recent cases involving shipwrecks along the South African coast salvors have resorted to dismantling anything that might be of interest to souvenir hunters and the curious before setting fire to the accommodation area or even blowing up M/V Jolly Rubino or M/V BBC China are cases in point. The close proximity of M/V Safmarine Agulhas to the breakwater and harbor itself renders this course of action highly unlikely. salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla, which has remained in position assisting with salvage attempts since shortly after M/V Safmarine Agulhas went aground, was called away on Jul 24 to assist with another vessel reportedly in danger off the Eastern Cape coast, the bulker M/V Brilliance. FOLLOW OUR STORY

Unidentified passenger M/V collided with bridge on the River Dunav at Pöclarn July16. Radar had failed in a storm, so Capt. could not see the bridge-- ship was damaged at bow, one passenger hurt. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 17 2006)

P/V Franzi -- started sinking off Norddeich, Germany in the night of Jul 16 -- fire bridgade from Norden & rescue-boats M/V Bernhard Gruben & M/V Cassen Knigge prevented it from sinking in the harbor entrance. Two underwater pumps and a generator helped keep the ship half afloat -- dewatered & towed into port by the rescue boats, where it was finally secured. The ship was raised after 5 hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 17 2006)

U.S.85ft. F/V Venture -- overcome by flooding, 30 miles S. of Nantucket, July 14 -- HU-25 Falcon jet from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod was diverted to assist, arrived on scene, 7:45 p.m., and dropped a dewatering pump to Venture. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Sailfish, from Sandy Hook, N.J., escorted Venture to Buzzard's Bay. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 17 2006)

Israeli Navy Sa'ar 5 Lahav Class<< Webfeature, missile corvette INS Hanit<< Webfeature, (translated by media as Spear) SEE ALSO<< Webfeature, , cruising off the coast of Lebanon -- hiy by Iranian-made Hezbollah operated C-802 missile (range 100 kms) late July 14. Spear is one of the most technologically advanced in the Israeli fleet, boasting an array of high-tech missiles & system for electronically jamming incoming missiles & other threats -- but missile detection & deflection system was not on during the attack, apparently because Israeli sailors did not anticipate such an attack. About 100 fighters from Iran's Revolutionary Guard helped import, equip & fire the missile from Lebanon at the Spear, Israeli officials said. Two Israeli sailors dead & 2 missing. >>> Hezbollah radar-guided anti-ship missile hit & sank a nearby Cambodian merchant ship around the time the INS Hanit was struck -- 12 Egyptian crew rescued from the water by passing ships. (Sat. July 15 2006)

U.S. Navy fleet ocean tug USNS Apache<< Webfeature, departed Haifa around 1 p.m. July 13, hours before 2 Katyusha rockets fired from Lebanon slammed into the city (Sat. July 15 2006)

Russian search & rescue vessel M/V Dava, with 17 crew -- sank July 14, off the coast of the Pacific peninsula of Kamchatka after its hull was ripped open from collision with unknown object -- at least 5 crew dead.  This is 3 rd ship to sink off Kamchtka this year. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Tug train M/V OT-1515 with barge TMI-4 -- in collision July 14, with -- river-sea M/V Volgo-Don 5105. Tug train from Astrakhan to Rostov, ballast, river-sea from Mariupol to Volzhskiy, 4511 tons alumina, 3.4 meters draft. No injures. Barge slightly damaged fore, no leakage. M/V Volgo-Don 5105 slightly damaged fore, ballast tank leaking. Train and river-sea anchored, waiting for investigation. Riverr traffic not affected. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. July 15 2006)

Vladivostok ro-ro ferry M/V Ussuriyskiy Bay, suffered fire at Vladivostok port July 14. Ferry moored, berth #36, 5 crew, no passengers. City fire-fighters on the scene - -fire extinguished, no injures. Fire started in passenger area. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. July 15 2006)

Tugs M/V Topaz & M/V Lazurit with Cambodia-flagged floating dock #7, with 11 all Russian crew, Vladivostok for Vungtau, Vietnam, went into area of Typhoon Billis, July 13 -- wind 25-28 meters/sec, swell 6 meters. Dock taking water, list & trim, decided to evacuate dock crew. On July 14, floating dock #7 sank -10 crew rescued,but Capt. missing. M/V Topaz, M/V Lazurit & chinese salvation M/V Dong Hai 198 started searching area for missing captain. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. July 15 2006)

M/T LPG Benegas -- suffered fire July 13, at Jordian port of Aqaba in the Red Sea while unloading 4,200 tons of liquefied natural gas, injuring 8 crew & 4 firefightersFrom our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Russian M/V Sea Wind -- capsized July 13. Far Eastern Shipping Co. dry cargo M/V Captain Sergievskiy, for Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, near Utashud island, Kamchatka peninsula -- found the capsized vessel --started to search area & lifted 4 crew alive & 1 body. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. July 15 2006)

24.5mt. Kamchatka Emergency Agency ship RUM-4006 (built 1968), Petropavlovsk for Krutogorovo with 17 crew -- sank July 13 -- cause unknown -- 9 rescued & 5 dead. Rescue vessels Captain Sergievskiy, Velbot-183, M/V Alney, M/V Alambai on the scene. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko (Sat. July 15 2006)

85mt. Dutch river M/T Eiltank 31, with 1000 tons naphta -- ran aground on way to Ludwigshafen on the Rhine at Lorch on Jul 12 at 9.25 p.m. -- grounded with foreship after engine failure. Capt. thought some of the high explosive cargo was leaking out -- Rhine was thus closed between Bingen & St. Goar for ships and also car traffic on parallel roads. Police & fire brigade was in action with 3 ships. Lighter took some of the cargo during the night. Lighter shop M/V Ellen arrived on the site & helped free grounded vessel at 4:45pm., July 13. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Rigid hull inflatable Windrider, with 13 passengers in difficulty & swamping at N. tip of the Goodwin Sands, UK July 12 -- Dover Coastguard alerted -- RNLI inshore lifeboats from Ramsgate and Walmer also put to sea along with the Ramsgate all weather lifeboat -- all rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Allen Marine 48ft. catamaran M/V Keel, with 16 passengers & 3 crew -- ran aground near Siginaka Islands in North Sitka Sound at 9:30 a.m., July 12 -- cutter USCGC Maple arrived nearby & dispatched 2 small boats at 9:58 a.m. to assist and oversee Allen Marine's rescue operation. Allen Marine dispatched M/V St. Rufina from Jamestown Bay to assist on scene, equipped with a deck mounted crane & other equipment which they intend to use to refloat vessel. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

250gt. Antwerp-based salvage M/V Union Beaver, with 25 crew, moored in Yarmouth -- suffered fire July 12 -- firefighters worked in teams of eight on 10-minute shifts to tackle the blaze in fiercely hot conditions -- fire put down -- cause was faulty electronics in the freezer. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

8mt. yacht S/Y Gowat, with 76 year old Polish yachtsman at Whiten Head near Loch Eriboll-- seen in distress by strolling couple on land who issued 999 distress call July 12. Fisheries Protection Vessel Jura responded to later general call to any vessels in the area -- yachtsman eventually fired red flare and Jura launched their fast rescue craft -- S/Y Gowat unnder tow . Meanwhile UK Melness Coastguard Rescue team was sent to try and establish the location of the yacht. Due to the nature of the terrain it entailed a 6 mile trek on foot to reach the headland. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

110ft. tender packer M/V Norqueen, with 3 crew, based Vancouver, B.C. -- taking on water near SW side of Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska, July 12. U.S Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter dispatched from Air Station Sitka to drop dewatering pumps to the vessel. 71ft. F/V Northern Cloud, also from Vancouver, standing by area. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

66,452gt container M/V Xin Fu Zhou, homeport Shanghai -- in collision July 12, with -- German cargo M/V Lass Uranus, homeport Rostock, with fertilizer. M/V Xin Fu Zhou trying to outrun M/V Lass Uranus leaving Hamburg towards the Northsea on the Elbe at Finkenwerder/Airbus Yard. M/V Lass Uranus suddenly turned when the Chinese ship was outrunning her. Hull of Chinese ship was torn a length of 8mt. M/V Lass Uranus severely damaged at bow. M/V Xin Fu Zhou not able to turn around on the Elbe & proceeded to Brunsbüttel -- expected back in Hamburg & will berth at the Predöhlkai for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Cargo M/V Hanseatic Star, Industriehafen (indstry harbor), Germany for Norway, July 12 -- had forced other ships to get out of its way and was driving in "snakelines" -- German Police intercepted the ship & found not only the Capt. drunk with 2.7 blood level but also a damaged engine -- ordered tugs & a pilot who brought back M/V Hanseatic Star to Bremen where she was detained. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

78ft. F/V Mom & Dad, with 5 crew -- taking on water 14 miles NE of South Padre Island, July 11 -- 47 foot Motor Life Boat crew was dispatched from U.S. Coast Guard Station South Padre Island & able to control the flooding with portable dewatering pumps. M/V Letisha Trinnea arrived on scene & currently towing F/V Mom & Dad to Brownsville, TX.. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

42ft. wooden P/V Speculation homeported in Freeport, NY, radioed U.S. Coast Guard at 12:16 p.m. July 11 -- reported taking on water. Coast Guard deployed a 47-foot boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Manasquan to the scene -- provided pumps. USCGC Seahorse, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Portsmouth, Va., was also directed to provide additional pumps. P/V Speculation under tow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

F/V Five G's , with 2 crew homeported in Santa Barbara -- sank on the North side of Santa Cruz Island, Calif. on July 11 -- U.S. Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Life Boat later recovered 2 bodies from the debris, which are being turned over to the Ventura County Coroner. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

M/V Warsaw -- coal ship from Poland docked outside Public Service of New Hampshire's Schiller Station when 35-yr-old man died after falling 40 feet into ship's hold on July 10. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. July 15 2006)

F/V Stella radioed the North Pacific Search and Rescue Coordination Center, Anchorage, July 8 -- taking on water in vicinity of Gull Island, and the 3 crew were donning survival suits. Alaska Marine Highway ferry M/V Taku arrived on scene -- launched its lifeboat & towed F/V Stella's lifeboat away from rocks --brought them safely aboard the Taku. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Star Cruises M/V Superstar Virgo, Phuket for Singapore with 2000 passengers on July 7 -- when lookout on bridge spotted the crew from sunken fishing vessel 12 NM off the coast of Malacca in the Straits of Malacca -- dropped smoke buoy to mark where the men were in the water, then a tanker which was nearer, able to rescue the survivors.

River M/V Peter II in collision with Ellerholz-lock on the Elbe on Jul 7 at 2.30 p.m. Broken screw prevented ship from going astern but instead it pushed several times against the lock until it opened and M/V Peter II drifted out of control onto the Elbe. The Capt.was hurt so badly that he could not push the emergency-stop-control. M/V Peter of the same owner rushed towards M/V Peter II and was able to stop her. Total of 21 injured, with 1 female passenger still in hospital on July 8. M/V Peter II confiscated for investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

109-meter 3,545gt. gasoil tanker (combined chemical & oil) M/T Ana B (built 1981), with 3,600 tons gasoil -- aground on the Amazon River relatively close to Manaus on July 7. Salvage team members from the SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage office and warehouses in Rio & Macae are being mobilised to the site with further back-up from The Netherlands & Argentina being moved in. Currents in the river will make the operation more complicated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

80ft shrimper with 3 crew, engulfed in flames 20 miles S. of Southwest Pass, La. -- all crew to life raft on July 6. Research vessel M/V Tommy Munro on scene & assisted with search for the vessel's crew along with 41-foot boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Venice & HH-65C rescue helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans. USCGC Pompano directed to the life raft where they safely rescued the three fishermen. Pompano returned to the burning vessel and extinguished the fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Panama flag M/V Mer Yam, Oman for Zanzibar with cement-- freighter owned by al-Hufuf Maritime Co., based in the United Arab Emirates -- sank July 6, in strong winds in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa, near Socotra. Six crew members drowned, at least 13 rescued, one later died in Aden hospital. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. July 15 2006)

26,062gt. bulker M/V Zhi Qiang (built 1998) -- Townsville June 29 for Korea with Australian sugar out of Queensland, ran onto a reef off Papua New Guinea, 525km E. of Port Moresby -- in lat 11 13S, long 151 40E, on Long Reef, 25 miles west of Jomard Passage, July 1 -- salvage tug M/V Austral Salvor departing Brisbane for Papua New Guinea early July 6 -- salvage is being undertaken by Pacific Towing, a PNG company of which Adsteam Marine is one of the joint venture participants. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

04 July 2006 at 1450 UTC at Texaco berth, Guyana. One robber boarded an LPG tanker preparing to depart from berth. He stole ship's equipment & escaped in motorboat waiting with 4 accomplices. (Sat. July 15 2006)

04 July 2006 at 0430 UTC at Santos anchorage no. 3, Brazil. Two pirates attempted to board a container ship via anchor chain. Alert crew raised alarm & boarding was aborted. Port control informed. (Sat. July 15 2006)

01 July 2006 at 0330 LT at Bonaberi berth no.52, cement berth, Douala port, Cameroon. Three armed pirates boarded bulk carrier & threatened duty a/b with knives -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Port control & harbor police informed. (Sat. July 15 2006)

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26,959gt. product M/T Fidelity (built 1984), for China with 33,000 tons soya bean oil -- grounded near Rosario, River Parana, at about 2300, local time, Jul 5 -- refloated with aid of Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd tugs M/V Ona Temple & M/V Don Vicente -- underwater inspection is scheduled. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Norwegian container M/V Baltic Fjord (built 1976) -- suffered fire in hold afternoon of July 4 in the port of Paljasaare in Tallinn. After explosion in a fuel tank in the evening, the vessel was on fire until July 5 morning. Six fire-engines unable to extinguish fire during the night -- finally extinguished by M/V EVA-316 with its fire pumps. Oil booms were placed in port entrance. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

Airbus A-310, Moscow for Irkutsk with 200 passengers -- left the runway early July 9 -- while landing at Irkutsk Airport in eastern Siberia -- crashed into concrete barrier & burst into flames, killing 150 -- front section of plane crushed & more than 40 people were hospitalized with burns -- hit a building before catching fire -- blaze now under control. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sun. July 9 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

03 July 2006 at 2105 UTC in position: 05:17.0N - 098:01.5E, off Acheh, Malacca straits. Armed pirates in an unlit speedboat, blue hull, length about 10 meters Approached bulk carrier underway -- tried to board from stern. D/O Raised alarm, crew mustered & activated fire hoses & directed search lights. Noticing crew alertness, pirates aborted boarding.   (Sun. July 9 2006)

03 July 2006 at 0910 LT in posn 04:38.4N - 098:12.8E, 12 miles NE of Kuala Langsa, off Acheh, Malacca straits. 12 pirates in fishing boat approached landing craft carrying U.N. Tsunami Relief Cargo -- 4 pirates boarded & demanded money - master gave them some cash -- remaining 8 pirates came onboard & stole diesel fuel. Pirates said they were members of GAM and left at 1015 LT. (Sun. July 9 2006)

02 July 2006 at 0930 LT in posn 04:55.42N - 098:00.63E, off Acheh, Malacca straits. Six pirates in fishing boat wearing military fatigues boarded landing craft carrying U.N. tsunami relief cargo -- demanded to see cargo documents. Then they demanded cash from Master. They stole ship's equipment, crew personal belongings & fired 2 warning shots & escaped. (Sun. July 9 2006)

28 June 2006 at 0300 LT in position 03:18.5N - 112:55.3E at Bintulu anchorage, Malaysia -- pirates boarded bulk carrier from an unlit boat. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. On seeing crew alertness, robbers jumped overboard & escaped empty handed leaving behind 2 large screwdrivers. (Sun. July 9 2006)

28 June 2006 at 0115 LT in position 05:28.7S - 105:17.6E, Panjang anchorage, Indonesia. Three robbers armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier & entered engine room -- stole substantial quantity of engine spares. (Sun. July 9 2006)

26 June 2006 at 1830 LT at Huangpu port, China -- pirates boarded bulk carrier & entered master's cabin. Master raised alarm & crew apprehended robbers and handed them to police. (Sun. July 9 2006)

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UPDATE>> Grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas --Salvors from SMIT Salvage commenced with the cargo removal operation -- made possible following the arrival from Johannesburg of one of Johnson's 550-ton mobile Liebherr cranes. Once the crane was erected on the breakwater it was possible to begin removing the containers onto either road or rail transport & then taken to a secure area within the port. Teams aboard the vessel and on the breakwater are able to lift 7 containers an hour M/V Safmarine Agulhas is meanwhile leaking a bit. Two of the ships holds & the engine room are partially flooded by seawater, the result of cracks & fractures caused by the movement of the ship against the seabed and possibly the breakwater wall. 180 tons bunker oil have already been removed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006) UPDATE>> Grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas -- According to eyewitness reports most if not all the containers have been discharged from the ship onto the breakwater and carried away by road transport to an assembly point in the port. Once cleared of the ship's holds each container will be drained & steam-cleaned before being taken away from stacking and eventual examination -- 5 containers of cargo remain above deck. There are about 300 containers below deck. Salvors willl now remove the hatch covers to establish conditions below deck & set about discharging cargo from the holds below. The team discharging the cargo will now concentrate on holds 1 & 4 which are dry 2 & 3 being flooded as is the ship's engine room. Salvors still had about 100 tons of heavy fuel oil to discharge of the original 660 tons the ship was carrying when she lost power off East London & went aground. East London is approaching spring tides during which it was expected that the salvors would make another attempt at pulling the vessel clear of the sandbank. The ship is wedged meters from the port's western breakwater. According to one West Bank eyewitness the ships lights went out during July 7 night and he reported that the engine room of the vessel had become fully flooded. Salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla remains connected, preventing the vessel from being thrown against the breakwater. General Average declared about a week ago but Safmarine, who is the charterer of the vessel has advised customers that it intends providing both salvage and General Average security on their behalf, relieving customers of any further risk or outlay. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 10 2006) Follow The Story

24gt. German F/V Fortuna (built 1936 in Tönning) -- sank in the harbor of Haseldorf, Elbe, July 6 -- only the 2 masts remained above water, when police & firefighters arrived on the site at 11 a.m.Damage estimated t 50000 Euro -- will be repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006) UPDATE>> F/V Fortuna raised by cranes of a special firm.

Motor Launch Peter II, homeport Hamburg, in collision with wall & gate of the Ellerholz-lock in the harbor of Hamburg -- making a round-trip through the harbor with 58 passengers, among them 54 pupils. On the whole, 22 people were hurt -- 2 & Capt. seriously. In a first investigation said the throttle blocked so that ship could not be stopped. After collision he radioed for help and proceeded under own power to the Norderelbe. From here the damaged ship was towed to the berth Amerikahöft by another launch. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

M/V Maersk Gateway -- at the building yard in Lindö, Denmark -- where removal of the burnt out superstructure will take place next week. On July 7 the sheerleg Matador 3 entered the Kiel-Canal coming from Brunsbuettel together with the tug M/V Asterix -- and the tug M/V Holtenau from Kiel and a pontoon will join. Also the Taklift 7 passed the Kiel Canal en route to Odense. The 2 sheerlegs will lift the superstructure off the hull and then replace it by the superstructure of the 2nd unit. For this one a 3rd superstructure is at present under construction in Litva. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

UPDATE>> Petrobas XXI ......M/V Fairmount Sherpa has been summoned as a 2nd tug from Cape Town to assist the tug M/V Zouros Hellas with the salvage operation on the remote South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, where the oil platform Petrobas XXI remains aground. Meanwhile the salvage team which arrived with M/V Zouros Hellas have had mixed fortunes with regards the weather and sea conditions. On some days diving and other salvage activities have been hampered by weather & sea conditions but on others the team has been able to undertake repairs to damaged ballast tanks & pump water from one of the platform's columns. The platform had disappeared into one of the world's loneliest oceans and that's how things remained until early June when a group of islanders on Tristan da Cunha set off to round up cattle from the southern part of the island. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

5,327-dwt Panama flagged general cargo M/V Mariam IV, Salalah to Zanzibar with 4,700-ton cement, sank July 6, off the coast of the Yemeni island of Socotra -- 2 crew drowned & at least 6 are reported missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

Bulk M/V Conrad Oldendorff remains aground with efforts under way to lighter fuel to a bunkering barge, while general cargo M/V Credo is on scene for the process of unloading around 400 to 500 tons of coal. Once the vessel is refloated she will be moved 2.5 miles SE for reloading of cargo & diver inspection. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006) UPDATE>>> salvaged by the tugs M/V Stevns Iceflower & M/V Stevns Icecap under contract of Tsavliris. It was then inspected by divers & reloaded. She had run aground on way from Poland to Alexandria. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 15 2006)

UK F/V Lynn Princess issued distrss call on July 4 -- taking water. RNLI lifeboats Hunstanton and Skegness arrived on scene & placed a pump onboard -- vessel then grounded on sandbank off Wainfleet on the falling tide. -- repairs completed & F/V Lynn Princess refloated . From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

Inland M/T Ayla ran aground on the Rhine on July 2 at 2 p.m. with 1200 tons diesel. The ship was trying to leave the harbor of Wesseling via its stern when it ran aground on the left side of the Rhine at km 668,8. The ship was lightered by 280 tons by M/T Vira so could be refloated at 9.42 p.m. The lightered diesel was taken on board again & vessel allowed to proceed to Frankfurt/Main. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

Bulk M/V Zhi Qiang, ex-Queensland with Australian sugar -- struck reef 525km E of Port Moresby on July 1 -- Adsteam Marine<< Webfeature, has been contracted to prepare a rescue plan. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

M/Y Nuni exploded on the Rhine in the harbor of Emmerich on July 1 -- injuring 2 men, taken to hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

Tug M/V Alliance (ex-Pornichet) ran aground on a mud bank in Fort de France Bay, Martinique, June 30. It was successfully refloated by the tug M/V Lady Debbie which had just arrived there coming from UK 4 days before. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 8 2006)

Marshall Islands registered, Frontline Suezmax 142,031dwt tanker M/T Front Sunda (built 1992), Singapore for Persian Gulf in ballast, suffered explosion in one of its tanks 200 NM off the NE coast of Singapore, June 19 -- one crew missing. Our photo<< Webfeature shows major upward blast forward. From our Correspondent Hilde Krause. (Thurs. July 6 2006)

Indian Navy tanker Deepak Class INS Shakti - A57, ran aground near a fairway when entering Tripoli,Libya, on July 3 evening. Two harbor tugs attending her, trying to push her back in the channel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 6 2006)

Inland cargo M/V Archaron tried to anchor on the right side of the Rhine at km 646,5 (near Emmerich -- July 2 -- with steel rolls. She went aground during this maneuver. M/V Formentera succeeded in towing M/V Archaron" off the sand at 02.06 a.m. Ship allowed to proceed further from Lüttich to Thionville after inspections. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 6 2006)

Inland cargo M/V Hartenfels -- on way upstream July 1, on the Rhine when at km 78,24 suddenly engine failed -- ship drifted against a pier & damaged it on a length of 5 m. Anchor broke some steel pilings out of the pier. The ship was damaged at starboard close to the anchor, a gash of some centimeters found beneath the waterline in foreship. Water ingress stopped by crew. Münster Police investigating incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 6 2006)

Inland cargo M/V Dequebe -- in collision June 30 with -- inland M/T Vasco which was berthed at the quay when entering the Rhine Harbor of Düsseldorf at 8 p.m. Both ships were slightly damaged. Düsseldorf Police started investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. July 6 2006)

26,989gt. Panamanian- flagged bulk carrier Japanese cargo M/V, with 20 crew, foiled pirate attack in the Strait of Malacca off Indonesia's coast, 200km N. of Medan July 4, days after pirates raided two Indonesian flag U.N.-chartered vessels in the same area -- duty officer raised alarm & crew turned on floodlights and sprayed water from fire hoses, preventing pirates from boarding -- but on July 1 night, pirates boarded 2 U.N.-chartered ships carrying construction material for reconstruction of the tsunami-hit -- pirates stole and damaged equipment on the 1st ship and robbed the crew of cash & personal belongings on the 2nd ship. Ships had been chartered by the U.N. World Food Program. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Tues. July 4 2006)

M/V Safmarine Agulhas continues resting on a sandbank barely five metres from East London's western breakwater, salvors this weekend began removing the fuel and diesel oil as the first step in lightening the ship before making any further attempts at pulling her clear into deep water. Safmarine Agulhas is a container ship owned by F.A Vinnen & Co Gmbh & Co and deployed on the Europe/South Africa Intermediate service. The vessel is currently on charter to Safmarine Container Lines N.V. Shipping operations are continuing as normal in the Port and are not impacted on by the current situation. Follow The Story<< Webfeature. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 3 2006)

Greek-registered supertanker M/T Astro Luna, in ballast -- in collision in Singapore Strait southeast of St John's Island June 30 -- with Panama-registered container M/V YM Earth, then approaching the Eastern Pilot Boarding Ground 'A' enroute for the Tanjong Pagar terminal. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 3 2006)

New Bedford 71ft. F/V Midnight Rider grounded & began taking on water in Muskeget Channel, between Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, Mass. -- 3 crew rescued to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 3 2006)

64ft.scallop F/V Alex Mac, with 4 crew, capsized 6 miles off Manasquan, N.J., June 29 -- 2 rescued by M/V Gambler -- 2 others went down with vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. July 3 2006)

Premature Birth>> One day before her scheduled lanuch -- 188mt. German M/T Seacod rushed into the water of Kiel Harbor from the slipway at Lindenau Yard on June 30 all by herself -- 1 crew injured, the hull as well as some yard installations damaged. The ship supposed to be christened June 30, but at 2.30 p.m June 30 she started to move while the last checks for the launch were being carried out. M/T Seacod evacuated when it became clear that it could not be stopped & cut off the electricity. When she rushed down the slipway. Then a helicopter carried some workers to the ship which floated free in the harbor to attach ropes of the tugs M/V Robbe, M/V Holtenau & M/V Bülk which rushed to the scene. Then M/T Seacod was pushed against pier of the yard. At 5 p.m. it started listing. Firefighters on board the fire fighting M/V Kiel were called & dewatered a ballast water tank on starboard which was leaking through a gash of 60 cm length. Divers stopped leaking by fixing a metal plate on the hull. M/T Seacod which is owned bsy the German Tanker Shipping Bremen shall be christened today as well. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. July 1 2006)

4,574DWT product tanker drifted just off the Mumbai High oilfield for some time already when SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage agreed a salvage contract & to send in M/V Svitizer Muharraq from her station position in the Gulf of Oman on June 26 -- a convoy will head towards Gulf of Oman to deliver the casualty back to her owners. (Sat. July 1 2006)

Sri Lanka's Navy has sunk a Tamil Tiger vessel approaching military base Kankesanturai<< Webfeature, in Jaffna (peninsula) at the island's northern tip overnight. There are no details of casualties in the latest of a rash of clashes, which have raised the spectre of return to civil war. (Fri. July 1 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For June 2006

"Vine Ripened Tires" - M/V Saga Spray -- May 2006 -- Amazing !

EDITORS NOTE>> The Cargo Letter -- to join the free subscription -- Subscribe -- be sure to request "Subscription"

Poseiden -- the movie trailer - opened May 11 2006 -- well worth your time to visit.

M/V Zarya with oil spill liquidation equipment will arrive on the scene by 22.00 Moscow time June 30, to address barge with oil, aground, half-submerged with 225 degrees starboard list at Moscow. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail "Mike" Voitenko (Fri. June 30 2006)

53,453gt. container M/V China Sea (built 2002), Far East (China, Hong Kong, Malaysia) for Europe -- lost "significant number of containers" overboard due to heavy weather according to Lloyds on June 14. (Fri. June 30 2006)

Reefer M/V Belomorye in Barents Sea -- went off mooring line during mooring operation in open sea hit seaman, broking his leg. Reefer headed for nearest land, Kolguyev Island<< Webfeature, to enter area covered by helicopter. 22.50 LT, June 30 helicopter lifted wounded man & took him to Naryan-Mar hospital. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail "Mike" Voitenko (Fri. June 30 2006)

Oil barge BRN-211, with with 235mt of oil products in Nizhny Tunguska River<< Webfeature, -- went off barge-train, pulled by tug M/V OT-2034 -- went free & hit submerged rocks. Hole in aft section, barge pulled to sandbank, with heavy port list. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail "Mike" Voitenko (Fri. June 30 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

IMO Piracy Report June 2006

20 June 2006 at 0310 UTC at Lagos Roads anchorage, Nigeria. Three robbers armed with guns & knives boarded bulk carrier from forecastle -- took hostage a duty A/B & held him at gunpoint -- lowered ship's stores into waiting motor boat & escaped. (Fri. June 30 2006)

04 June 2006 at 0630 UTC in position 25:40.0N - 057:04.0E, off NE coast Oman, Arabian Sea. Three armed pirates in high speed fibre glass boat with green hull followed chemical tanker underway -- came within 2 meters & engaged crew in meaningless conversation. Master took photos of the pirates and at this stage a masked pirate started shooting at the Master. Bullets missed Master and crew locked themselves inside the accommodation & secured all entrances. Pirates realized that they were photographed & aborted attempted boarding. (Fri. June 30 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Unidentified vessel -- in collision with -- dredging vessel at Kandla Port, India late on June 29 -- 5 dead & 15 injured. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

Louisiana Shipping Channel Remains Closed>> Ships have been stranded, seafood sources threatened and the nation's oil reserve tapped as the result of 47,000 barrels of oil spilling into a southwestern Louisiana shipping channel, forcing its closure. "For this area, it's a major spill. They haven't had anything like this in 20 years," Chief Warrant Officer Adam Wine of the U.S. Coast Guard said. June 19 spill at a Citgo Petroleum Corp. refinery in Lake Charles forced closure of the Calcasieu Ship Channel, a key lane for transporting petroleum in & out of region's 4 refineries. About 11 miles of the channel remained closed, June 29. Entire 40 miles to the Gulf of Mexico had been closed. (Thurs. June 29 2006) UPDATE>> Commercial vessels began using the Calcasieu Ship Channel on June 30, for the 1st time since a spill of 47-thousand barrels of oil closed it last week -- cutting off energy companies' connection to 4 refineries. (Fri. June 30 2006)

39,727gt. Malta flag bulker M/V Conrad Oldendorff, Gdansk for Alexandria with coal, grounded June 28, on Bornholm Island, south of Bornholm, in Danish waters in lat 54 52.7N, long 14 44.5E, at 1555, local time, Jun 27 -- vessel is still aground. Lloyd's Standard Form salvage contract was signed with Tsavliris. Tugs M/V Stevns Icecap & M/V Stevns Iceflower are on scene. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

Dutch coastal cargo M/V Onderneming -- ran aground on the Dutch river Scheldt on June 29 -- stuck fast on sand bar at 10.20 a.m. At low tide 2 hours later she was lying high & dry. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

Half-scrapped wreck of 8,454gt. Malta-flagged M/V Sea Trader (built 1976) -- sank in Canal of Terneuzen in Gent on June 29. Tugs M/V Hendrik 3 & M/V Hendrik 5 tried to stabilize foundering hulk -- ship now lying half-sunken at the quay -- had burnt out in Antwerpen July 16, 2004 in Antwerpen -- fire extinguished only days later. Managed by ADG Shipmanagement SIA, Riga. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

Cargo M/V Egretta (homeport Valetta) ran aground June 28, on the Dutch river Schelde in the Gent Canal near Terneuzen. Tug M/V Braakman refloated vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

UPDATE>> Grounded container M/V Safmarine Agulhas -- salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla due at East London after a voyage delayed by bad weather but will be available to begin preparations for pulling. Container ship lost power shortly after sailing from Port of East London, June 27 evening &was blown back towards the western breakwater before settling on a sandbank on W. side of the port entrance. Efforts by two harbor tugs assisted by the restarted ships engines failed to move ship & decision was made to await arrival of the large salvage tug which was on its way from False Bay. Arrangements also made for Sikorsky S61 helicopter to be available at East London to assist with salvage. The S61 will be able to transfer personnel on vessel & remove large numbers of crew should this become necessary. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 29 2006) UPDATE>> U.S. Coast Guard has opened the Intracoastal Waterway & Prien Lake to recreational vessels as waterway restrictions around the Calcasieu Ship Channel continue to diminish. July 1.in the Calcasieu Ship Channel, 6 vessels transited safely in port. As a result of these successful daytime transits, deep draft vessels and tows will now be premitted to used the channel for nighttime transits. These movements will be controlled by the temporary Vessel Traffic Service staffed by U.S. Coast Guard personnel & industry stakeholders. Contingency operational plans have been devised, as well as equipment and temporary dams placed in at risks areas, in the event of heavy rainfall in the area to counter any problems that may arise from such an event. (Sat. July 1 2006)

UPDATE>> Petrobas XXI ......Cape Town-based salvage tug M/V Zouros Hellas arrived off the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha to begin salvage of the Petrobas XXI, an oil platform that went missing for a number of weeks after breaking its tow in mid-Atlantic with another tug, M/B Mighty Deliverer. After fruitless search of the ocean the platform, which was being towed to Singapore, was found by islanders on the south-east side of Tristan da Cunha near Trypot Bay, firmly aground on either a reef or sandbank. Platform's owners subsequently issued salvage forms to Smit Salvage in Cape Town to recover the platform & M/V Zouros Hellas was sub-contracted for the job -- arrived off island on 22 June where it proceeded to the anchorage on the island's north. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 29 2006)

P/Y Moscow-183 -- in collision June 27 with -- hit port side of P/Y Moscow-55 -- both vessels damaged,1 passenger injured. P/Y Moscow-183 suffered crack & leak in bow section -- galley damaged on P/Y Moscow55. Both vessels moored, no spill. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail "Mike" Voitenko (Wed. June 28 2006)

Royal Norwegian Navy vesel in operation Neptune Warrior<< Webfeature, -- ran aground on infamous "Anthrax island" -- tiny Gruinard island<< Webfeature, located just off the mainland between Ullapool and Gairloch, was used as a bombing site in World War II to test the killing power of anthrax. When the poison was released it wiped out a flock of sheep & left the land so contaminated that it was deemed off limits for 50 years. A Royal Navy spokeswoman said that divers were sent down & found no damage to vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

U.S. 44ft. P/Y Bullish Reward, with 3 crew -- aground & sinking -- 25 NM W of Cape Ramono, Fla. -- F/V Angelina rescued & transfered to U.S. Coast Guard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

Decomissioned Russian diesel submarine Forth Kuril Passage, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia for China for scrap, unmanned -- bow section area wasn't watertight, leak started -- got bow trim & started to sink June 26. Tug tried to get to nearest safe place, but too late. At 23.11 Moscow time, June 26, submarine sunk on 60 meter depth, no casualities. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail "Mike" Voitenko (Wed. June 28 2006)

Jack-up rig Ensco 107 -- damaged June 26, while preloading on drilling site off Vietnam -- rig had been jacked down & was under tow to Vung Tau, Vietnam. Ensco suggested rig might be back in operation within 60 days. Ensco 107 is under contract to the Korean National Oil Company to drill 7 wells off Vietnam. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

Bangladesh Shipping Corp. 11,000gt. M/T Bangla Sourav exploded &sank off Chittagong Port, Bangladesh -- in a submerged position June 24, evening -- crack at the bottom hull reportedly developed due to the eruption of fire at 12 pm inside the vessel during cleaning the deck of the vessel. Fire brigade unit of Chittagong port along with the coast guard & Bangladesh Navy extinguished fire & rescued the crew after 3 hours -- 4 crew critically injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

M/V Safmarine Agulgas, for Durban -- lost power & ran aground just outside East London (South Africa) on June 25 -- harbor tugs have as yet been unable to free her -- 22 crew remain onboard the vessel and will be brought ashore should it be deemed necessary. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

Indonesian ferry M/V Surya Makmur Indah, with 116 passengers & 10 crew -- capsized & sank June 24, 40 miles off Sibolga, off W. Sumatra island -- 12 rescued - 114 believed dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

20,000gt. M/V Kanaya, with coal sank off the Somali coast June 23. No mention was made of pirates, what a surprise. There is no knowledge of the ship's home port. Neither is there any record of a vessel of this name. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

520dwt. Chinese naval vessel, with 75 crew capacity & Russian-made AK-176 singlebarrel 76mm gun -- in collision in Pearl River with -- Swire Group subsidiary China Navigation Co. 23-700dwt cargo M/V Pacific Adventurer. Chinese naval vessel lost 30% sheared off & 4 crew dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

Venetian M/V Gaviota III<< Webfeature, -- suffered fire June 23, 2 miles off Aruba. Italian Coast Guard Cutter Panter2 helped to extinguish the fire in the foreship after 1.5 hours -- towed to Barcadera. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

U.S.32ft. crab F/V Matika Jo -- sank June 22 night near Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, Wash. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

U.S. F/V Aleutian -- assisted from sinking by U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hickory, 25 miles SW of Middleton Island near Seward, June 22 evening -- vessel had reported engine room flodding. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 28 2006)

M/T Bangla Sourav, with 48 crew -- suffered fire after being swept by fire off leutian -- assisted from sinking by U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Hickory 25 miles SW of Middleton Island near Seward, June 22 evening -- vessel had reported engine room flodding.the southeast Bangladesh coast, close to the Chittagong port -- 45 rescued & 3 missing -- chief officer injured critically -- his face was badly burnt & sent to Dhaka for better treatment. (Mon. June 28 2006)

590-foot cargo M/V Shenandoah Highway, with automobiles, Southampton for Port Canaveral -- ran aground June 25 -- attempted to enter Port Canaveral -- U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral coordinated 4 tugs which pulled her to deep water. (Sun. June 25 2006)

88,921gt. Bahamas flag bulk M/V Setsuyo Star (built 1985), with iron ore -- June 13 -- in False Bay, Cape town, had water ingress into #1 compartment and would appear that cracks have developed in its shell plating with frames having tripped in this area. We furthermore understand that local repairers Dormac have been contracted to investigate and propose repairs which will possibly require the placing of a cofferdam. Repairs commenced June 19. Salvors Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd estimates operation may take several weeks to complete --repairs completed around July 10. (Sun. June 25 2006)

Pearl Harbor-based destroyer USS Chafee<< Webfeature, (DDG 90) picked up a seriously ill 61-year-old civilian mariner from F/V Jane 440 miles NE of Honolulu June 23. USS Chafee heading home to Pearl Harbor from Alaska after participating in the joint training exercise Northern Edge when U.S. Coast Guard alerted her to medical emergency. (Sat. June 24 2006)

Varig in Death Throes>> Brazil's national airline suffered cancellation of the planned sale of flagship Varig airline to a workers' group on June 23, throwing the future of the carrier into limbo and virtually ensuring more travel chaos ahead for ticket holders in Brazil and abroad. Hundreds were stranded June 22, as Varig cancelled 50% of it's flights, including all from LAX. The government estimates that 28,000 people are abroad with Varig tickets in near term. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq.. (Fri. June 23 2006)

Chinese container M/V Kota Pahlawan (built 1995) leaking gas from hazardous chemicals anchored off Queensland's Sunshine Coast while authorities assess risks before she docks at Brisbane. Ship has a dry powder chemical giving off gas in 1 of 8 containers carrying mining chemical, Xanthate. (Sat. June 24 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

The History Channel - "Return of The Pirates" featuring Michael McDaniel of Countryman & McDaniel - Stopping the next 911?

- U.S. National Television Prime Time Premier 8pm to 10pm - Sunday, July 16 2006

12 June 2006 at 1930 UTC in position 15:23.7N - 041:30.7E, Southern Red Sea -- white-hulled speedboat doing over 18 kts approached general cargo ship underway. Alert crew raised alarm & master zig-zagged course.  Speedboat stopped chase & moved away. (Fri. June 23 2006)

16 June 2006 at 0540 UTC at Magdalena river, Barranquilla, Colombia -- pirate armed with a knife boarded general cargo ship at anchor -- stole liferaft & safety equipment - escaped in a boat waiting with an accomplice. Master informed port authority & after 30 minutes a patrol boat recovered liferaft in damaged condition. (Fri. June 23 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Ferry M/V Surya Makmur Indah sank off Indonesian island Sumatra on June 22 in bad weather. Navy ships were searching for 39 missing. More than 90 rescued. Among the passengers were 3 Americans & 2 Australians -- sank in a storm on the way from Sibolga to Nias. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

184ft. cargo M/V Sea Taxi -- taking on water at 120 gallons at per minute in the engine room at 11:40 p.m. June 22, 12 miles northeast of Miami Beach, Fla. U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port granted ship to re-enter the Miami River under strict guidlines. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Sitkinak took vessel in tow. All safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

Cargo of steel plates of sunken M/V Thor is being raised in the Hansa dock of Antwerp -- vessel lying on the harbor bottom. Work carried out by the tug M/V Grönland, salvage ship M/V Jumbo & pontoon Zeevang with 2 mobile cranes. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

Salvage tug M/V Zouros Hellas was expected off Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean June 22 to take over of the recovery of the semi submersible oil platform Petrobas XXl, which went aground on the south-east of the island near Trypot Bay in March 2006 after separated from M/V Mighty Deliverer from Brazil to Singapore via Cape Town. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

37,536 gt Tirrenia ferry M/V Nuraghes (2004 built) -- in collision June 21, with -- port side of Moby Lines 9,120 gt M/V Moby Fantasy (built 1976) while she was departing Port Olbia, Sardinia, while M/V Nuraghes on approach to same port. Both ferries damaged -- collision due to thick fog -- likely crew mistake -- 3 injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

Special "Moby" Vessel Sisters History>> M/V Moby Magic had already run aground on Sep 9 2003 when coming from Livorno while entering Port Olbia -- suffered water ingress in engineroom and drifted with list 3 miles off Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda. Aboard the ship were 160 passengers &crew who were rescued partially injured by Coast Guard in spite of strong wind. Also, M/V Moby Prince collided with a tanker 1991 & burnt out -- 143 persons died in incident with 1 survivor.

Dutch inland M/V Engelina II -- in ballast driving downriver ran aground at Rhine-km #850,8 close to Emmerich near the Dutch border, June 21. Tug M/V En Avant towed her free at 09.41 a.m. -- vessel resumed voyage undamaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. June 23 2006)

UK Race Gone Bad>> S/Y Night Challenge -- issued distress call -- had suffered some damage in the stormy weather conditions -- UK Stornoway Coastguard requested RNLI lifeboat from Barra to the scene -- yacht was towed to Castlebay by lifeboat. S/Y Ruffian ran aground, again due to the 45 knot winds & high seas. Stornoway Coastguard stayed in touch with the yacht which re-floated under her own steam. Further 12 race yachts decided to shelter art Castlebay -- 36 yachts in total are taking part in the race. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. June 22 2006)

90ft. U.S. tug M/V Cheyenne pushing two barges with scrap metal & stone -- struck bridge abutments on the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge June 20. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. June 22 2006)

M/V China ferry, Zhuhai for Guishan Island -- in collision with -- M/V New World First Ferry at 10am. ONLY the bow could be seen. That was all that was left of a mainland ferry which collided with Hong Kong-Macau ferry. No injuries in accident, but the 92 passengers on the China ferry were forced onto the bow as vessel begn to sink. Rescuers had to save 2 crew who had fallen into the water. Passengers from sinking ferry were taken on board the slightly damaged M/V First Ferry, which was carrying 42 passengers. They were later transferred to other boats. Authorities said accident may have been caused by bad weather. Hong Kong-Macau ferry was taken to Zhuhai for examination by marine authorities, while damaged China boat remained stranded at the scene of the accident June 18 night. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs.. June 22 2006) We have happy memories of the Hong Kong-Macau ferries -- fast, efficient & a fast transport to the Macau golf courses! McD

The Famous Catalina "Glass Bottom Boat" << Webfeature, of movie fame -- 103ft. M/V Phoenix (bult 1931) transiting from Newport Beach to Martinez, Calif -- sank in 500 to 800 feet of water, 3 miles west of Point Dume, Calif. -- just near the house of your Editor on June 11. Baywatch (yes, the T.V. guys girls) rescued the 4 members of the vessel's crew without incident or injury. (Wed. June 21 2006)

M/V Kanaya, with 20,000 tons of coal, sank off the coast of Somalia June 20. No such vessel is registered in the Equasis database. Two vessels were dispatched to the scene to collect the crew of the stricken vessel who were evacuated on to life rafts. No reports of injuries or fatalities as a result of sinking & no indications as yet that there is any threat of pollution from the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 21 2006) UPDATE>> 20 crew members believed floating on life rafts since M/V Kanaya went down June 21. (Thurs.. June 22 2006)

600-ft. bulk M/V Servet Y -- in collision June 14 with -- 35ft. F/V Tip Sea on St. Pierre Bank. The bulk carrier hit the fishing vessel 25 NM SW of St. Pierre June 14. Damaged, but not taking on water, the fishing boat was helped back to its homeport of Rose Blanche on June 15 by the Canadian Coast Guard vessel W. G. George. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. June 21 2006)

Lighter vessel M/T Tutuma, with 5,000mt petroleum product -- exploded at at the Obat Petroleum Depot, Beachland Estate, Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos on June 20 -- at leaat 5 dead, others seriously injured. Explosion may not be unconnected with leakage of petroleum product which reportedly flooded engine room for days -- leakage & resultant flooding said to have been 1st discovered immediately the vessel berthed 4 days ago. Flame ravaged the giant white vessel. M/V Tutuma pulled out of the area of depot to safety. (Wed. June 21 2006)

150,000-dwt crude M/T Front Sunda (built 1992), in ballast, exploded & forced Master to abandon at 1700 Singapore time, 200 miles NEof Singapore -- 1 crew missing. K Line's 2,069-teu container M/V Bay Bridge (built 1985), one of several vessels in the area, is carrying the 25 recovered crew to Singapore -- said to be in good health. Blast took place in the No 6 cargo tank. Extent & nature of the damage & amount of fuel on board vessel unknown. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

UK F/V Pamela S, with 2 crew -- raised alarm as vessel overdue from Lydstep Pembrokeshire, June 18 -- 02.45 LT, 31 yr old fisherman found alive on Pendine sands having survived 11 hours in the water in trousers & T-shirt -- having swam 4 miles to shore -- taken to West Wales General Hospital for treatment to Hypothermia. Search for 2nd crew called off, believed lost. From our Correspondent A.Griffiths. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Happy Father's Day>> S/V Dad's Dream issued distress & taking water June 18 -- all 3 crew hoisted by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod HH-60 Jayhawk aircrew & en route to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

S/Y Free Spirit, Newport, R.I. for Europe -- with 56 year old UK Capt., 19 year ol step daughter & 2 others -- issued distress call & needed to be rescued immediately.200 NM S. of Halifax, Nova Scotia & 290 NM E. of Chatham, Mass. on June 15. Canadian Air Force & Coast Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard have been conducting joint search and rescue efforts -- but no further communication with vessel. Total search area exceeded more than 15,000 square miles, an area larger than the State of Massachusetts. Joint surface search time exceeds 140 hours, and the joint air search time has been 61 hours. U.S. spent more than 80 hours searching, & Canada contributed 124 hours to search efforts. No luck. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Inland water M/V Kaa, homeport Grieth, collided stern of inland M/T Lindenhof which was berthed at Krefeld-Uerdingen for unloading salt peter acid on June 18. The loading facilities failed & M/T Lindenhof tore lose. All safety facilities worked, so no acid spilled. Helmsman of M/V Kaa said drunk. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

170,808-dwt stricken ore bulker M/V Setsuyo Star (built 1985)(formerly NYK vessel M/V Setsuyo Maru), Brazil for China, has gone to anchor in False Bay, South Africa after a fracture to its number 1 hold on June 19 -- problem became noticeable as vessel reached the Cape of Good Hope.Tug M/V Smit Amandla alongside ready to take the bulker in tow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

F/V Miss Lilla -- issued distress call June 16 -- taking water -- abandoned to life raft & made it safely to shore on Little Talbot Island, near mouth of the St. Johns River, june 17. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Kingfisher, homeport Mayport, assisted in search. E.P.I.R.B. activated before vessel abandoned. Vessel found 40% exposed above the water, but does not pose a hazard to commercial traffic. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

52ft. Hatteras P/V QT suffered fire June 16, at mouth of the York River -- issued Mayday. Good Samaritan boats, P/V One Way & P/V Miss Nancy responded & pulled all 6 crew to safety. Hampton Fire & Rescue boats arrived to fight the fire, but P/V QT burned completely & sank From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Cruise M/V Kristina Regina in collision with several pleasure craft in Mahon on June 12 -- accident caused some material damage to a few smaller boats, however there were no injuries. Inspection showed that the framework of M/V Kristina Regina had dent aft, above waterline. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

40,000g, 240mt long loaded M/V Kiran Asya (built 2005) -- aground at N. Borneo coast around June 7 -- was refloated June 11, on the morning high tide of the day at about 07.35 LT after some weight re-distribution operations by salvage team of SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage Singapore. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

M/V Willy in ballast reported minor damage -- in collision June 9, 20 miles S. of Shoreham, UK with -- M/T Shakhdag, with cargo of 14,009mt of diesel oil, sustained some superficial damage to her main deck on stern & some upper deck equipment. Both vessels are now proceeding under their own power. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Following extensive operations started early May SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage completed the ex-M/V MSC Yorkshire container recovery operations off Cuxhaven on June 9. Concerned in total 7 containers loaded with cars & jet-ski, of which one container had spilled its contents of 3 cars.  In an operation spanning 17 working days, the 7 containers, 22 cars and a jet-ski were recovered from waterdepths of 30-35 meters. Recovered goods were landed in Cuxhaven for disposal. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

6,150-dwt general cargo M/V Skagern (built 1983), Sweden for Hull with lumber & copper -- in collision with -- Antigue & Barbuda flagged, German owned 804-teu M/V Samskip Courier (built 2006) collided at midnight on June 9 in the River Humber in UK waters. Both vessels had pilots on board at the time. No pollution or injuries were reported as a result of the collision which has seen United Salvage drafted in to assist wih aftermath. M/V Skagern suffered a breach to its number one cargo hold which caused an ingress of water as the ship began to go down at the head. Two tugs pulled the damaged vessel into port where it listed further before being stabiied by crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Twin mast S/V Bree Sant, with 8 students in Dutch Oosterhaven in Medemblik suffered gas explosion due to a leaking gas pipe on June 8 -- fire aboard was extinguished in short time. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

34,000gt. cruise M/V Norwegian Crown, with 1,104 passengers, ran aground just off Bermuda on June 7, and after remaining stuck on a sandbar through the day, was pulled off by tugs during the evening high tide -- ship tendered passengers ashore to Hamilton for local excursions. After pulled free, she headed for Dockyard, skipping Hamilton as a port of call. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

Mini Fast Net Yacht Race suffered damage June 6, as S/Y Minuscopic, S/Y Volitio & S/Y Navman currently 50 miles SE of the Isles of Scilly -- all dismasted & requiring assistance. UK Falmouth Coastguard coordinating. UK St Marys RNLI lifeboat launced to scene. All crew on yachts are safe & well. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

F/ V Susan K with 2 crerw, capsized just off Peterhead, UK on June 1 -- both rescued by Aberdeen Coastguard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. June 20 2006)

41ft. S/V Free Spirit, with 4 family crew -- left Newport, R.I., bound for Europe -- made an emergency call June 15 morning, 230 miles S. of Halifax, Nova Scotia., reporting seas of 30 feet -- no further communication with the vessel's crew. A hard decision, the U.S. Coast Guard on June 18 suspended search. (Mon. June 19 2006)

U.S. S/V Seven Sisters towing the 35ft. S/V At Last out of Coral Bay, 3 NM S. of St John, U.S. Virgin Islands -- when 68 year old Capt. fell overboard. U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Falcon Jet arrived on scene & located the sailing vessels. U.S. Coast Guard Sea Tow, St. Thomas assisted both vessels & brought them safely into Benner Bay, St. Thomas. (Mon. June 19 2006)

Newbuilding M/V Maersk Gateshead (to be world largest container vessel) under construction at the Odense shipyard in Denmark -- suffered severe bridge & accommodation fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006) Ed Note: We have great photos. McD

Gulf of Mexico oil platform Typhoon TLP -- successfully scuttled by Chevron / BHP Billiton -- became disconnected from her moorings during Hurricane Rita last year & capsized -- floated upside down for a time before running aground -- SMIT Salvage was contracted which completed the project. TYPHOON TLP is enroute to her final resting place to become an artificial reef / diving site. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

16mt. German F/V sank off the harbor of Tönning on June 17 -- raised by 2 cranes off Tönning -- pipe aboard had rust damage & burst-- Euro 120,000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

224Mt. Panama-flagged bulk M/V Vitafos -- collided with the Pier 1 of the industrial harbor in Bremen when leaving port at 03.30 p.m. on June 14 -- 2 frames on port side broken, the hull damaged -- ship was inspected & allowed to proceed to Ravenna for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

Mass Bay Lines ferry M/V Massachusetts, with 65 passengers & 5 crew, departed Rowes Wharf in Boston Harbor at 4:00 p.m. June 12 & was S. of Long Island Bridge on way to Hingham Harbor when fire broke out in vessel's engine room -- ferry M/V Laura in the area & came to aid of M/V Massachusetts after crew noticed smoke billowing out from the 100-foot commuter vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

Inland M/V Lorca -- on Danube River went adrift at 4 a.m. June 10 & collided with 2 passenger M/Vs -- no injuries. Other vessels managed to avoid the danger -- finally secured by the police boat Wien & berthed close to Hotel Danube. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

German inland M/V Algegro ran aground June 12,on the river Scheldt between buoys 73 & 75 -- able to get free under her own power & resumed its voyage thereafter. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

Dutch F/V capsized & sank on June 10 -- 1 dead in the North Sea off Den Helder From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

German yacht S/V Marlin saved by the liberian-flagged container M/V Maersk Dunedin June 3 after 22 hours in the North Atlantic -- had capsized 300 Miles off the Azores in 7 Bf wind, the mast broke. The EPIRB started working & ship headed for the 9mt. from Lübeck which was thus sighted & crew evacuated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. June 19 2006)

43ft. S/Y Eshowe ran aground at Table Bay's Woodstock Beach, South Africa with 2 men from Cape Town onboard, safely pulled out of danger on June 18. (Sun. June 18 2006)

M/V Willy in ballast -- in collision June 9 with -- M/T Shakhdag with cargo of 14,009 metric tons of diesel oil -- 20 miles S. of Shoreham in English Channel. Coastguard rescue helicopter Victor Alpha from Lee on Solent scrambled to overfly the area, confirmed that there is no leakage from either vessel, although the area will be monitored. (Sun. June 18 2006)

310ft. U.S. submarine USS Lagarto, SS 372 (built Oct. 1944) -- lost with 86 crew on a mission to attack a Japanese convoy in Gulf of Thailand , May 1945 -- Japanese minelayer Hatsutaka reported dropping depth charges & sinking a U.S. sub in the area. U.S. Navy now reports USS Lagarto wreckage located, more than 100 miles (160km) off Thailand's east coast. U.S. laws and int'l agreements already protect sunken U.S. warships from looters or others who would disturb the site. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. June 17 2006)

192mt. cargo M/V Tulln hit the Brigittenauer Brücke Bridge on the river Dunav in Austria -- was pushed against the embankment afterwards by firefighters at 10 p.m. -- vessel damaged above waterline. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. June 17 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

The History Channel - "Return of The Pirates" featuring Michael McDaniel of Countryman & McDaniel - Stopping the next 911?

- U.S. National Television Prime Time Premier 8pm to 10pm - Sunday, July 16 2006

07 June 2006 at 1900 UTC at Chittagong anchorage 'A', Bangladesh. Seven pirates armed with knives approached bulk carrier at stern in black wooden boat -- threw a hook attached to a line & tried to board -- threw stones at the crew who raised alarm. Other crew mustered & robbers fled leaving behind hook attached to line.  Port control informed. (Fri. June 16 2006)

06 June 2006 at 2350 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'A', Bangladesh. Nine pirates armed with long knives & steel bars boarded bulk carrier at forecastle -- tied up two shore watchmen, threatened them with knives & attacked one crew with steel bars. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & robbers escaped -- 1 crew & 2 watchmen sustained injuries. (Fri. June 16 2006)

05 June 2006 at 0715 LT at Tanjung Priok tanker anchorage, Indonesia. Pirate in process of boarding tanker. Alert crew raised alarm & boarding averted. (Fri. June 16 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Fiji M/ V Bulou Ni Ceva -- ran on a reef near Rotuma, Fiji on June 14 -- still stranded at Lopta Village as captain awaiting the arrival of some parts from Suva to repair the vessel and sail back to the capital.   (Thurs. June 15 2006)

60ft. work barge struck northbound lanes of the Howard Frankland Bridge, Interstate 275, at Tampa on June 13 -- barge has two markings, "MB54" & "Jacksonville" -- U.S. Coast Guard working to find the owner of the barge and remove barge from causing further damage to the bridge. Barge broke free of moorings due to high winds & seas of Tropical Storm Alberto (Thurs. June 15 2006)

Fiji F/V Eleven ran aground in the Suva Harbor on June 12 -- whereabouts of the captain & crew unknown as officers found vessel deserted when they boarded for inspection. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

Cruise M/V Vistamar departed Kiel for Hamburg June 13, to resume scheduled voyages -- vessel had been detented in London May 18 due to severe safety lapse. Thus annual overhaul was pre-dated & carried out at Lindenau Yard in Kiel in Dock II. M/V Vistamar had run aground in the Kiel Canal when proceeding to repair yard May 28 at 8 a.m. Hohenhörn -- canal traffic in the area had been blocked for 1.5 hours until tug M/V Bugsier 11 arrived from Brunsbüttel & refloated ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

Cargo M/V Da Bak Sol -- hit & detented at Bremerhaven, still at anchor in the North Sea off the harbor on June 12 -- destination is still said to be Bremerhaven to take on cargo of flour for Angola. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

German inland M/V Krantor, homeport Berlin, -- in collision -- with passenger M/V Stadt Cochem on the Dortmund-Ems Canal at Senden on June 9. Stern of M/V Stadt Cochem turned to starboard due to current & hit M/V Krantor which was slightly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

90mt. Dutch inland M/T Gawialis, with 1500 tons diesel, ran agrond on the River Main at Hanau June 1, when an attempt to turn around for entering Hanau Harbor had failed -- fully loaded & should be unloaded there. Ship crashed against a bridge & blocked the river -- crew was evacuated onto the bridge via ladder. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006) UPDATE>> Refoated June 2 -- ship brought into a repair yard with damaged rudder.

Dutch inland M/V Ignolamus -- hit a railway bridge on the Elbe-Lübeck Canal May 30 -- bridge of ship had not been lowered enough before it crashed against railway bridge which was not damaged. Damage to M/V Ignomalus about Euro10,000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

Maersk Line container newbuilding M/V caught fire at Dansih Port Lindoe, May 9 -- caused by sparks from welding equipment in the engine room -- spread fast as a number of fireproof doors were not closed as some cablework was carried out -- working platforms/stagings made of wood in engine room casing below the funnel made blaze worse. Fire has caused heavy damage in the engine control room, enigne controlling equipment, & entire superstructure including bridge -- main engine itself has not been damaged. Maiden voyage was planned for 6 July but will be much delayed. Shipyard considering total replacement of superstructure, but no decision made. New superstructure can be constructed in Lithuania in 4 weeks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006) Ed Note>> We have some great pictures of this coming. McD

Bad Start In Life>> Freighter newbuilding ran aground after having been launched at Peters Yard Wewelsfleth May 10. Two steel ropes had parted & vessel with a length of 125mt. crossed the River Stör which had a width of 160mt. there to run aground on the opposite river bank -- later refloated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. June 15 2006)

M/V Hawk Limassol, with bulk cement ran into trouble waters 2 weeks ago, grounded at the Lagos port harbors as a result of the low water level. (Wed. June 14 2006)

U.S. 41ft. S/V Merrilly, found drifting in shallow water at 7:15 p.m. on June 10, near Plum Point on Chesapeake Bay -- missing is Philip Merrill, 72 -- more than a dozen miles S. of his planned sailing route, an 18-mile round trip from the western shore of Maryland to Kent Island. Merrill is publisher of Washingtonian magazine, the Annapolis Capital newspaper & 5 other Maryland newspapers was sailing alone. Presumed dead. (Tues. June 13 2006)

Suao-based Taiwan F/V Hsinglung -- sent out an SOS at 9 a.m. on June 10 -- taken over by Chinese crew -- boat's captain was killed between 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. June 10, just hours after the SOS was sent, according to Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After boat owner reported incident to local authorities, Taiwan Coast Guard contacted other government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fisheries Agency, and National Rescue Command Center. Japanese government sent out an surveillance aircraft to try and discover the boat's whereabouts after being contacted by the foreign ministry. After locating the vessel, the Japanese coastal police are now monitoring movement. (Tues. June 13 2006)

French F/V Mariette Le Roch reporting loss of power to UK Clyde Coastguard on June 11 -- drifting 205 miles off Isle of Arran. UK Fisheries Protection Agency vessel M/V Jura proceeded to the scene as did the tug M/V Red Empress. The RNLI lifeboat attemped to put a line to the F/V Mariette Le Roch & hold her until the tug or the fisheries vessel reached her at approximately 21:30hrs June 12 evening. With pumps, all is well. (Tues. June 13 2006)

Port Adelaide wharf early June 13 suffered death of 60-year-old stevedore -- had been directing crane unloading bundle of steel off ship -- load crushed the man after it became temporarily caught & suddenly released. (Tues. June 13 2006)

M/V APL Panama, in tow of salvage tug M/V Hua An -- expected to arrive Subic Bay tomorrow morning to effect repairs. Follow our story. (Mon. June 12 2006)

Ship Trading Company Ltd. llighterage M/V Sumi, Sadarghat Jetty of Chittagong Port for Noapara in Jessore with 700mt fertilizer & 16 crew, sank in the Bay of Bengal at Sandwip channel, near Kumira area due to high tide & rough weather at 9.30 am June 10. On receipt of information a Bangladesh Navy rushed to the spot & rescued all 16 persons including the crew. (Sat. June 10 2006)

S/V, with 4 crew capsized 50km W. of Tonga -- activated emergency beacon. Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Orion spotted the group, who were holding on to boat debris in desperate bid to stay afloat -- dropped a liferaft, and all 4 clambered on board. Despite the Orion running low on fuel, the crew watched over the group & guided a fishing boat to the survivors before flying to Tonga to refuel. Sharks had been spotted, circling the raft. (Sat. June 10 2006)

65-foot commercial F/V Eagle One, with 4 crew, ran hard aground on 3 points of rock & out of the water in Auke Bay on June 8 -- abandoned ship in the vessel's motorized skiff. U.S. Coast Guard Station Juneau aided in rescue. Commercial salavage summoned. (Sat. June 10 2006)

Irish F/V Noroyna' issued Mayday on June 7, after suffering fire after midnight 22 miles North East of Howth Head -- crew abandoned to liferaft -- fisheries research vessel M/V Corystes' was 1st vessel to arrive on scene & recovered the 4 crew. (Sat. June 10 2006)

M/T Willy, in ballast -- in collision 20 miles S. of Shoreham, UK with -- M/T Shakhdag, with 14,009mt. diesel oil sustained superficial damage to her main deck on stern & upper deck equipment. Both vessels now proceeding under own power. Maritime & Coastguard Agency Surveyor airlifted by helicopter to M/T Shakhdag to inspect her to ensure that it is safe to enter Portland to discharge cargo. From our Correspondent A. L. Griffiths. (Thurs. June 8 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

ALERT>> Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- Twenty incidents have been reported since Jan. 28, .2006. Pirates are targeting ships preparing to anchor. Ships are advised to take extra precautions. (Fri. June 9 2006)

05 June 2006 at 0050 LT in position 05 53.28S 106 05.29E, P.P Kali anchorage, Merak, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with long knives in an unlit boat approached a general cargo ship from stern -- 2 robbers boarded & broke open padlock of E/R storeroom -- stole engine spares & escaped. (Fri. June 9 2006)

05 June 2006 at 02:15 LT at Dar Es Salaam Roads, Tanzania. Six pirates armed with knives & tools for cutting locks boarded tanker -- broke into forward locker & stole ship's stores. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped in a motorboat. Master reported incident to port control. (Fri. June 9 2006)

31 May 2006 at 2040 UTC in position: 05:52.2S-106:04.5E, Tg. Priok  anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier -- tied up 2 crew & threatened them with knives -- stole engine spares & escaped in a speedboat. (Fri. June 9 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

6357gt. Oil Platform PXXI (platform measures 104 meters x 103 meters with a draft of 13 meters) -- missing in open ocean since May 23 -- found by islanders in the Tristan da Cunha Island Group<< Webfeature, at Sandy Point, the most inaccessible stretch of coastline. on May 7. There have been several storms & high seas in the South Atlantic since the platform was last seen west of Tristan, midway between South Africa & Brazil, on May 23. From our Correspondent Capt. Mike Linbeck. (Thurs. June 8 2006)

867gt. anchor handling tug/supply M/V Sea Diamond VII (built 1982) towing barges Skopelos III (3539 gt, built 2006) & another bound Emirates, reported engine-room flooding. Salvage tug M/V Sumatras, towing two new buildings, was 1st on scene & stood-by. The 2 barges were cut loose from tug and crew of tug abandoned ship & were picked up by another vessel in the area. Tug M/V SB-408 proceeded from Colombo. Two Lloyd's Open Forms were signed -- 1 for tug & the other for barges. M/V SB-408 arrived on scene in approximately lat 05 54N, long 84 54E, pm Jun 3. M/V Sea Diamond VII sank -- M/V SB-408 now towing barges to Colombo where ETA Jun 9. (Thurs. June 8 2006)

Panamanian-flagged vessel -- pushing upstream from Sai Gon Port by 2 tugs crashed into a wharf in District 1 of Vietnam -- halting ferry traffic across the Sai Gon River -- forcing thousands of passengers on Thu Thiem peninsula<< Webfeature, to find an alternative route. Violent impact collapsed pillars on the 20m pier. An engineer inspecting the damage said it would take 20 to 25 days to repair structure, which he said weighs about 100 tons. (Thurs. June 8 2006)

UK F/V Noroyna -- suffered fire 22 miles North East of Howth Head -- notified Belfast Coastguard -- Dublin Rescue Helicopter R116 tasked immediately to the scene & standby to evacuate crew if necessary. Fisheries research vessel, M/V Corystes was 1st vessel to arrive on scene & recovered all 4 crew. (Wed. June 7 2006)

Russian trawler F/V Priozerny -- ordered to stop for inspection on June 6, by Russian Coast Guard ship RFBS Dzerzhinsky, off West coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, 6 miles off coastal village Ozerny, on suspicion of illegal fishing. Master of F/V Priozerny alleged to have called owners, DAGAZ Co., Magadan-based -- reported order vessel abandoned which Capt. allegedly obeyed -- crew then said to have scuttled vessel opened bottom valves -- Illegal crab & other activities suspected -- now nothing left except to save 18 crew & take them aboard Coast Guard ship RFBS Dzerzhinsky. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Wed. June 7 2006)

UK Stornoway registered F/V Dunan -- issued MAYDAY -- hit rocks 15 miles off Carloway -- UK Coastguard scrambled Rescue Helicopter 'Mike Uniform' to the scene, the helicopter currently working with the crew of 2 pumping out the excess water. RNLI Lifeboat from Stornoway also requested to launch. Nearby F/V Harmony is proceeding. Vessel believed to be saved. (Wed. June 7 2006)

Royal Dutch Shell PLC plant near Nigeria's oil hub at Port Harcourt -- attacked by gunmen in speedboats early June 7 -- sparking a firefight & kidnapping 5 South Korean contractors in the latest violence to hit Africa's leading crude producer. Six Nigerian soldiers & 1pirate were killed in the raid. Hostages were working as contractors at the Shell plant near Nigeria's oil hub of Port Harcourt. Shell said it has shut down plant, which has capacity of 4.2 million cubic meters of gas per day. Rebels want to exchange hostages for the delta region's most prominent leader, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, who has called for autonomy for southerners and was jailed last year on treason charges. His release has been a top militant demand since they took up arms this year. (Wed. June 7 2006)

Vladivostok-registered M/V Lukomorye -- seaman suffered heart attack, urgent help required. Vessel got radio consultancy on June 6 for first-aid help from RCC Vladivostok -- changed course to nearest port. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Tues. June 6 2006)

Floating dock at Mezen Bay<< Webfeature, White Sea,<< Webfeature, unmanned & ready for tugging to Arkhangelsk port. -- broke moorings during storm -- drifted out to open sea, driven by river & wind. RSC Arkhangelsk started search operation & issued warning to all mariners navigating area. Air & sea search underway jointly by Russian Coast Guard & salvage services. Tug M/V Turiy searched area on way from Arkhangelsk to Mezen -- at June 5, 8.00 a.m. dock still missing. From our Moscow Correspondent Mike Voitenko. (Tues. June 6 2006)

M/V Ocean Seraya (Sekaya) has split in two --Our Photo Feature (Sat. June 3 2006)

Major Loss>> 24,891gt. car carrier M/V Pelander (built 1979), Japan for Thailand & Israel with cars -- suffered major fire in cargo hold #8 on May 22, after her departure from Laem Chabang. M/V Pelander has been brought into Singapore -- surveyors to board to determine cause & extent of damage.Damage is so far reported to have occurred to the following cargo. (Sat. June 3 2006)

HONDA : 32 autos

IOT : 46 autos

HYUNDAI : 192 autos

DAIHATSU : 14 autos (Sat. June 3 2006)

USS Cole is heading to the Middle East for the 1st time since terrorists bombed the Navy ship in Yemen's port of Aden nearly 6 years ago, killing 17 sailors. (Sat. June 3 2006)

Nigerian oil Bulford Dolphin Rig<< Webfeature, of Dolphin Drilling , owned by Norway's Fred Olsen Energy -- set upon at gunpoint by pirate gang -- 6 British, an American & a Canadian oil workers kidnapped -- the 8 hostages disappeared into the night. Emergency radio call put out by the rig was picked up by a cargo ship which alerted authorities. (Sat. June 3 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

28 May 2006 at 2215 LT at Chittagong anchorage "B", Bangladesh -- 10 pirates armed with long knives in unlit boat approached container ship from stern. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered -- fired rocket flare. Boarding was averted. (Fri. June 2 2006)

24 May 2006 at 2100 LT in posn: 03:10.2S - 106:20.2E, south of Bangka island, Indonesia -- 10 pirates armed with guns & long knives boarded product tanker underway -- stole master's & crew cash -- escaped in their boat. (Fri. June 2 2006)

24 May 2006 at 0350 LT at Lagos outer anchorage, Nigeria -- 2 pirates boarded tanker at stern using rope -- assaulted duty A/B & tied his hands -- stole ship's stores, property & A/B's personal belongings. (Fri. June 2 2006)

23 May 2006 at 0100 LT in the vicinity of Sacramento rock, Visayan sea, Iloilo province, Philippines -- 12 pirates armed with rifles & pistols attacked fishing vessel underway -- 5 pirates boarded & hijacked vessel & demanded payment. Crew managed to overpower pirates & handed them over to Philippine National Police. Bravo Zulu! (Fri. June 2 2006)

22 May 2006 at 1815 LT in position: 01:57N-045:31E, 10.5nm SE of Mogadishu, Somalia. D/O on a general cargo ship underway noticed a target at range of 1.5nm on radar -- alerted 2 armed security guards on board. At 1910 LT duty A/B spotted speedboat approaching from stern. Pirates in boat opened fire -- security guards returned fire. Pirate vessel stopped & moved away. (Fri. June 2 2006

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Turkish-operated, Panamanian registered cargo M/T Han (also reported as M/T Mina), with iron, Turkey for Casablanca, Morocco with 13 crew -- SANK after collision -- with Greek tanker M/T Agios Artemios, with 11 crew in S. Aegean Sea, near major Greek port of Piraeus, 16 NM southeast island of Hydra, 3 hours by ferry from Athens. All 11 crew of Greek tanker safe -- M/T Agios Artemios has also rescued 7 crew members from M/T Han -- 5 missing & presumed dead -- 1 body recovered. (Fri. June 2 2006)

What?>> SOLO French windsurfer has entered the final & most delicate leg of her attempt to sail from Western Australia to Reunion Island. Ms. Raphaela le Gouvello has only about 800km, or 430NM, to go on her 6111km voyage across the Indian Ocean from Exmouth, 1250km north of Perth, to the island off Mauritius. Her support team said today the 45-year-old aquaculture veterinarian had passed Rodrigue Island, 430NM from Reunion. (Fri. June 2 2006)

64ft. M/V Kalinin struck a submerged object causing the vessel to jolt at about 5:21 p.m. near California Head in the vicinity of Ketchikan, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard Station Ketchikan launched 47-foot rescue boat arrived on scene & transfered EMTs to M/V Kalinin to assess situation -- escorted the Kalinin back to Ketchikan -- 7 people with minor injuries -- 2 of 17 being crew -- 1passenger transfered to emergency medical personnel immediately following vessel's arrival in Ketchikan. From our Contributor - 17th District Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Coast Guard. (Thurs. June 1 2006)

M/V Pirgos, Africa for Brazil from Africa -- when Bulgarian seamen Nicolay fell 8m into a hole whilst working -- suffered broken left leg, compound fracture, broken jaw, & blunt trauma to abdomen on May 22 -- nearest medical care was "Remotest Inhabited Island in the world " Tristan da Cunha<< Webfeature, -- contact was made & arrangements made for crew to be transfered on May 25th. Rescue launch Atlantic Dawn took the injured aboard & to island. Having no airport the islanders (known as Tristanians) reliy entirely on the service it can provide & receive from the sea. Nine visits a year by fishing vessels, one by cargo vessel, & 4 to 6 a year by cruise vessels. Next vessel to depart Tristan will be fishing vessel around June 20. Discovered in 1506, Tristan is situated in the mid-South Atlantic, 2,000 miles from South America & 1,519 miles west of Cape Town. To many people Tristan is just a rock in the South Atlantic, but to those few in need of urgent medical care its paradise. Geez, this is far from the 911 concept. (Thurs. June 1 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For May 2006

"Vine Ripened Tires" - M/V Saga Spray -- May 2006 -- Amazing !

"Mis-Fortune" - M/V Hyundai Fortune - March 2006 - BREAKING NEWS & Incredible Photos - For Sale? Ship Happens©

Have you seen "Flying Fire Truck" - June 2006"? You should! because Ship Happens©

The History Channel - "Return of The Pirates" featuring Michael McDaniel of Countryman & McDaniel

- Stopping the next 911?

- U.S. National Television Prime Time Premier 8pm to 10pm - Sunday, July 16 2006

Royal Barbados Police Force & Barbados' Coast Guard found 11 dried-out human remains aboard a yacht that may have been drifting for months -- young men, who are thought to have been part of a group of about 50 immigrants who lost their way while heading for Spain's Canary islands from the Cape Verde islands, died of starvation and dehydration. Interpol has arrived & examining the remains -- media reports say men paid a mysterious Spaniard 1,300 euros (US$1,665) to board his boat on what he thought would be a voyage to a better life. (Wed. May 31 2006)

Rock slide hit several vehicles & closed a major north-south highway through the Swiss Alps -- from Gurtnellen, on main route south from Zurich to Italy, hitting a German-registered car traveling S. & 2 trucks parked in rest area on northbound side -- 2 unidentified occupants of the car were killed. Route closed. (Wed. May 31 2006)

50ft F/V Christy M from Peterhead, UK, with 3 crew has towed to harbor by Coastguard in Montrose after rudder problems. (Wed. May 31 2006)

Major Loss>> 230mt. Panama flagged , 75,000gt Japanese M/V Ocean Sekaya (also reported "Ocean Saraya"), in ballast to pick up iron ore with 22 crew -- damaged after hitting a rock & partially sank in rough seas in early hours of May 30 -- vessel anchored 4 days waiting to be berthed at Port Karwar, India -- anchor snapped following gusty winds around 2 a.m. started drifting & dashed against a rock on an island that housed the lighthouse-- suffered structural damage & began sinking -- 21 of 22 crew rescued -- i swept away & presumed dead. INS Kadamba<< Webfeature, standing by. (Tues. May 30 2006) UPDATE>> Indian Coast Guard reportedly working round-the-clock to contain an oil spill near the grounded Japanese Merchant Navy M/V Ocean Sekaya, in bid to limit damage to the pristine and as yet untouched Karwar coast in Northern Karnataka. (Thurs. June 1 2006) UPDATE>> Vessel has split in two. Expect our photo feature. (Fri. June 2 2006)

Orginally Russian, Dutch owned, St Vincent registered, cruise M/V Van Gogh, with 500 passengers & 250 crew -- seized in virus outbreak. When the ship docked at Harwich in Essex May 29, night she was detained by health officers & the coastguard and refused to allow sailing -- 14 people still suffering symptoms including vomiting & diarrhoea. Two passengers in their 80's carried from ship on stretchers & taken to hospital. They were later discharged. Many of the 500 people who had booked passage on this week's tour, organized by the Travelscope<< Webfeature, company, waited on dockside for several hours before a decision was taken not to set sail. The cruise company today agreed to offer refunds. (Tues. May 30 2006)

ICGS Subhadrakumari Chauhan, latest fast patrol vessel of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, has succeeded in rescuing a Sri Lankan fishing boast, within 10 hours after getting 1st call.The Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) at Porbandar received a call from M/T Asian Jewel that a Sawanthi number 1189, a Sri Lankan fishing boat was stranded about 250 nautical miles south-west of Porbanda with 8 crew members on board. (Mon. May 29 2006)

Fraserburgh-registered F/V New Dawn, With 5 crew -- suspected of illegally fishing for lobster -- boarded May 25, by the Norwegian Coastguard << Webfeature, -- when she ran aground after a pursuit. (Mon. May 29 2006)

Carnival Cruise Lines 963ft. M/V Carnival Legend (can carry more than 2,100 passengers and 900 crew) was on route from Tortola returning from the British Virgin Islands just after 1 a.m. May 27, when passenger was reported jumping overboard! U.S. Coast Guard C-130 sent to help with the search. Carnival Corp. did not identify the missing guest, but anyone who jumped, not thought to be a Mensa << Webfeature, member. -- no sign. (Sun. May 28 2006)

Overloaded freighter, with steel & 3 crew -- set off from dock in Wusong area of Baoshan District -- capsized in strong winds of 88mph & all over board at the mouth of the Yangtze River on May 27 morning -- 2 missing & 1 saved. (Sun. May 28 2006)

Hazard To Navigation>> 282gt. tug M/V Mighty Deliverer (built 1981) (ex Belcher Port Everglades) departed Macae, Brazil towing a 346ft. Semi-Submersible Oil Platform bound for Cape Town, South Africa -- but on 30 April 2006 was forced to release her tow due to very heavy weather in position, Lat 35 48'S, Long 013 35'W, just 80nm WNW of the Island of Tristan Da Cunha<< Webfeature, on the belt of the "Roaring Forties"<< Webfeature. Last reported sighting of the Oil Platform was on the 10 May 2006 when it started to draw away from M/V Mighty Deliverer -- search operation commenced on the 16 May 2006 & still in progress. All vessels in the vicinity are to maintain a sharp lookout and to report any sightings to Cape Town Radio - ZSC. This navigational warning remains in force until further notice. Island of Tristan Da Cunha -- most remote in the world. From our Correspondent Bruce Salt on St. Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean (Sat. May 27 2006)

Barge Irvington loaded with crushed limestone, sunk earlier this week in Alabama's Mobile Ship Channel, still causing some delays to vessel traffic. U.S. Coast Guard issued a notice on May 25, to expect continued one-way vessel traffic in vicinity of the sunken barge. (Sat. May 27 2006)

Swiss cabin shp M/V River Empress, with 111 passengers from the USA & Germany -- crashed against bridge on the Dunar at Pöchlarn May 26 -- 2 passengers & crewman were injured. Vessel had to be dewatered by fire fighters -- all passengers evacuated. Passengers continued their voyage by buss. Collision caused by a failing autopilot. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 26 2006)

5,320gt. Liberian reefer M/V Maunakea (built 1983) suffered fire -- now berthed alongside Northport (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, South Point, Port Klang, at 1100 a.m. Arrangement & preparation is being made to discharge the cargo. Accommodation superstructure was noted to be burnt. Fire appeared to be from the engine-room. Arrived at Penang port May 7 and left the same day for Port Klang in tow of tug M/V Smit-Lloyd 28 being towed to Port Klang by tugs M/V Salvanguard & M/V Khaul. (LOF Date 30 April 2006). From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 26 2006)

German inland water craft torn open by an unknown underwater obstruction on the Rhine-Main-Dunavc-Canal on May 26 -- threatened to sink & run aground by its skipper at Bischberg. Fire fighters dewatered vessel so it could proceed to harbor of Bamberg. Damage was assessed to be Euro100.000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 26 2006)

75-foot sport fishing F/V Legend, with 38 passengers -- reported May 23 to be taking water 90NM SW of San Diego. U.S. Coast Guard launched two HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters to assist F/V Legend,. Coast Guard helicopters successfully hoisted 3 passengers to safety. U.S. Navy assets assisted in rescue & evacuated the remaining passengers, leaving 5 crew onboard vessel to attempt to save ship & bring her into port. U.S. Coast Guard & Navy assets are escorted F/V Legend, into port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 26 2006)

U.S. Navy cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72)<< Webfeature, 1,300 miles due east of Boston on May 22 -- rescued 41-foot sloop & 2 Dutch sailors, foundering for 3 days in storm-churned North Atlantic with torn sails, a failing engine & sinking -- vessel had left Connecticut on May 17 en route to the Azores when they ran into unexpected weather. Storm ripped 4 sails when the vessel hit 55-knot winds, then lost all the rigging -- engine didn't work properly & had failing bilge pumps. Crew tied by harness to the boat -- hadn't slept in 4 days, including a day before vessel disabled. S/V scuttled it in 2,000 fathoms of water where it won't be a hazard to navigation. Vessel valued at US$150,000. The two rescued crew playing Monopoly games, eating American food & simply enjoying the rest of their ride to Europe They'll remain aboard until USS Vella Gulf reaches Sweden. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 26 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

22 May 2006 at 0620 LT in posn: 09:16.7N - 014:42.5W, 60 nm from Conakry, Guinea. Two speedboats approached a product tanker underway & 6 pirates armed with automatic rifles & RPG boarded -- took hostage cook & forced him to take them to master's cabin -- 2 pirates went to the bridge & took hostage C/O. Two more pirates were stationed on port & stbd at cargo deck and aimed their weapons at the bridge. When cook arrived at master's cabin & informed that pirates were on board, Master sent security message. Master was taken to the bridge & pirates demanded cargo documents which were produced. Pirates then demanded cash & master handed over about US$3, 000. Pirates disembarked at 0650 & fled. Description of boat (main boat): 5 - 7 meters in length, metallic grey/green, engine - Yamaha 40, name on hull - "kassa p 17". 2nd boat: 15 - 20 meters in length without any identity marks. Leader of pirates spoke Portuguese. (Fri. May 26 2006)

22 May 2006 at 0300 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'B', Bangladesh. Two unlit boats approached container ship. One boat with 10 pirates armed with long knives came close & 2 robbers boarded using grappling hooks. D/O raised alarm -- robbers escaped. (Fri. May 26 2006)

20 May 2006 at 0810 UTC at Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica. Two boats approached container ship. One boat had 5 pirates armed with knives & the other had one. They tried to board but D/O raised alarm, crew mustered, activated fire hoses & directed searchlights and boarding was averted. Master reported incident but received no response from coast guard. (Fri. May 26 2006)

20 May 2006 at 0245 LT in position 17:52.7N - 076:46.6W, Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica. Five persons in a small unlit boat approached container ship. Alert crew directed searchlights at the boat & boarding was averted. At 0305 LT and 0315 LT two other ships at anchorage reported attacks by robbers. (Fri. May 26 2006)

18 May 2006 at 2350 LT in position 01:13.8N - 103:34.8E, west OPL, Singapore straits -- 5 boats, dark brown color with 2-3 men in each boat, approached bulk carrier at anchor & prepared grappling hooks for boarding. Alert crew raised alarm & activated fire hoses. Attempted boarding was averted. (Fri. May 26 2006)

30 April 2006 at river Krishna, Andhra Pradesh, India. Four armed Maoists & female accomplice boarded as passengers onboard 2 passenger vessels. Most of the passengers & crew were forced to disembarked but 10 passemgers held as hostages -- hostages later freed and the Maoists blew up the vessels. Hijackers were then pursued by armed police as they escaped. (Fri. May 26 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

55.500gt. car carrier M/V Eternal Ace, for Gent, ran aground 15 miles off the coast of Oostende in position 51-24.53N 002-2.58E. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 25 2006)

130ft French-registered trawler F/V Dinish, with 10 crew -- believed heading towards an Irish port -- capsized 170 miles (274km) SW of Isles of Scilly, off Cornwall -- 7 crew of all-Spanish crew were rescued 1 body recovered & 2 missing. (Thurs. May 25 2006)

Pirates of The Caribbean Again?>> A string of attacks on ships by pirates in the Caribbean in the 1st quarter of 2006 may prompt the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) to list Jamaica as a hot spot for piracy. In the 1st 3. months of this year, 3 piracy attacks reported in Jamaican waters. The number of reported piracy attacks worldwide for that same period rose to 61 from 56 a year ago. The current hot spots are off the coasts of Somalia and Nigeria, according to the IMB. (Wed. May 24 2006)

185,000-barrel articulated tug barge (ATB) M/V Pacific Reliance, Albany for Baltimore with 51,000 barrels ethanol -- suffered fire May 21 on the Hudson River, crews quickly extinguished before it could spread from the engine room. The New Hamburgh fire department responded to the call and took about 20 minutes to douse the blaze -- tug lost power for roughly 30 seconds before a backup generator kicked in. Ruptured fuel line suspected. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 24 2006)

Contested Sea>> Greek F-16 & Turkish F-16 -- fighters collided in inceterception mode May 23, 8,000 meters, 34km SE of Island of Karpathos, while shadowing each other over the southern Aegean, where the NATO "allies" have long disputed control over airspace. Greece claims a 10 mile national limit, while Turkey regognizes only 6 miles. Greek pilot lost & Turkish pilot rescued by Turkish military helicopter after refusing to board a Greek rescue helicopter. If it were twenty years ago -- war would have broken out by now over this. The merits of respective charges run deep. McD (Tues. May 23 2006)

US$182M Brittany Ferries<< Webfeature, 41,800-gt flagship M/V Pont-Aven (built 2004)Plymouth for Santander -- struck by a rogue wave in the night of May 21 -- windows & berths were damaged with minor injuries to 5 of the ship's 1,100 passengers of cuts & bruises. M/V Pont-Aven diverted to the French port of Roscoff. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 23 2006)

M/V Mariner of the Seas, Cape Canaveral, Fla., for Coco Cay, Bahamas -- suffered man overborard as Daniel DiPiero, 21, of Canfield, Ohio -- vanished May 14 , after a night of drinking aboard the cruise ship. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 23 2006)

Danish JRCC<< Webfeature, alarmed May 21, because a raft was seen folating in the Kattegat<< Webfeature. Ships M/V Havkatten, M/V Jupiter & M/V Herkules as well as rescue boats from Grenå and Anholt and a helicopter were sent to the position. M/V Havkatten rescued 2 persons from the raft -- their fishing boat had sunk in the midday hours. Crew were transported to Gilleleje. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 23 2006)

German push barge Reinhard Weibel Senior -- struck a buoy on the Rhine near Niderkassel-Rheidt which was entangled in rudder may 21, thus -- Reinhard Weibel Senior drifted aground on right side of the Rhine. At 09.45 a.m. the water level rose and the ship came free under own power. Accident was caused by a failure of the autopilot, which caused ship to come too close to left side of the river. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 23 2006)

S/V Sea Fury got into trouble & capsized off Indian Head about 7:00pm AEST may 21 night -- sent Mayday & launched flare off Fraser Island, in SE Queensland, -- Capt. of bulk carrier M/V Pacific Freedom responded to distress flare & saw the man standing on the hull of upturned yacht. Lone yachtsman taken on board M/V Pacific Freedom -- now sleeping while the ship continues on to Gladstone. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 23 2006)

Philippines ferry M/V Filipina Express -- which ran aground on May 13, in Typhon Chanchu -- free again & entered Cebu. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

U.S. 37ft. S/V Kokopelli (homeported Washington, N.C.) with 2 crew -- in distress off the Outer Banks of North Carolina after she demasted & encountered rough eight foot seas -- assisted by U.S. Coast Guard, 21 NM south of Cape Hatteras & safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

U.S. 28Ft. F/V Cisco Kid, with 5 crew -- capsized off Florida, about 11 miles S. of Pensacola Pass. Vessels from U.S. Coast Guard Station Pensacola rescued all crew. F/V Cisco Kid, having quickly taken on water according to the boaters, remains partially submerged -- notice to mariners, informing mariners of potential hazard to navigation, being broadcast. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Sheerleg Taklift 1 arrived from Venezuela in Mobile, Ala. May 19 -- where the sheerleg is getting prepared for her next assignment, pulling legs out of the seabed from Jack Up rigs -- rigs lost there legs during the Hurricanes Katherina & Rita last year. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Allen Marine Tours cruise M/V St. Nicholas, with 93 passengers & 6 crew -- firmly grounded May 19, in Berner's Bay 40 miles from Juneau. No injuries or pollution have been reported. U.S. Coast Guard was monitoring. Successfully refloated -- passengers transferred to sister catamaran M/V St. Herman & returned to Juneau. M/V St. Nicholas also returned to Juneau under her own power. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

623ft. Norwegian-flagged M/V Spar Orion , with 44,000 metric tons of cement & 22 crew, able to refloat under the ship's power after running aground just west of the designated anchorage off Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006) UPDATE>> Crew of M/V Spar Orion was able to refloat the vessel under the ship's power. (Tues. May 23 2006)

Typhoon Chanchu -- at least 150 Vietnamese fishermen missing at sea & another 28 found dead after their boats presumably sank during Typhoon Chanchu. A total of 11 boats carrying 221 fishermen from the central city of Danang sank during the typhoon, and some of the men unaccounted for. Unclear when the boats sank, but their last communication was around noon May 17. On May 19, 60 people pulled from the water alive & 24 were found dead, he said. It was unclear whether they had been on the 11 boats that sank. Survivors located somewhere between Taiwan & the Philippines and have made contact with authorities. In a separate incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Volvo Ocean Racer S/Y Movistar, with 10 crew, abandoned May 21 300 miles off Land's End in severe storm. All crew rescued by S/Y ABN Amro Two. Royal Nay HMS Mersey sent towards S/Y ABN Amro Two which had already lost 1 crewman. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Inland tank M/T Dettmer Tank 81 -- sprang a leak May 21, in Dortmund-Ems-Kanal close to Bergeshövede -- down by stern -- pumps were able to keep the ship -- water poured in through propeller shaft. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Venezuelan Navy frigate Mariscal Sucre rescued 11 crewman of the St. Vincent-flagged cargo M/V Tideway -- foundering off Dutch Antilles in the night of May 16 -- vessel began taking water 30 miles NW of Aruba. The coast guard cutter Panter, Aruba Port Authorities and Rescue & Coordination Center (RCC) were also involved -- resuced men taken to Pto Fijo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Philippines M/V SuperFerry 1 suffered fire on way to Coron, Palawan on May 14 -- blaze began at ground deck of the tourist accommodations in the vicinity of Cape Calavite in Mindoro at 10:00 a.m. -- believed caused by faulty electrical wiring -- able to reach destination, Coron, Palawan -- no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 22 2006)

Typhoon Chanchu sank at least 17 Vietnamese fishing vessels in the South China Sea last week -- at least 37 Vietnamese fishermen died. (Sun. May 21 2006)

Chinese rescue ship saved 97 Vietnamese fishermen May 20, in the South China Sea, and continued to search for other Vietnamese missing in the wake of Typhoon Chanchu -- rescue ship also recovered 18 bodies --unclear if the 97 saved fishermen were among almost 200 whose vessels sank & reported missing and presumed dead by authorities in the Vietnamese port city of Danang. (Sun. May 21 2006)

Inland M/T Astrid from Zwitserse ran aground May 19, on the Dutch river Scheldt in the inner harbor of Vlissingen -- ship not able to free herelf as it stuck fast with the foreship & salvaged by M/V Schouwenbank -- assisted by M/V Multratug 9. Incident was caused by strong wind. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. May 20 2006)

Goodbye M/V QE2 - Hello M/V QV -- as the new £300m M/V Queen Victoria, owned by Southampton-based Cunard, is being built at an Italian shipyard, where the keel is due to be laid on May 19. Cunard admits it has been giving some thought to M/V QE2's final resting place. The QE2, which was launched 39 years ago, has carried two million passengers across five million miles. She served as a troop ship in the Falklands War but the 67,000-ton vessel gave up her Cunard Line flagship status to newer sister ship M/V Queen Mary 2 last year. (Sat. May 20 2006)

M/V Spar Orion, with more than 44,000 metric tons of cement -- able to refloat vessel under ship's power at 1:30 a.m. May 18, after running aground May 17, just west of the designated anchorage off Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla. (Sat. May 20 2006)

Celebrity Cruises 1,884 passenger cruise M/V Mercury was delayed in port at Pier 66 at Seattle on May 19 -- U.S. Coast Guard officers removed Capt. after he failed a breath-alcohol test during a routine safety inspection. The staff captain assumed command. (Sat. May 20 2006) UPDATE>> HE WASN'T ON DUTY>> He wasn't on duty when the Coast Guard confronted him, his lawyer said. "He's not saying he didn't drink ... He's not guilty of what they said he did," attorney Anne Bremner said. "He was in his quarters, not on duty. He was to be on duty at 5 p.m.." She also questioned breath-test readings. Cruise-ship Capt. Periklis Petridis was setting in for a nightcap and a nap before leading the voyage from Seattle to Alaska when a Coast Guard investigator entered his room, Bremner said. (Mon. May 22 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

13 May 2006 at 2125 LT in posn: 19:04N - 017:09W, Nouadhibou roads, Mauritania. Pirates in an unlit boat approached refrigerated cargo ship drifting 60 nm off coast. Master raised alarm, took evasive maneuvers, crew mustered -- activated fire hoses. Unlit boat increased speed to 17 kts & continued to chase ship. Master increase speed to maximum & found another boat tried to block the ship's course. Boats pursued ship for almost 3 hours -- then aborted chase. Master tried to contact local MRCC but could not communicate due to language difficulties. (Fri. May 19 2006)

13 May 2006 at 1330 LT in posn: 06:01S - 106:52E at outer roads, Tg. Priok anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates in a 5mt. green colored boat tried to board container ship using grappling hooks. Alert crew prevented boarding. (Fri. May 19 2006)

12 May 2006 at 1900 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'b', Bangladesh. Five pirates armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship via anchor chain.  Alarm raised & crew mustered -- robbers escaped. (Fri. May 19 2006)

12 May 2006 at 0001 LT, Chittagong anchorage 'b', Bangladesh. Three unlit boats approached bulk carrier from stern & 7 pirates armed with long knives boarded using grappling hooks -- stole ship's stores & escaped. Local authorities informed. (Fri. May 19 2006)

10 May 2006 at 1530 UTC in position 12:55.2N - 049:36.6E, Gulf of Aden. Nine pirates in a 10-12 mts wooden boat, white/red hull came close & tried to board a tanker underway. Master took evasive maneuvers & crew mustered. Boat followed for 20 mins -- then moved away. (Fri. May 19 2006)

10 May 2006 during night at Chittagong anchorage 'A', Bangladesh. Group of robbers attempted to board bulk carrier. Crew raised alarm & robbers aborted boarding.

09 May 2006 at 0800 - 0910 UTC in position: 17:52.9N - 076:46.6W, Kingston outer anchorage, Jamaica. Six pirates armed with knives boarded general cargo ship at port bow -- threatened deck watchman with knives -- broke open paint locker & stole large quantity of stores &escaped.  Local authorities informed. (Fri. May 19 2006)

09 May 2006 at 0200 LT at Chittagong anchorage 'a', Bangladesh. Ten pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier via anchor chain -- took hostage 2 shore watchmen & 1 crew -- robbed them of their belongings.  Alarm raised &robbers escaped in their speedboat. (Fri. May 19 2006)

26 April 2006 off Spratly islands, South China Sea. About 13 pirates armed with guns boarded fishing vessel underway -- opened fire with automatic weapons killing 4 crew & injuring 3 others -- stole ship's property & escaped. Philippines authorities investigating incident. (Fri. May 19 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

U.S. charter F/V Super Suds II capsized 22-miles E. of Murrells Inlet, S.C. after taking a wave to starboard bow -- all 5 crew saved by U.S. Coast Guard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 19 2006)

117mt. German 5,939gt. floating dredge M/V Josef Möbius (built: 1974)(ex Tina) (homeport Hamburg), with 14 crew, sprang leak while dredging on the Elbe in the Grimmershörn Bight on May 17 -- foreship started flooding, & ship called for help. The rescue boat DGzRS Hermann Helms left Cuxhaven port 5 minutes later & helped with mobile pumps short time later -- flooded bow thrusters room & forepeek -- escorted to the Steubenhöft, normally berth of luxury ships in Cuxhaven & secured there. Cause of leak was possible loss of screw & shaft packing. Vessel had already been damaged by a fire in Spain on July 28, 2005, as fire in engine room also damaged superstructure & bridge. Repaired at Nobiskrug/HDW within 3 months. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 18 2006) UPDATE>> May 18 ship towed to Lloyds Werft Bremerhaven and entered Dock 3 for permanent repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 19 2006)

Mediterranea di Navigazione of Ravenna owned, Italian 9,000-dwt chemical M/V Longobarda (built 1992) being repaired & refitted at Montenegro's Bijela Shipyard -- suffered fire in the pumping area May 15 -- injuring 12 workers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 18 2006)

German S/Y ran aground off the town of Rønne on the Danish island Bornholm on May 16 -- skipper missing & probably fell over board. A search of the Danish navy & rescue forces with ships and helicopters was broken off without success in the evening. Vessel coming from Greifswald. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 18 2006)

Seacor Energy 200ft. oilfield service vessel struck underwater obstruction & sinking in Port Fourchon's Belle Pass jetties in Gulf of Mexico May 13 -- vessel took on water in forward compartments & settled to the bottom. Bisso Marine to conduct the vessel's salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 18 2006)

ALERT>>Typhoon Chanchu packing heavy rain & winds up to 170 kph (106 mph) -- strongest typhoon on record to enter the South China Sea in May, made landfall between the cities of Shantou & Xiamen & is heading NE -- South China suffered evacuation of more than 630,000 people -- 99 Vietnamese fishermen believed missing at sea. Misses Hong Kong. WOW! Expect casualties. NOTE> Previous Typhoon Chanchu havoc reports in the Phillipines are below (Thurs. May 18 2006)

Spar Shipholding of Norway bulk M/V Spar Orion, Sweden for Port Everglades with 44,000 tons of cement & 22 crew, ran aground off Port Everglades May 17 morning on a reef or sandbar -- dragging anchor? (Wed. May 17 2006)

Dutch M/T Stolt Basel (homeport Rotterdam) -- in collision May 17 at 00:45 with -- M/T Currency (homeport Werkendam) , on departure from Port of Wesseling, Rhine, via stern -- M/T Stolt Basel drifted into anchor chain of M/T Currency & ran aground. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 17 2006)

60mt. Kempenaar-type inland water craft M/V Romi -- Genk for Baasroode with metal - lose to Sint-Annastrand on W. Scheldt River close to Antwerp -- ship suffered leak & capsized within minutes May 16 -- 2 crew rescued & 2 trapped inside vessel drowned -- was drifting turned upside down then tugs of the Reddings- en Sleepdienst pushed her against a quay for inspection & salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 17 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Romi salvaged by the crane ship M/V Brabo from Antwerp with its 800-t-capacity May 17, but no trace of the missing 2 crew --believed dead. The cargo of metal cinder lying on the bootom of the Scheldt close to buoy 114 off Sint-Anna Beach & position marked for a possible later salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 18 2006)

German inland M/T Piz Buin (homeport Marktheidenfeld) with diesel -- ran aground May 16, when attempting to anchor on the Rhine close to Bonn -- anchor failed to fix ship which ran aground with its bow -- salvaged in the running of May 17. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 17 2006) UPDATE>> M/T Piz Buin has been raised with the aid of M/V Brabo from Antwerpen on May 17. The missing 2 crew have not been found yet & believed drowned. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 17 2006)

U.S. 40ft. charter F/V Three Bears -- 15 miles SW of Newport, Oregon -- suffered Master overboard -- recovered dead May 15. (Wed. May 17 2006)

Norfolk Line ferries M/V Mersey Viking, Dublin for Livepool, with 64 passengers & 55 crew, and M/V Dublin Viking, Belfast for Liverpool, with 81 passengers & 46 crew -- unable to dock may 16 -- as 500kg (1,102lb) World War II explosive was found by the Royal Navy at Twelve Quays dock, Birkenhead. Royal Navy divers are moving the 7ft (2.1m) German penetration bomb out to deeper waters in the Irish Sea to detonate it. Royal Navy spokesman Neil Smith said the bomb was "one of the most powerful and destructive" bombs dropped on the city during WWII. "The Germans dropped this bomb to try and destroy the dockside in Liverpool," he said. Liverpool was a strategic target because was at the receiving end of the Atlantic convoys that brought war relief to the UK from the United States. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths. (Tues. May 16 2006)

Royal Caribbean M/V Mariner of the Seas<< Webfeature -- has suffered yet another overboard passenger -- 21 year-old Daniel DiPiero of Canfield, Ohio -- 11am May 15 -- Florida for the Bahamas. Perhaps we should tie all passengers to the vessel. (Tues. May 16 2006)

Great Lady Will Continue To Serve>> as U.S. decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany<< Webfeature (CVA 34) is now at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola preparing for her final voyage. Known as the "Big O"<< Webfeature the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany is schedule to be scuttled 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico May 17, 2006, where it will become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After the Oriskany<< Webfeature reaches the bottom, ownership of the vessel will transfer from the Navy to the State of Florida. From The Cargo Letter for April 2006 with additional facts from our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 16 2006) UPDATE>> Pensacola News report of USS Oriskany - sinking:

A U.S. Navy warship whose service stretched from the Korean to the Vietnam wars surrendered to the sea Wednesday after explosive charges sent the vessel to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Contrary to Navy engineers' predictions of a sinking lasting as long as 5 hours, the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany went down in just 36 minutes. The dramatic conclusion came less than 48 hours after the carrier was towed from its berth at Pensacola Naval Air Station and then anchored on the site with its bow facing due south. Hundreds of veterans & onlookers watched the spectacle May 17, morning from the decks of dozens of charter boats & pleasure craft that trekked to the site of the sinking, 24 miles south of Pensacola & 212 feet deep. The process began under blue skies & bright sun at 10:25 a.m. when a blast from deep in the hull of the ship erupted through the open gaps in the hangar bay. Bright orange flames flashed, followed by a deep boom that was heard and felt a mile away. Acrid brown smoke obscured parts of the ship for several minutes. Once the smoke cleared, it was obvious the old flattop was going down far faster than expected. Within 30 minutes, the ship listed hard to port, its fantail already in the water & hurricane bow pointed skyward. In just a few dramatic moments, the vertical control tower submerged & then the tip of the bow slipped from sight. Water around the vessel bubbled & frothed as air continued to escape from the sinking ship. Goodbye dear USS Oriskany

Bulkcarrier M/V Crimson Mars had to return to Bell Bay with the assistance of tug M/V York Cove after hitting the shore on the Tamar River<< Webfeature near George Town, Tasmania, May 8 -- hull damaged & lost it's anchor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 16 2006)

With Her Cool New Name>> M/V Q790 (ex-French aircraft carrier Clemenceau<< Webfeature) has returned home to France -- warship was sold to a Spanish firm, which should have taken out any hazardous asbestos waste before breaking up the vessel. But the company discovered that could not be done within the EU because of health & safety laws. Clemenceau << Webfeature then headed for Turkey for dismantling - but had to be brought back. Then, a German firm took up the challenge & sent her to India for decontamination late 2005. But disaster struck once again - with the journey turning to farce as Egypt stopped the ship after doubts over her safety. Finally, the Indian Supreme Court asked why Indian workers should deal with a vessel deemed too dangerous for Europeans to touch. So French President Chirac forced to agree that the Clemenceau would return to France until a solution could be found. Tests are now planned to find out exactly how much asbestos is left on board and how France can deal with it.(Tues. May 16 2006)

Lobrigo Shipping Lines motorized outrigger M/B Mae Ann 5 sank less than 1 mile from Masbate port at 2:30 a.m. May 12, while seeking cover from Typhoon Chanchu when it collided with a motorized banca & capsized in big waves -- 5 missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 16 2006)

Intelligence Report>> M/V Hyundai Fortune Out of Luck? >> Fire damaged container M/V Hyundai Fortune said put up for sale in an "as is" condition indicating that the owners & underwriters are reluctant to undertake the major repairs required. The Salvage Association is inviting bids for the 5,550-TEU M/V Hyundai Fortune (built 1996) which was badly damaged by a fire that also caused major cargo loss. The vessel was insured for US$70M by Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance of South Korea, but most of the risk was broked into the London market by Marsh, with the cover led by the XL Group. The sale suggests the underwriters regard M/V Hyundai Fortune as a constructive total loss (CTL) but are trying to recover more than they would receive if the vessel was sold for demolition. Underwriters are also facing huge cargo claims as the vessel was trading from the Far East to Europe and would have been carrying high value products such as digital cameras, MP3 players, cellphones and LCD screens that could put a value of well over US$100,000 per container on the damage. M/V Hyundai Fortune is currently anchored off Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, with potential buyers expected to inspect the vessel & take delivery there.

M/V Hyundai Fortune fire was extinguished by SvitzerWijsmuller under a Lloyd's open form 2000 salvage contract with the vessel towed to port for discharge of undamaged containers and then to its current anchorage. The move to offer M/V Hyundai Fortune for sale suggests that a massive repair may be economically viable even if the vessel is a construvtive total loss (CTL). The 4,400-TEU M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania (built 2002) was acquired by the Ofer group after Reederei F Laiesz and lead underwriter Allianz agreed the ship was a CTL. The owners & underwriters estimated that the vessel which was only eight months old at the time of a devastating fire needed US$40m of repairs against an insured hull value of only US$45M. Zodiac Maritime, a London based arm of the Ofer Group bought the M/V Hanjin Pennsylvania wreck for about US$4M &spent US$20M on repairs at China's Chengxi Shipyard replacing 2,700 tons of steel, effectively ending up with a half price new vessel, M/V Norasia Bellatrix. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

inland water craft M/V Achim suffered engine failure close to Mondorf -- crew at once let go anchor, but it failed to halt the ship which collided with the work-ship M/V Stapeltor -- which was was pushed against the inland water craft M/V Josef Lülsdorf. All ships slightly damaged on May 13pm. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

U.S. tug M/V John Calvin taking on water May 13, with 150ft. barge in tow 2 miles S. of Rugged Island near Seward in Resurrection Bay in the morning of May 13 -- vessel flooding with 200 gallons of water a minute -- dropped tow -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew dispatched to scene from Cordova & successfully deployed dewatering pumps to the 3 crew on board the tug. M/V Robert J took barge in tow. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

ALERT>>Typhoon Chanchu continued to batter the Visayas on May 12 & 13 -- Philippine passenger vessels, the M/V Seña, M/V Kalayaan, M/V Kalayaan 2 & M/V Kalayaan 7 were grounded at the port of Romblon, leaving at least 406 passengers stranded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

ALERT>>Typhoon Chanchu >>Philippine passenger ferry M/V Filipinas Princess took shelter from Typhoon Chanchu off Tablas island SE of Mindoro, but ran aground in rough waters. Tugs headed to the stricken vessel which left the central Philippine city of Cebu for Manila with 713 passengers & more than 70 crew in morning of May 12. She anchored in Tablas' Carmen Bay to shelter from the storm around 1 a.m. May 13, but winds & waves dragged her into shallow waters 3 hours later. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

German flag, homeport Schmachtenhagen M/T Tabaluga -- in collision May 12, with -- Dutch flag, homeport Zwijndrecht M/V Mercur in the lock of Oberhausen in the Rhein-Herne-Kanal. While leaving the lock M/T Tabaluge suffered rudder failure & drIfted against bow of M/V Mercur. Both ships slightly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

U.S. 27ft. S/V Paradise, Massachusetts for Florida with 2 crew, ran hard aground May 12, in Little Egg Inlet, N.J. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City respnded -- hoisted crew into the helicopter. Sea Tow will salvage vessel at high tide. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

Wreck of 646gt. inland craft M/V Guan lying in a depth of 9.5Mt. listing 30 degrees after its collision with M/V Phönix which hit the ship at the stern -- will be raised by GPS Marine Services BV from Sliedrecht and Bergings- en Transportbedrijf BTS from Schiedam. M/V Guan Capt. still missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 15 2006)

50-foot trawler F/V Kotuku sank in treacherous seas off New Zealand's South Island -- vessel had rolled or capsized in heavy seas May 13 -- 6 of 9 crew dead. (Sun. May 14 2006) UPDATE>> Bodies recovered, 3 still missing. (Wed. 17 May 2006)

Cruise M/V Star Princess departed from the Lloyds Werft Bremerhaven at 11.10 a.m., May 13, after completition of repairs of the fire damaged area. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Sat. May 13 2006)

Outrigger ferry M/V Mae An -- sank in rough waters in central Philippines, near Masbate, 360km (225 miles) SE of Manila -- 21 bodies recovered by Philippine Coast Guard. (Sat. May 13 2006)

New Bedford-based 76ft.F/V Norseman -- now returning to port under her own power after engine room fire -- 75 miles SE of Chatham. U.S. Coast Guard initially dispatched a cutter & 2 aircraft to scene. (Fri. May 12 2006)

Inland container vessel M/V Integro -- aground near Bergambacht at the Lek river in the Netherlands, later May 9, vessel refloated by tug M/V En Avant 27. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. May 12 2006)

Inland M/T Miriam, with 270 tons of gasoline -- in collision with another inland water craft on the Rhine close to Leimersheim/Leopoldshafen in night of May 12 at midnight -- tank sprang leak &15 tons leaked into the Rhine. More than 130 fire fighters from Baden-Wuerttemberg & Rheinland-Pfalz were called as there were fears the ship might explode. Rhine River closed in region. (Fri. May 12 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

05 May 2006 at 0345 LT at Chittagong anchorage B, Bangladesh. Two unlit boats approached a container ship. One boat with 10 pirates armed with long knives came close & one robber boarded using grappling hook. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped. (Fri. May 12 2006)

04 May 2006 at 0120 LT in posn 01:23.5N - 104:27.0E, off Horsburgh lighthouse, Singapore straits. A speedboat with 5 pirates on board fired upon a bulk carrier underway. D/O raised alarm; crew mustered, switched on deck lights and secured doors. Four heavily armed pirates boarded, broke open bridge door and tied up the crew and threatened to kill them. Pirates stole ship's cash, equipment and valuables and cash from crew and escaped. (Fri. May 12 2006)

02 May 2006 at 1030 LT in position 09:13.1N - 014:06.2W, off Conakry, Guinea. A chemical tanker drifting 25 nm off the port received a VHF call by someone claiming to be from Conakry port. Caller asked the ship to rig the pilot ladder as the pilot was on the way. Soon after D/O noticed a grey boat with five persons being launched by a mother fishing vessel nearby. Pirates in the boat were armed with automatic weapons & wore life jackets -- pretended to be officials & demanded pilot ladder to be lowered. As the ship was not expecting to berth until following day, master raised alarm and crew activated fire hoses. After following for some time boat returned to the mother ship. Master reported the incident to port authorities. (Fri. May 12 2006)

01 May 2006 at 1140 UTC in position: 03:13N - 108:45E, Kumpulan Natuna islands, Indonesia. Persons in several unlit boats followed a tanker underway & came close to her stern. Crew mustered, switched on deck lights and activated fire hoses. Boats aborted chase and moved away. (Fri. May 12 2006)

28 April 2006 around noon at Islas de Piritu anchorage, off Puerto la Cruz, Venezuela. Five armed pirates boarded sailing yacht -- shot only sailor onboard. He was injured in his stomach but escaped in a dinghy. He was operated in a hospital & 1 of his kidneys needed removal. (Fri. May 12 2006)

27 April 2006, off Barawe, sw of Mogadishu, Somalia. Pirates hijacked a UAE flagged ship underway. They took hostage all crewmembers & forced her to sail to Harardhere. Pirates shot dead one crew & 2 others were seriously injured. Ship released after ransom was paid. (Fri. May 12 2006)

22 April 2006 en route from Belawan port to Batu Licin, Banjarmasin, Indonesia A tug towing an empty barge departed Belawan on 13.04.2006. Last known position on 22.04.2006 was 02:07S - 108:47E. Tug/barge and 12 crew are still missing and they are believed to be hijacked. (Fri. May 12 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Sea Battle>> Sri Lankan Navy fast-attack Israeli-built Super Dvora MK 4 fast-attack craft<< Webfeature -- escorting M/V Pearl Cruise II, with 710 soldiers aboard -- attacked by Tamil Tiger rebels -- ramming & sinking the Super Dvora MK 4 fast-attack craft<< Webfeature with boat loaded with explosives -- 17 Sri Lankan Navy sailors & 50 Tigers died in the 2.5 hour battle -- all 710 aboard M/V Pearl Cruise II safe. There were 15 sailors & 2 officers aboard the Super Dvora MK 4 -- all dead. Bombings and land & sea clashes have killed 270 people in past month. This was a bad day for the Sri Lankan Navy, but the nation stands at brink of civil war. (Thurs. May 11 2006)

Search for survivors sunken ore carrier M/V Alexandros T continuing with the salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla remaining on station after having covered an area of approximately 1,500 square miles since 5 May -- hope now fading that missing seamen will be found alive & current search operation is under review. The end has come. (Thurs. May 11 2006) Follow The Story

Le Havre registered 39ft. trawler F/V Gwel Vo (built 1977), with 3 crew -- sent out distress signal at 4:22 a.m. (0222 GMT) May 9, 15km (9 miles) NW of Cap d'Antifer in English Channel, off coast of town of Etretat -- Navy helicopter located bodies of 2 crew -- search for vessel continues -- not known what caused vessel to founder. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 11 2006)

M/V Mary Kay Eckstein has suffered collision with Thebes Railroad Bridge at mile marker 43.7 on the Upper Mississippi River -- U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Ohio Valley has canceled a safety zone & river closure for May 11 incident From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 11 2006)

U.S. F/V Alaska Queen, with 4 crew, stranded on NE side of Pitt Island on May 9, southwest of Prince Rupert. M/V Malaspina deviated from her course & was 1st ship on the scene for rescue -- launched a fast rescue boat & stood by the 4 stranded fishermen for approximately 45 minutes -- until Canadian Coast Guard arrived on scene, & released M/V Malaspina. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 11 2006)

2,800gt. M/T Daniela Natividad, in ballast with 20 crew -- exploded into flames at 9 a.m. May 10, while anchored in Limay in Bataan province, 90 miles from Philippine capital Manila -- terrorist attack rulled out -- shore workers doing maintenance repairs on ship's bulk head when accident occurred -- blast threw workers several meters. Vessel was waiting to be loaded with oil from Petron, the Philippines' largest oil refiner. Two injured. (Wed. May 10 2006)

Somali pirates have released M/V Al-Tajwith 10 Indian crew -- hijacked last month off coast of the Horn of Africa country, killing 1 crew & wounding 2 others -- ship has returned to its home port in the United Arab Emirates after businessman who chartered her paid US$25,000 ransom for vessel's release on May 6. (Wed. May 10 2006)

U.S. 32ft. disabled catamaran S/V Reality Check(1990 Endeavor Intercat 1500) Boca Roton, Fla., for Rockport with 3 crew -- adrift 38 miles E. of Freeport, Texas -- after traveling 1,150 miles vessel caught in squal this morning that broke the mast. U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders monitoring situation dispatched helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Houston to rescue. U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted all crew to safety  From our Correspondent U.S. Coast Guard Eighth District. (Wed. May 10 2006)

Off To Bad Start>> 178Mt. container newbuilding M/V DAL East London (originally the Helle Ritcher) ran aground on the Elbe off Blankenese at 3 a.m. May 9 -- 1,856-TEU vessel coming from builders yard Sietas in Cranz & on way to Blohm and Voss in Hamburg to be docked for painting work. Aground due to a strong East wind which caused the tide to be quite low. The ship had a draught of 9.5Mt. The crew of 15 remained unharmed -- midday hours May 9, ship towed free with the rising tide & proceeded to Hamburg. Delivery date is/was May 19. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 10 2006)

51mt. Belgian inland water M/V Kempenaar, with 2 crew -- sank in the Hollands Diep after collision with a tug & 2 coal barges on May 9. M/V Kempenaar Capt. missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 10 2006)

U.S. 30ft. F/V Calico Dog -- returning from cod fishing with 2 crew & 2700 pounds cod on deck in 3 totes May 7 -- capsized while coming around Priest Rock into Unalaska Bay near Dutch Harbor at 11:30 p.m. -- 1 crew crawled out of upturned vessel -- 1 crew missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 10 2006)

PIRATE ATTACK>> United Arab Emirates-flagged M/V Al Taj, with 10 crew -- heading to port city of Kismayu carrying goods for businessmen there -- hijacked on April 27 by Somali pirates & commandeered to a coastal town near Harardheere on May 8, 400km N. of the capital Mogadishu -- informed that Kismayu businessman paid US$25,000 so gunmen could release the vessel & her crew. Somali pirates have released the cargo vessel. One Crewman killed by pirates. (Tues. May 9 2006) UPDATE>> Somali pirates have released M/V Al-Tajwith 10 Indian crew -- hijacked last month off coast of the Horn of Africa country, killing 1 crew & wounding 2 others -- ship has returned to its home port in the United Arab Emirates after businessman who chartered her paid US$25,000 ransom for vessel's release on May 6. (Wed. May 10 2006)

10mt. S/V suffered fire E. of Minsener Oog , with 2 crew -- competely destroyed by fire -- rescued by S/V Hannes Glogner tried to tow the ship into port, but she sank before reaching port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 9 2006)

Historic River Elbe paddle wheeler steamships -- 68.7mt. S/S Dresden (built 1926 in Dresden-Laubegast) & 65.7Mt. S/S Pillnitz (built 1886 in Dresden-Blasewitz) were in collision on River Elbe close to a berth in Dresden. One of the ships resumed its voyage, the other was damaged more severely and had to be inspected first. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 9 2006)

German Navy submarine U 23 -- in collision with buoy LT 19 in the Elbe estuary in night of May 8 on the way from a NATO-exercise returning from Malaga to its homeport Eckernförde. Buoy damaged, but vessel could resume voyage shortly after inspection. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 9 2006)

"Voyage of Hope"Ends Quickly>> Victor Mooney ended his attempt on the 1st day on May 7. Mooney had tried to cross Atlantic from Senegal to New York. But his vessel started taking water & Mooney thus had to be rescued by the Navy of Senegal. His boat sank. He had intened to remember slavery and AIDS with his 13,000-km-voyage with a 7mt.-boat. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 9 2006)

Cargo M/V Star Siranger under repair at a yard in Dutch Vlissingen/Middelburg suffered fire in the Scheldepoort in Vlissingen-Oost on May 7 -- fire fighters from Oost-Souburg rushed to scene & joined by those of Arnemuiden -- 24 persons aboard burning ship succeeded in tackling flames. Amount of damage not yet known. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

U.S. 38ft. P/V Malory J, with 2 crew -- suffered fire off of the coast of Long Beach Island, N.J. on May 7 -- dialed 911 on cell phones & abandoned -- U.S. Coast Guard was able to obtain the vessel's position & rescue. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Mon. May 8 2006)

Louis Cruise Line's Cypriot flagged M/V Calypso (built 1968), 442ft. 11,162 gt -- Tilbury Essex for St. Peter Port in Guernsey with 246 crew & 462 passengers -- suffered fire in an engine room leaving her adrift in the English Channel. Firefighters & paramedics arrived by helicopter deployed from UK's new Maritime Incident Response Group. Fire was successfully extinguished without evacuation or casualty. Vessel subsequently towed to Southampton without incident. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Mon. May 8 2006) UPDATE>> Safety inspectors from the UK & Spain had spent 3 days examining the cruise M/V Calypso at Seville, just 11 days before the fire and found many defects, including issues relating to fire safety and the propulsion machinery. M/V Calypso can go ahead with next cruise due on 10 May. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 10 2006)

M/V TUG VI, a tug carrying scientists involved in environment studies in connection with the Sethusamudram canal project a shipping lane between India & Sri Lanka - exploded & sank 40 NM off Kodiakarai coast in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India on May 6. All 18 aboard survived. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Mon. May 8 2006)

San Francisco's Baylink ferry, with 138 people, plowed into Pier 43 in the city's Fisherman's Wharf district at 4:20 p.m. on May 6 -- 9 suffered minor injuries & taken to local hospitals. From our Correspondent Libby Thompson. (Mon. May 8 2006)

THE Great Ship Gets Silly New Name -- New Course>> SS Blue Lady (ex France, ex Norway) finally left her Port Klang anchorage on May 5 at 16:00 -- famed ship taken under tow & unless she is resold enroute -- will be beached at Alang for scrapping with an estimated arrival date of 1 June. Our sadness continues. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Mon. May 8 2006)

12,830gt. ferry M/V Karl (built 1986) (Ex Karl Carstens - IMO nr. 8420115) ran aground twice on May 5 off Nakskov, Denmark -- being towed by Berligan URS-tug M/V Fighter, homeport Antwerpen, which had arrived at Nakskov coming from Rotterdam May 3. M/V Karl expected to come to Lenac Rijeka in 10 days to be rebuilt into an offshore ship (supplier or cable). Had connected Puttgarden & Rødby from 1986-1997 -- since laid up. Since 2000 she was possessed by Hays Ships Ltd, Nassau, Bahamas & renamed M/V Karl. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

No Good Deed To Go Unpunished>> Kotug´s brand new Rotor tug M/V RT Zoe -- in tow by M/V ZP Chalone to the local Kotug berth in Hamburg May 3,2006 -- damaged while on her delivery voyage from Singapore to Germany when she and her sister M/V RT Antonia were asked to assist with the burning M/V Hyundai Fortune<< Webfeature, in the Gulf of Aden in March. M/V RT Zoe collided with bow of M/V Hyundai Fortune<< Webfeature. The mast, funnel & wheelhouse damaged. From Fujairah she was brought on deck of heavy lift vessel M/V Fairpartner to Hamburg where she will be repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

M/V Star Princess -- fire damaged cuise ship is set to leave the yard in the evening of May 12th after completition of repairs, according to the Lloyds Werft in Bremerhaven. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

Rescue boat M/V Nis Randers from Maasholm helped 12mt. yacht which had suffered water ingress & engine failure off Schleimuende, Baltic on May 4 -- passed mobile pumps & assisted a crewman in need of medical care. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

German cargo M/V Lass Saturn collided with vetern Kiel-based German brigg S/V Roald Amundsen (built 1952 as logger - converted into brigg in 1992) at anchor -- hit in stern & suffered gash above the waterline & other minor damage -- off Kiel close to Heikendorf in the night of May 4 -- both ships were damaged but able to continue their respective voyages. Police started investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

300ft. Miami-based Hyde Shipping Corp. 62,888 cu ft reefer M/V Hybur Star (built 1962) hit a sea wall in Biscayne Bay, Port of Miami on May 2nd -- Capt. & crew will likely undergo a drug & alcohol test in connection with the incident. Vessel will remain in Miami as part of the USCG investigation before being towed out for repairs. Officials said a thorough investigation underway to determine why ship lost control. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

Ketch S/Y Gipsy Moth IV -- ran aground on a riff off the atoll "Rangiroa" on Apr 29 -- towed free by the tug M/VAito Nui & pulled into the 200 miles distany Papeete. The ketch was formerly owned by Sir Francis Chichester & exhibited in Greenwich. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Mon. May 8 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

01 May 2006 at 1140 UTC in position: 03:13N - 108:45E, Kumpulan Natuna Islands, Indonesia. Persons in several unlit boats followed tanker underway & came close to her stern. Crew mustered, switched on deck lights & activated fire hoses. Boats aborted chase & moved away. (Mon. May 8 2006)

30 April 2006 at 1150 UTC in position 03:04.3S - 107:17.2E, Gelasa straits,  Indonesia. Three pirates armed with long knives in craft threw grapnel hooks at stern of a tanker underway & tried to board. Alert crew mustered & pirates aborted boarding. Description of craft, motorized banka, 5m long, colour - green/brown. (Mon. May 8 2006)

29 April 2006 at 2245 LT in position: 02:55S - 107:18E, Gelasa straits, Indonesia. Six pirates armed with long knives in speedboat boarded bulk carrier underway -- took hostage master, c/e & 2 other engineers. They stole equipment & personal belongings of crew -- escaped. (Mon. May 8 2006)

28 April 2006 at 0210 UTC in position: 06:01.3N - 003:17.4E, Lagos Roads, Nigeria. Three pirates in 8mt. boat attempted to board tanker. Alert crew prevented boarding. (Mon. May 8 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

62,888 cu ft reefer M/V Hybur Star (built 1962), lost control & hit sea wall in Biscayne Bay on May 2nd as she was departing Miami River -- in Oct. 2005 the ship detained in Miami by authorities after a port state control inspection uncovered 13 deficiencies. Officials said a thorough investigation underway to determine why ship lost control. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 4 2006)

Elbe-Havel-Canal Closed>> Polish pusher barge ran aground on the Elbe-Havel-Canal close to Wusterwitz, Brandenburg, May 2 evening -- sprang leak & sank with foreship thus blocking canal between Hohenwarthe & Wusterwitz -- cargo of 350 tons sand has to be transloaded onto another ship before the wrecke can be raised. Divers inspecting hull & plan to be set up how to remove wreck to get the canal re-opened. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 4 2006)

Homeported Rotterdam, Dutch M/T Aquamarin -- suffered fire at the Triton Yard in Duisburg at 5.55 p.m. on May 4 -- fire spread from cabin in foreship to bow thruster room -- fire fighters from Duisburg successfully tackled flames within short time. Duisburg Police started investigations on accident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 4 2006)

DISASTER>> Capesize St Vincent and the Grenadines registered 299mt. - about 190,000gt. bulk M/V Alexandros T (built 1989), with iron ore from Brazil for China, 33 crew -- abandoned ship on May 2, night when vessel began breaking up off coast of Port Alfred, South Africa. Despite all crew standing by to abandon ship, only 5 people made it to life rafts -- all 27 missing crew were wearing life jackets as M/V Alexandros T completely sank 285 NM off Port Alfred. M/V Fortune Express was only 2 NM from scene & rescued the 5 crew from life raft. S.A. Air Force C-130 due on scene at first light May 4. Sea conditions are 4mt. to 5mt. swells with 45-knot winds. Vessel said to have started letting in water May 2 afternoon (Thurs. May 4 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Alexandros T went down 280 miles S. of Port Elizabeth in an area that over the years has become the graveyard of many ships. South African Air Force C130 from Port Elizabeth has assisted with the search, but so far there have been no sightings reported through May 4. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Thurs. May 4 2006) VISIT OUR PHOTO FEATURE UPDATE>> Vessel owned by a company known as Starlight Shipping of Athens. The ship managers are Overseas Marine Enterprises also of Athens. Update from our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen.

Chinese cargo M/V Jinhaida-8, Nanjing of Jiangsu Province for Huangpu of Guangdong Province -- in collision & capsized -- with another Chinese cargo M/V Zhedongji-139, Qinzhou of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for Jiaojiang of Zhejiang Province -- off coast of E. China's Fujian Province. From M/V Jinhaida-8, 8 rescued & 1 missing. (Turs. May 4 2006)

Homeported Zwolleinland water craft M/V Eureka -- in collision May 2 -- with homeported Duisburg M/T Eiltank 14 -- at a building site in the Dortmund-Ems-Kanal close to Münster. Both ships were slightly damaged -- exact cause not yet known. Other shipping not influenced. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 3 2006)

Pleasure M/V Hella, from Kiel with a crew of 4, ran aground May 1, on Hohe Riff (High Reef) off Borkum in the North Sea -- because of the low tide M/V Hella was lying on her starboard side -- could no longer be reached -- salvage M/V A. Krupp supported the salvage attempt by building up an artificial swell so that M/V Hella could be refloated & towed to deep water position. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 3 2006)

M/V Wellworthy issued mayday call somewhere in the Swanage area off Portland, UK May 1 with lady & 2 crew -- Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat & lifeboat launched -- inshore lifeboat managed to get close to the stricken vessel & her crew in difficult conditions, where a crew was able to jump off the rocks into the inshore lifeboat -- UK Coastguard rescue helicopter India Juliet winched lady & remaining crewman to the top of cliffs where they were attended to by coastguards & ambulance crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 3 2006)

Deutsche Binnenreederei owned pusherbarge Sch 2432 from Berlin for Riesa via the Elbe-Havel-Kanal & the river Elbe -- crashed into the lock of Kleinmachnow on the Teltowkanal at 7.47 p.m. April 30 -- crashed without having reduced speed into the lock. Appears fault in the electricity caused the accident. The gate of the lock damaged.  From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 3 2006)

Armenian airline Armavia with 113 aboard Airbus A-320 -- from Armenian capital Yerevan -- disappeared from radar screens just under 3.7 miles from shore &crashed after making turn & heading toward the Adler airport near the Russian resort of Sochi -- all dead. (Wed. May 3 2006)

Wreck of M/V Privatim raised on the river Ems on Apr 27-28 -- sank in Jan. off Eemshaven -- crane ship M/V Manta & M/V GPS Atlan involved in the salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 2 2006)

Tug M/V Sandy Cape, from Setubal to Mangalia with bulk M/V Iran Madani in tow April 25 -- vessel experienced serious incident in the Sea of Marmara involving a collision between the towed vessel & general cargo M/V Haci Ibrahim which sank following the collision. M/V Haci Ibrahim has 5 crew missing, with 4 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 2 2006)

Container M/V Iran Ilam, departed from Malta Freeport (Marsaxlokk Harbor) April 27 -- the moment the vessel departed -- fire in a container encountered which was fast extinguished whilst vessel was lying off Malta, after extinguishing the fire the vessel waited offshore to enter the port again to discharge damaged containers, among these containers are a quantity of 700 ton Class 1 (Explosive Substances & objects) and class 7 (Radioactive objects) -- after offloading containers M/V Iran Ilam departed for Misurata in Lybia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 2 2006)

U.S. double masted S/V Our Luck, with 2 crew -- beset by heavy weather 22 miles south east of Oregon Inlet, N.C. on April 30 -- vessel started to run low on fuel & her sails began to deteriorate in 15-foot seas & 30 knot winds -- both crew hoisted off by the crew of an HH-60 search & rescue helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. -- received treatment from local EMS personnel after helicopter returned to air station. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 2 2006)

Chinese F/V near S. reaches of the Spratly Islands archipelago<< Webfeature -- attacked & robbed by pirates in disputed waters of the South China Sea on April 27 -- pirates 1st dispatched smaller vessel with 4 men -- boarded fishing boat, produced weapons & began ordering fishermen to gather on the deck -- when fishing boat tried to depart area -- gun shots were fired & larger armed vessel pulled alongside & began spraying the Chinese boat with machine gun fire, killing 4 crew & wounding 3 others. After taking control of Chinese vessel, 13 pirates boarded Chinese F/V & robbed it of all equipment, including radios & navigational equipment. Following attack Chinese fishing vessel headed back to China's S. island of Hainan, encountering another vessel en route that sent Mayday. (Tues. May 2 2006)

Ice-class, 30,000gt. M/T Suva (built 1993), Singapore for Saudi Arabia -- suffered exhaust pump explosion -- 5pm May 1, during welding operations -- killed 4 Chinese nationals & injured a Filipino & a Singaporean-- now docked 9 NM off Muka Head, to bring in the injured. (Tues. May 2 2006)

Sri Lankan Navy Israeli-built Dvora fast-attack craft<< Webfeature. in waters off NE coast of Trincomalee. When the navy tried to investigate suspicious vessels -- armed Sea Tiger boats, including 2 suicide craft from Tamil Tigers' sea wing May 1, approached -- at least 7 killed in a claymore mine blast & 5 sailors wounded in the exchange -- no word of rebel casualties. (Mon. May 1 2006)

9,400gt. 113mt. M/T Ventspils, departing Magadan port after discharging 6,000 tons of fuel oil & 22 crew, ran aground off northern coast of Zavyalova island, Magadan, Okhotsk sea, Lat 59.07.96N Long 150.41.25E. Water ingress in engine room via log shaft (clinket torn away). No oil spill, no injures. Salvage vessel M/V Tsuvorovets standing by -- 04.29 a.m. icebreaker M/V Captain Khlebnikov<< Webfeature, arrived at the scene. Divers began hull inspection, half of crew evacuated. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail Voitenko. (Mon. May 1 2006) UPDATE>> Close inspection confirmed hull breach under the engine room. The breach was mended with a temporary patch, after which2 electric pumps started removing the water. Full repair of the breach is expected after all water in the  engine room is pumped out. Vessel, still carrying its own supply of fuel, will be towed to Vladivostok -- tanker meanwhile left without electricity & pumps powered from rescue vessel M/V Suvorovets. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Wed. May 3 2006)

748ft. Cayman Islands flagged M/T Margara, Cartagena, Colombia for Tallaboa, Puerto Rico with 308,809 barrels of fuel oil six -- ran aground 3 miles S of Tallaboa, Puerto Rico, at 1:15 a.m. April 27 -- successfully refloated by U.S. Coast Guard during high tide at 12:26 a.m. May 1 -- currently in deep water holding position 5 NM off Guayanilla Bay, Puerto Rco. No reports of pollution. (Mon. May 1 2006) UPDATE>> Successfully refloated during high tide at 12:26 a.m. & currently in deep water holding position 5 NM off Guayanilla Bay, Puerto Rico. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Tues. May 2 2006)

South African F/V Ellis S -- sinking with 21 crew on board safely towed to Port Elizabeth, National Sea Rescue Institute<< Webfeature (NSRI) said April 30. (Mon. May 1 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For April 2006

M/V APL Panama - She Floats - Dec. 2005 to March 2006

"Mis-Fortune" - M/V Hyundai Fortune - March 2006

M/V Hyundai Fortune -- Update>> Singapore-flagged M/V Hyundai Fortune is being towed to Salalah, Oman after she was severely damaged in a blaze during a voyage through the Indian Ocean. She is expected to reach Salalah April 12 -- given permission to enter Omani waters after ensuring all relevant safeguards were fully in place. "In keeping with Oman's obligations as a signatory to various Int'l maritime conventions authorities decided to respond to M/V Hyundai Fortune's request, after fully taking into consideration all relevant safety and environmental issues," said Sayyid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Busaidy, Superintendent General of Pollution Control at the Oman Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment & Water Resources.Update>> 2,249 containers discharged. See our feature "Mis-Fortune" . (Fri. April 23 2006)

Russian-flaggedice-classed M/V Shkala -- S.Petersburg for Newport, UK with 3742 rolled steel -- in ice was holed 50x50 cm at waterline level April 27, after collision with ice-floe -- crew couldn't cope with water ingress & issued Mayday. Ice-breaker M/V Ivan Kruzenshtern<< Webfeature, tugged ship back to S.Petersburg. From our Moscow Correspondent Mikhail Voitenko. (Sun. April 30 2006)

SOMALI PIRATE ATTACK>> Kismayu-bound ship cargo M/V, with Indonesian crew, hijacked by Somali pirates April 27 -- opened fire & commandeered vessel & crew to Gann, 18 km north of coastal town near Harardheere where 2 other vessels still being held by pirates -- have taken the vessel into lawless country's territorial waters to avoid intervention by the U..S. Navy. (Fri. April 28 2006)

Tanzania ferry M/V Nyamanga, wwith 2220 tons cargo & passengers, W port city of Bukoba to Mwanza on S shore of Lake Victoria -- sank April 21, 1,800Km W of Dar es Salaam -- 28 missing & presumed dead, including 8 crew. (Fri. April 28 2006)

5,9700gt. Danish M/T Oraness (built 1985) left the old lock Brunsbüttel towards the North Sea -- nearly collided with the Italian M/T Mare Adriacum shortly before midnight on Apr 27 off Brunsbuettel. M/T Oraness crossing the traffic lane & not aware of the tide stream -- passing within 10mt of -- M/V Mare Adriacum (built 2004) -- she ordered full astern to avoid collision. Capt. of M/T Oraness in the opinion of the police made severe navigation mistakes with no pilot on board. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 28 2006)

F/V Lucky Lady issued Mayday 54-miles west of Cedar Key, Fla. -- F/V Lucky Lady being towed by commercial towing company April 27. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 28 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

25 April 2006 Gelasa Straits<< Webfeature, Indonesia - Warning -- 5 incidents reported since Marxh 5 2006. Armed pirates are attacking ships around coordinates 02:55S -107:18E. Ships advised to maintain vigilant anti-piracy watch when transiting the straits and surrounding waters. (Fri. April 28 2006)

23 April 2006 at 2020 UTC in position: 02:52.2S - 107:17.5E, Gelasa Straits, Indonesia. Seven persons in a speedboat approached bulk carrier underway & attempted to board from stern. Alert crew mustered & activated fire hoses. Boarding was averted. (Fri. April 28 2006)

22 April 2006 at 2200 LT off Kannyakumari, Cape Comorin, India More than 10 pirates in a fishing boat boarded sailing yacht -- stole property & life raft and left. Skipper made a police complaint. Authorities recovered liferaft in inflated condition. Survival pack including rocket flares missing from liferaft. (Fri. April 28 2006)

19 April 2006 at 2230 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh - 4 boats with 8 pirates in each boat armed with long knives approached container ship. Robbers from 2 boats attempted to board ship by rope & hooks. Alarm raised & crew mustered. Two hours later, after numerous attempts robbers aborted boarding. (Fri. April 28 2006)

18 April 2006 at 2218 LT at Mamonal Roads, Colombia -- robber attempted to board product tanker using hook attached to rope. Alert crew raised alarm & robber escaped in boat. Coast guard informed. (Fri. April 28 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

7,900gt. container M/V Maasstroom (homeport Rotterdam - built 2005 Romania) had short circuit in the cooling water circulation control shortly after leaving Kiel locks of Kiel Canal bound for Hamburg on April 27 -- Wärtsilä-diesel failed as a consequence & ship struck pilings & then ran aground at the Friedrich Voss-Ufer<< Webfeature, at 06.45 a.m. -- engine restarted & ship came free at 08.12 a.m. -- inspected by the German Lloyd & resumeed ivoyage in afternoon. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 28 2006)

Cargo M/V Nyamageni, Bukoba Port for Mwanza, Tanzania on Lake Victoria<< Webfeature, Africa, April 21, with 20 tons cargo including 2,000 crates of soft drinks & mineral water and 4,000 empty soda crates & 20 passengers -- capsized & sank near Kyerebe Island -- 1 body foud -- over 200 presumed dead. (Fri. April 28 2006)

56ft. wooden F/V Carol M, with 6 crew -- suffered fire & boarded liferaft 3 miles off Shoreline's Richmond Beach -- fireboat, M/V Chief Seattle<< Webfeature, responded & put out the fire. (Thurs. April 27 2006)

M/T Margara, Cartagena, Colombia for U.S. Caribbean territory with 308,800 barrels of crude oil ran aground in SW Puerto Rico, 3miles south of Tallaboa early April 27 -- grounded on her forward right waiting to enter transfer facility. (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Dutch pusherships M/V Amigo 2 -- in collision -- with Dutch inland watercraft M/V Betty on in the Weser-Datteln-Canal close to Hünxe, canal Km 7.5. Both ships were severely damaged in bow region. Traffic was not influenced. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Offshore supply M/V Candy Store -- issued distress signal morning of Apr 26, stating they had struck the jetties north of Port Aransas, Texas and were taking on water. The crew then pushed the boat onto the jetties to prevent it from sinking in middle of channel. U.S. Coast Guard Station Port Aransas responded with 2 rescue boats & provided 5 dewatering pumps to help M/V Candy Store remain afloat. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

69Mt. Turkish cargo M/V Haci Ibrahim, for Black Sea-town of Samsun with 1250 tons fertilizer & 9 crew -- sank night of Apr 25 in Marmara Sea<< Webfeature. Coast guard only found a raft and some debris when arriving on the position -- 4 rescued, 5 including Capt. missing & presumed dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Marktheidenfeld ported inland water craft M/V Ilaria suffered fire April 21, on Rhine at Km 828 close to Xanten-Wardt -- firefighting M/V Wesel alarmed & got fire under control soon. The complete cabin in stern was destroyed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Philippines domestic passenger/cargo M/V St Peter the Apostle suffered fire April 21, while being refueled at Manila North Harbor -- damage to paintwork when bunker fuel leaking from a hose ignited by a spark caused by excessive summer heat -- no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Philippines domestic ferry M/V Heaven Star, Cebu for Ormoc, Leyte, with 801 passengers -- suffered fire April 20, 3 hours after the vessel left Cebu, but crew managed to extinguish it & no passengers were injured. Cause was overheating of the funnel at the sundeck that spread to the economy class roof deck. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

F/V Margaret Anne, with 2 crew, issued Mayday to Belfast Coastguard<< Webfeature, April 19 -- taking water & making ready to abandon to liferaft -- Commissioner of Irish Lights tender M/V Granuaille ordered to the scene. Portaferry Lifeboat arrived alongside at 3.30 a.m. & took crew off sinking vessel. Newcastle Lifeboat & Coastguard helicopter, with rescue pumps aboard making attempts to save stricken vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Dutch M/T passing the Maas-Waal-Canal in ballast hit a German pleasure boat April 18, close to Nimwegen, pushing boat below the surface -- both boaters could only be found dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Unnamed ferry for Rote island sank off the E Indonesian province Nusa Tenggara<< Webfeature, 1,900km east of Jakarta on April 18 -- 59 passengers & 9 crew rescued, 1 dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

34ft. S/V Chapulin, Marsh Harbor, Bahamas to Fernandina Beach, Fla.with 3 owners -- became disabled April 18, 66-miles E of Jacksonville -- drifting helplessly offshore in 6-to-8 foot seas & 25-to 30-knot winds -- activated emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) & rescued with vessel in tow by U.S. Coast Guard USGC Kingfisher fom Mayport, Fla. . From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Construction workers reportedly salvaging cement offshore platform 45 miles SE of New Orleans in block #1 of Breton Sound, La. after it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina -- suffered explosion April 18 -- 6 injured construction workers airlifted to hospital by U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

British speedboat Ernest with 2 crew -- issued Mayday April 18 -- hard aground on the rocks of the Chaussée de Sein<< Webfeature. French navy frigate FS De Grasse<< Webfeature, &patrol boat Cormoran sent to the position -- vessel towed & 1 crew to hospital. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Panamanian flag 40,000 ton bulk M/V Lowland Main, Dunkirk for Trembles in South America in ballast with 21 crew, suffered engne failure at 5pm today -- may be aground on Varne Bank in the middle of the Dover Straits -- Dover Coastguard has dispatched Coastguard tug M/V Anglian Monarch' to standby the vessel. (Thurs. April 27 2006) UPDATE>> The master of vessel confirmed his vessel was indeed aground. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Indian Special Intelligence & Investigations Branch (SIIB) of Mumbai Customs seized 9 shipping vessels & detained 20 people caught in the act while smuggling high-speed diesel on April 26. Three vessels of the Sea Patrolling Unit (SPU) escorted the suspect vessels to the Mumbai port -- vessels seized include 2 OGVs, 2 tugs, 2 fishing vessels & 3 small oil tankers. Llocal oil mafia usually strick deal with foreign diesel suppliers & get information about the arrival of tankers in Indian waters. Captains of the vessels keeps in touch with local contacts via satellite or mobile phones, giving information about presence of Coast Guard or naval vessels in the area -- Capt. then sends the green signal, calling in smaller vessels to offload contraband material. (Thurs. April 27 2006)

Valetta ported 250mt. bulker M/V Panagiotis D -- ran aground off Scheveningen at 06.50 p.m. on April 23. Coast guard vessel M/V Pluto 1 & tug M/V Jan van Engelenburg headed for position but M/V Panagiotis D managed to get free with her own power & resumed voyage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

Tug M/V Bo ran aground on the Westerscheld with a lighter coming from Terneuzen on April 20 on W. side of the Zuid Beveland Canal -- lighter sprang a leak with 2700 tons coal procudcts board. Salvage company tug dewatered it after she was disconnected. All OK. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

M/T Michael 1, for Batangas but stopped off at Liloan to pick up her chief engineer -- sank evening of Apr 18 off Barangay Catarman, Liloan, a town 18km N of Cebu City -- crewman died & 2 others, including Capt. , missing -- 3 crew survived. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

M/V G A Skytte (built in Bergen 1954 -- Ex-Gudvangen, 1980 - Ex-Strilvang,1981) in Gothennburg, Sweden -- suffered fire April 12 -- fire extinguished 2 days later. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

German F/V Liekedeeler, with 2 crew, suffered severe engine malfunction off Amrumbank in the North Sea & drifted toward coast 12 miles W. of Amrum -- issued MAYDAY -- rescue M/V Eiswette of the DGzRS headed to F/V Liekedeeler from Port of Wittduen, Amrum -- towedF/V Liekedeeler to the Port of Husum which was 35 miles away within 5 hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

Cruise M/V The Spirit of Perth Amboy -- untied & drifted about a mile from the Carteret dock into the Arthur Kill where it became stuck in mud near Staten Island -- incident occurred just hours before a noon April 16, Easter Sunday brunch cruise was scheduled to set sail, cruising past landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty & South Street Seaport. M/V The Spirit of Perth Amboy undamaged, and the Sunday holiday cruise, with 150 people, mostly families along with the crew, went off as scheduled. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 26 2006)

74mt. Swedish cargo M/V Tinto -- in collision with -- 41mt. Danish cargo M/V Marina S -- 25 April -- between Västervik & Gotland. M/V Marina S sank but 4 crew rescued -- plucked out of water by M/V Tinto. (Mon. April 24 2006)

17m steel-hulled trawler F/V Lauren G, lost 65km NE of Noosa at 3.52am off Queensland's Sunshine Coast after trawler capsized & sank. Ross Irwin was talking to his boss on a mobile phone as the vessel overturned. Mr Irwin had been asking for help with a snared net, which apparently then flipped the boat in water 100m deep. Crew thrown into the water but climbed on to the hull of the upturned vessel. Irwin lost. (Sun. April 23 2006)

13,007gwt. 962 teu Korean registered container M/V Star Mariner (built 2005) -- in collision on April 11 -- with tug, with 10 crew & barge -- on Huangpu River, which runs through the city of Shanghai -- shock of collision sank tug with barge -- 4 Chinese seafarers missing. With the tug & barge low on the river, suspected that the tow was not visible on the radar screen. (Sat. April 22 2006)

450 ton Indian Navy Veer Class MIssle Corvette INS Prahar<< Webfeature, sank just after midnight following collision with Shipping Corporation of India, container M/V Rajiv Gandhi -- 35 km west of Goa -- collision occured at 9:45 pm April 21 night -- damage to merchant carrier minimal & she now anchored off coast. The 73 crew of INS Prahar rescued by 6 naval & 2 coast guard ships. (Sat. April 22 2006)

Norwegian gas M/T Berge Odin rescued man floating on raft made of 4 oil drums in waters between Norway & Denmark -- observed makeshift raft in the In'l waters of the Skagerrak -- ship lowered small boat & picked him up. He spoke English but refused to say more before speaking to a lawyer. Possible confidant of Charlie Shean? (Fri. April 21 2006)

39,997gt. Panama bulk M/V Long Hai (built 1977) Qingdao for Mundra -- suffered engine breakdown in Indian Ocean -- Lloyd's Standard Form salvage contract was signed with Tsavliris Salvage Apr 18 & tug M/V SB-408 sailed same day to assist, arriving on scene Apr 19. It then took Long Hai in tow, arriving Colombo Roads today. M/V Long Hai sailed Singapore Mar 27 for India. (Fri. April 21 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 April 2006 at 0300 LT, 10 nm off Bagan coast, Baha Pahat, Malacca straits. Pirates stole equipment from fishing vessel -- police report lodged. (Fri. April 21 2006)

17 April 2006 at 0200 LT, 9nm off Parit Haji Baki coast, Malacca straits. Six pirates armed with guns in speedboat opened fire on fishing vessel. Several hits on side of the vessel but crew escaped injuries. They lodged a police report. (Fri. April 21 2006)

16 April 2006 at 1520 UTC in position: 02:58S - 107:18.5E, Gelasa straits, Indonesia -- 5 pirates in dark grey unlit speedboat tried to board bulk carrier underway. Alert crew mustered & directed searchlights at boat -- boarding averted. (Fri. April 21 2006)

16 April 2006 at 1305 UTC in position: 02:53.0S - 107:18.4E, Gelasa straits, Indonesia -- 4 pirates in speedboat armed with long knives boarded general cargo ship from stern -- entered accommodation & held crew member at knife point -- tied up c/o & stole his valuables & property from other cabins -- then entered captain's cabin & searched for valuables / cash but could not find any. Later, escaped in their boat. (Fri. April 21 2006)

13 April 2006 at 0245 LT in position 22:10.86N - 091:47.06E, Chittagong C anchorage, Bangladesh. Three fishing boats approached tug & 7 pirates armed with long knives boarded. D/o raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole ship's stores & escaped in their boat. Port control informed. (Fri. April 21 2006)

11 April 2006 at 0815 LT at Tg. Priok anchorage, Jakarta, Indonesia -- 4 pirates boarded vehicle carrier at stern using a rope -- entered engine room & held hostage c/e.  Alarm raised & crew mustered. Robbers stole engine spares & escaped in their speedboat. (Fri. April 21 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Container M/V New Delhi Express grounded in narrow waterway off Staten Island on April 15 -- passage is used by all commercial shipping moving to &from the Howland Hook port on Staten Island and ports in Bayonne & Newark, N.J., which handled most of a record US$132Bn worth of container cargo in 2005, according to the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey -- April 18, vessel made its way over to Red Hook's Pier 10, to the only container port in the New York area that did not require use of that channel.. (Thurs. April 20 2006)

Dokdo Islets Showdown>> as the vice foreign ministers of South Korea & Japan met April 20, in effort to resolve a diplomatic impasse triggered by Japan's plans to conduct a maritime survey near the Dokdo islets in the East Sea. Korea has sovereign control of the rocky outcrops in waters internationally acknowledged as the Sea of Japan, but Tokyo still stakes a claim on them -- 36 years after its imperial rule of the Korean peninsula ended in 1945, at the end of WWII. Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi sat down for a 2 day meeting with Korea's Yu Myung-hwan in the Foreign Ministry, Seoul. Prior to the meeting, the Korean vice foreign minister told reporters that "Korea will risk mobilizing physical forces to stop Japan conducting the survey." Both sides have naval units on station. (Thurs. April 20 2006)

4,014gt. general cargo M/V Carpe Diem I (built 1977), Greek Island Milos to Savona with cargo of 5,700 tons of Bentonite, reported adrift with engine breakdown South of Giglio Island since Apr 2 -- taken to port at Piombino for repair -- arrived Fos Apr 13. (Thurs. April 20 2006)

Mexico 342gt. tug M/V Rey De Coliman (built 1998) grounded on March 31, 4 miles off Port of Manzanillo -- still aground April 10 -- salvors are bringing refloating equipment to the scene by Titan Maritime<< Webfeature, under Lloyd's Open Form, dated Apr 7. (Thurs. April 20 2006)

UK F/V Margaret Anne from Ardglass was 20 miles off Newcastle, County Down, when she started taking on water -- forced to launch life raft after vessel developed severe list. Newcastle lifeboat arrived on scene with its own pump & Rescue 116 deployed a pump to the vessel -- brought back safely to Ardglass Harbor. (Wed. April 19 2006)

Hong Kong charter ferry with 90 worshippers of the Taoist sea goddess A-ma -- ran aground as it carried celebrants from a traditional Chinese festival believed to bring good luck to sailors -- ferry captain had veered from his usual course. A-ma is venerated in the spring at temples in fishing villages throughout Asia, where the deity is believed to protect sailors from storms and pirates, and bless fishermen with bumper catches. (Wed. April 19 2006)

800-foot container M/V MSC Johannesburg -- probably struck & killed endangered whale, then dragged it into the Patapsco River -- 35-foot long, 17,000-pound male sei whale was found April 17, wrapped around bow. Forty-two ships reported striking whales along the Atlantic Coast from 2000 to 2004, and 21 of the accidents resulted in the confirmed deaths of whales, according to NOAA study. (Wed. April 19 2006)

U.S.. National Science Foundation research vessel M/V Laurance M Gould << Webfeature-- from Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula to Punta Arenas, Chile, when crew discovered missing on April 18 -- apparently falling overboard in rough weather. Joshua Spillane, 31, marine technician worked for 10 years in the U.S. Antarctic program -- has been involved in more than 30 cruises aboard the Gould. Weather & sea conditions were harsh, with winds gusting between 20 & 40 knots (37km/h to 74km/h), seas building to 6 meters with rain & snow. Our Prayers. (Tues. April 18 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Laurence M Gould -- Vessel Data

UK Tourist Catamaran with 56 people have been rescued from a tourist boat -- aground off the coast of Anglesey in north Wales. UK Holyhead coastguard said vessel grounded on soft sand near Beaumaris April 17 - after one of the catamaran's 2 engines failed.From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Tues. April 18 2006)

STANDOFF>> Japan has ignored warnings from South Korea and sent a vessel to disputed waters to conduct an ocean survey, leading Seoul to put its coast guard on full alert. The ship will take measurements for a map of small islands that are administered by South Korea but claimed by Japan, renewing a feud tied to colonial history that has undermined relations between the neighbors. The South Korean Coast Guard said 18 patrol ships were deployed around the islets -- called Dokdo in South Korea and Takeshima in Japan -- with a surveillance plane ready to scramble. (Tues. April 18 2006)

Somalia has granted U.S. Navy permission to patrol its coastal waters in an effort to combat piracy off the lawless Horn of Africa nation -- the United States would help the transitional government set up a coast guard to secure Somalia's 621-mile (1,000km) coastline -- agreement reached during talks with U.S. ambassador in Kenya. March 15, the U.N. Security Council encouraged naval forces operating off Somalia to take action against piracy. Piracy was up sharply last year off Somalia, with the number of incidents rising to 35, compared with 2 in 2004. (Mon. April 10 2006) Somali Pirate Patrol -- the little known multi-national foce on the seas tonight. (Mon. April 17 2006)

853-ft. container ship ran aground for a few hours early April 15, in the Kill Van Kull, a busy shipping channel between Bayonne & Staten Island at Port of New York & Jersey -- aground 4:30 a.m. & moving again by 7 a.m. (Mon. April 17 2006)

M/V Mekong Cordelia -- believed had major problem with containers overboard on voyage 0554 from Da Nang to Le Havre/arrival Dec. 05 2005. information sought from you on this loss. (Mon. April 17 2006)

Cruise M/V Seabourne Spirit, Muscat for Mumbai from Muscat -- 71 year old passenger who suffered a heart attack evacuated by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) -- Interceptor Boat (C141) dispatched to evacuate patient. (Sun. April 16 2006)

China has banned ship traffic around a disputed gas field in the East China Sea that is claimed by both Beijing & Tokyo as Chinese workers lay pipelines and cables to tap its resources, Japanese media reported April 16. The move is certain to spur protests from the Japanese government, which has been deadlocked in negotiations with China over rights to the undersea energy deposits. The Pinghu gas field lies in an area that straddles a median line that Japan considers the border between the two countries' territorial claims. China, however, makes a wider territorial claim that envelopes the entire field. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said April 16, that if reports on China's ban are true, Japan "certainly has to protest" the restriction. China's closure of disputed area to Int'l shipping may violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Japan's government said. (Sun. April 16 2006)

U.S. registered yacht issued a distress call off coast of Yemen -- after sighting suspected pirates -- no shots were fired and the yacht's crew of three unharmed. Italian Coastguard had earlier reported that vessel attacked by pirates in the Gulf. (Sun. April 16 2006)

F/V Laura ran aground on the south end of Long Island, New York, six miles E. of Kodiak. (Sat. April 15 2006)

Florida 41ft. M/V S.S. Minnow crashed into unopened Andrews Avenue Bridge on the New River late April 15 -- 1 injured. Passengers performed CPR on female passenger, who was taken to Broward General Medical Center. But she later died. (Sat. April 15 2006)

182gt. M/V Eastern Challenger, with containers & 25 crew abandoned ship which sank -- in collision off Tokyo Bay -- with 498gt. M/V Tsugaru Maru, for Hokkaido with animal feed -- made port. The area where the freighters collided have about 500 vessels traveling through every day. Vessel master reported no pollution. He intends to return to scene & salvage vessel at next high tide. (Fri. April 14 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

04 April 2006 at 0945 LT in position 04:54N - 049:21E, Somalia. Eight pirates armed with weapons attacked & hijacked a fishing trawler underway with 25 crew. Hijackers took the trawler close to Somali coast & demanding ransom. (Fri. April 14 2006)

04 April 2006 at 0200 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- 3 boats with pirates came close to 50 meters from general cargo ship. Robbers attempted to board for over an hour & later aborted boarding. Port control informed. (Fri. April 14 2006)

04 April 2006 at 0050 UTC at Callao anchorage, Peru -- 3 pirates armed with knives boarded bulk carrier at forecastle. Robbers threatened ship's security staff & broke padlock to hatch. Duty officer sounded alarm & robbers escaped. Master reported to port authorities & patrol boat arrived for investigation and surveillance. (Fri. April 14 2006)

03 April 2006 at 2230 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh -- pirates armed with long knives in 2 boats came alongside general cargo ship. Alarm raised & crew mustered.  After 2 hours of attempts to climb by hook, wire and ropes, robbers failed & gave up. (Fri. April 14 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Unidentified M/V with 20 tons of fertilizer-- sank running onto coral reef in waters off Bawean Island, East Java April 11 -- all 7 crew rescued after many hours in water. (Fri. April 14 2006)

Homeport St. Petersburg, Russian cargo M/V Volgo-Balt 21, Halmstad to Rostock with timber-- ran aground morning Apr 13 north of Seeland, Denmark, between Helsingoer & Hornbaek. She's hard aground close to beach. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 14 2006)

M/V Gerard Pal droppped anchor which tore a gash in hull of gas tanker M/T RLG 76 in the lock of Krammer, in Germany, in ballast on April 13 -- explosion feared & firebrigade of Bruinisse alarmed. All OK. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 14 2006)

Russian Naval Base Kamchatka -- fire broke out on nuclear submarine Apr 12, while under repair in drydock caused by welding works aboard & developed intense fume though only lumber was smouldering -- crew able to extinguish fire fast. Weapons were not aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 14 2006)

342gt. tug M/V Rey de Coliman (built 1988) ran aground near Manzanillo, Mexico. Salvage services rendered by Titan Maritime<< Webfeature, under Lloyd's Open Form, dated Apr 7 -- Vessel lying in shallow water with a strong list to port & secured by ropes.

5,608gt. Philippine-registered freighter M/V Eastern Challenger, with 25 crew, sank after collision with Japanese cargo M/V Tsugaru-maru near Tokyo Bay in heavy fog. Visibility was 150 meters at the time of accident but cause of the collision still under investigation. No injuries. (Thurs. April 13 2006) From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 14 2006)

9,800-dwt M/V Finex (built 2001), Denmark for Port of Montreal with steel-- in collision April 7 -- with 45-ton 18-metre long fin-back whale. Cost of the operation to remove the dead whale from the water & dispose of carcass initially been put at between US$20,000 & US$50,000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 14 2006)

Ghost ship to be sunk in Coral Sea as salvage authorities will start stripping down a ghost ship found floating in the Gulf of Carpentaria last month.The 80-meter boat will be sunk in the Coral Sea off the north coast of Queensland in a few days. (Thurs. April 13 2006) UPDATE>> The modern day Mary Celeste occured just recently in Australian waters. The tanker M/T Jian Seng was about 180km SW of Weipa in the Gulf of Carpentaria when Customs officers boarded her March 25th. It was first spotted by a Coastwatch surveillance aircraft about 180km SW of Weipa. There was no sign of recent human activity aboard. It is believed the ship has been adrift for at least a week. The vessel was under tow when it broke free & subsequently abandoned but no one really knows for sure. There was no one on board the ship and a broken tow-rope was trailing from its bow. The ship has been identified as M/T Jian Seng, but its port of origin remains a mystery. A large quantity of rice was found on board, but there was no indication of recent human activity on the ship and no evidence of people smuggling. The vessel does not appear to have been abandoned in distress. "It really is a bit of a mystery," said an Australian Customs Service spokesman. "It is difficult to determine the origins of the vessel because there was very little in the way of markings on the ship. There was no identification documentation of any sort on board. It appeared to have been stripped clean. The name of the vessel is its only identifying feature and that is not a lot to go on. We don't even know where it is registered, if indeed it has been registered at all." The engines were inoperable and couldn't be restarted and it was drifting slowly southwards. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. April 13 2006)

Chinese tug M/V Wanwang 428 with barge for Shanghai Harbor & 4 crew -- in collision April 12, with South Korean container ship in heavy fog at the Wusong mouth of Yangtze River near Shanghai. M/V Wanwang 428 sank. All 4 crew missing. Shanghai Maritime Safety Administration has arrived at the scene to look into the cause of this accident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

U.S. F/V Lauraafter ran aground April 10, on the S. end of Long Island, six miles east of Kodiak, Alaska -- all 4 crew rescued by U.S. Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak. Vessel refloated by efforts from F/V Golden Fleece & F/V Kodiak King. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

Ghana ferry -- overloaded -- sank on April 9 after collision with underwater obstruction with about 150 passengers on Volta Lake -- 110 people dead, 40 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

3,054-teu NYK chartered container M/V Santa Monica (built 1991), with 26 crew -- in collision with -- F/V Shinseki Maru No 3 near Miyagi prefecture, Japan -- trawler capsized with 1 crew missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

JJ Ugland-managed 126,600-dwt shuttle tanker M/T Kometik (built 1997) anchored in Conception Bay, Newfoundland -- suffered fire April 8 -- blaze broke out in the cargo area as 2 men were doing welding repairs -- 1 dead & 1 seriously injured. Fire quickly suppressed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

Kiel Canal ferry M/V Stolpmünde -- at Sehestedt -- crashed against the berth on S. side of the canal. No one was hurt, but the berth damaged severely. Fault in the ferry's steering was found &repaired Apr 10, berth repaired Apr 11 -- small ferry connected both canal sides until service restored. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. April 12 2006)

3,780 teu MOL container M/V MOL Initiative, with containers -- safely under tow after suffering an engineroom fire off Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido during April 8 week -- vessel still smoking from the engine room area while under tow. Arrived at a safe anchorage at Hakodate on Apr 6, after which a specialist fire fighting company used carbon dioxide to ensure fire is completely extinguished. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Philippine passenger ferry M/V Heaven Star -- departed Cebu & suffered roof deck fire at 1 a.m. April 9 -- fire razed a 10mt. to 15mt. portion of the roof deck before it was put out by crew members. Ship's smoke stack might have accidentally ignited light materials on roof deck. No reported casualties. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

U.S. F/V Laura ran aground on the south end of Long Island, 6 miles E. of Kodiak in the morning of Apr 10. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Bangladesh trawler, with bags of rice & fish along with 33 passengers -- sank overnight April 9, in Meghna River near Kishoreganj, 80km (50 miles) N. of the capital, Dhaka -- 15 dead so far. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

42,529-dwt open hatch bulker M/V Sanko Robust (built 1995) currently being towed to Cyprus after sustaining damage after it went aground in the Suez Canal, April 2 -- ran aground at kilometer 116 during a northbound transit of the Suez Canal on 2 April, despite being under the tow of Suez Canal Authority (SCA) tugs. Those same tugs later refloated the ship which was then moored at kilometer 112 to enable a dive team to inspect the hull & rudder. Later emerged that the ship's hull had been penetrated at 3 points: the forepeak tank, the No 1 starboard ballast tank and the No 1 starboard side center tank. M/V Sanko Robust had arrived at the Suez Canal on 26 March escorted by tugs due to rudder problems that had been sustained earlier in the voyage. On 4 April the SCA tugs resumed the tow of the Sanko Robust from kilometer 101, where it had undergone temporary repairs. She then cleared the Suez Canal in afternoon of 5 April & anchored at pilot station before beginning the voyage to Cyprus to effect necessary repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Dutch cargo M/V Grachtborg in the Kiel-Canal -- in collision with M/V Marietje Benita some days ago. M/V Grachtborg re-delivered to her Dutch owners Wagenborg by the Peterswerft Wewelsfleth on April 7. The drydock had been flooded on Apr 4, in the evening of Apr 7 the repaired ship departed towards Brunsbuettel & is heading again for Kiel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Swiss Walchensee cargo M/V, with stones & 5 crew -- sank between Quinten & Betlis -- crew rescued itself by swimming to the shore. The so-called "Lediship" lost oil at 5 p.m. and shortly after this developed a list & sank into a depth of 25 m. Oil spilt from the wreck after sinking. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Lake Victoria Ferry, Tanzania -- capsized during heavy April 5 storm on Lake Victoria -- 36 people drowned -- vessel overloaded -- surprise. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

1062gt. M/V Rheingold -- sprung a leak on April 6 - Dutch rescue boats Koningin Beatrix & Anna Dorothea came to the aid -- towed casualty to a position near Enkhuizen escorted by M/V Koningin Beatrix. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

Cargo M/V Kiefernwald reached Kiel Holtenau roads after it had been lying in Husum for repairs since its collision with cargo M/V Michelle off the Dutch coast in August 2005. Now destined for Russia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 11 2006)

M/V Hyundai Fortune -- Update>> Singapore-flagged M/V Hyundai Fortune is being towed to Salalah, Oman after she was severely damaged in a blaze during a voyage through the Indian Ocean. She is expected to reach Salalah April 12 -- given permission to enter Omani waters after ensuring all relevant safeguards were fully in place. "In keeping with Oman's obligations as a signatory to various Int'l maritime conventions authorities decided to respond to M/V Hyundai Fortune's request, after fully taking into consideration all relevant safety and environmental issues," said Sayyid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Busaidy, Superintendent General of Pollution Control at the Oman Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment & Water Resources. See our feature "Mis-Fortune" . (Mon. April 10 2006)

76,000gt. M/T Kometik -- servicing the Hibernia oil platform, anchored 1 mile off Long Pond when flash fire broke out at 11:30 a.m. on April 8 -- Canadian Coast Guard, said 1 crew dead, while another airlifted to the Health Sciences Centre in St. John's, his body more than 50% burned. (Sun. April 9 2006)

Japanese high-speed hydrofoil ferry M/V Toppy 4, Yaku Island for city of Kagoshima with 103 passengers -- in collision with giant whale off coast of S. Japanese island of Kyushu -- 97 injured -- 43 hopitalized -- 13 seriously. (Sun. April 9 2006)

Djibouti wooden M/V al-Baraqua II, with 300 passengers -- capsized off coast of Red Sea -- became unbalanced & overturned after many passengers crowded to one side of deck shortly before accident . At least 77 people believed survived accident apparently caused by overloading vessel -- at least 109 dead. (Sat. April 8 2006)

M/V Florence -- largest vessel ever built in Vietnam, leaked water hours after its launch April 6. Engineers from Ha Long shipyard, a subsidiary of state-owned shipbuilding giant Vinashin, said water leaked through the outer hull of the ship, flooding half of holding compartment No 4 of five compartments aboard M/V Florence. (Sat. April 8 2006) UPDATE>> Inappropriate calculations for vessel launch could be to blame for incident. The highly slopped short ramp may have caused the vessel to descend too rapidly into the water, breaching the ship hull and causing the leak. Florence is 190m long, 32.26m wide and has a 64,000cu.m hold, as designed by the Denmark-based Carl Bro Marine Company<< Webfeature. (Sun. April 9 2006)

Canal ferry M/V Berlin -- connecting both sides of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel -- crashed against berth of North side with full speed on April 7. Vessel superstructure & ramp damaged as well as cars & bikes the ship had carried. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. April 8 2006)

Hompeport Kappeln German excursion ship M/V Förde Princess -- ran aground off Schleimuende in the Baltic on Apr 1. DGzRS-rescue boat Nis Randers from Maasholm refloated casualty. No Injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. April 8 2006)

M/V Top Gun, with 6 divers & 1 crew, suffered fire near Chesil Beach, Portland, off Dorset Coast, April 8 afternoon. RNLI lifeboat from Weymouth scrambled but the divers and crew had already been rescued by people on board another dive boat -- fire put out before vessel towed to shore. (Sat. April 8 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

03 April 2006 at 0735 LT in position 30:06.74N - 047:55.90E, Khawr Az Zubayr Roads, Iraq. Armed robbers in 4 boats attempted to board a general cargo ship.  D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers fired gunshots & escaped.   (Sat. April 8 2006)

01 April 2006 at 1900 UTC in position 13:32.70N - 049:32.80E, Gulf of Aden. Two unlit high speed crafts attempted to board a ship underway. Ship took evasive maneuvers, raised alarm, crew mustered & directed searchlights and boarding was averted. (Sat. April 8 2006)

29 March 2006 at 1154 LT in position 02:08N - 045:43E, 30 nm off Mogadishu, East coast of Somalia. Twelve pirates armed with machine guns, AK47 rifles & hand arms in 2 small speedboats boarded a product tanker underway. They took hostage 19 crew & took the ship 2 nm off the coast of Heredera. Pirates contacted owners & demanded a ransom for the release of the ship and crew. (Sat. April 8 2006)

21 March 2006 at 0240 LT in position 02:54.4S - 107:16.1E, Gelasa Straits,  Indonesia -- 6 pirates armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier & entered  bridge. They tied up 2/O and 2 duty crew. The forced 2/O to take them to master's cabin. They tied up the master and stole ship's cash and equipment. At 0252 they took master and 2/O to stern and escaped in a speedboat waiting below. (Sat. April 8 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

350gt. F/V Dongwon-Ho number 628, with 25 crew -- seized by pirates near the Somali port of Obbia. Vessel captured April 6 -- vessel traveling with 2 other vessels at the time of the attack -- U.S. & Dutch naval vessels of the Somali Pirate Patrol tried to intervene but gave up chase after ship entered Somali waters. Crew includes South Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Chinese nationals. Current demand for release said US$400,000. (Fri. April 7 2006)

10,000 dwt M/T Giovanna -- exploded April 5, while berthed at the Jantar Yard in Kaliningrad while unloading the remaining fuel of 400 tons -- then ship caught fire -- 2 crew injured. 100 firefighters needed 7 hours to tackle the flames. Ship breached & fuel and diesel oil spilt into the Kaliningrad Sea Canal, oil booms laid out. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. April 7 2006)

Coast Guard cutter USCGC Elderberry rescued a man from the Sukoi Islets in Southeast Alaska April 6, who made it to shore after his pleasure vessel hit submerged object & rapidly capsized. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri... April 7 2006)

10,368gt. reefer M/V Ivory Tirupati (built 1989), Ashdod, UK for Belgium & N.Europe with containers -- suffered containers lost overboard while crossing the Bay of Biscay, March 28 -- severe list of 21-25 degrees & escorted to Brest. (Wed.. April 5 2006) SEE OUR PHOTO FEATURE

Mosambiquan F/V Equinoco, with 22 crew -- capsized in heavy seas, north of Beira on April 2 - 19 rescued by F/V Polo Norte. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs.. April 7 2006)

3780-TEU container M/V MOL Initiative (019W, APX), U.S. West Coast port of Oakland for Tokyo -- caught fire off coast of Hokkaidos, Japan. After 18 hour fight against flames in engine room -- crew had to abandon ship. At first fire seemed under control, but then it burst out again with rapidly rising temperatures & smoke invading superstructure. While it is too early to determine the status of cargo aboard the vessel, it is likely to be impacted by delays caused by the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen & Our Correspondent Arne Kellerman (Wed.. April 5 2006) UPDATE>> Rire on Panama-flagged container M/V MOL Initiative was extinguished on Apr 5 -- engune room was flooded with CO2 & flames seemed to be under control until the next morning, when the situation deteriorated on 11.30 a.m. -- Japanese Coast Guard requested by the operators of the ship to evacuate her -- pending. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs.. April 7 2006)

Stationary bunker station Jiovanno -- berthed in Shiprepair Yard Yantar, Kaliningrad -- suffered fire & explosion -- 11 shore fire teams, 5 firefighting tugs took part in fire fighting, and by 1.55 a.m. April 6th fire was extinguished. 2 Yard workers injured in explosion, not seriously. No oil spill known. Explosion caused by electricity shortcut & oil vapors. (Thurs.. April 7 2006)

Libya flagged, M/V Save -- under arrest in Sochi, southern russian port in Black Sea because of oil spill & penalty fee to be paid by owners -- vessel fled from port. Russian Coast guard ships started the chase -- 4 hours later M/V Save was tugged back to Sochi. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs.. April 7 2006)

11000 dwt German chemical M/T Weserstern, with 7500 tons naphta -- grounded on way from Palduski, Estonia -- inspection at Finnish yard or at the Stocznia Werft in Polish Gdynia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs.. April 7 2006)

160ft. F/V Dong Won 628 -- taken under gunfire 70 miles off the Somali coast April 4 -- guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt & Dutch frigate Zeven Provincien attempted to intercept ship before it entered Somali waters, but backed off after pirates threatened the trawler's crew with guns. One or both of the U.S. & Dutch ships fired warning shots -- South Korean crew were then seen on the deck of F/V Dong Won with guns pointed at them -- so the U.S. & Dutch ships pulled back. We wait. (Wed.. April 5 2006)

Indian government of Andaman and Nicobar Islands owned M/V Nicobar, Port Blair, capital of the Indian archipelago for Calcutta -- sufferd fire --towed to position off Sagar Island where anchored. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 5 2006)

14,200-gt Indian-flagged M/V Nicobar (built 1991) with 1,000 passengers -- lost power to her main engine when fire broke out in engine room damaging one of the ship's generators 150 miles from Calcutta on April 2. Another generator on-board was undamaged so vessel still had working power supply. Although fire was extinguished & all passengers safe, vessel remains anchored without power to its main engine and, due to tidal restrictions -- reached Calcutta the evening of April 3rd. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 5 2006)

Factory ship F/V Equinoco -- sank off coast of Mozambique on April 3 -- unknown number of crew rescued -- 4 missing & presumed dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. April 5 2006)

Plot by the Abu Sayyaf group to hijack passenger ships in Mindanao uncovered March 31. Reports identify the leader of an 11-man Abu Sayyaf team that will carry out the hijacking as Abu Awillah. Among those targeted for seizure are SuperFerry vessels sailing from Manila to Mindanao. Authorities tagged the Abu Sayyaf group in the Feb. 2004 bombing of M/V SuperFerry 14, which killed more than 100 people. It was the worst maritime terrorist attack in the Philippines. Authorities have tightened security in all passenger ships in northern Mindanao. See Our Photo Feature "Super Loss" From The 2004 Supperferry. Terrorist Attack.The threat is quite real. (Sat.. April 1 2006)

4.300 TEU Danish container M/V Grasmere Maersk -- when berthing at the container terminal VTE at Genova -- as vessel was not yet fully connected, 2 ropes broke & ship drifted with her port side against the pier of Porto Volti. Tugs were not able to get the ship under control which was severely damaged -- ship allowed to proceed ti Malta for permanent repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 4 2006)

German-registered M/V Wern, with 750 tons sheet metal along Danube River, tin mill in Smederevo for buyer in Austria -- sank -- anchored in a port near Smederevo, 31 miles SEof Belgrade, when she suddenly sank for no obvious reason on Apr 2nd in eastern Serbia. Ship's maximum capacity was 1,180 tons.Romanian Capt. & 2 workers were aboard at the time of accident, but managed to evacuate. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 4 2006)

Cargo M/V See Stern (built 2005) grounded in the Denish Odense Fjord with 1,650 tons of steel plates on April 2 -- SvitzerWijsmuller tug M/V Fenja arrived at 5.30 p.m. -- due to shallow water SvitzerWijsmuller small tug M/V Urd was mobilized to assist in connecting up -- special floating rope connection established. With the M/V Fenja having maneuvered in position and with M/V Urd standing by to provide further control over the casualty the refloating operation started at about 02.50 a.m. with the tide getting to a daily high at 04.00 a.m. On April 3rd 03.08 a.m. the casualty M/V See Stern was successfully refloated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. April 4 2006)

UK F/V Stephanie reported fire aboard April 2 -- crew informed the Coastguard activated their automatic fire extinguishing equipment -- then put on survival suits & lifejackets and made ready their liferaft. M/V Mersey Fisher offered assistance as they were only 1.5 miles away from the position of F/V Stephanie. They were able to stand by F/V Stephanie until further assistance arrived. Brixham Coastguard requested launch of the Salcombe RNLI lifeboat & scrambled a helicopter from RNAS Culdrose. All crew rescued.(Tues. April 4 2006)

Indian-flagged M/V Bhakti Sagar, with 15 crew-- issued Mayday 70 miles off Somalia -- picked up by U.S. landinding ship dock USS Oak Hill -- crew needed food, water & fuel -- part of the Somali Patrol -- Tasksk Force 150 -- USS Oak Hill responded with hot dinners from Oak Hill's galley, 3,900 gallons of JP5 diesel fuel, medical supplies & more than 30 pairs of sandals. Godspeed to the U.S. Navy. (Tues. April 4 2006)

Rigel Schiffahrt owned German M/T Weserstern (built 1992) Tallinn for Sköldvik with 7,500 tons benzo, -- hit bottom of the Finnish oil harbor Sköldvik in Porvoo April 2 -- suffered a leak in ballast water tank. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. April 3 2006)

Cargo M/V Fagervik suffered engine failure April 2, in Kiel Canal at kilometer 64 close to Saatsee-yard. She was heading towards Baltic & ran agound in South embankment -- came to rest perpendicular to the traffic, so ships had to pass with care. At midnight the tugs M/V Holtenau & M/V Falkenstein of SFK Kiel arrived & salvaged ship. M/V Fagervik towed in Eastern direction towards Kiel or Rendsburg. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. April 3 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For March 2006

M/V Hyundai Fortune now under tow by Ocean Salvage Tug M/V Smit-Wijs Rotterdam<< Webfeature (22,000 HP) -- likely headed Dubai. Read the full story from our on-scene experts -- and we now know the cause --at Our feature "Mis-Fortune". (Fri. March 31 2006) Controversy Over Cause (Tues. April 4 2006

Ferry M/V Aurelia -- suffered damage to stern ramp in Cagliari H arbor Mar 12 while unloading the cargo of trailers -- repairs completed on Mar 14. Obviously too heavly load was carried over ramp. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. April 3 2006)

Ferry M/V Al Dana with up to 150 people sank late Mar 29 off the coast of Bahrain -- on an evening cruise that was to last several hours. It overturned less than a mile off the coast. Coast guard boats arrived at the site and that rescue operations have begun -- thus far 63 passenger srescued, 12 of them hurt, 57 confirmed dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Al Dana was not licensed to operate -- ship's owner had applied for a license but never completed the procedures -- overcrowded vessel began to roll dangerously & some passengers left before the fateful departure -- doomed Bahrain pleasure boat which capsized killing 57 party-goers was a floating restaurant which should never have set sail!!! Indian Capt. has been detained. (Sat. April 1 2006) UPDATE>> Prosecutor probing Bahrain boat disaster said April 4 that survivors had told the investigation that the Capt. made a turn that was "too tight". In a statement translated from Arabic, Mr Al-Ofee said: "Many of the victims who were on the boat mention, all of them, that the ship was not stable before they left the harbor. When they moved it was shaking and the turn from the captain to the left was, they said, too tight. That's why all the passengers and staff moved to the side." (Mon. April 4 2006)

5,000 gt chemical tank M/V Pakri Challenge -- suffered broken heating pipe while lying in the Kiel Canal approach of Brunsbuettel. The ship was just about to take a pilot for the Canal passage to the Baltic, and the pilot ship M/V Capitain Jürs was lying alongside -- a fountain of oil & water escaped from the pipe and spread over the complete pillot ship which had to be taken out of service for cleaning afterwards. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Tugboats have turned the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA 34) prior to mooring at Allegheny Pier onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola. Known as the "Big O," the 32,000-ton, 888-foot Oriskany is being delivered to Pensacola, where it is being prepared for its final journey. Oriskany is scheduled to be scuttled 22 miles south of Pensacola in approximately 212 feet of water in the Gulf of Mexico May 17, 2006, where it will become the largest ship ever intentionally sunk as an artificial reef. After the Oriskany reaches the bottom, ownership of the vessel will transfer from the Navy to the State of Florida. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Japanese tug M/V Dream-6, with 14 japanese crew & barge Dream 5 issued mayday call on March 29 -- sinking, requested immediate help in Lat 42-00-0N, Long 135-48-0E. Russian dry cargo M/V Poluzek monitoring. Russian dry cargo M/V Balyuzek radioed tug sunk, crew 14 japanese sailors, managed to barge, required immediate assistance from Main Coordination Center Russian Search and Rescue Service, Moscow. From our Correspondent Mikhail Voitenkoim, Moscow. (Fri. March 31 2006)

Panama-flag, Russian Register 76,000-dwt bulker M/V California (built 1979) India for China with iron ore -- holed in way of the engineroom on starboard aft quarter on March 24 by 1,450TEU M/V Sinokor Seoul (built 1980). M/V California sank some 11 hours later in the Malacca Straits, where she now lies in the main shipping channel in Malaysian waters. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Liberian reefer M/V Ivory Tirupati -- arrived on Mar 27th in Brest, with a starboard list of 25°. Previous night, as she was 160 miles off Cabo Ortegal (Spain)--cargo shifted due to heavy weather. Vessel had left Ashdod, in Israel, with cargo of potatoes & mamking way to Zeebrugge (Belgium). In the bay of Biscay 3 containers where lost overboard. She's now moored in the bay of Brest. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Boston 71ft. F/V Guardian -- ran aground on NE side of Graves Light 5 a.m.March 27 -- vessel sustained serious damage to its bilge taking on water -- U.S. Coast Guard rescued all crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Swiss registered M/V Kathrin ran aground on the Goodwin Sands march 23 -- Romanian Master Adrian Fericel now sentenced at Grimsby Crown Court -- 4 times over the legal alcohol limit. M/V Kathrin crossed normally from the North East lane of the Dover Traffic Separation Scheme into the English inshore traffic zone. However, instead of altering course to continue its passage up to the Humber, M/V Kathrin maintained her course -- remained aground for 20 minutes before re-floating herself & re-commencing its passage to the N. of England. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

Stonington, Maine 39ft.scalloper F/V Josephine -- ran aground at Nauset Beach, Mass. -- abandoned by crew March 27 -- U.S. Coast Guard rescued crew. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 31 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

25 March 2006 at 0145 LT at quarantine anchorage no.2, Santos Roads, Brazil. Four pirates boarded container ship via anchor chain. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers escaped empty handed in an unlit speedboat. Port authority informed. (Fri. March 31 2006)

24 March 2006 at 2230 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Pirates armed with long knives in 3 boats came alongside general cargo ship preparing to anchor. Alarm raised &crew mustered -- port control informed.  Robbers boarded & stole ship's stores, property and safety equipment before escaping. Coast guard arrived at 2350 LT to take statements. (Fri. March 31 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

U.S. 43ft. homeport Kona F/V Aukaka, with 4 crew, ran aground one-half mile north of Mahukona Harbor off the Big Island of Hawaii, March -- U.S Coast Guard & master of the vessel are currently working on plans to remove 370 gallons of diesel. Vessel is in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, in roughly 8 feet of water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 27 2006)

Icelandic M/V Valur GK 6 (built 1963 in Sweden) badly damaged March 28, by fire off the Faroe Islands -- now berthed at Vágur. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 27 2006)

High-speed-ferry M/V Villum Clausen -- in collision -- with Polish ferry M/V Gryf (formerly M/V Kaptan Burhanettin) March 28, in the harbour of Ystad. Both ships damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 76 2006)

Liberian-flagged cargo M/V Ivory Tirupati reached Brest at Mar 27 with serious list to starbord, escorted by the tug M/V Abeille Bourbon. The cargo of 10,869ts had shifted. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 27 2006)

Sun Cruz casino<< Webfeature, ship ran aground in Dania Beach<< Webfeature, Florida March 27 night after losing engine power -- vessel blew 5 short blasts to indicate something was wrong at 9:30 p.m. & Dania Beach bridge opened to let her through. Ship's engines restarted & she was drifting into the channel once more when she ran ashore. (Mon. March 27 2006)

San Diego based USS McCampbell (DDG 85)<< Webfeature -- in collision -- March 26, with Kiribati-flagged merchant M/V Rokya 1 -- 30 miles SE of the Iraqi coastline in North Persian Gulf -- 2 U.S. Sailors & 2 crew from Rokya 1 injured. (Sun. March 26 2006)

80m tanker M/T Jian Seng found drifting -- abandoned -- in Australian waters to the far north Queensland port of Weipa in the Gulf of Carpentaria March 26 -- engines were found inoperable & broken tow rope was found hanging from bow. (Sun. March 26 2006)

38ft. tug M/V Birdie B & barge heading west on the Florida Intracoastal Waterway March 25 -- capsized in 6- to 7-foot waters roiled by passing storm -- crew thrown into chilly Lake Okeechobee for over 4 hours until rescued by U.S. Coast Guard. (Sun. March 26 2006)

UK F/V Aquarius issued Mayday March 23 afternoon -- fire extinguished. Vessel will be towed to port. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006)

Passenger ferry, with 150 passengers from Nigeria, Mali, Benin, Togo& Burkina Faso -- sank off the Cameroon coast March 22 -- 130 persons feared dead, 23 passengers rescued by local fishermen who found them close to Kribi Harbor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006)

6,200-dwt North Korean cargo M/V Pong Su (built 1980), involved in heroin smuggling case -- had been berthed in Sydney since seized in April 2003 after a 4 day chase by the Australian military, federal police & customs officers. The ship's Capt. Man Sun Song, 65, its political secretary Dong Song Choi, 61, 1st Mate Man Jin Ri & Chief Engineer Ju Chon Ri, both 51, pleaded not guilty to the charge which could have seen them jailed for life. On March 23, an Australian Air Force F-111 scuttled the North Korean cargoship by bombing her -- sent to the bottom of the ocean 140km off New South Wales -- her sentence for bringing 150kg of heroin worth US$193M into Australia. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006)

Container M/V OOCL Britain carried out lifeboat drill at Terminal 18 in Seattle, March 14 -- lifeboat carrying 4 crew capsized -- all 4 recovered after being in the water for 20 minutes, but 2 were taken to a hospital, at least one of them unconscious - 1 dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

17 March 2006 at 2140 LT at Chittagong anchorage area, Bangladesh. Pirates armed with long knives in 4 boats came alongside container ship preparing to anchor. Alarm raised & crew mustered but robbers boarded & stole ship's stores. (Sun. March 26 2006)

14 March 2006 at 0315 LT in position 30:06.60N - 047:55.73E, Khawr Az Zubayr roads, Iraq. Armed pirates boarded general cargo ship via anchor chain. They broke in to forward locker & stole ship's stores. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers escaped in a speedboat. (Sun. March 26 2006)

14 March 2006 at 2300 LT at Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh. Three boats followed general cargo ship preparing to anchor. Alarm was raised & crew mustered. Boats came within 3 cables and then moved away. (Sun. March 26 2006)

14 March 2006 at 1150 UTC in position 06:12N - 054:56E, off east coast Somalia /Arabian Sea. A craft, blue hull & white accommodation followed a LPG tanker underway. Master took evasive maneuvers &increased speed. Craft reduced speed & moved away. (Sun. March 26 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

360ft. luxury sternwheeler cruise M/V Empress of the North, with 178 passengers & 79 crew -- ran aground on sandbar in Columbia River channel near Washougal, Wash. Sister ship, the 230ft M/V Queen of the West, pulled alongside to take aboard passengers & crew from M/V Empress of the North. Ships owned by American West Steamboat Co., based in Seattle. Company plans to pull the M/V Empress of the North off sandbar with tug & see whether she could continue under her own power to the Port of Washougal for an inspection. (Fri. March 24 2006)

Princess Cruises M/V Star Princess, Grand Cayman for Montego Bay with 2,690 passengers & 1,123 crew -- suffered fire -- 1 dead, 2 passengers suffered significant smoke inhalation & 9 others suffered some smoke inhalation said owners Carnival Corp. Cigarette thrown on to balcony seen as cause -- at leat 150 cabins destroyed. Questions of sea worthiness. (Thurs. March 23 2006) UPDATE>> Fire damaged cruiseship M/V Star Princess sail ed March 30 week from Freeport, Bahamas, where it arrived following the fire & next go to a shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, for repairs. The ship is set to return to service for its first European cruise from Copenhagen, Denmark, on May 15. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri.. March 31 2006)

1,400gt. cargo M/V Somers Isles, Bermuda for Fernandina Beach, Florida with containers on back haul -- lost power March 22 -- smashing into a sea-wall at the Fairmont Hamilton Hotel<< Webfeature. Following failur by smaller vessels --tug M/V Edward M. Stowe slowly pulled the M/V Somers Isles to safety. The hotel's chief engineer Shafiq Rahman said the bill could run to US$100,000. "Oh my God there's a ship in the yard!" an American woman visiting the Hamilton Fairmont said she screamed when she saw the massive crash. "I thought it was coming into the garden." From our Correspondent Tony Bessinger (Thurs. March 23 2006) Editors Note: Pictures Please!

German inland tank M/T Sascha, with 1164 tons diesel oil -- ran aground on the Rhine at Krefeld & was damaged March 21 -- 60 ton tank lost diesel oil. A lighter took the remaining cargo off vessel -- now berthed in Duesseldorf for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 23 2006)

Nile cruise ship M/V King Tut 2, with 68 German passenger -- in collision with a bridge on route to Luxor, Mar 21 -- 1 Egyptian steward killed, 5 crew, 8 German, 8 Egyptian passengers & 2 soldiers hurt. All in all 68 Germans were on board. Capt. had tried to pass the bridge on the wrong side. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 23 2006) Editors Note: Pictures Please!

Container feeders M/V Dalsland & M/V Flinterzee -- in collision in the Kiel Canal between Kudensee & Duekerswisch on March 21. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 23 2006)

Russian cargo M/V Semyon Morozov -- suffered fire March 21, while berthed in the fishing port of Rostock when crewman fell asleep with his cigarette still burning in his cabin. Crew was alarmed & fought the fire successfully without help of firefighters. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 23 2006) UPDATE>> The crewman who caused the fire was injured. Police accuses him now to be responsible for the fire! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 23 2006)

Canadian Ro/Ro ferry M/V Queen of the North<< Webfeature, Prince Rupert to Port Hardy (279.6 miles) sank near the Queen Charlotte Islands -- vessel listed & took about an hour to sink -- all 150 aboard safe. Capacity 700 people & 115 cars. (Wed. March 22 2006) UPDATE>> The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has taken over the search for a couple who remain unaccounted, after the ferry M/V Queen of the North sank in the dead of night off B.C.'s rugged Pacific Coast. So far, 99 passengers & crew accounted for, rescued by the heroics of locals from the remote Indian community of Hatley Bay, and the efficiency of coast guard crews who launched the rescue in the inky darkness. There is speculation the couple may have attempted to make their own way back to Prince Rupert. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Queen of the North is lying intact on the ocean floor in 1,400 feet [427 metres] of water after a deepwater submersible provided the 1st images of the sunken ship. Mechanical failure has been ruled out as the cause of the grounding that sank the BC ferry Queen of the North off the coast of British Columbia on 22 March. However, investigators from Canada' s Transportation Safety Board have yet to blame human error. At the time of the accident the 37-year-old vessel was about one mile off course and sank an hour after hitting a rock. While BC Ferries initially believed that all 101 passengers and crew had been safely evacuated from the vessel, it now appears that 2 passengers, Shirley Rosette and Gerald Foisey, may have died in the accident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri.. March 31 2006)

MAJOR CASUALTY>> 64,054 gt. Panama flag container M/V Hyundai Fortune (built 1996) has suffered major explosion & massive fire in aft on-deck container stacks. Entire after end of ship completely involved in fire. Crew has abandoned ship, picked up by Dutch Navy frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien<< Webfeature. M/V Hyundai Fortune in position 12-39N 047-22E (Gulf of Aden). Numerous (60 to 90) containers blown over the side, forming a debris field about 5 miles long -- many of which are drifting around the vessel. (Tues. March 21 2006) From our Correspondent Captain Wade Armstrong, Master, USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) the general geographic area. Editors Note> We have received amazing photos of this tragedy. All aft of the accommodation & including it are fully involved in full flame & dense smoke. This is quite bad. We will post the photos ASAP. McD UPDATE>> Lloyds Open Form (LOF) has now been signed with salvors, Svitzer Wijsmuller & we expect that owners will declare General Average. (Wed. March 22 2006) SEE OUR NEW PHOTO Feature. (Wed. March 22 2006pm)

Panamanian-registered K Line M/V Globulus, with scrap metal for Asia -- almost completely destroyed by fire while the ship was moored at the Pacific Coast recycling plant at the Port of Long Beach, March 17 -- fireboats took more than 8 hours to extinguish blaze. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 21 2006)

51gt. South Korean F/V, with 8 crew -- sank in high seas & strong winds off country's SE coast, off Pohang, 370km SE of Seoul, March 19 -- all presumed dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 21 2006)

73ft. F/V Swell Rider -- collided with other vessels & pier March 17, while attempting to navigate to its moorage in Tillamook Bay Harbor -- wooden pier suffered extensive damage -- damaged vessels F/V Valiant II & F/V Alliance from Goose Bay will continue to determine the full extent of damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 21 2006)

2,972gt. M/V Xinhai 7, with irin ore & 17 crew -- in collision -- with South Korean vessel in Yellow Sea, March 20. M/V Xinhai 7 sank 3 NM south of Palmi Island off Incheon --entering Port of Incheon -- 2 Chinese crew dead, 10 lost & 5 rescued. (Mon. March 20 2006) UPDATE>>> Collision vessel was 3,980-ton M/V Korea Gas. Update From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 21 2006)

22,000 gt. car carrier M/V Thames Highway (built 2005) -- in collision -- with stern of 3,000gt container feeder M/V Corsar -- in locks of Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel. Both ships were slightly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

M/V H.D. Mitchell -- issued Mayday call March 19 -- taking on water & sinking with 3 crew on board off St. George Sound, Fla. U.S. Coast Guard units searched a 2,800-square-nautical-mile area before learning that the reporting source miscommunicated position of the sinking vessel. U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter hoisted 2 people from the water at about 4:45 p.m. & brought them to Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Fla.  The 3rd person reported deceased -- being recovered by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Mobile. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

U.S. 53ft. F/V Min Flicka -- life ring with vessel name recovered from waters 75 miles S. of Nantucket, R.I. -- vessel vanished March 3rd with 2 crew aboard during a would-be overnight fishing trip. U.S. Coast Guard suspended 5 day search after combing more than 73,000 sq. miles of water & finding no trace of men or their vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

F/V La Surprise grounded near Setúbal, Portugal, March 17, at 07.15am -- refloated in the afternoon & towed to Setubal for inspection by local tugs M/V Resistente & M/V Cabo Espichel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

Bulker M/V Protector struck the MIPS Wharf in Maputo March 16 -- impact resulted in a 6 x 2mt. tear in the sheet pile resulting in loss of backfill & subsequent subsidence. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

26mt. dredger M/V Camperduin (built 2004) -- Th.Viegers from Andijk -- suffered fire in engineroom March 16, whilst working off Dubai for Van Oord dredging, no injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 20 2006)

Russian cargo M/V Sosnogorsk -- crashed into stern of car carrier M/V Olivia Mar 18, when entering new locks of the Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel. M/V Sosnogorsk slightly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 19 2006)

U.S. Navy Pirate Battle>> U.S. guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George CG-71<< Webfeature, & guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez DDG-66<< Webfeature-- on Int'l Somamila Pirate Patrol -- in Indian Ocean 25 miles off coast of Somalia -- spotted vessel towing 2 smaller skifs. U.S. Navy boarding teams prepared to conduct routine boarding for checking of cargo & papers, but Navy ships noticed suspected pirates brandished what appeared to be rocket-propelled grenade launchers. Pirates suddenly opened fire on Navy ships. USS Cape St. George & USS Gonzalez returned fire with small arms -- 1 pirate killed & fire ignited aboard main pirate vessel. U.S. Navy boarding teams confiscated rocket-propelled grenade launchers & automatic weapons. No good guy injuries. Boarding teams took 12 pirates, including 5 injured. (Sat.. March 18 2006) Singles Only Feature. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

At least 50 Yemeni fishermen were kidnapped by Somali pirates off Yemen's Abdul-Kori island, part of Socotra - a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the Horn of Africa. Yemeni authorities were coordinating efforts with the Red Cross to secure the fishermen's release. It also reported that 20 fishing boats out of 83 seized by Somali pirates in past weeks, have been freed. Somalia's coastal waters have become among the world's most dangerous in the 14 years the country has lacked a central government. (Sun. March 19 2006)

Mexican President Vicente Fox announced today discovery of new deep-water oil field, believed to contain 10bn barrels of crude. The field is in the Gulf of Mexico, and could be bigger than its largest oil field, Cantarell. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

13 March 2006 at 0930 LT in position 01:21N - 044:40.32E, off Marka, east coast of Somalia. Armed pirates chased a general cargo ship underway -- fired shots at bridge, lifeboat & superstructure, which caused bullet holes. When boat tried to come alongside master altered course & rammed pirate boat and boarding was averted. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

13 March 2006 at 0130 LT at Ikungulu anchorage - Matadi, Congo river, Congo -- pirates boarded refrigerated cargo ship. Alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed.  Later at 0240 LT robbers made another attempt to board. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

12 March 2005 at 0100 LT in position 01:43.3S - 117:07.7E, 32 degrees SE of Balikpapan, Indonesia. Pirates armed with knives boarded general cargo ship underway from speedboat -- stole liferafts &escaped. Boat was fibreglass, top-open, 6m long, white colored on top & powered with an outboard motor. Master tried to contact port control but received no response. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

09 March 2006 at 0150 LT at port of Boma anchorage, Congo River, Congo -- pirates boarded container ship -- broke open containers & stole cargo. Alarm raised --crew mustered. Robbers escaped with stolen cargo. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

08 March 2006 at 1502 UTC in position 07:56S - 117:34E, Bali sea, Indonesia. Pirates attacked tug underway. Tug took evasive maneuvers & boarding averted. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

08 March 2006 at 0120 LT at Chittagong 'B'anchorage, Bangladesh -- pirates armed with long knives boarded bulk carrier at stern & stole ship's stores. Duty crew raised alarm & robbers jumped overboard -- escaped in boat waiting with 8 accomplices. Stolen stores were recovered. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

07 March 2006 during night at 10:19.7N - 107:02E, Vung Tau anchorage, Vietnam -- pirates boarded container ship unnoticed -- tried to break open locks on forward storerooms but did not succeed -- also tried to steal life raft. Incident took place although 2 local policemen were aboard & police boat alongside. (Sat.. March 18 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Cargo M/V Grachtborg -- in recent collision -- with M/V Marietje Benita. M/V Grachtborg left the Norderwerft Hamburg, March 17, after completition of repairs at the bow & entered the Kiel Canal towards the Baltic to resume its service on Mar 16. M/V Marietje Benita still under repair in Wewelsfleth & due to be completed Mar 25. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

Salvage operation for overside containers from M/V P&O Nedlloyd Modriaan. About 40 containers located by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage are about 20 to 25 meters below sea level & dispersed over a considerable area. The operations are executed in close co-ordination with the Dutch Coastguard & the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006) UPDATE>> SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage has now cleared 7 out of the 40 sites of lost containers of the M/V P&O Nedlloyd Modriaan in the Northsea in an operation executed during 2.5 workable days only and despite spring-tide current conditions. Update From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 21 2006)

F/V Ocean Challenge, with 4 crew -- issued Mayday call -- fire on board 100 miles SE of Sumburgh, March 16. Aberdeen Coastguard scrambled the Coastguard rescue helicopter Oscar Charlie on standby to evacuate crew. Crew evacuated to liferaft & picked up by M/V Constant Friend. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

M/V Salvatore Lauro -- sunk 10nm SW from the village of Gerolimenas (in SE tip of the Peloponnese, Greece), while under tow to the breakers in Aliaga from tug M/V St James. Mar 16. Tow had began at the port of Napoli. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

Offshore Oil Installation Tern Alpha, with 184 crew, reportrd fire in gas generator module March 16 -- positioned 264 miles north-northeast of Aberdeen. Aberdeen Coastguard evacuated 135 non essential personnel to a nearby installation, and assistwith the containment of fire -- reported to be now in control, no injures. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

44ft. F/V Celtic Pride issued mayday & sank 55 miles southeast of Portland, Maine, March 16. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod launch an HU-25 Falcon jet & HH-60 helicopter about 11 p.m. The jet arrived on scene and located survivors & helicopter safely hoisted them from life raft. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

M/V Superferry 12, Manila for Cebu City with 639 passengers & 145 crew on March 9 -- suffered fire -- damaged several 1st-class cabins, but vessel able to continue voyage. Cause was cigarette thrown into a wastebasket by a mentally unstable passenger. In Feb. 2004, a fire triggered by a bomb gutted a sister ship, Superferry 14, killing 116 people -- bombing linked to the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006)

U.S. Highway 50 bridge near Annapolis, Md. - CLOSED -- as unmanned 100ft. barge with rock -- hit bridge & became wedged between support pilings. U.S. Coast Guard 41-foot boat from Station Annapolis and a Maryland Resources Police Dept. boat onscene & assisting with the Maryland State inspectors. Langenfelder Marine currently has tug enroute to remove the barge once the bridge inspectors determine it is safe to do so. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 15 2006)

155 mt.Panama-flagged container M/V MSC Grace -- ran aground March 14, while approaching port of Rotterdam on the river Scheldt at 6.30 a.m. close to buoy W 12. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. March 17 2006) UPDATE>> Salvaged at 12.15 a.m. March 16, with the rising tide by the tugs M/V Schouwenbank & M/V Walcheren -- continued her voyage to Rotterdam. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 15 2006)

The giant new £4million crane at the Port of Felixstowe, which stands at more than 100ft high, pushed sideways off its runners after being hit by a departing 367mt. container M/V Gunvor Maersk on March 13 -- vessel lost main engine power as she left the dock & drifted into the quayside. M/V Gunvor Maersk departed. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 15 2006)

18mt. F/V Good Intent, with 3 crew -- issued mayday call March 13, on VHF channel 16 (int'l maritime distress & calling frequency) -- taking water & requested immediate assistance 7 NM north east of Hartlepool -- vessel suffering 5ft. of water in the fish room & pump could not reduce water level. UK Humber Coastguard immediately responded to call & requested shipping in area to proceed to stand by fishing vessel until Hartlepool RNLI lifeboat & RAF Rescue Helicopter R131 based at Boulmer could arrive on scene. RAF Rescue Helicopter R131 lowered a Coastguard pump down to vessel and Hartlepool RNLI Lifeboat also placed a pump on board & then escorted vessel into Hartlepool Fish Quay. Cause was due to a leak in wooden hull. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 14 2006)

6,142gt. Dutch cargo M/V Zeus ran aground March 12, in the Kiel Canal at Neuwittenbek on Northern embankment after rudder failure. Ship came free with her own power after 50 minutes & resumed its voyage from the Finnish port Kotka which she had left on Mar 10 to the Dutch port Vlissingen. Just one hour later M/V Zeus stopped again at the passing point Rade due to technical problems -- she continued voyage after repairs Mar 13. When arriving in Brunsbuettel police boarded ship for inspections. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 14 2006)

Container M/V Ever Diadem -- involved in slight collision in Bremerhaven on Mar 10, while berthed at the Stromkaje. Oil lighter ship alongside --when lighter preparing for leaving, a crewman of M/V Ever Diadem let go a line before time. The inland water craft was turned around by the current & pushed beyond control against the hull of M/V Ever Diadem until finally also the 2nd line broke. The oil lighter suffered damaged mast & towed into a yard in Bremerhaven for repairs after having been brought under control by 2 tugs. M/V Ever Diadem sustained no damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 14 2006)

9,1410gt. container M/V CMA CGM Verdi (built 2005) , Hong Kong & Malaysia for Europe -- lost about 50 containers overboard during heavy weather in Bay of Biscay Feb. 21 2006. (Mon. March 13 2006)

Cargo M/V Bug (built 1971) sank in Astrakhan on the Guzhvin Shipyard -- had been under repairs on the Volga River since Dec. 2005. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006)

4 168dwt. Maltese-flagged cargo M/V Teklivka, Turkey for Port Said with containers -- sank in strong winds & high waves 75km from Port Said in N. Egypt. Malta Maritime Authority investigating -- 3 crew missing, 1 dead & 15 rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006)

Last week the roro-ferry M/V Aratere struck by a severe storm in Cook Strait between the 2 main islands of New Zealand. Waves with a height of more than 12mt. led to severe cargo damage. Passengers were hurt when falling. Cars, trailers & trucks were torn lose & slid over the cargo decks. M/V Aratere made port of Pincton 5 hours late. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006)

Star Shipping M/V Star Oshimana collided with an entrance to a lock whilst departing the port of Antwerp March 11 -- suffered a three by 2.5 meter gash in the forward part of the vessel and is undergoing repairs in Antwerp. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. March 26 2006)

1,500gt. Belgian-owned M/V Sesam, with 6 Russian crew -- drifted 9 miles off coast of Millisle, County Down, after developing engine trouble -- force 8 SE wind -- Irish Lights vessel, M/V Granuaille, towed vessel into Belfast Lough. From our Correspondent A L Griffiths (Mon. March 13 2006)

U.S. F/V Slayer issued a mayday call in Southeast Alaska.At 6:45 a.m. personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Juneau heard a mayday call on channel 16 stating "Going down, two hands on board Point Gardner." On scene conditions at the time of incident included 35-40 knot winds, 8 to 12 foot seas, &40 degree F. water temperature.U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Anacapa, based out of Petersburg, and an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Sitka were searching the Chatham Strait & Frederick Sound area. U.S. 58ft. F/V Aleutian Dream assisting in search. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006) UPDATE>> The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended search. (Tues. March 14 2006)

German coaster M/V Martha Hammann arrived in German port Travemünde Mar 11 with a list to port, after deck cargo of crane parts shifted in the Baltic -- now safely berthed so that the cargo which is hanging over port side can be fixed again. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Martha Haman left the port of Travemuende where crew had fixed the shifted deck cargo on Mar 13 & resumed her voyage. In the morning hours she entered the Kiel Canal with destination Vlissingen. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 14 2006)

UK-flagged 3,953-gt passenger ro/ro ferry M/V Red Falcon (built 1994), operating between Southampton and East Cowes on the Isle of Wight -- crashed into a pier March 10, at Southampton, causing pile-up of cars on ferry & leaving her unable to unload vehicles. The ro-ro ferry approached the pier at too high a speed to avoid collision -- too fast & crashed into the dock so hard that all the cars on board crashed into each other. Call 911 to the body shop! Ferry has taken a big chunk out of the pier & there are some very unhappy people. Do you think? No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 13 2006)

M/V Prem, departing Cebu City's main harbor March 11with 17,000 sacks of rice -- in collision with -- incoming cargo ship M/V Mijara. M/V Prem's 22 officers & crew jumped into the sea & were quickly rescued by a coast guard boat. M/V Prem sank. (Sun. March 12 2006)

Russian F/V Diamant (homeport of Petrovpalovsk-Kamchatsky) sank in the Sea of Okhotsk near Kamchatka Peninsula March 11, because of a hole in the hull due to drifting ice floes. All 45 people abroad ship escaped on 4 rescue rafts and were picked up by the trawlers F/V Arctic Leader & F/V Granit. (Sun. March 12 2006)

Cosco 5,594gt. M/V Jiang Ning Guan, with 5,300 tons of potassium -- grounded on her way of entering Hai Phong Port's Bach Dang wharf early on March 10, due to foggy weather. (Sat. March 11 2006)

6,000gt. Malta flag M/V TK Barcelona & 6,500gt. Cambodian flag. M/V Ibragim R. bay, both could not get afloat from banks March 10, after a strong gale pushed them aground in the area of Cape Doob & the area of Kabardinka, respectively. The Novorossiisk port has not received requests for assistance from the motor ships. A total of 43 crewmembers remain on the ships -- continuing strong gale with gusts of up to 18 meters per second interferes with evacuating people and inspecting the state of the ships' bottoms. The motor ships are without cargo. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 11 2006)

Red Funnel's<< Webfeature, ferry M/V Red Falcon, Cowes to Southampton with 160 passengers, in collision with auto ramp while docking in Southampton on March 10 -- 9 injured -- 1 crew seriously injured. Vessel's bow doors damaged. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat. March 11 2006)

UK F/V Our Heritage FR 237, passage from Oban to fishing grounds off Coll -- issued mayday March 10 -- in difficulty at Calf Island in the Sound of Mull & that 3 crew on board were getting into a liferaft. Crew made it ashore -- semi submerged vessel has 6000 liters of light fuel on board From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 11 2006)

Malta-flagged container M/V Jimilta II -- ran aground after engine blackout on the river Elbe while carrying 39,000 tons grain on Mar 9 short past midnight. Ship stuck fast off Finkenwerder. After having got free it was berthed there at pilings & not allowed to leave port of Hamburg until repairs were carried out. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 11 2006)

195 mt. Liberia-flagged cargo M/V Cap Nelson -- ran aground with the stern in Port of Hamburg on the Norderelbe while being turned around by tugs on Mar 8 at 8 p.m. Ship returned to the quay, rudder damage found. Ship not allowd to leave port until being repaired. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 11 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

05 March 2006 at 0605 LT in position 03:01.5S - 107:18.5E, Gelasa straits, Indonesia. Six masked pirates with long knives in speedboat approached a container ship underway. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Pirates aborted attempt & moved away. (Sat. March 11 2006)

05 March 2006 at 0345 LT at Chittagong 'C' anchorage, Bangladesh -- 4 country boats approached container ship. Two boats came close to port side --12 pirates boarded at port side & 2 boats approached at stern. Robbers threatened duty A/B & tried to break into storerooms. Crew mustered & robbers escaped. Port control & coast guard informed.   (Sat. March 11 2006)

04 March 2006 at 2340 LT at Chittagong 'C' anchorage, Bangladesh -- 12 pirates attempted to board container ship at port side -- threatened duty A/B who raised alarm. Crew mustered & robbers escaped in 2 country boats. (Sat. March 11 2006)

04 March 2006 during early morning, at anchorage off Talara, Peru -- 7 armed pirates boarded product tanker -- held the master & crew at gunpoint. Stole cash, equipment & personal belongings of crew & escaped. (Sat. March 11 2006)

02 March 2006 at 2155 LT in position 00:54.31N - 105:53.18E, Indonesia -- pirates in fishing crafts attempted to board large motor yacht underway. First craft approached at port bow on collision course & the 2nd approached at stern. Skipper took evasive maneuvers & increased speed and boarding was averted. (Sat. March 11 2006)

01 March 2006 at 2245 LT off Tioman islands, Malaysia. Pirates boarded yacht & stole cash, personal belongings & other portable items. Police arrested 3 suspects & have recovered some of the stolen items. Suspects are under investigation and soon will be charged in the court. (Sat. March 11 2006)

28 Feb. 2006 at 0330 LT at samarinda anchorage, indonesia. Pirates boarded bulk carrier -- broke storeroom locks & attempted to steal ship's stores & property. Alert crew foiled attempt. (Sat. March 11 2006)

27.02.2006 at 0255 LT in position 03:12S - 116:20E, North Pulau Laut outer anchorage, Indonesia -- 3 pirates armed with guns & knives boarded bulk carrier via anchor chain -- took hostage a watchman at gunpoint & forced him to lie down on deck. Robbers stole ship's stores & property -- escaped. (Sat. March 11 2006)

21 Feb. 2006 at 2000 LT off Tioman islands, Malaysia -- pirates boarded yacht & stole cash, personal belongings. Local police arrested 3 suspects & recovered some of the stolen items.  Suspects under investigation & soon will be charged in the court. (Sat. March 11 2006)

17 Feb. 2006 at 2055 LT at Chittagong 'C' anchorage, Bangladesh -- 10 pirates armed with long knives, rods & battens boarded container ship -- took hostage a duty crew, assaulted him, tied him & threatened him with a long knife at his neck. D/o raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers broke into forward locker, stole ship's stores &escaped. Coast guard & port control informed and next day coast guard came for investigation. (Sat. March 11 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

She Floats>> M/V APL Panama -- beached since Christmas Day 2005 -- floated away from the Mexican beach at 4:41 a.m. March 10!!! M/V APL Panama is now 2 miles offshore in rough seas, held in place by Crowley tugs at her bow & stern. Mexican Navy vessels & helicopters remain nearby, as does a containment vessel to pick up any possible oil spills. Dredger Francesco di Giorgio, up from Nicaragua to dig a channel near M/V APL Panama after repeated attempts to pull her free with tugboats and other equipment failed. Now divers representing such diverse groups as the vessel owners, the insurance companies and the Mexican government are carefully checking the hull for damage. With most all the cargo having been air-lifted or craned off -- the question now is what toll may have been taken, if any, by this massive tonnage sitting on hard ground. Either way -- now the lawsuits will begin. Congratulations Titan! (Fri. Mar. 102006) BREAKING NEWS & Incredible Photos

M/V SuperFerry 12 with 639 passengers &145 crew 12 -- suffered fire en route to Cebu from Manila at noon -- vessel able to limp toward Cebu port at about 8 p.m. March 9 night. Arson suspects in custody. (Thurs. March 9 2006) IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE- - SUPER LOSS<< Webfeature. (Thurs. March 9 2006)

7,680gt Dutch container M/V Merwedestroom -- crashed into a gate of the locks when entering Brunsbuettel locks of Kiel-Canal at 10.40 p.m. March 8. The amount of damage not yet known -- feedership has just been delivered by Acer Tulcea S.A. in Romania in 2005. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 9 2006)

M/T Pandio --ran aground Mar 4 off Holmsund, Sweden, was towed free by the icebreaker M/V Ymer & tug M/VKronö on Mar 5. Before the it had lightered 600 tons of its cargo of Bitumen to sistership M/T Alcedo". After having been refloated M/T Pandion entered Holmsund under own power assisted by icebreaker & was safely berthed there. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. March 9 2006)

Philippines M/V Super Ferry 12, with 600 passengers -- suffered fire en route to Cebu from Manila. M/V SuperFerry 12 now in anchorage near chocolate island off Daanbantayan, which is 60 NM from the port of Cebu. All safe. M/V SuperFerry 12 reported due to arrive in Cebu 5 p.m. from Manila. (Thurs. March 9 2006)

U.S. 44ft. F/V Lady Ann -- issued distress call -- taking on water after collision with the 633ft. Turkish-flagged freighter M/V Barbaros Kiran. U.S. Coast Guard & U.S. Marine Corps both scrambled air units --- crew taken to New Hanover Hospital, in Wilmington, N.C., reported in good condition. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 8 2006)

40ft F/V Calon Mor -- abandoned ship and had gone on board a life raft -- Skipper Andrew Jenkins killed in waters off Skokholm island Pembrokeshire on March 4, following entanglement of leg in lobster pot line, pulling him into sea with pot string. RAF Sea King helicpter from RAF Chivenor, Devon - airlifted to hospital at Withybush, Haverford west but did not survive. From our Correspondent A.W. Griffiths (Wed. March 8 2006)

UK F/V Ocean Harvest 2 -- put out a mayday on VHFchannel 16 (international distress and calling frequency)in heavy fog to the coastguard after vessel caught fire March 7, & they abandondoned to a liferaft. Irish Coastguard rescue helicopter 'R116' has been requested to scramble and the Kilkenny & Clogerhead RNLI lifeboats were requested to launch. Helicopter 'R116' from Dublin has successfully rescued the 5 fishermen from liferaft. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 8 2006)

Bulkcarrier M/V Vertigo -- berthed at Szczecin on March 5 after collision. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. March 8 2006)

Indian M/V Bhaktisagar, Porbandar for Dubai via Somalia, has been hijacked by pirates between Feb 23 & 24 in the Somalian waters along with its 22 crew members including Capt. Razzak Isak. Hijackers have demanded a ransom of Rs 4 lakh for its release. Earlier this week, the US .Navy rescued a 3,000-ton cargo ship which was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The wave of attacks has badly shaken merchant shipping in the region, which relies heavily on international trade routes that snake along Somalia's coastline - the longest of any African country. (Tues. March 2006)

UK F/V Ocean Harvest 2 -- put out mayday on VHFchannel 16 (Int'l distress & calling frequency) to UK Coastguard after their vessel caught fire and they had to abandon to liferaft. Belfast Irish Coastguard said: We are pleased that the 5men have been successfully rescued. (Tues. March 2006)

Swedish asphalt M/T Pandion (built 2003 at Shanghai), with 6 000 cubic meters of bitumen, a heavy oil product used as a binder in asphalt -- double hulled vessel chartered by Nynas ran aground Mar. 4 near the harbor in Holmsund, east of Umeå, Sweden. So far the attempts to salvage vessel have not been successful. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 2006)

18,060gt Swedish ferry M/V Götaland (built 1973) , Trelleborg for German port of Travemünde -- suffered fire on Mar 2 in Trelleborg, Sweden -- fire in engine room led to dense fume -- fought by firefighters from Hyllie, Svedala & Vellinge. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. March 2006)

52,997gt Liberia flag, crude M/T Grigoroussa I (built 1987) - traveling S. from the Mediterranean, had technical failure & drifted before hitting a quay Feb. 27 on Suez Canal's western bank. Approximately 3,000 of the 58,000 tons of heavy fuel the tanker was carrying towards the Red Sea leaked into Suez Canal waters. Tugs pulled tanker in order not to block traffic while an environment ministry taskforce started work to contain the slick. Lloyd's Standard Form contract has been signed with Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature. Reported March 6. Tug M/V Megas Alexandros proceeding from Piraeus, ETA at casualty site Mar 5, due on scene at that time and we are currenly trying to find a suitable tanker that will be able to take on board the cargo. - Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature. (Mon. March 6 2006)

Indian registered M/V Fateh Samant BDL-17-- had set sail from Sharjah harbor with 11 Indian crew & 2 Slovakian reporters of "Slovak Television JOJ" for Mumbai on Feb. 20 -- filming a documentary on Indian traditional navigation & lifestyle of crew on-board, when the ship developed a technical snag in mid-sea. Engine broke down and the vessel started drifting. SOS & May Day calls went unanswered -- then reporters contacted their Slovakian Editor over satellite phone for help. When the details of the ship which was in distress for the last 9 days were given to the Indian Coast Guard<< Webfeature, by the Slovakian authorities, they found that ship was in Pakistani waters. Indian Coast Guard then alerted Pakistani authorities who located the drifting vessel & towed her to the Int'l Maritime Boundary Line & handed them to the Indian Coast Guard. (Mon. March 6 2006)

Australian yachtswoman Dominique Courteille, 57 from Perth, drank her own urine to survive 5 days at sea without food or water after being swept out to sea in a dinghy from a Thai island -- had been living on her yacht at a Phuket marina for the past 18 months -- was feared drowned after vanishing as she rowed the dinghy back to her yacht after a night ashore on Lipe Island near Phuket -- she waved an oar to try to attract attention of passing ships as carried farther & farther out to sea until fishing boat spotted her on March 6. (Mon. March 6 2006)

3,464gt M/V Runner 4 with aluminium sank night of Mar 6 after stern on collision with Malta-flagged cargo M/V Svyatitel Apostol Andrey (built 1976) 45km off Finish coast. Collision was close to the island of Vainlo, near the

lighthouse of Vaindloo<< Webfeature, in the Gulf of Finland<< Webfeature. Both vessels were in ice convoy outbounding St. Petersburg. Russian icebreaker rescued her crew of 14. The other ship suffered only minor damage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 6 2006)

M/V Britian -- lifeboat drill at Seattle, Terminal 18 on March 5 -- resulted in capsized lifeboat -- 2 crew returned to ship -- 1 taken to the hospital & 1 dead. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 6 2006)

Heavy lift cargo M/V Tracer ran into troubles off Spain. The ship departed Spanish port of BilbaoMarch 4. bound for Lobito with a cargo of steel chains. In bad weather her cargo shifted -- ship developped a strong list to starboard -- forced to enter Gijon for shelter where she berthed Mar 5. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 6 2006)

72ft. F/V Alexander spotted in very shallow water near Cape Lookout, N.C. -- vessel's crewmembers were not responding to radio calls on March 2. Rescue helicopter from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point & towboat M/V US joined Station Fort Macon in the search. U.S. Coast Guard Station Fort Macon crewmembers transferred dewatering pump over to F/V Alexander. The single pump alone could not keep up with the water intake rate. The Marine Corps helicopter lowered a 2nd dewatering pump to F/V Alexander & remained on scene until both vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. March 6 2006)

Royal Caribbean's M/V Explorer of the Seas -- on her February 26-March 5 which made stops in Belize, Mexico's Yucatan & Cayman Islands -- suffered illness -- 243 of the ship's 3,252 guests & 19 of its 1,184 crew experienced the illness -- thought to be a Norovirus<< Webfeature, brought onboard by a guest previously exposed. (Sun. March 5 2006)

Container M/V Zim Mexico suffered accident in Mobile Bay, Alabama, March 2 -- container gantry collapse -- 1 confirmed dead -- 2-foot gash in vessel bow. See our "Singles" feature short. (Sun. March 5 2006)

Spanish yacht S/Y Movistar, in Volvo Ocean Race<< Webfeature, in danger of sinking 100 miles off Cape Horn, March 2 -- had suffered gashes in some plating of the keel, & large amounts of water spilt into the boat while crew was asleep. Danish skipper sent emails that the ship sinking. Australien Chris Nicholson dived into the depths of the boat, in which the water was floating already high, & succeeded in re-starting high-pressure-pumps which had failed to work before. Thus it was possible to pump water out of the ship & head to Argentine port of Ushuaia for repairs. << Webfeature, From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 4 2006)

M/V ZIM Mexico III, chartered by Israel-based ZIM Lines, hit the crane at Mobile Alabama Docks11:30 a.m. March 2. The 534-foot-long ship was turning in the river when her bow struck the crane, which was not in use at the time. Two electricians, both employees of Gulf Electric Co. Inc. of Mobile, were installing a device on the crane when it was hit - 1 dead. The electrician who died, identified by police as 46-year-old Shawn David Jacobs of Mobile, could not immediately be retrieved from the wreckage. Rescue workers removed the body about 5 p.m. M/V ZIM Mexico III had arrived in Mobile from Kingston, Jamaica, carrying general cargo, M/V ZIM Mexico III had been unloaded & scheduled to leave Mobile, bound for Houston, on March 1, but was delayed by fog. (Sat. March 4 2006) See Our Photo Feature

24,942-gt Indian bulker M/V Protector -- received damage to bulbous bow March 2, when ship suddenly altered course while proceeding down the channel & rammed steel pile jetty alongside the MIPS (P&O Ports) container terminal at Port of Maputo in Mozambique -- report suggests ship's rudder jammed shortly after vessel got underway & heading down the river out of Maputo harbor. Section of the steelwork has crumpled & collapsed with a large volume of backfill slipping into the harbor. One estimate suggested that 50,000 cubic meters of backfill had collapsed into the harbor. << Webfeature, From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 4 2006)

54,120gt French oil products M/T Tugen (built 1999) -- has arrived in Durban , South Africa, Mar. 2, under tow after being grounded on the West coast of Madagascar. Propeller blades are badly bent & will need extensive repair and the rudder, which was initially lost in grounding but later recovered by the dive team, will be repaired & refitted with a new stock. While on the dock an examination of possible damage to ship's hull will also be made. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. March 4 2006)

Dutch-Antilles flag cargo M/V Sofia -- in collision March 3 -- with Russian cargo M/V Kolguev -- in the Kiel Canal. Both ships touched each other in passing point Fischerhuette while M/V Sofi was on the way to the Northsea and M/V Kolguev heading towards the Baltic coming from Brunsbuettel. Both ships sustained only minor damage and were able to continue their voyages. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

M/V Lydia suffered rudder failure when passing Kiel Canal from Brunsbuettel to Kiel shortly after entering the canal on March 2 -- ship then hit barge at the so-called "Bahnhofsdalben" (railway station pilings) in Brunsbuettel which was towed by a Dutch tug. M/V Lydia continued her voyage shortly after incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

8,300gt Danish tank M/T Otilia -- in collision March 2 -- with the Northern lock of Bremerhaven when trying to enter it without help of tugs. The ship smashed into the quay with its bow and was damaged. Lock itself remained in operating status. Damage to M/T Otilia will have to be repaired before the ship may continue voyage. Damage to pier minor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

M/V Chunyeon, from Korea (ROK) , with with 6,100 tons coal & 16 crew -- encountered heavy storms in East China Sea on Feb 27, near the estuary of Minjiang River -- Mayday -- Donghai Rescue Bureau immediately launched the rescue operation when receiving the ship's signals for help -- all safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

Swiss registered M/V Kathrin -- ran aground off Kent & docked later in Hull remanded in custody by Scunthorpe Magistrates 28 Feb. 2006 after her Master pleading guilty to being 4 times over the legal drink drive limit whilst in charge of a ship. Ten minutes after narrowly missing the East Goodwin Light Vessel, M/V Kathrin ran aground on the Goodwin Sands. M/V Kathrin remained aground for 20 minutes before re-floating herself & re-commencing its passage to the north of England. Dover Coastguard was not contacted at any time during this incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

Dutch tug M/V Aquarius -- in collisionn on Dutch river Scheldt close to the Sas van Gent-Bridge with -- inland water craft M/V Monica night of Feb 27 -- tug M/V Hendrik 4 on scene shortly afterwards &towed M/V Monica to the shipyard in Sluiskil. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

HMS Grimsby<< Webfeature, struck side of a fjord north of Bergen. None of the 35 crew injured in night of Feb 27, but there was flooding on board after a fresh water tank burst. HMS Grimsby, launched in 1998, was 3rd in the line of four ships navigating inshore waters 90 miles off the southwest. The ship was taking part in training along with Royal Marines units. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

MAJOR CONTAINER LOSSES Feb. 25>> 5,762 teu container M/V CMA CGM Verdi had problems & reached Southampton with several containers hanging over its side -- 250 containers lost overside -- 77 40-ft-boxes were completely lost off Cape Finisterre, 55 more severely damaged. One day later fate struck almost brand new 8,488 teu container M/V CMA CGM Otello (built 2005) -- she reached the French port Le Havre coming from Asia via the Biscay after the loss of 50 containers & 30 more severely damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

Container M/V MSC Selin aground on the port side of the entrance to the Dar es Salaam Feb. 25 -- bow out of water on the beach -- water being pumped out of hawser outlets on fore deck. Maybe trying to empty fore bilges. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

2,820gt Dutch M/V Grachtenborg (built 1997) waiting at the passing point Schwartenbek with other ships for a convoy coming from Kiel-Holtenau with direction Brunsbuettel in the Kiel Canal on Feb. 25 -- in collision --with 2,397gt. M/V Marietje Benta. M/V Grachtenborg hit almost frontal from starboard side -- suffered gash at bow a little bit above the water line -- temporarily patched. Bows of both ships severely damaged & to bereplaced. The damage estimated to be more than Euro$1M. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

Indian warship INS Magar<< Webfeature, suffered fire that killed 3 sailors & injured 19 -- broke out on the evening of Feb. 22, as she was dumping live expired missiles off Visakhapattanam coast. INS Magar reaching the end of operations to dump explosives when one of remaining 4 to 5 missile boxes went off. The victims were immediately airlifted & rushed to Kalyani hospital and the naval base. Vessel suffered no major damage &returned safely to harbor on her own. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

General cargp M/V Maine, Ukraine for Volos, with scrap iron & 14 crew, stranded in shallow waters at Moudros Bay, Lemnos, on Feb 7. Crew rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri March 3 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

26 FEB. 2006 at 1300 LT 8nm off Bonny fairway buoy, Nigeria. Four pirates armed with AK-47 rifles in a black zodiac rubber dinghy with outboard motor attempted to board a supply ship underway. Master informed bonny signal station who in turn contacted the navy. (Fri March 3 2006)

26 FEB. 2006 at 0530 UTC in position 02:13N - 045:55E, off Mogadishu, Somalia. Pirates armed with guns in 2 speedboats boarded a wooden dhow underway. They hijacked the dhow and are holding the 25 crew hostage. (Fri March 3 2006)

23 FEB. 2006 at 1930 LT at Callao anchorage, Peru. Pirates boarded a bulk carrier - stole 2 life rafts & ship's stores & escaped. (Fri March 3 2006)

23 FEB. 2006 at 1025 LT in position 01:32.5S - 116:58.5E, off Balikpapan, Indonesia -- 2 craft chased a bulk carrier underway. Master raised alarm, took evasive maneuvers & crew mustered -- crafts moved away. (Fri March 3 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Indian M/V Bhakti Sagar, with 25 crew, S. port of Kismayo for El-Maan, 35km from the lawless capital Mogadishu on Feb. 26 -- hijacked by armed pirates off Somalia's coast Feb. 27 -- fate of crew unknown. (Tues. Feb. 28 2006)

Liberian-flagged M/T Grigoroussa 1, Mediterranean to Red Sea with 58,000 tons of heavy fuel , hit western bank of the Suez Canal Feb. 27, spilling 3,000 tons of oil into water. Failure in steering gear caused ship to ram into canal, leading to spill. About 7.5% of world sea trade passes through canal, which is 120 miles long & at its narrowest 120 yards wide. (Tues. Feb. 28 2006)

Pirates had a field day with mechanical & electrical equipment from 2 out-of-order tugboats M/V Jawa & M/V Jawa Bosar anchored off the coast of the Arabian Sea near Manora Island. On Feb 24, 4 masked men robbed the 2 tugs -- took the guards stationed at tugboats hostage & loaded booty into their boats. Pirates took away motors, some tools, copper & scrap. Police said tugs being repaired & had been out of order for 6 months. (Mon. Feb. 27 2006)

2,820gt., 89mt. M/V Grachtenborg, for Kubikenborg, Sweden -- waiting at the passing point Schwartenbek with other ships for a convoi coming from Kiel-Holtenau with direction Brunsbuettel in the Kiel Canal -- in frontal collision with -- 2,397gt., 82mt. M/V Marietje Benta. M/V Marietje Benta which was delivered to its owners only on Dec 29, 2005, hit with its port side bow. Both bows were crushed. A gash right across M/V Grachtenborgs bow a little bit above the water line was temporarily patched. The ships were only allowed to proceed to Kiel for further inspections by the police which took place Feb 26. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 27 2006)

General cargo M/V Maine (built 1981), Ukraine for Volos, with cargo scrap iron & 14 crew, stranded in shallow waters at Moudros Bay, Lemnos, on Feb 7. All crew rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 27 2006)

Cargo M/V Vita -- which grounded off Ystad was pulled free Feb 25 after being lightered by M/V Elisabeth Hoj & tug M/V Asterix. After an underwater survey by divers she may resume her voyage to Seaham, UK. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 27 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Vita in the south of Sweden with 3,000 ton fertilizer(Urea) & 10 crew was even closer to the beach than the M/V APL Panama , about 60 meters from the rocks. From our Correspondent Anders Jannesson -Master Mariner/Pilot (Fri. Mar. 3 2006)

Vessel Loss Dispatches For Feb. 2006

"Scheldt Snafu!" - M/V Grande Nigeria - Feb. 2006 because Ship Happens©

Have you seen "DHL Meets JAL at LHR"? You should!

Have you seen "Split Personality For M/V Twin Star(s)"? You should!

Do You Read The Cargo Letter? You Should!

Electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) registered to F/V Northern Dawn, located on the Bering Sea side (western side)of Dutch Harbor Feb. 23 -- had been reported missing. U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCGC Alex Haley diverted to scene Feb. 23 -- after beginning search crews located small debris field containing some fishing gear. During a shoreline search U.S Coast Guard crew located life ring & an EPIRB labeled "F/V Northern Dawn, Unalaska". From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 27 2006)

Sweden Flag Ro-Ro Cargo M/V TOR Flandria (built 1981) in collision Feb. 24, with the Northern bridge of the western-lock at Terneuzen (NL). She was under way to Gent (Belgium), loaded with car parts for the Volvo Factory there. Capt., present on the bridge found himself trapped and had to be cut free by the fire brigade. Later he was rushed to the hospital for further treatment. The Northern bridge was seriously damaged. M/V TOR Flandria left lock at 17.00 hours & able to sail to the Port of Gent on her own. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 27 2006)

Ro/ro carrier M/V TOR Flandria in collision with Northern bridge of the western-lock at Terneuzen (NL) Feb. 25. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

M/V APL Panama -- Latest>> APL said Feb. 22 that 621 containers have been removed from the 4,038-TEU M/V APL Panama, which remains grounded near the approach of the Mexican port of Ensenada, 2 months after it ran aground Dec. 25. The Singaporean carrier said there appears to be no cargo damageand that reefer containers continue to be powered by a generator. "The salvors intend to remove most of the containers from the ship, however this may be subject to operational limitations. We will continue to notify customers as containers become available for pickup. Containers are being discharged exclusively to assist in recovery efforts; therefore we can't identify in advance which will be available for pickup," APL said. "We continue to urge you to make arrangements with your cargo underwriters to post security for your cargo. This is particularly important if you have been advised your cargo has been discharged from the ship. Secure storage space for containers ashore is limited, and we cannot deliver or on-carry your cargo unless security has been posted." APL also said that preparations are being made to remove a sand buildup from the starboard side of the ship that has hampered previous recovery attempts. Additional attempts to refloat the vessel will be made near the end of Feb. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006) BREAKING NEWS & Incredible Photos The latest news is at the site

Dar es Salaam>> Large container carrier aground on the port side of the entrance to the Dar habor area. Forward control bridge, with containers stacked up aft. Large gantry affair amidships of the vessel. The hull< black, topsides white, and large letters M S C painted in the center section of the hull. Nose bulge out of the water on the beach (Tide out) and water being pumped out of the hawser outlets on the fore deck. Maybe trying to empty fore bilges. From Servng Military -- Persian Gulf. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

20 Feb. 2006 at 1920 UTC in position 05:56.3S - 106:06.8E, Pt Cilegon Fabricators jetty, West Java, Indonesia. Pirates in motorboat boarded a RO-RO ship by using a hook attached to a rope -- entered engine room & tied up duty crew. Stole engine spares and escaped in their boat. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

19 Feb. 2006 at 1930 LT at anchorage 'B', Chittagong roads, Bangladesh -- 5 pirates in a boat pretending to have engine trouble approached a multipurpose ship. Three robbers armed with wooden battens boarded the ship from stern using boat hooks -- assaulted duty crew & stole ship's stores -- escaped. Port authorities informed who despatched coast guard to look for robbers. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

19 Feb. 2006 at 0400 LT in position 27:33.7N - 33:47.0E, Endeavour harbour, Tawila Island, Red Sea -- 5 pirates in 6mt. blue colored fishing boat boarded yacht at anchor. Alert skipper confronted the robbers who were lowering an outboard motor. Robbers threatened the skipper with a boat hook and left in a north easterly direction with the outboard motor. Incident reported to Abu Tig marina. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

18 Feb. 2006 at 0700 UTC in position 14:24.0N - 051:43.6E, Gulf of Aden. Six speedboats doing 20 knots surrounded chemical tanker underway. Master altered course, increased speed, raised alarm & crew mustered. Three more speedboats joined the group. Crew activated fire hoses at both sides & stood by with rocket flares. Master took evasive maneuvers and boats moved away. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

18 Feb. 2006 at 0430 UTC in position 13:39N - 049:18E, Gulf of Aden. Four crafts doing 21 knots surrounded container ship underway. Crafts came within 0.6 NM and crossed the bow & stern of the ship. Ship raised alarm, sounded whistle and took evasive maneuvers. After 30 mins crafts moved away. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

13 Feb. 2006 at 0430 LT in position 06:04.0S - 106:53.6E, Tg. Priok anchorage, Indonesia. Seven pirates boarded a container ship & tried to enter engine room. Duty engineer raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard & escaped. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

13 Feb. 2006 at 0415 LT at off San Pedro, Ivory Coast. Six boats with more than 15 pirates tried to board bulk carrier at anchorage by using hooks & ropes at the stern and near No. 1 hatch port side.  Boarding averted by quick response of ships crew. No assistance from port control was offered. Eight pirates managed to get into steering flat through rudder trunking -- subsequently handed over to local police. (Sat. Feb. 25 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

1,707gt. Malta-flag, 73mt. container M/V Elvita -- ran into the South Embankment of the Kiel Canal close to Rendsburg but came free with own power. Traffic on canal not affected by grounding. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 23 2006)

Container M/V Mekong Cordelia suffered overside containers on voyage #0554, Da Nang for Le Havre with arrival on Dec. 5 2006 -- details reqiested. From our Correspondent Alan Maggs (Wed. Feb. 22 2006)

Antigua-flagged cargo M/V, with 33.000 tons fertilizer & 100 crew ran aground in the night of Feb 22 off the Swedish coast near Ystad -- stuck fast 25mt. off the coast. The captain from Letland was arrested as he was drunk. The ship was carrying 33.000 tons fertilizer. The crew of 10 was not hurt. He may have been heading for Ensenada! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 22 2006)

M/T Norgas Traveller suffered engine failure into the Brunsbuettel locks of the Kiel Canal -- allowed to proceed further to its destination Antwerp in the night of Feb 22. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 22 2006)

On Feb 21 the "black box" of M/V Al Salam Boccaccio 98 raised from a depth of 800 m in the Red Sea -- taken to London for inspections.Follow our story of M/V Al-Salam Boccaccio 98 -- 1,000 dead in Red Sea. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 22 2006)

UK M/V MSV Seawell suffered crew death, about 100 miles E. of Aberdeen -- incident happened during a "routine" wireline operation - where tools are moved in and out of wells. From our Correspondent AL Griffiths (Wed. Feb. 22 2006)

General cargo M/V Alessia (IMO 9190365), German port Brake for Haifa, Israel, developed serious list to port Feb 20. The cargo of girders was dismantled by heavy weather. French tug M/V Abeille Bourbon escorted ship to Brest -- ship now safely berthed there. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

6684gt. Singapore-flagged tank M/V Norgas Traveller (IMO-NO: 8026012) -- in collision -- with northern gate of the Brunsbuettel Locks of Kiel Canal. on Feb. 20 Ship had suffered engine failure before & crashed into the gate >> then at 8.30 p.m. two tugs pulled the vessel to safety. (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

1,522gt. German inland M/T Eiltank 5, homeport Dusiburg -- ran aground on the river Rhine after suffering a rudder failure -- then drifted to the left side of the Rhine were it stuck fast close to the bunker station Lobith. Dutch tugs M/ V En Avant & M/V En Avant II pulled the ship free some time later & towed her to a nearby yard for inspections. ship stern first out of the lock and secured her at the so-called railway pilings in Brunsbuettel. M/V Norgas Traveller had a gash in the hull beneath the port anchor. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

Dutch tug M/V Gerrit, owned by de Treffers from Haarlem, sank in front of a slipway where the ship had to undergo some inspections. A sheerleg raised the wreck and finally put it on the slipway, but now its seems that more than mere inspection works have to be done as only parts of the ship's bridge had remained above the water when it had capsized. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

1,522gt. German inland M/T Eiltank 5, homeport Dusiburg -- ran aground on the river Rhine after suffering a rudder failure -- then drifted to the left side of the Rhine were it stuck fast close to the bunker station Lobith. Dutch tugs M/ V En Avant & M/V En Avant II pulled the ship free some time later & towed her to a nearby yard for inspections. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

95,683gt Norwegian 274mt. LNG tanker M/T Hoegh Gandria (delivered 1977), with ammonia -- suffered engineroom flood about Feb. 4 -- salvage team deployed to dewater engine room & preserve machinery by SMIT Singapore & completed operation Feb. 14. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

Sevilla-based tug M/V Tarifawas raised by the Dutch salvage company GPS Marine Services from Sliedrecht together with Seasalvage, Cartagena, in the harbor of Santa Cruz, Tenerife. The ship had sunk while assisting a ferry which had broken lose from its moorings in a storm. Wreck was raised by sheerleg vessel M/V GPS Atlas. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 21 2006)

26ft. F/V Hadriane ran aground on Champaign Island near Hereford Inlet at about 9 p.m on Feb 17 -- taking 8ft. waves over the stern. U.S. Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopter arrived on scene, the rescue swimmer was lowered to the boat and assisted the 2 cold & wet fishermen into the rescue basket. . From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 20 2006)

36ft. S/Y Wahinema issued Mayday signal approximately 640 miles west of the Cape Verde islands, Feb. 17. Couple on the yacht are a retired British couple from Leicester who have been sailing around the world for the last 4 years in their catamaran. Bahamas Flag merchant M/V Castillo de San Pedro diverted & recovered the British couple who set out from Cape Verde Islands, 7 days ago bound for Trinidad. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 202006)

UK standby vessel M/V Putford Trader reporting a fire on the gas storage facility Platform 47/3B which is in a position 25 miles SE of Flamborough Head -- 16 have been evacuated to another platform, 9 to the standby vessel M/V Putford Trader with 31 remaining on 47/3B & 2 others are being evacuated to Humberside Royal Infirmary. Fire is reported now extinguished. UK Humber Coastguard have requested the scramble of three helicopters, R128 from RAF Leconfield and R126 and R125 from RAF Wattisham. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 202006)

Panamanian flag 1,450gt. M/V Willow, Immingham, UK for Romaniawith petroleum coke reports ship's cook was missing Feb. 16 -- presumed overboard. (Mon. Feb. 202006)

HSS Stena Explorer<< Webfeature, (capacity 400 passengers) hit an object as it came into dock in Holyhead on Feb 16 -- holed below water line. No-one hurt & vessel docked safely. Stena Line said the ship will be out of operation for 2 weeks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 202006)

68ft. F/V Miss Caroline, with 3 crew -- abandoned ship night of Feb 15 fearing the vessel was going to sink after she lost power & began taking on water 15 miles SW of Montauk Point Lighthouse -- all rescued by the nearby F/V Galaxy within minutes of entering the water. U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod responded Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Bainbridge Island<< Webfeature, on scene to monitor the situation. F/V Miss Caroline capsized. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 202006)

Tanker Warning>> Militants who kidnapped 9 foreign oil workers in attacks that have forced a 20% cut in Nigerian crude exports vowed Feb. 19, to escalate the violence, threatening for the first time to fire rockets at Int'l oil tankers. While the military said tankers in Nigerian waters were safe, the country is reeling from militant attacks that blasted oil & gas pipelines Feb. 18, that damaged a key oil loading terminal and that halted the flow of more than 500,000 barrels a day. Nigeria is Africa's leading oil exporter and the United States' 5th-largest supplier, usually exporting 2.5 million barrels daily. (Mon.. Feb. 20 2006)

Beached M/V China Sea Explorer-- suffered fire Feb. 19, at Alang, India, the world's largest shipbreaking yard -- as 4 workers remain missing, with 9 critically injured. (Mon.. Feb. 20 2006)

USS Essex (LHD 2)<< Webfeature, & USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49)<< Webfeature, See Also<< Webfeature, expected to reach Southern Leyte province today after being diverted from joint exercises with Philippine troops -- to attend over 2,000 people missing & feared dead after the mudslide virtually wiped away the farming village of Guinsaugon on Leyte island, 670km (420 miles) SE of Manila. The two ships have the capability to transport 17 helicopters, 1,000 Marines, thousands of gallons of water-purification equipment, generators & blankets. U.S. government also has donated US$100,000 (euro83,000) worth of disaster equipment to the Philippine Red Cross, & thousands of blankets, jugs of water & plastic sheeting. We hope for a miracle. (Sun.. Feb. 19 2006)

Panamanian freighter M/V Hengda 1, with aquatic products for Indonesia & 37 crew -- struck reef & sank in Beaufort Scale 8 to 10, near Dongjia island, Fujian Province, Feb. 17. All aboad cast off -- 2 survivors, 4 bodies & 31 missing. A fishing boat sank early Feb. 18, after striking a reef in the same area near Dongjia island - 24 missing. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

Three nations are fighting overthe world's greatest hoard of sunken treasure. More than 300 years after the warship HMS Sussex sank off Gibraltar carrying gold coins worth £2.4bn, Britain, Spain and the U.S. are claiming the treasure. With 80 guns & crew of 500, HMS Sussex<< Webfeature, was the British navy's flagship when, in February 1694, it was wrecked in a storm as it headed towards the Mediterraneanon a secret mission to persuade the Italian Duke of Savoy to join the Int'l alliance against France, with which Britain was then at war. HMS Sussex<< Webfeature, was lost until 1995, when a researcher handed a U.S.-based salvage firm called Odyssey<< Webfeature, a letter, written shortly after the sinking, that gave the 1st hint of the ship's cargo. Odyssey began searching for the wreck in 1998, and four years later announced it had discovered it half a mile beneath the surface. The Florida-based company signed an agreement with the British Government to raise the ship. Spain, however, which has long claimed Gibraltar as its own, soon demanded a cut of the treasure. The Odyssey mission, which began in earnest on 12 Dec., was hampered by the arrival of Spanish ships - dangerously close, the company said, to its main vessel M/V Odyssey Explorer<< Webfeature, which it has temporarily removed to safer waters. A spokesman for the MoD last week reiterated British ownership of Spain, however, which has long claimed Gibraltar as its own, soon demanded a cut of the treasure. "It remains the property of the Crown, irrespective of it being a wreck or where it lies," he said. HMS Sussex and of its precious cargo. "It remains the property of the Crown, irrespective of it being a wreck or where it lies," he said. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

U.S. aircraft carrier ex-USS Oriskany<< Webfeature, to be sunk off Pensacola Beach in Florida. USS Oriskany<< Webfeature, See Also<< Webfeature, will be the first of more than 20 retired Navy ships to be sunk in order to create artificial reefs. Plans are to tow the ship from Texas to Pensacola in early March with the sinking to occur on March 15. USS Oriskany had a long life, seeing action in both the Korean & Viet Nam wars. Pensacola is the home of U.S. Navy Aviation so it will be ending its life where naval aviators start their aviation careers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

601-foot M/T Seabulk Pride (see "Singles Only") due in with escort to Port Angeles Harbor, Washington state.  The double-hulled tanker will then sail to a dry dock in Victoria for repairs to two small cracks in its outer hull. While being loaded on Feb. 2 on the Kenai Peninsula, M/T Seabulk Pride was struck by an ice floe that knocked it from its moorings -- drifted onto a nearby beach & became grounded.  Subsequent investigation, with the help of divers, found that a water ballast tank in its outer hull had two small 5-to-7 inch cracks, which were  temporarily repaired with a cement patch restoring vessel's seaworthiness. Ship lost an anchor and incurred other topside damage. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006) Have you seen Loss of Pride You should!

Iranian M/V Pezvag suffers explosion & fire in Baku Bay, Azerbaijan<< Webfeature, on Feb. 14, while undergoing repairs by the "Turannur" firm. Initial attempts to douse the fire were unsuccessful and vessel was towed from shore as a precaution while the specially equipped vessel Vikhr 9 fought the fire. No reports of injury. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

Statfjord A offshore platform shut down 160,000 barrels per day of Norwegian oil production on Feb. 14, due to a small natural gas leak Leak quickly traced to small hole in a water pipe, and that production was expected to resume within 24 hours. Any gas leak on an offshore platform can lead to catastrophic explosions and fires if ignited. . The leak was quickly traced to a small hole in a water pipe, and that production was expected to resume within 24 hours. Any gas leak on an offshore platform can lead to catastrophic explosions & fires if ignited. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

Container M/V MSC Selin aground on the port side of the entrance to the Dar es Salaam Feb. 25 -- bow out of water on the beach -- water being pumped out of hawser outlets on fore deck. Maybe trying to empty fore bilges.

Ice Breaker M/V Captain Belousov with convey of 8 other ships arrives Feb. 13, to rescue Bulgarian M/V Katya Z, which has been trapped in icy region of the Sea of Azov near Ukraine's Berdvansk port since late Jan. Previous effort on Feb. 3 a tug arrived & worked for over 60 hours to free M/V Katya Z only to suffer engine damage itself, ceasing the rescue operation. M/V Katya Z has 14 Bulgarian sailors & 4 Ukrainians onboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

Up to 30,700 gallons of heavy fuel oil spilled into waterway off New York Harbor on Feb. 13 while the cargo being transferred from barge to Chevron plant. U.S. Coast Guard and spill-response companies set up booms to contain the oil. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

246-ft. M/V Chen Long impounded in Darwin's Harbor for alleged illegal fishing in Australian waters Feb. 13. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

Decomissioned French aircraft carrier Clemenceau<< Webfeature, has more time on Feb.13 India's Supreme Court ordered a new panel to be set up to investigate whether the warship should be let into India to be scrapped amid health concerns of toxic materials, after a committee failed to make a firm recommendation. French president Jacques Chirac subsequently recalled the asbestos-lined ship. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

855ft. Carnival Cruise Lines M/V Ecstasy -- broke free her moorings & drifted down the Mississippi River near downtown New Orleans, 5am Feb. 12 -- ship traveled less than a mile down river before Capt. & crew, with assistance of a river pilot who went aboard, able to drop the ship's anchor & secure her position, about 300 feet from the Mississippi River's West Bank near Algiers, La. Tugs returned ship to berth at Poland Street Wharf. The ship is currently being used to house New Orleans Police Dept. officers. Geeez -- what a ride -- that's Ecstasy! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

6,051gt. damaged LNG-tank M/T Sigmagas towed to Bremerhaven Feb. 12, for bow repair by tug M/V Eurosund. M/T Sigmagas was in collision with M/V Happy Bride from Limassol on Jan 12 NW of Donges. 60 tons oil had leaked out. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

59ft. F/V Nu C ran into north jetty & crew abandoned ship near Grays Harbor, Wash -- 4 crew able to safely reach shore where they were treated & released. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

M/V Westgard suffered engine failure when entering the Kiel Canal from the North Sea Feb. 12, -- ship came at right angle to works & collided with pilings in dense fog. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

94,724 Grt Liberian 355mt. container M/V P&O Nedlloyd Mondriaan (built 2004) chartered to Maersk Line, China for Altenwerder Terminal in Hamburg when hit by 6 mt. waves Feb. 10 -- lost 58 containers North of Terschelling, Netherlands, 10 of which drifted on the shore of Terschelling and were salvaged by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage who were contraacrted Feb 10. Survey vessel M/V Zirfaea was looking for the rest. The ship is meanwhile berthed  in Hamburg. Suspect containers not correctly stowed in China. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006) UPDATE>> Feb 13 at 02.30 a.m. M/V P&O Nedlloyd Mondriaan left container terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg after having discharged storm damaged containers with the help of 2 special cranes as the container bridges were not able to handle the boxes. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006) UPDATE>> Thousands of tennis shoes, aluminum briefcases & toys haved washed onto the beach of a Dutch island, drawing crowds of treasure-hunting residents. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006) UPDATE>> A few days later M/V Nedlloyd Mondriaan met another storm, and 50 more empty containers were lost from the foreship. Geez! (Fri. March 3 2006)

F/V Maranatha N498, with 3 crew -- issuued Mayday to Belfast Coastguard Feb. 8 -- crew took to the liferaft & rescued by Kilkeel Lifeboat. Vessel on fire & expected to sink. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006)

P/V White Horse II, with 4, -- came to close to breaking surf & capsized off northern California -- U.S. Coast Guard helicopter HH-65B Dolphin helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay attempting to rescue them crashed into the water -- had lowered rescue swimmer into water when helicopter suddenly crashed into the surf -- 82-year-old woman & her son died. All 3 Coast Guard crewmembers in the helicopter evacuated the helicopter safely after landing in the surf. The 4th crewmember, the deployed rescue swimmer, waded safely to the beach with one of the persons in the water. (Sun. Feb. 12 2006)

Suspected rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam boat -- with explosives blew up Feb. 11, killing at least 4 crew -- in Sea of Talaimannar, 155 miles northwest of Colombo. (Sun. Feb. 12 2006)

M/V OOCL Neva, Rotterdam for St. Petersburg, Russia with containers -- struck by 12mt. wave off island Norderney in the North Sea, night of Feb 9. Some containers were torn open & a life boat was lost. Captain remarked the damage only when entering the Brunsbuettel locks of the Kiel Canal. On Feb. 10, the German rescue boat M/V Alfried Krupp found a raft which had been lost overboard by M/V Vitali Kozihin, Hamburg for Boston, UK, in the same storm. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 11 2006)

14,000 gt M/V MSC Jilhan -- crashed into stern of Ro/Ro M/V Trans Carrier when entering the Brunsbuettel locks from the Northsea, Feb. 10. M/V MSC Jilhan continued its voyage towards the Baltic at 11.40 a.m. escorted by a tug, Feb. 11. M/V Trans Carrier only slightly damaged & resumed its voyage soon ater the incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 11 2006)

2,600-passenger M/V Grand Princess executed a sharp turn in open water, 2 hours after departing Port of Galveston Feb. 4. When a passenger suffered a heart attack & required urgent onshore medical attention. The decision was made to turn the ship around-- when M/V Grand Princess experienced a "roll greater than normal" during the execution of the turn -- throwing many to the deck -- 14 passengers & 9 crew members suffered cuts & bruises."We just thought we were going overboard," said a daffy passengeer. From our Correspondent Fred Mc Cague (Sat.. Feb. 11 2006)

32ft. S/V Pintail damaged &disabled by fire Feb 7, some 37 miles south of Apalachicola, Fla. 87ft. coastal patrol USCGC Seahawk towed S/V Pintail into Port St. Joe, Fla. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat.. Feb. 11 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

05 Feb. 2006 at 0745 UTC in position 01:20.7S - 116:58.9E, Balikpapan anchorage, Indonesia -- 4 pirates in yellow speedboat approached a chemical tanker. Two robbers armed with knives boarded via anchor chain whilst other 2 remained in boat. Robbers escaped with liferaft. IMB piracy reporting centre alerted the Indonesian authorities who recovered the life raft. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

04 Feb. 2006 at 2010 LT at Callao anchorage no.1, Peru -- 3 pirates armed with long knives & iron bars boarded bulk carrier at forecastle. C/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Robbers stole forward life raft & escaped in a 5m length boat. Port  authority informed. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

01 Feb. 2006 at 0130 LT in position 05:52.7S - 106:00.3E, Merak anchorage, Indonesia. Five armed pirates boarded bulk carrier via poop deck & entered engine room -- attacked duty oiler & tied him up. Stole a large quantity spares & escaped. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

31 Jan. 2006 at 0030 LT at Chittagong Alpha anchorage area, Bangladesh -- boat approached at port bow of product tanker underway. Crew went forward to investigate -- meantime 4 pirates boarded at poop deck. Threatened duty A/B with knives, stole ship's stores & safety equipment -- escaped. Port control & coast guard informed. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

29 Jan. 2006 at 1936 LT at inner Guayaquil anchorage, Ecuador -- 4 pirates armed with guns & iron bars boarded container ship. They broke open 2 containers & stole cargo. Shore guards onboard fired warning shots. Robbers returned fire & escaped. Coast guard informed who patroled anchorage area. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

M/V Torm Alexandra -- Israel-based Global Security Seals (GSS) has begun the salvaging and removal of the sunken vessel from the Free Port of Monrovia. M/V Torm Alexandra sunk in 2003 while being unloaded. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

South African S/Y Moquini -- has been spotted capsized off the South African coast, 500 miles off East London. The "Fast 43" & 6 crew went missing without a trace, having disappeared during the 1,400 nautical mile Mauritius to Durban yacht race which started on 10 Sept. 2005, at Grande Baie in Mauritius. S/Y Moquini was officially declared missing on 16 Sept. when a very brief signal from her EPIRB was received indicating that she may be in some sort of distress. Officials stated that with the keel missing, the yacht would have immediately inverted 90 degrees, and within less than a minute would have completely inverted. There would have been little or no time for the crew to do anything. Anyone on deck would have been flung into the water. Anyone down below would have had little time to evacuate, and if they had been asleep in a bunk, may well have been badly injured in the initial inversion as they were flung sleeping from their bunk. The 6 crew aboard S/Y Moquini were: Graham Cochrane, Neil Tocknell, Kurt Ostendorf, Sheldon Dickerson,Mark Dickerson & Michael Goolam From our Correspondent Robert Y. Bents (Thurs. Feb. 9 2006) UPDATE>> Divers operating from the salvage tug M/V Smit Amandla found no bodies inside capsized yacht which disappeared 5 months ago while competing in a Mauritius Durban yacht race. (Fri. Feb. 10 2006)

Bulkcarrier M/V Monchegorsk -- collided with Brunsbuettel locks of Kiel Canal Feb 9. Accident caused by strong wind. The locks had been closed because of very high tide before. Directly after the re-opening M/V Monchegorsk hit the locks. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 9 2006)

Antigua-Barbuda-flagged 2,345gt. M/V Anna Marie, with 3000 tons coal from Sczeczin -- in collision -- with pier of power station Kiel-Dietrichsdorf when trying to berth on Feb. 8 -- first hit the pier & then a large crane -- damaged so badly that it was out of order. Vessel itself suffered dent at starboard foreship. Captain obviously had consumed alcohol - a test proved that he had 2.27 blood alcohol. He said that after the collision he drank 6 bottles of beer. Now it has to be proved whether or not he already was drunk before. Crane to be repaired in spring. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 9 2006)

12mt. F/V Les Dauphins -- sank Feb. 7, off the shore of Ré Island (Charente-Maritime - France) -- all crew rescued & safe. Trawler now lies aground at depth of 30m, 5.5km offshore Ré Island. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 9 2006)

137mt. UK regstered, 822 TEU capacity 7519gt. M/V Aura (built 2003) -- when passing the Kiel Canal in the night of Feb 7 at 02.30 a.m. from Kiel to Brunsbuettel -- suffered engine failure -- crashed into pilings at side of the cana -- 16 pilings were demolished, then ship drifted aground -- stuck fast for 15 minutes before engine restart & ship managed to get free under her own power. She proceeded to Brunsbuettel where police started investigations. Damage to the pilings is said to be Euro 40,000. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 8 2006) UPDATE>> After M/V Aura passed the Brunsbuettel locks she had another breakdown of the engine on Feb 7 on Twielenflethroads. The ship had to undertake an emergency anchoring. Afterwards M/V Aura was towed to Hamburg by tug -- berthed at "Schuppen 63" (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

MAJOR INCIDENT>> 93,000gt. Hong Kong-flagged M/V Okal King Dor transiting north during the sandstorm when she veered at right angles to canal & blocked all transit on the waterway between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, 6 miles S. of the city of Ismailiya. From our Correspondents Andrew D. Kehagiaras & Libby Thompson. (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

45ft. F/V Catherine M -- homeported in Warrington, Ore. -- broke up & sank half mile S. of Tillamook Bay, Ore. Feb 7 -- 1 dead & 2 missing on Feb. 7. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

UK 40ft F/V Rejoice -- issued 2 Feb. Mayday Call -- engine fire on board -- contained -- all safe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

81265gt M/T Kim Jacob (built 1998) -- ran aground on Jan 29, close to the island Borracha, Venecuala, with a load of one million barrels of crude oil -- with gash of 3meters in length & 15 centimeters wide, in the lateral section of double bottom of No.1 port tank, and an orifice of 30 centimeters in another section of the tanker -- damages affected ballast tanks.-- refloated at 0815, local time on Feb. 7 -- vessel to be inspected by divers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

M/V MSC Iris -- at t Antwerp ship repair yard suffered fire Feb. 7 -- 15 Crews of fire patrols came to the rescue, but when the came on board it just seems to be some cloths & garbage. Oh well. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

S/Y Moquini, for China has been missing -- perhaps spotted off coast of East London<< Webfeature, -- lost in Sept. 2005, during the Mauritius to Durban yacht race. Unidentified capsized vessel has been sighted 500 NM east of East London. Marine Rescue Co-ordination Center sent towing vessel M/V Smit Amandla to reach the yacht . (Wed. Feb. 8 2006)

81,265gt. M/T crude M/T Kim Jacob (built 1998) with 1.1m barrels of crude -- gounded at Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela on a muddy/rocky bottom in lat 10 16 11N, long 64 42 43W, Jan 28 -- refloated at 0815, local time, Feb. 7 & safely anchored nearby at 0930. Vessel to be inspected by divers. (Tues. Feb. 7 2006)

45ft. crab F/V Catherine M, with 1,200 pounds of crab -- foundered near the Tillamook bar 1:15 a.m. & broke apart with 3 crew-- off Tillamook Bay, Oregon Feb. 2 -- 1 dead -- 2 lost. (Tues. Feb. 7 2006)

Turkish flagged 4,638gt. general cargo M/V Alcan Deval (built 1985), Tunis for Istanbul in ballast with 20 crew -- grounded in lat 36 38.6N, long 15 04.7E on Feb. 1 -- because of very adverse weather conditions at 2200, Feb 1 -- master took refuge near Sicilian coast off Pozzallo, but vessel shifted & ran aground in 5mt. of water. Still aground. (Tues. Feb. 7 2006) Still aground. (Sat. Feb. 18 2006)

125mt. Russian 3704gt. M/T Inzhener Shlem (built 1996) suffered water ingress in starboard egine room when entering Kiel roads Feb 6 at 6 p.m. -- ship had just taken a pilot when the water broke in at propeller shaft -- anchored in the bight of Strande close to LH Kiel. Crew succeeded in stopping the inflow of water. Feb 7 2 tugs towed vessel at 7 a.m. to the oilpier of Harry Stallzus in Kiel harbor where the cargo of 3300 tons destined for Nordenham-Blexen were transferred to M/T Mekhanik Voronkov in a ship-ship-transfer. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 7 2006)

17ft. P/V Independence, with man & his 2 sons were lifted to safety Feb 5 after their boat sank in Lake Pontchartrain, forcing them to swim to shallow water & await rescue. U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews from Station New Orleans & Air Station New Orleans were immediately launched & rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 7 2006)

U.S. 45ft. shrimp F/V Kevin Boy -- transiting Houston Ship Channel when engine stopped working in 40 mile per hour winds & unable to set anchor on Feb. 3 -- U.S. Coast Guard HH-65B Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Houston rescued crew -- fisherman taken to Ellington Field in good condition. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Feb. 7 2006)

Cargo M/V Star Hoyanger ran aground after engine failure on Dutch Scheldt River on Feb 4 -- tugs M/V Multratug 9, M/V Multratug 10, M/V Multrasalvor & M/V Schouwenbank salvaged ship & escorted her to an anchorage at Vlissingen Roads. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

19,354 gt Liberian freighter M/V Marielle Bolten (built 1997), with tubes -- aground Jan. 24 -- vessel was slated for 0600 arrival, but its master P. Ziadecki, of Polish nationality, without warning, tried to dock at 0100. The Dominican Port Authority official stated that the vessel, consigned to the B&R shipping firm, came from Rio de Janeiro and that it was 1st that she tried to enter the port, for which Captain Ziadecki did not know the narrowness of the bay's access channel -- vessel beached between a rock and the hulk of M/V Tikal on the coral reef at port's eastern edge (Does this sound ike M/V APL Panama?) --refloated by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. & her partner Resolve Marine Group, Feb. 4. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 6 2006) Follow Our Feature.

10,322gt general cargo M/V Flora S. (built 1980) for Mexico with steel -- grounded in River Orinoco, Jan. 27 -- refloated by Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd under Lloyd's Open Form, Jan. 29 -- continuing voyage to Mexico. (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

Royal Caribbean 2,700-passenger cruise M/V Monarch of the Seas -- suffered loss of her Master Feb. 1 -- after departing Port of Ensenada Capt. Joern Rene Klausen was found dead in his stateroom , according to a statement issued by Royal Caribbean Int'l, which operates cruise ship. The 38-year-old captain died as the vessel steamed north from Mexico, just hours before she docked in Port of LosAngeles. "The death appears to be from natural causes & authorities in Los Angeles will conduct an autopsy," the statement said. Is there something about Ensenada? (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

U.S. laker Floating Resaurant Lansdowne -- refloated after 6 weeks on the bottom of Presque Isle Bay in Lake Erie since Dec. 25 --on Feb. 4., more than 8 feet of water was pumped from the hull of the 324-foot vessel, which is more than 100 years old. Pumping started as more than 15,000 gallons a minute were being sucked from the ship by 6 Godwin pumps. Little progress appeared to be occurring as the pumps cleared water from the cement steps leading into the body of the hull. Just before 4:30 p.m., the bow of the ship -- the lighter end -- bobbed to the surface. The stern --heavier because it holds two railroad cars -- was expected to pull free before sunrise. The barge, which holds two railroad cars, arrived in Erie in 1999. Its owner, Specialty Restaurants Corp. of Anaheim, Calif., had plans to turn it into a floating restaurant. But that never happened. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

M/V St. Joseph, Hinoabaan, Negros Occidental for Bacolod City, Philippines with 399 passengers -- suffered fire at the wagon deck Feb. 2. Officials of the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas who were on board the vessel said that the captain and his crew handled the accident well. No injuries. (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

M/V Ali-Madad, ex-Tuna, Pakistan on Dec. 20, with 450 goats & 18 crew -- missing --crew rescued Feb. 5, by Marine Security Agency of Pakistan -- near Orman Island, 40 kms from Karachi. Goats do not travel well or far. (Sun. Feb. 5 2006)

Korean F/V -- attacked by pirates off the coast of Sierra Leone Jan. 27 -- 13 pirates in boardeing craft, 2 of them jumped onboard the fishing vessel & attempted to hijack it to neighboring Conakry, the capital of Guinea. Navy of Sierra Leone swiftly went to the rescue of the vessel under attack. Korean captain was shot is receiving medical treatment. (Sun. Feb. 5 2006PM)

9,700dwt 162mt. roro-ferry M/V Estraden, on loop Bremerhaven - Harwich - Cuxhaven - Kiel & Tallinn -- in collision in Kiel Canal on Feb 2 -- with 162mt German M/T Wolgastern, Vysotsk, Russia for Dunkerque with Gasoil. Navigation bridge of M/T Wolgastern destroyed on port side. Superstructure of M/V Estraden severely damaged on starboard, also hull showed signs of incident. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006) UPDATE>> Damage to M/V Estraden is US$5M & to M/T Wolgastern US$5M -- Bad hit. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006PM)

32,289 dwt , 575ft. double-hulled M/V Seabulk Pride (built 1998 at Newport News), with 116,225 barrels of oil product, or 4.9 million gallons -- hit by ice floe in Cook Inlet Feb. 2 -- Nikiski on Kenai Peninsula when she broke free & ran aground about a half-mile away. Nikiski is 80 miles S. of Anchorage. Unlike M/T Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, which occurred in a more remote area in Prince William Sound. The Exxon Valdez, unlike M/T Seabulk Pride, was carrying raw crude oil when it ran aground on a chartered reef, spilling 11 million gallons. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006) UPDATE>> Vessel appeared to have escaped major damage to its hull and propulsion system, and by dark it had steamed south down Cook Inlet under its own power to ice-free Kachemak Bay, where it was to anchor for a thorough inspection by divers. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006PM) UPDATE>> Bulk M/V Seabulk Pride arrived safely in Kachemak Bay 5:30 p.m., Feb. 3 -- anchored & inspection work continues with a team of divers. Response vessels M/V Seabulk Nevada & M/V Resolution are standing by with response equipment, including skimmers, boom and storage capacity. The barges 141 & Responder are in Seldovia Bay & available if needed -- tug M/V Sea Voyager also standing by. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

Dutch M/V Leon, from Wolgast, Germany, hit barge on Feb 2 at 6.20 p.m. after being blinded by a strong light. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

M/T Katharina & M/V Joery P -- in collision Feb 2 at 5 a.m. in dense fog on Rhine River -- 9 crew injured. M/T Katharina had sufferered machine failure. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

Gas M/T Brise, ex-Rotterdam -- ran aground at Niehl on Rhine Rier Feb. 2, while attempting to turn around. Important to wait to you reach a turn-out. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

7,509dwt Turkish 110mt. M/V Alican Deval (built 1985) in ballast -- grounded SE cape of Sicily. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage contracted on Feb 2. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

Dutch vessles M/V Geca & M/V Speranza -- in collision on Dortmund-Ems-Canal<< Webfeature, Feb 1. Capt. of M/V Geca injured. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

Dutch tug M/V Spirit suffered fire close to Vlissingen. Tug M/V Orca towed the shop to the Small Lock of Dutch harbour, Vlissingen where fire fighters were already waiting. M/V Spirit proceeded to Middelburg. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006)

213.9mt. Itallian Con-Ro-ship M/V Grande Atlantico -- hit into the stern in dense fog on Jan 28 on the Elbe by the German coaster M/V Werse on Jan.28. M/V Grande Atlantico afterwards berthed in Cuxhaven for investigations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Werde suffered severe damage at navigation bridge & superstructure as well as a ballast water tank and a crane for a raft. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006PM)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

28 Jan. 2006 at 2315 LT at Chittagong 'B'anchorage, Bangladesh. Pirates boarded general cargo ship at forecastle & stole ship's stores. Duty crew raised alarm & robbers escaped. Port control informed and a coast guard on boat arrived for investigation. (Fri. Feb. 3 2006)

27 Jan. 2006 at 0645 LT in position 11:55.0N - 051:19.0E, off Cape  Guardafui, Somalia. Five pirates armed with machine guns & rocket launchers in a speedboat fired upon bulk carrier underway. Master took evasive maneuvers & activated SSAS; crew mustered & started fire hoses. Pirates continued firing causing damage to bridge windows & accommodation. They restocked ammunition from a nearby wooden fishing boat and resumed firing. Another black steel hulled fishing boat came close and also fired at the ship. A coalition warship responded to the alert and at 0740 LT a helicopter arrived & pirates ceased firing. At 0810 LT a coalition warship arrived at the scene. (Fri. Feb. 3 2006)

25 Jan. 2006 at 0152 UTC in position 13:27.6N - 042:59.0E, southern Red Sea. An unlit speedboat chased a container ship underway. Boat increased speed to 35 knots and came within 1.5 nm. Ship altered course & crew directed search lights. Craft reduced speed & aborted chase. (Fri. Feb. 3 2006)

11 Jan. 2006 at 1600 LT in position 04:49N - 005:21E, 8 miles SW of Dodo River, off EA oilfield, Nigeria -- 40 pirates armed with guns in 3 canoes boarded pollution control ship underway. They vandalized ship's equipment & kidnapped 4 expatriate personnel. The ship was engaged in a security role with 14 naval personnel onboard. So far the pirates have made no demand.  Authorities informed. (Fri. Feb. 3 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

190 meter long bulkcarrier M/V Iran Madani -- grounded Jan. 30, & successfully refloated on Feb. 1during the 1st scheduled refloating attempt by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Feb. 3 2006) UPDATE>>M/V Iran Madani departs Morocco under SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage control.Major effort by SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage on 1st attempt. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Feb. 6 2006)

Major DISASTER>> El-Salaam Maritime Transport Co. owned Egyptian 5,555 dwt. Ro/Ro M/V Al-Salam Boccaccio 98 (ex-M/V Al Salaam 98) (built 1971), Saudi port of Dubah for for Safaga, a port 120 miles across the Red Sea with 1,193 passengers, 96 crew & 220 vehicles (capacity for 2,500 passengers) -- sank 40 miles off Egyptian port of Hurghada between midnight & 2 a.m. as most of the passengers were sleeping. So far -- 30 survivors, 150 more known to be in lifeboats & 20 bodies recovered. Cause not immediately known, but there were high winds &sandstorm overnight on Saudi Arabia's west coast. (Fri. Feb. 3 2006) UPDATE>> Public anger builds amid survivor accounts that fire burned for hours before vessel sank. Officials still searching on for Capt. Sayed Omar, accused by some survivors of fleeing in one of the 1st lifeboats launched after the ferry began to sink in Red Sea early Feb. 3, morning. Some passengers alleged that crew told them not to worry about the blaze below deck & ordered them to take off life jackets. About 380 people made it safely to Egyptian ports of Safaga & Hurghada by late Feb. 4. Some 200 bodie recovered. Hopes fading for over 1,000 people who remain missing early Feb. 5. Fire broke out 90 min. after ferry left Saudi Arabian port of Dubah en route to Safaga -- then an explosion was heard. Reported that a truck in the hold of the ship erupted in flames. Ferry had pressed on despite flames. There were 22 carrs & 16 trucks. Only 17 of the 96 crew members had been reported alive. Survivors will receive US$2,600 & families of the dead are to get twice that. (Sun. Feb. 5 2006PM) UPDATE>> Sources in the London Market say that the ship is insurerd for a relatively modest US$4M with leading hull insurers and that British Marine Managers are the P&I insurers concerned. (Mon. Feb. 6 2006) UPDATE>> The wreck of M/V Al Salam Boccacchio 98 now traced in a depth of 800mt., 56 miles off Safaga, was told on Feb 16. Int'l expert teams shall try to find the ship's black box. From our Correspondent Christoph M. Wahner, Esq. (Sat.. Feb. 18 2006) UPDATE>> U.S. Navy P-3 Orion from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 Golden Swordsmen<< Webfeature, assisted search & rescue operations for survivors of the sunken Egyptian ferry M/V Al Salam Boccaccio 98 in the Red Sea, February 4. (Fri. Mar. 3 2006)

Indonesian ferry --Kupang, West Timor for island Rote, wth 160 passengers, cars & cargo -- sank Feb. 1, in the Eastern region of Indonesia on Jan 31 -- faced difficulties in bad weather 2 hours after leaving port. Marine forces searching for the 46 missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)

191mt. bulk M/V Iran Madani (built 1985) -- grounded overnight during spell of bad weather 7 miles off Casablanca, Jan. 31 -- SvitzerWijsmuller salvage specialists were immediately flown in from The Netherlands & South Africa to take charge over the operations while tugs were being mobilized in from different locations. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006) UPDATE>> SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage, Feb. 6 evening redelivered the vessel back to her owners -- being delivered in the drydock in Lisbon. (Wed.. Feb. 8 2006)

M/T Kim Jacob -- ran aground close to Iisland Borracha, Venezuela, with 1 million barrel crude oil. Salvage of the ship which sustained no damage yet was refloated Feb 1. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)

U.S. 50ft. F/V Hermes II -- took on water --sank -- crew rescued frim life raft Jan. 31, by U.S. Coast Guard, 5 miles NW of Cape Decision, Oregon. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)

German cargo M/V Unimar suffered water ingress in machine room in Baltic off Finnish Port Kotka Jan 29. M/V OOCL St. Petersburg reacted on Mayday calls & tried to help M/V Unimar -- but finally M/V Unimar had to be abandoned -- M/V Unimar taken in tow by tug & reached Kotka. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)

M/V Hoo Pride -- ran aground at Jan. 29, 7.30 a.m. at buoy 60 on the Dutch river Westerschelde. Tugs of URS offered salvage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)

8,000gwt Marshall Islands registerd chemical tanker M/T Ece, with 22 crew & 10,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid -- in collision at 0220 GMT -- with bullk carrier Maltese-registered M/V General Grot-Rowecki -- in the English Channel -- 30 miles NW of the Channel Island of Guernsey..Jan. 31. M/T Ece significantly damaged & in danger of sinking -- listing 30 degrees -- crew abandoned vessel -- 12 of 22 crew rescued by UK coastguard helicopter based at Lee-on-Solent & another 10 by the St Peter Port lifeboat from Guernsey. Guernsey oyster farmer & marine biologist Mark Dravers said the phospheric acid could actually benefit the marine environment.He said: "It is one of the fertilizers we use in the medium for growing algae. "The effect could be to fertilise the English Channel and benefit all our scallops." From our Correspondents A.L. Griffiths & Fred Caygill (Tues Jan. 31 2006) UPDATE: M/T Ece sank. (Wed Feb. 1 2006) UPDTATE: M/V General Grot-Rowecki had already been in collision with the Swedish roro-ferry M/V Finnsailor Nov 13, 2005, in the southern Baltic, both ships then had sustained some damage above the water line. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Feb. 2 2006)UPDATE>> Considerable amounts of oil were leaking from the sunken chemical tanker M/T Ece -- but it is estimated that well over 90% will have dispersed within 12 hours of leaving the vessel. Three French vessels are monitoring the situation. The vessel contained 70 cubic meters of fuel oil to drive the ship, 5 cubic meters of diesel, 1 cubic meter of lubricating oil & containers of chemicals & cleaning fluids. The vessel is in reasonably deep water - lying 70mt on seabed -- yesterday morning the French tug M/V Abeille Liberte was surveying situation to see whether she was lying upright or down. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Feb. 4 2006) See Our Photos

t's Catrc

"Curse of The Pequot" - M/V Maesrsk Holyhead - Jan 2006 because Ship Happens!©

Have you seen "DHL Meets JAL at LHR"? You should!

Have you seen "Split Personality For M/V Twin Star(s)"? You should!

7mt. Canadian S/Y Wild Wild West -- issued Mayday-call for machine failure between Los Angeles and Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico on Jan. 30 -- 1,550-TEU container M/V Hansa Arendal, from Hamburg rescued the Canadian skipper of the sinking yacht. S/Y Wild Wild West sank in the Pacific. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

Cargo M/V Grande Atlantico involved in collision on the Elbe in the night of Jan 29. No further details given yet. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

31,333gt. M/V P&O Nedlloyd (built 1998), European ports for East Coast USA. with containers -- reported to lost containers overboard during her current voyage from France to New York. (Sun. Feb. 18 2006)

U.S. F/V Miss Kely (Kelley?) struck rocks near the entrance to Noyo River, California, Jan. 27, all 2 crew rescued by U.S. Coast Guard --vessel is awash in the surf . From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

Syrian passenger M/V Mariya (built 1974) M/V Yermolova anchored at Novorossiisk, Russia -- suffered serious fire Jan. 26 -- fire fighters worked in gale force winds, 12 degrees Celsius below zero, while thick smoke billowed from the hull. 10 crew rescued, but more may be missing. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

Antigua/Barbados-flagged -- owned by Erwin Strahlmann, Leer -- 1,984gwt German cargo M/V Bounder -- in collision & ran down --Danish F/V Jeppe Hansen -- morning of Jan 28 5 miles E. of the island Hiddensee in the Baltic. Multi-purpose M/V Scharhoern rushed to the scene & stopped M/V Bounder -- officer on her bridge was found to be drunk. He had 2.0 blood alcohol -- which is closer to embalmbed. M/V Bounder already had been involved in a collision on Dec.19, 2003 in the Kiel-Canal -- where she was at fault & had hit the Gibraltar-flagged cargo M/V BBC Sweden. Geez, revoke the license. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

U.S. F/V San Antonio -- reported taking on water Jan. 9 -- suspected struck by passing barge 7 NM south of the Port of Los Angeles -- 87ft patrol cutter USCGC Blacktip came to assist -- retrieved all 7 crewwho had abandon ship into their life raft. F/V San Antonio sank in 600 feet of water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

2445gt M/V Viola III -- in collision Jan. 29 -- with St. Vincent/Grenadine registered cargo M/V Tramp in the Kiel Canal at kilometer 30,5 at 11.35 a.m. M/V Tramp had suffered machine failure before & drifted into wrong lane. Both vessels proceeded. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006)

14,337gt, 500ft. Panamanian M/V Twin Star -- in collisions near the Peruvian Port of Callao -- with Cypriot cargo vessel, sustaining heavy damage. Before sinking, M/V Twin Star struck a Maltese-flagged ship, causing little damage but knocking 1 crew into the water. Ships traveled near each other in heavy fog -- 22 crew of M/V Twin Star rescued. Note: Report tonight is less than clear. One vessel may be confused with the other. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006) UPDATE>> After collision of Panama-flagged M/V Twin Star off Callao -- a second incident occurred to the same vessel!. Also the American, cargo M/V Alice was involved in a collision due to the dense fog. This time damage was minor, whereas only bow & stern of M/V Twin Star, which split in two following its two collisions, remained above water. One man is still missing, 22 were rescued. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues Jan. 31 2006) Split Personality For M/V Twin Star(s) -- Photo Feature

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

27 Jan. 2006 at 0645 LT in position 11:55.0N - 051:19.0E, off Cape Guardafui, Somalia. Five pirates armed with machine guns & rocket launchers in speedboat fired upon a bulk carrier underway. Master took evasive maneuvers & activated SSAS, crew mustered -- started fire hoses. Pirates continued firing causing damage to bridge windows & accommodation. They restocked ammunition from a nearby wooden fishing boat & resumed firing. Another black steel hulled fishing boat came close & also fired at the ship. A U.S. Navy coalition warship responded to the alert and at 0740 LT a helicopter arrived -- pirates ceased firing. At 0810 LT a coalition warship arrived at the scene. This is the 37th serious attack in this area in last 10 months. Ships are once again advised to keep at least 200 nm miles from north-eastern and eastern coast of Somalia. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

21 Jan. 2006 at 1810 UTC in position 15:50N - 041:45E, southern Red Sea. Pirates in several speedboats attempted to board a hopper dredger underway. D/O raised alarm, crew mustered & directed searchlights and speedboats moved away. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

20 Jan. 2006 at 0700 LT in position 05:25.1N - 052:34.6E, 213nm east of Somali coast. Two speedboats, operating from mother ship chased bulk carrier underway. One boat had 3 men with machine guns and the other had 2 men. They opened fire aiming for the bridge. Boats came close to ship & pirates s attempted to board.  Ship increased speed & took evasive manoeuvres. Later boats stopped chase & returned to mother ship. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

20 Jan. 2006 at 0310 LT in position 06:09N - 003:15E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria. Five pirates in wooden boat attempted to board bulk carrier using hook attacked to a long pole. Alert crew thwarted attempt & robbers fled. Lagos port security informed. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

17 Jan. 2006 at 0245 LT at Tg. Bara anchorage, Indonesia -- 3 pirates boarded bulk carrier -- threatened watchman with knife & took him hostage. When watchman did not respond to calls on walkie-talkie, duty officer raised alarm & crew mustered. Pirates jumped overboard & escaped with ship's stores.  Port authorities informed. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

16 Jan. 2005 at 0630 UTC, Kingston harbour, Jamaica -- 5 pirates armed with assault rifles in 25 ft canoe with outboard motor boarded yacht at anchor. They took substantial equipment at gunpoint & escaped. Jamaican authorities informed. No injuries to crew. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

14 Jan 2006 at Racha Yas Island, off Phuket, Thailand -- pirates hijacked yacht at anchor. Subsequently she was located on 19 Jan. 2006. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

3,269gt. Cambodian flagged M/V A.Akif (built 1967 as M/V Neptune --ex-M/V Lucky 1985-1994 -- ex-M/V Alabama 1981-1984 - ex-M/V Garonna 1977-1980 -- ex-M/V Irenes Sky 1975-1976 -- ex-M/V Abidjan 1967-1974), with 16 crew -- sank in storm in Aegean Sea near Limnos Island -- 14 recued & 2 missing. Geeez, she was hard to kill! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

48,6mt. German U-Boat U 15 (built 1974) -- ran aground off Eckernfoerde on Jan 26 at 5 p.m. -- stuck fast 150 m from shore at the Eastern edge of the Eckernfoerde Bight close to Altenhof. The minehunting ship Dillingen sent by the German Fleet Command for help. During night the salvage of the ship by German Navy 3rd U-Boat Squadron succeeded. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

Vessels collided on Great Barrier Reef off Gladstone city in the eastern state of Queensland early Jan. 25 -- Korean M/V Global Peace & tug in collision. At least 10,000 litres of heavy fuel entered the water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006)

4,160-dwt containerfeeder M/V Torm Alexandria -- which capsized & sank on her berth in the port of Monrovia in July 2001, is to be the target ofnew attempts to have the ship salvaged or removed. Vessel was loading containers when she capsized, with the ship taking a strong list to port as a container was lifted from the deck. Now after almost five years a salvage team from Israel is believed to have been contracted to make the latest attempt, after several previous efforts proved unsuccessful. Under the port's new management it seems the sight of a capsized and rusting ship lying on her side next to the container terminal hardly fits the preferred profile and orders have gone out to rid the port of Monrovia of its unwanted guest. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen. (Fri. Jan. 27 2006) Let's Look Back In History To The Event -- A Cargo Letter Photo Feature from 2001

19,354gt. general cargo vessel M/V Marielle Bolten (built 1997) grounded in bad weather conditions off Puerto Plata on the N.coast of Dominican Republic on Jan. 24. SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. & partner Resolve Marine Group received overnight instructions from owners/underwriters to provide salvage assistance -- salvage team members from the USA & The Netherlands were mobilized. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 25 2006)

110 mt. Belgian inland water M/V Versus, with 2,000 tons calcium sulphate -- ran aground Jan. 24, at 10 p.m. on the Easter Schelde<< Webfeature, in the Netherlands on the way from Germany to Dutch port Terneuzen. Salvage M/V Terneuzen succeeded to get the ship free with the rising tide. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 25 2006)

101-foot tug M/V Island Brave sank at its moorage off the mouth of Duwamish River<< Webfeature,near Seattle & nearly dragged down 2nd tug on Jan. 22. The cause of the sinking of the tug was unknown. More than 20,000 gallons of diesel fuel in tug's tanks leaked before company divers sealed the fuel tanks. The amount that escaped was undetermined but appeared to be small & was contained by booms. Large crane on barge was brought to scene in time to pull upward on sinking tug so M/V Patricia S could be cut free. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 25 2006)

M/V Lady Sacha, Guyana for St Maarten with 6 crew -- issued Mayday off the coast of Dominica Jan. 22, -- had a lucky escape when they were rescued by Royal Navy destroyer HMS Southampton<< Webfeature, just 10 minutes before vessel sank in the Caribbean. Lynx helicopter winched five of the crew to safety - the sixth was saved by the ship's rescue boat. HMS Southampton sailed 40 miles for the rescue. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 25 2006)

Taiwanese cargo M/V YM Faha, Hong Kong for Malaysia's Port Klang -- spotted Klam Boo Kleo, 26, 90 NM from Singapore on Jan. 22, afternoon -- Thai fisherman, clinging to a piece of wreckage from his boat in the South China Sea -- fisherman's boat had been smashed in collision with another vessel -- man was believed to have been fishing with several others when the collision took place. Number of dead is unknown. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 25 2006)

Cargo M/V with 17 crew, in distress -- Beaufort 11 -- off the Greek island Limnos in the Aegean Sea on Jan 24. No further information. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

S/V Eclipse -- isued distress call -- LUCKY FOR THEM -- USS Ford<< Webfeature, (FFG 54) rescued 2 crew of S/V Eclipse at sea in the early morning hours of Jan. 19 in Gulf of Tehuantepec, off W. coast of Mexico. The ship was on a routine patrol when notified by U.S. Coast Guard District 11 in Alameda, Calif., of S/V Eclipse in distress. USS Ford altered course & increased speed toward ditressed vessel to investigate & render assistance. Once in vicinity of the distressed vessel, the ship launched one of its SH-60B Seahawk helicopters, along with rescue swimmer, to investigate distress call -- helicopter crew deployed rescue swimmer & rescued one male and one female on S/V Eclipse . Helicopter returned rescued sailors to Ford for medical evaluation. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

41,442gt. M/V California Mercury, Korea for U.S. West Coast -- encountered heavy weather resulting in loss overboard of 48 containers with a further 8 containers damaged. (Sun. Feb. 19 20060

Island Tug & Co. Barge Co.<< Webfeature, tug M/V Island Brave -- sunk in the Duwamish Waterway -- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Seattle received a call at 11:51 a.m on Jan. 22 -- plans to raise M/V Island Brave are in development. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

Indian Navy vessel Shakti -- under repair at Lion Gate -- suffered burst gas line Jan. 19 -- acetylene gas pipeline burst causing an instant flash, while routine repair work was underway -- injuries not serious. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

65ft. F/V New Hope from Cape May radioed U.S. Coast Guard to report taking on water -- 2 rescue helicopters from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City as well as a 41-foot utility boat & 47-foot patrol boat from U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape May were deployed to the scene. Two dewatering pumps were dropped from the helicopters to 3 fisherman aboard their floundering vessel who then were able to get the flooding under control. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

Panama-flagged cool carrier M/V Ivory Tirupati -- at Bremerhaven discharging bananas -- decided to attack a banana elevator on Jan. 19 -- the 150 m long ship started to move as vessel was passing with speed of 2 knots at a distance of 30mt with tug assistance -- thus impacting the elevator with damage of 10.000 Euro. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

Russian trawler sank off the Russian island Sacchalin Jan 17 in a storm -- only 1 crew rescued alive, 8 found dead, 3 still missing on Jan. 20. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

and feared to be dead too.

Pirate Payback>> U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill<< Webfeature (DDG-81), and other U.S. naval forces pursued suspected pirate ship in Indian Ocean off Somalia's coast & fired warning shots to capture its crew -- U.S. Navy sailors who boarded vessel discovered small-arms weapons on board. USS Churchill began aggressive maneuvering in attempt to stop the vessel -- which continued on its course speed untill USS Churchill fired warning shots over the bow of the pirate vessel with her 5"/62 cal gun main gun. Pirates surendered. All Indian crew rescued. Piracy has become epidemic in the unpatrolled waters off the coast of lawless Somalia, where at least 23 hijackings & attempted seizures have been reported since mid-March 2005. Indian dhow had been taken by the pirates with her crew held hostage. (Sat. Jan. 21 2006)

Enough of You Bastards Since The Barbary Pirates in 1804>> USS Winston S. Churchill steamed at 40 knot flank with no smoke in response to a report from the Int'l Maritime Bureau in Kuala Lumpur on Jan. 20, that said pirates in captured dhow -- now a pirate ship had fired on Bahamian-flagged bulk M/V Delta Ranger passing 200 miles off central E. coast of Somalia. USS Churchill fired warning shots over the bow of the pirate vessel with her 5"/62 cal gun main gun -- pirates surrendered. Cargo Law Photo Feature

U.S. Navy was still investigating the incident & would discuss what to do with the detained men. Piracy rampant off the coast of Somalia, which is torn by renewed clashes between militias fighting over control of the troubled African country. Many shipping companies resort to paying ransoms, saying they have few alternatives. Last month, Somali militiamen finally relinquished a merchant ship hijacked in October. In November, Somali pirates freed a Ukrainian ore carrier & her 22 member crew after holding it for 40 days. Unclear whether a US$700,000 ransom demanded by the pirates had been paid. (Sun. Jan. 22 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

15 Jan. 2006 at 2200 LT at Dumai anchorage, Indonesia. Five pirates boarded product tanker at stern. Alert crew mustered and robbers escaped empty handed in their boat. (Sat. Jan. 21 2006)

13 Jan. 2006 at 1848 UTC in position 06:02.46S - 106:53.27E, Tg. Priok anchorage, Indonesia -- pirates armed with long knives boarded a container ship at stern from an unlit boat. D/O raised alarm & crew mustered. Four shore security guards on board pointed their guns at the robbers who jumped overboard & escaped empty handed in their boat waiting with three accomplices. Port control was informed. (Sat. Jan. 21 2006)

11 Jan. 2006 at 0500 LT at JICT terminal, pier no. 1, Jakarta, Indonesia -- 4 pirates boarded container ship at stern by climbing emergency towing wire. They entered engine room via steering gear flat. They stole engine spares and lowered them into a waiting boat. Duty officer raised alarm and robbers escaped. Incident reported to authorities and police boarded for investigation. (Sat. Jan. 21 2006)

Back To Year 2006 Reports 

Ship Happens© >> A sailor aboard a sunken tugboat was rescued after a 39-hour stay at the bottom of the Yangtze River. Guo Linyuan, 31, a villager from Yaowan town of Xuzhou, a city in northern Jiangsu Province in East China, was left 1Mt below the water's surface after an unidentified watercraft crashed into a group of tugboats at about 7:30 p.m. on Jan 17 near Zhenjiang, causing 3 tugs to sink to the bottom of the river. As his tugboat sank rapidly, Guo was stuck in the accommodation and found an air-tight space of less than 1sq. mt. in the room. The Zhenjiang Maritime Safety Administration arrived on the scene and began to carry out the rescue & salvage the wrecks. Guo was saved at 10:40 a.m on Jan 19 and sent to the hospital. A 2nd person aboard, Guo's wife, Wu Xueli, 30, was still missing as of Jan. 21 night. A true miracle. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 20 2006)

67,470dwt M/V Maesrsk Derince (buillt 2006) Korea for Los Angeles -- on maiden voyage -- with 5,089 TEU -- lost 52 containers overside. The owners are Reederei Oskar Wehr of Hamburg. The vessel loaded twice at Busan, Korea with intermediate call at Gwangyang. (Fri. Jan. 20 2006)

NY ferry M/V Peter Weiss -- taken to Pier 11 in Manhattan after receiving reports the ferry taking on water near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge at 7:56 a.m. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 19 2006)

58ft. F/V Capt. Zach, homeported in Wanchese, N.C. -- capsized entering Chincoteague Inlet -- found Jan. 18, on Assateague Island, Va, after a 4-hour joint agency search -- 2 rescued & in stable condition. U.S Coast Guard alerted to distress after the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) located in Portsmouth, Va., received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert from F/V Capt. Zach at 6am Jan. 18 morning. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 19 2006)

1984gt Antigua-flagged cargo M/V Stadum, with machine parts -- in collision -- with 35,012gt Zypriotic 223mt. cargo M/V Marigo -- on the Elbe River near Teufelsbrueck. When the harbor pilot was on the way to M/V Stadum -- ship changed course onto wrong river side close to buoys 130/132, & crashed into M/V Marigo. Both ships were damaged on starbord. Collision was caused by fault of M/V Stadum. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 18 2006) UPDATE>> While being towed by tug M/V Corvin on Jan 22 at 6 a.m. from Brunsbuettel Port to Poland for repairs of its damaged superstructure & main deck, M/V Stadium hit the pilot boat. for a 2nd collision! A raft of the boat was torn off & had to be salvaged from the Elbe afterwards -- vessel had been lying in Hamburg for inspections since its first collision. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

U.S. tug M/V Richard Lowry -- in collision -- with fishing boat vicinity of Francis Scott Key Bridge in the Patapsco River -- rescue crew from U.S. Coast Guard station Curtis Bay was at the scene by 2:05 p.m. & recovered 1 of crew -- other crew pronounced dead at Bay View. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 18 2006)

52,000-gt car carrier M/V Courage (built 1991) returned to Southampton over the weekend after an engine room fire caused her to lose power -- operated by Interocean American Shipping of the U.S., the vessel was carrying cars from the UK port to New York when oil coming from a generator caused engine lagging to catch fire alight. Portland Coastguard was alerted on Jan. 15, that the 22-strong crew were without power & steering 27 miles SE of Portland Bill. But power was restored & vessel returned to Southampton for checks. Coastguard said drifting vessel had not posed danger to shipping as it was outside the main traffic route. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 18 2006)

56,816gt Bahama-flagged 199,9MT. car-carrier M/V Hual Trader (built 19980, capacity 6,546 cars -- in collision Jan. 13 -- with the Northern lock of Bremerhaven while entering the harbor Jan 13. The ship hit the western pier & suffered a gash of 10 m length 4 m above the water line -- 3 tugs were not able to prevent the collision which was caused by a mistake of the captain. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 18 2006)

RMS Queen Mary 2 -- suffered problem with one of the ship's four propulsion motors while leaving Port Everglades & returned to berth -- crew reported hearing & feeling a shudder as the ship was leaving port at 1 p.m.-- 5 miles out of port. Preliminary tests indicated ship may have hit submerged object. Queen Mary 2 will lose the title of world's largest passenger ship when rival Royal Caribbean Int'l launches the M/V Freedom of the Seas in May. (Tues. Jan. 17 2006) UPDATE>> RMS Queen Mary 2 is to resume its voyage today at 6 p.m. from Port Everglades with its 3 remaining engine pods. The damaged port engine pod will be repaired lateron as the speed of the ship is hardly limited by the accident. The ship is thought to have touched the ground of the harbor canal & having thereby damaged the pod. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 19 2006)

30-foot pleasure M/Y, with 2 crew ex-Toronto, Canada -- south to Florida received severe damage to rudder & began rapidly taking on water -- sank. Rescue coordinators at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston launched a rescue helicopter from Air Station Savannah, Ga., & 2 rescue boats from U.S. Coast Guard Station Tybee Island, Ga. Gary Hawn, 68 & Sylvia Hawn, 65, of Toronto, Canada rescued at Beaufort, S.C. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 17 2006)

42ft. F/V Horizon -- taking on water near Sitkalidak Island<< Webfeature, south east of Kodiak Jan. 13 -- crew of F/V Competition responded to a distress call -- able to safely transfer all crew under cover watch of U.S. Coast Guard -- all taken back to Kodiak. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 17 2006)

34mt. trawler F/V Tourmalet ran aground on a rock near Brittany - France, Ouessant -- 5 sailors recused from rubber boat Jan. 12 -- vessel taken in tow by another trawler to home portpresent on zone -- Capt. & mechanic remained aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 17 2006)

324-foot barge Lansdowne to be raised -- If rusty vessel is still on the floor of Presque Isle Bay on March 1, 2006, the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority could call in a salvage company and then sue the boat's owners for the cost. Lansdowne, which was once planned as a floating restaurant, has been sitting on the bottom of the bay at the Sassafras Street Pier since she sank Dec. 25. Specialty Restaurants of Anaheim, Calif., has until March 1 -- a deadline that was set before the sinking -- to move the Lansdowne because of the ongoing construction of the bayfront convention center. Specialty pays the Port Authority US$1,000 a month rent to dock the boat. Lakeshore Towing Services had worked for nearly 2 weeks to raise the vessel, but damage to the barge was too severe to be repaired with initial attempts. The two railroad cars on the deck are worth US$200,000 each and the scrap metal & steam engine are worth $US500,000 to US$600,000. Railroad enthusiasts from across the country have shown interest in preserving the historical railroad cars, and there have been efforts to buy them from Specialty and put them in a museum. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 17 2006) Follow Our Story<< Webfeature.

Continental Airlines Boeing 737-500 Flight 1515 suffered ground crew loss -- when mechanic was sucked into engine & killed Jan. 16, at El Paso Int'l Airport. The 737-500 was carrying 114 passengers & 5 crew, preparing to take off for Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Maintenance-related engine run-up of the starboard engine was carried out. (Mon. Jan. 16 2006)

Philippine Presidential Yacht, BRP Ang Pangulo<< Webfeature, suffered fire while undergoing repairs at a Batangas shipyard Jan. 16 -- caused an officer & 3 personnel minor injuries and damaged the ship's pressure gauges, air-conditioning unit, water piping insulation, skylight openings, reserved tanks & electrical wirings. Cost of damage was not available. (Mon. Jan. 16 2006)

ATTACK In Nigeria>> Benisede flow station of Royal Dutch Shell -- overrun by heavily armed gunmen in speedboats early Jan. 16, -- attackers invaded the flow-station in speed boats, burned down 2 staff accommodations, damaged the processing facilities -- killed at least 17 & left. Attack came only days after kidnap of 4 foreign oil workers. Militant groups demanding local control of oil wealth warned Shell to withdraw immediately from the world's 8th largest oil exporter. Anglo-Dutch company has already pulled out 330 employees. (Mon. Jan. 16 2006)

Bulk M/V Anangel Destiny, coal from Brazil, ran aground Jan 13, in the Dardanelles Strait -- strait was closed for north bound shipping. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 16 2006)

Salvage of M/V Norwegian Pearl --wreckage by the sheerleg Wal had to be postponed on Jan 14 due to bad weather conditions. Repair of the M/T Tor Dania which caused the sinking will last 2.5 weeks and is carried out in Bremerhaven. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 16 2006) UPDATE>> 2 a.m. EU local time M/V Norwegian Pearl-wreckage was finally raised after 2 attempts had failed before. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 16 2006) UPDATE>> Raised section of M/V Norwegian Pearl has meanwhile reached Medem Roads on the Elbe in the ropes of the sheerleg Wal & was loaded onto a barge Jan. 16, there to be finally towed to Papenburg. Meyer Werft optimistic that it will still be able to use the section in final construction of the vessel. M/V Norwegian Pearl is due to be delivered in autumn 2007. Another section of the ship has meanwhile reached Papenburg from Gdansk without sinking in the meantime... From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 17 2006) READ THE WHOLE STORY<< Webfeature.

Faulty TV Digital Box Sends Emergency Maritime Alert>> T.V. watching sparked a rescue mission from RAF Kinloss by sending out a signal identical to those transmitted by vessels in distress. The Kinloss Coast uard site in Moray, which co-ordinates rescue operations across the UK, detected an "SOS" call from the Portsmouth area on 5 January. A coastguard helicopter spent 2 hours searching the harbor area before the signal was traced to dry land. An RAF spokesman said the signal had been a "complete freak". RAF spokesman Michael Mulford said the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centrer at the airbase had picked up the beacon from one of 5 orbiting satellites. He said it was transmitting on the major emergency frequency. "We traced it to Portsmouth Harbour, checked & found out there were no vessels in the area or missing planes." The rescue center then contacted the Ofcom television service which was able to establish it was coming from a household. Ofcom has since removed the £50 Freeview box for tests. We think it possible that T.V. had been tuned to Gilligan's Island!<< Webfeature. From our Correspondent A.L. Griffiths (Sun. Jan. 15 2006)

Wooden-hulled M/V Jenny II, moored near the National Museum at Canberra, sank 2am, Jan. 15, after police & fire officers tried to put out a fire on board. Vessel hosts about 20,000 people over the year. (Sun. Jan. 15 2006)

Overloaded fishing boat sank today in Southern Leyte Province, Philippines, killing 15 people, mostly children -- taking part in a sea parade off the coast of San Ricardo in Southern Leyte province to celebrate the annual feast of the infant Jesus. (Sun. Jan. 15 2006) UPDATE>> At least 16 dead -- undetermined number remained missing. (Sun. Jan. 15 2006 PM)

PIRATE RAID>> In Lagos, foreign oil workers began their 4th day of captivity on board a pirate vessel hidden in creeks of the Niger Delta jungle on Jan. 14, as Nigerian security forces tried to negotriate their release. The oilmen - an American, a Briton, a Bulgarian & a Honduran - were seized from their offshore supply vessel on Jan. 11, by a 40-strong gang of pirates & taken into the swamps south of the port city of Warri. On Jan. 13, a statement purporting to be from the group demanded the release of 2 local leaders associated with the struggle of the Ijaw ethnic group to control resources in the delta, the heart of Africa's biggest oil industry. (Sat. Jan. 14 2006)

M/V Maritime Lady UPDATE>> Last 2 missing cover hatches of M/V Maritime Lady which capsized in the Elbe River on Dec. 5 were now traced in the approach of the Brunsbuettel locks of the Kiel Canal & raised by sheerleg Wal (lift capacity 110 tons, owner: Diver Knoth) Jan 13. Both were lifted onto a barge & carried to Hamburg for scrapping.Multi purpose M/V Vogelsand and the police boat WSP 22 from Cuxhaven were responsible for the maintenance of security zone during salvage works. The Wal worked on order of the Wasser-and Schifffahrtsamt (Maritime and shipping athority) which will try to get back costs from Norwegian owners of M/V Maritime Lady which is just being scrapped in Cuxhaven.>>> Sheerleg Wal -- after having finished the salvage work -- next ordered to raise sunken 32-m-section of the cruise liner newbuilding M/V Norwegian Pearl which was pushed off M/V Emsponton 7 in the collision with M/T Tor Dania Jan. 10, in the Elbe estuary. She will raise the sunken 70-ton-section in forthcoming days. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sat. Jan. 14 2006)

13,374gt Norwegian checmical M/T Star Herdla (built 1994) --in collision -- with Marshall Islands registered oil M/T Cape Bradley 10km off French coast in the English Channel Jan. 12 -- coast guard tug boat operated by French & British authorities used to tow M/V Star Herdlato Boulogne, France. No injuries. (Sat. Jan. 14 2006) UPDATE>> Tug M/V Anglian Monarch started the salvage of M/V Star Herdla after her collision in the English Channel. M/V Star Herdla was hit at steerboard in stern region. M/T Cape Bradley (length 176 m, built 2003) damaged at bow & ordered to enter Dunkerque for inspections. She carries 30053 tons Naphta. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan. 15 2006) UPDATE>> Damaged chemical M/T Star Herdla was brought to Bremerhaven for permanent repairs Jan 16 -- accompanied by tugs M/V Thamesbank & M/V Smit Ireland. M/T Star Herdla severely damaged at the bow & lost 1 anchor. After lightering the load of 30,053 tons naphta in Rotterdam, ship proceeded to Bremerhaven. She had been built in 2003 as M/T J. Shartava. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 19 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

7 Jan. 2006 at 0635 UTC in position 13:43N - 049:09E, Gulf of Aden. One speedboat, yellow color, about 15 mtrs length doing 21 kts chased chemical tanker underway. Master raised alarm, sounded whistle, increased speed to maximum, took evasive maneuvers; crew mustered & activated fire hoses. Boat came close & seeing crew alertness stopped the chase & moved away at 0740 UTC. (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

7 Jan. 2006 at 0440 UTC in position 13:58.6N - 049:20.8E, Gulf of Aden. Four boats, white color, about 15 mtrs length doing 15 kts approached chemical tanker underway. Master raised alarm, increased speed & took evasive maneuvers and boats moved away at 0505 UTC. (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

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Unnamed Chines F/V -- from NE China's Liaoning Province was found in flames Jan 12, on Yellow Sea 30 NM off Chengshantou in Rongcheng Cityoff the eastern Shandong Province -- 78 of 80 crew rescued according to the Shandong Provincial Maritime Safety Administration -- fire brought under control in 3 hours. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

Unidentified cargo M/V, with a loading capacity of 5,616 tons -- in collision -- with Chinese F/V, with 8 crew -- near Wenzhou City in the coastal Zhejiang Province. Small fishing boat sank quickly, throwing all 8 into the water. 8 missing. (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines-owned 1,000gt Inter-island ferry M/V Asia Philippines, with 223 passengers, returned to Cebu Jan.12 night after a fire broke out in its restaurant. Master opted to abort the 12-hour voyage & returned to Cebu to ensure safety of ship & passengers. Restaurant badly damaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

UK registered 1696gt M/T Amenity -- in collision -- with M/V Tor Dania -- just south of Grimsby in River Humber. Both vessels suffered significant damage but there were no injuries or pollution and both vessels were able to continue to berth un-aided before being withdrawn from service for repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

S/V Bob, with 3 crew, struck a submerged object punching a hole in the sailboats' hull, Jan, 11 -- U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders launched an HU-25 Falcon jet crew from Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas located vessel. U.S Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Shamal, a 179-foot patrol boat, en route from the Corpus Christi area to rescue the 3 men. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

18,655gt ferry 150mt. M/V Envoy -- ran aground on the beach within the port -- having entered the IJmuiden breakwaters. Successfully refloated by SvitzerWijsmuller salvage master. Successfully refloated. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

The One (Vessel) That Got Away>> 60ft. luxury M/Y Heather, with 1 aboard, departed Los Angeles area Marina Del Rey<< Webfeature, this morning & thense out to sea. Skipper Craig McCabe, 59, lost footing & went overboard after M/Y Heather struck lobster pot. Hours later M/Y Heather traveled 26 miles into the Pacific -- made perfect hit & beached at Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island. U.S. Coast Guard searched for hours in 58 degree waters -- but McCabe found alive, clinging to L.A. Bouy #2 -- evacuated to St. Mary's Hospital. A Miracle! Geeez -- some days you can't do anything wrong -- no matter how hard you try!. McD

M/V Aldebaran, Hamburg for the German power station Mehrum with 1,700 tons coal -- in collision Jan 11 -- with M/V Jade-Zen, from Glückstadt in ballast on the Mittelland Canal at kilometer 199 -- vessels berthed, still stuck bow into bow -- divided by welding. M/V Aldebaran proceeded to the power station -- M/V Jade-Zen will have to be repaired in a shipyard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 12 2006)

Norwegian Ro/Ro M/V Tor Dania -- in collision -- with tug M/V Emstug in the German Bight off Cuxhaven. M/V Tor Dania damaged above waterline -- was able to enter Port of Cuxhaven<< Webfeature. Tug also able to proceed under her own power. Cause of collision not yet known. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 10 2006) AMAZING UPDATE>> luxury cruise liner M/V Norwegian Pearl -- sank in Elbe estuary Jan.10, after the collision between M/V Tor Dania & M/V Emstug -- the sunken 70-t-section of the M/V Norwegian Pearl has now been marked with buoys. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 11 2006) UPDATE>> Construction parts of Norwegian Cruise Line newbuilding M/V Norwegian Pearl were lost in collision -- the parts are lying at 53°59,3 N and 008°13,95 E on the bottom of the Elbe. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 12 2006) UPDATE>> The M/V Tor Dania ist expected for repair Jan 13 in the Bredo-Yard Bremerhaven after sinking parts of the building M/V Norwegian Pearl in the Elbe. The ship is well known to repair yards. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 13 2006)

The Malta-flagged cargo M/V Sichem Pandora -- identified by authorities as having sunk the French F/V Klein Familie with a crew of 5 last week. This was proved by a paint color analysis in Dunkerque. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 12 2006)

25ft. M/V Painkira, with 22, left N. coastal city of La Ceiba on Jan 8 -- for Puerto Lempira --large waves capsized vessel -- Honduran Naval forces rescued 22 people thrown into the Caribbean, inwater off the coast of Barra de Cruta y Demante in the northeastern province of Gracias a Dios. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 11 2006)

Cargo M/V l Tokai -- rescued 2 U.S. citezens from from 38ft catamaran S/V Motion Ease 55 nautical miles NW of the Dominican Republic, after vessel taking on water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed. Jan. 11 2006)

Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels rammed explosives-laden fishing boat into Sri Lankan Navy "Fast Attack Craft" off the NE coast, near the port of Trincomalee, early Jan. 7, killing 13 sailors. (Tues. Jan. 10 2006)

Australian HMAS Launceston<< Webfeature -- intercepted Indonesian shark boat Jan. 8, in poor condition & in danger of sinking. Crew of Indonesian shark boat had boarded West Australian F/V Jetline. Indonesian vessel hsuffered heavy storm damage & was destroyed at sea -- crew transported to Darwin in custody. (Tues. Jan. 10 2006)

Panama flag 26,195gt. bulk M/V Med Integrity (Built 1984), with wheat -- grounded in the River Parana<< Webfeature, in Argentina/Brazil, 5 Jan 2006. Reported Jan. 10. Now in hands of Salvors Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd.<< Webfeature. (Tues. Jan. 10 2006) UPDATE>> Refloated by Tsavliris Salvage<< Webfeature, Jan 6 and resumed her voyage. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs. Jan. 12 2006)

Chemical tanker with 260 tons load capsized & sank on Chinese Yangtse River Jan. 8. Salvage teams try to raise the wreck as soon as possible. Up to now there was no pollution. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 9 2006)

Continuing Alert>> Next attempt to refloat stranded container M/V APL Panama will be in mid-January. At that time 6 tugs will attempt to refloat the vessel. Work has now begun to remove the bunker fuel and ballast water which will lighten the vessel considerably. A temporary roadway has been constructed from the beach enabling road tankers to be used for the removal of the fuel oil. Power packs have also been delivered to the vessel by helicopter, enabling power to be maintained to the accommodation areas, the reefer containers on board & for machinery required in the salvage operations. Vessel's master stated that he had absolutely no intention of entering the port without pilot assistance and was fully aware of the regulations. The master stated that the vessel had arrived early at the pilot boarding ground and was ready to have the pilot board the vessel. Shortly thereafter M/V APL Panama went aground. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 9 2006) Photo Feature<< Webfeature. Follow This Feature<< Webfeature

Staten Island Ferry Pilot Richard Smith sentenced to 18 months in prison Jan. 9, for falling asleep at the wheel of the vessel that slammed into a Staten Island pier in 2003 and killed 11 people. The accident on Oct. 15, 2003, was the worst in the 100 years that New York City has operated the ferry between Manhattan & Staten Island, a 25-minute commute taken by 65,000 passengers a day. Seventy people were taken to hospital. (Mon. Jan. 9 2006)

French 400ft. CroiseEurope river cruise M/V Beethoven, with 114 British passengers & 34 crew -- ran agound close to Einoed, Bavaria, on the river Danube Jan. 7 -- started taking water -- able to return to Vilshofen with own power & evacuation canceled -- came out of the traffic lane & ran aground on a rock subsequently. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 9 2006) NOTE: Your Editor visited aboard M/V Beethoven on the Danube in June 2005. She is a beautiful & luxurious vessel. McD

Cape Cod 55-foot Western Rig F/V Hizzoner, with 2 crew -- suffered uncontrolled engine room fire Jan. 6, while fishing in the vicinity of Billingsgate Shoal -- crew put on survival suits & abandoned ship into liferaft after attempting to fight the fire. U.S. Coast Guard Stations Cape Cod Canal and Provincetown responded to mayday. 44ft. F/V Miss Integrity, homeported in Orleans, Mass., reporting they had transferred crew aboard. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 9 2006)

35ft. F/V Fishin Chip's battery died in 10-foot seas and 30-knot winds causing it to take a wave over the side of the vessel without the ability to pump out water or transit to safety. U.S. Coast Guard Station Clearwater deployed a rescue swimmer & pump to F/V Fishin Chip -- successfully dewatered vessel. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 9 2006)

38ft. F/V Kathy Elizabeth -- issued Mayday -- 7 miles off Provincetown, Cape Cod Bay -- taking on water from stern & quickly sinking. Rescued by U.S. Coast Guard. (Sun.. Jan. 8 2006)

Sri Lankan Navy vessel -- Israel built Super Fast Attack Craft Dvora<< Webfeature, - or Dvora<< Webfeature -- rammed by explosives-laden fishing boat of Tamil Tiger rebels off NW Sri Lankan coast, near port of Trincomalee, early Jan. 7, killing at least 15 sailors & leaving 3 missing. (Sat. Jan. 7 2006)

M/V Divya Heera, Porbandar port for Calicut port in Keralawith 350 tons soda ash & 12 crew -- sunk Jan. 3, off Navi Bandar Port near Porbandar. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

Liberian 35,881gt contaier M/V MOL Renaissance (built 2005) Sigapore for Genoa -- arrived from Red Sea to Aqaba 29 Dec. 2005 with fire in No. 2 hold -- fire believed extinguished but salvors continuing to monitor situation. Contrary to early reports indicating that No. 2 hold was "totally burned" -- managers advise that damage is relatively minor & limited to few containers within hold. The overwhelming majority of cargo in No. 2 hold and on board the vessel is in sound condition & has not sustained any damage from fire & will be safely delivered to its receivers. Salvors SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. have situtation under control. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

5,689gt. pontoon AMT Explorer (built 1984) -- lost in tow by 705gt tug M/V Letojanni (built 1977) in bad weather in lat 48 59N, long 04 58W, at 0310, UTC, Dec 30. Assistance rendered to AMT Explorer by tug M/V Abeille Boubon which arrived on the scene at 1628, UTC, same day & towed the pontoon to Roscoff, arriving at 0910, Dec 31. Letojanni towing AMT Explorer subsequently continued voyage to Rotterdam Jan. 2. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

02 Jan. 2006 at 0733 UTC in position 13:48N - 049:48E, Gulf of Aden. Three speedboats with 3/4 persons onboard followed tanker underway. Master altered course & boats moved away. Later at 0753 UTC in position 13:49N - 049:54E, another speedboat with 3 persons onboard followed for 30 minutes. Alarm was raised boat stopped following. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

02 Jan. 2006 at 0040 LT at Teluk Semangka anchorage, Indonesia. Three pirates armed with long knives boarded tanker at poop deck. Duty A/B raised alarm, crew mustered & robbers escaped empty handed in waiting boat. Pertamina port control informed & patrol boat arrived 2 hours later for investigation. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

29 Dec. 2005 at 1800 LT in position 21:40.3N - 088:00.9E, Sagar anchorage, India -- pirates boarded container ship awaiting berthing with pilot onboard.  Duty A/B raised alarm &robbers escaped with ship's stores. Pilot station & port authority informed. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

27 Dec. 2005 at 0400 LT at Tg. Bara inner anchorage, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Pirates boarded bulk carrier at forecastle -- tried to steal ship's stores but alert crew raised alarm & robbers escaped empty handed in boat waiting with accomplices. Master suspects that stevedores may have collaborated with robbers. (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

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Dutch M/V C. Bosnan was raised in Enkhuizen by two sheerlegs. The ship once connected Enkhuizen and Stavoren. Then it served till 1958 as "De Nederlander" as education ship for sailors in Rotterdam. In July 2005 it had been brought to the Brouwer Shipyard in Zaandam for restauration. In Nov. it was drydocked. Some time later the ship capsized and sunk half. Now GPS Marine Services of Sliedrecht salvaged the ship with the aid of M/V Atlas & M/V Ajax with a lift capacity of 700 tons. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

French F/V capsized in the English Channel Jan 5. One crew rescued, 4 French sailors missing despite an intensive search by the French Navy and helicopters. After several hours there is little chance left of surval. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 6 2006)

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers M/T Happy Bride & M/T Sigmagas collided in NW French port of Donges Jan. 4, causing 60 tons of ship fuel to spill into the Sea. M/T Sigmagas was loaded with Butane at the time. No injuries -- both vessels towed back to port. (Thurs.. Jan. 5 2006)

179-foot Honduran cargo 110ft. M/V Caribbean Clipper -- stranded in mud by Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29 -- salvage crews dug a canal through a stretch of Bayou La Batre wetlands near New Orleans on Jan. 5, in hopes of freeing vessel -- 2 yellow excavators on floating barges clawed a 50-foot-wide, 15-foot-deep channel into the wetlands -- efforts continue. A total of 28 vessels, most of them shrimp boats, remain beached along the working bayou that gives the south Mobile County seafood village its name. The owners of most of them had no insurance before the storm, which was not the case with the Honduran cargo vessel loaded with vehicles. Gov. Bob Riley has pledged state assistance if necessary to refloat the fishing vessels, a job that could cost US$2M. (Thurs.. Jan. 5 2006)

2143gt. German 80mt. M/T Octavia (built 2005), Estonia for Hamburg collided with pilings when trying to stop Jan. 3 in Audorf -- 13 Pilings, each consisting of 16 logs -- completely demolished -- vessel damages along 15mt.-- collision may have been caused by dense fog. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Jan. 4 2006)

S/Y Xiphos -- 2 crew scrambled from yacht 90km off the Taranaki coast, New Zealand on Jan. 3-- salvage option became fruitless this morning Jan. 4, for US$300,000 vessel. (Wed. Jan. 4 2006)

S/V Hail Mary II capsized off Shinnecock Inlet, Long Island, N.Y. -- rescued by F/V Cindi Sea, Jan. 3. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Jan. 4 2006)

Bulk cement carrier M/V Goliath being used as floating shield to protect stricken 11.6mt yacht S/Y Savcor after she capsized about 90 NM south-east of Eden. Yacht's crew sent out an SOS call after vessel flipped 360 degrees & righted herself. At last report it was still floating upright. Crew members reportedly suffered minor injuries. A female said suffering slight hypothermia. S/Y Savcor finished 5th in its division in the Sydney-Hobart racing, crossing finishing line in 46th place on December 30. It was the team's 1st Sydney to Hobart Race<< Webfeature, with S/Y Savcor believed to be the 1st fully Swedish-crewed yacht in race's history. (Wed. Jan. 4 2006)

8,400dwt M/T Stavtank (built 1995) -- in collision Jan.3, in Kiel Canal near Fischerhütte -- with 9,980 gt cargo 141.2mt M/V Tärnhav. Chemical M/T Stavtank, with 6.600 tons light gas, severely damaged in superstructure on port side -- headed for Brunsbuettel assisted by the tug M/V Bugsier 15. >> M/V Tärnhav headed for Kiel & has reached the North harbor -- undamaged. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 3 2006) UPDATE>> M/V Tärnhav's bow, being strengthened for ice, hit the M/T Stavtank in the region between machine room and aftmost tank. The hull was torn open above the water on a length of 3,5 m and a height of 2 m. Then a crane was damaged - the hydraulic oil of which was then visible on M/V Tärnhav's bow - as well as a rescue boat and a ballast water tank, before the bridge of M/T Stavtank was hit and damaged. By chance no one was hurt there. When the crew of M/V Tärnhav inspected the foreship, they found broken glass of M/T Stavtank's bridge windows there. After the collision M/T Stavtank pushed into the canal embankment where she stuck fast until 06.30 a.m. The canal traffic had to be stopped for larger ships until the tug M/V Bugsier 15 came from Brunsbüttel and towed the ship back into deeper water. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Wed.. Jan. 4 2006) UPDATE>> The damaged M/T Stavtank reached Hamburg Jan 4 --down by the bow almost to the anchors and with an allowed speed of 6 knots it proceeded to the Vopak Terminal to unload the cargo of almost 7000 tons oil. It is not yet known which yard is to carry out the repairs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Thurs.. Jan. 5 2006)

Slovak M/V Polana -- suffered fire & sunk near Danube port of Russe -- blaze continued overnight Jan. 1, with the fire mainly focused in engine room -- authorities looking to stem pollution as ship carrying some 40 tons of fuel. An electrical fault is believed to have caused fire. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 3 2006)

U.S. Washington State ferry M/V Quinault << Webfeature, (built 1927) -- in narrow channel from Port Townsend to Keystone, extreme tides, heavy rain strong winds caused vessel to slam into a piling as it arrived at Keystone Harbor ferry terminal on Whidbey Island around 2:30 p.m. Dec. 30. No injuries. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 3 2006)

Indonesian wooden coaster M/V KM JA, Tembilahan, Indonesia for Pasir Gudang with 7 crew, Malaysia with 100 tons of timber, suffered fire 7.2km east of Sentosa in Singapore waters -- Maritime Port Authority vessels doused the burning ship -- crew jumped into sea to escape flames -- rescued by nearby ships and a coast guard vessel. Fire out -- half-submerged vessel towed away from shipping channel & temporarily moored. (Tues. Jan. 3 2006)

U.S. tugboat M/V Island Spirit -- suffered engine fire, issued Mayday & began to list about 35 degrees to starboard near Dungeness Spit, Wash. Dec. 30 -- crew was taken aboard U.S. Coast Guard utility boat for their safety during tow to Port Angeles by tug M/V Pacific Adventure. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006)

54,193gt. M/V Maersk Derince (built 2006), Korea for West Coast USA -- encountered heavy weather resulting in loss overboard of 52 containers overboard during what seems to have been her maiden voyage!  A further 24 containers were damaged. (Sun. Feb. 19 2006)

Liberian-flagged 35,881gt M/V MOL Renaissance (built 2005) -- suffering fire in containers in one of her holds. The 220mt vessel re-routed to the Red Sea port of Aqaba where she will be met with a SvitzerWijsmuller salvage/fire-fighting team from The Netherlands combined with other resources, which amongst others include fire-fighting tugs. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006) UPDATE>> Unconfirmed reports say the No 2 hold of ship, which is owned by German-based Oltmann Schiffahrtsgesellschaft, is "totally burned". From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues. Jan. 3 2006) UPDATE>> SvitzerWijsmuller Salvage B.V. succeeded 21 Jan. in moving M/V MOL RENAISSANCE through the Suez Canal shortly after it had left the Gulf of Aqaba. The fire which affected one of her holds was brought under control already earlier this month by a salvage & fire fighting team, on board as from end last year. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Tues.. Jan. 24 2006)

Norwegian chemical M/T Sydstraum -- released by the Danish authorities & allowed to proceed to Polish repair yard -- had suffered a gash in a ballast tank when grounding west off Lolland Dec 28 on the way from Gdynia to Antwerp. She came free without help, but was then ordered to an anchorage in Marstal bight & assisted by a tug. Cargo was then lightered by M/T Listraum. Ship escorted by the Coast Guard ships Marie Miljö & Barsö on way to Poland. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006)

13.85mt German Yacht S/V Conergy, homport Kiel with 9 crew, suffered water ingress on the Sydney-Hobart Race on Dec 28. The accident happened after a damage to one of the 2 rudders. The radio failed due to water damage afterwards -- had to return to Sydney for safety reasons. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006)

Grounded container M/V CP Valour -- abandoned due to heave damage after taking batterings from the sea for weeks off Praia da Faja. The crew left the ship Dec 25. 550 tons bunker oil & some dangerous cargo was removed. Vessel may be dismantled on the spot. Tsavliris Salvage (International) Ltd. had a LOF contract and had in vain tried to refloat with Russian tug M/V Fotiy Krylov. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006) UPDATE>> Tank barge M 192 -- was hooked to towing gear to tug M/V Justine Foss after she broke lose from sunken tug M/V Valour. U.S. Coast Guard crews searched more than 1700 sq. NM over a period of 16 hours to locate the wreck. Bravo Zulu! From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Fri. Jan. 20 2006)

U.S. 44ft. S/V Papa, MIami for Bahamas, with 1 aboard -- lost main mast, engines became disabled & began taking on water Dec. 26 -- U.S. Coast Guard C-130 crew spotted the Papa at 1 p.m. & established communications. Against 50 mph winds and heavy seas, the crew of Jayhawk hoisted Master to safety from the foundering sailboat. Man is reportedly in good condition after being transferred to waiting EMS in Melbourne, Fla. Vessel sinking. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Mon. Jan. 2 2006)

699gt. M/T Kannon Maru No. 8 -- in collision -- with 698gt M/V Taisei Maru -- 5km W. of Awaji on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. No injuries. (Sun. Jan. 1 2006)

51,071gt car carrier,198mt. M/V Isolde of Wallenuis Lines -- crashed with her stern into northern lock of Bremerhaven harbor Dec30. Two tugs escaped in the last second. M/V Isolde was towed to the Columbuskaje in Bremerhaven after collision. Ship was only slightly damaged, but the lock was out of order. The M/V Jingu Maru, M/V Taronga, M/V Terrier, M/V Autosun, M/V Autorunner, M/V Weser Highway & M/V Volga Highway were trapped in the harbor. Repair of the lock will last 3 to 4 days. From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen (Sun. Jan. 1 2006)

Antigua & Barbuda flag, 40,306gt. M/V APL Panama<< Webfeature, (built 2001) -- grounded on sand Dec 25 while inbound to the Port of Ensenada<< Webfeature. Master did not wait for port pilot & tugs -- she proceeded to enter port without them. Geeez!!! M/V APL Panama ran aground on Ensenada Beach<< Webfeature, outside breakwaters. No reports of heavy weather or fog. Two 5000-bhp Crowley tugs from Port of Los Angeles arrived today to try to free the vessel. All efforts to pull the vessel off the sandbank during high tide using services of tugs unfortunately failed. Discharge of some of the 900 TEUs on board being considered but will be difficult due to location of the vessel -- in the middle of nowhere. She is aground 200 ft from beach on sandy bottom. Geeeez, we've known for years that if you're at Ensenada<< Webfeature, -- and nothing is going on -- just go to the beach! M/V APL Panama did!! This event best describes my UCLA college days!! McD (Fri.. Dec. 30 2005) UPDATE>> Larger tugs beating from Seattle expected tomorrow. (Sun. Jan. 1 2006) UPDATE>> After running aground on Christmas Day, M/V APL Panama remains a colossal figure looming over the coast just south of the port of Ensenada, and a National City marine contractor has been retained to help free it. After unsuccessful attempts by three tugboats sent from Los Angeles to dislodge the ship and bring it afloat, the ship's owner contracted the Crowley Maritime Corp., a worldwide salvage company based in Florida, to float the vessel. Crowley then contacted RE Staite Engineering Inc. of National City, a marine construction company, on Dec. 29 requesting the company join the team in the effort to free the ship. Three more powerful tugs should have arrived in Ensenada by now, but 1st cargo must be unloaded from the ship via a sky crane & fuel oil needs to be pumped from the ship. Both will lighten the ship's load, thus making the tugboats' job feasible, but it will take time. Additionally, lines need to be attached to the newly arrived tugboats. Another factor in freeing the ship is the tide. During periods of high tide the ship almost floats; however, during low tide the result is the opposite. The recent high surf that Ensenada experienced also pushed the ship farther inland toward the coast as the tide rose. Initial reports said the crew didn't wait for the port pilot to guide them into the terminal before trying to bring the vessel into port -- but there is another story that denies this claim. (Thurs. Jan. 5 2006) See Our Photo Feature. >>> APL Panama - BREAKING NEWS

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

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

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

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

WEEKLY IMB PIRATE REPORTS ___

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

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

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

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INDEX To Maritime Casulaties Database:

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Keep Exploring At Our Database Which Features Losses At 1999 & Before

 

  NOTE: The historic dangers of carriage by sea continue to be quite real. Shippers must be encouraged to purchase high quality marine cargo insurance from their freight forwarder or customs broker. It's dangerous out there. Buy the cargo insurance, before the loss!

 

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