Nautical Mishaps, Maritime Calamities

Coast Guard, Ecology, Foss Maritime, Global Diving & Salvage and NRC- Environmental Services responding to sunken fishing vessel near La Push

2011-02-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

LA PUSH (OLYMPIA) – The U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard), Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology), Foss Maritime, Global Diving & Salvage and NRC-Environmental Services are responding to an 80-foot fishing vessel that sank Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in about 360 feet of water approximately 13 miles west of La Push.
The Coast Guard safely removed all five crew members from the Vicious Fisher by about 6 p.m. after final efforts to dewater the vessel failed. No injuries have been reported.
The steel hulled Vicious Fisher out of Bellingham went down with approximately 3,800 gallons of diesel fuel on board.
The Jeffrey Foss, the privately-funded emergency response vessel stationed at Neah Bay, was dispatched and divers from Global Diving & Salvage have been hired to assess the potential for salvage. NRC-Environmental Services have booms and oil skimmers available for any potential pollution response.
The owner of the Vicious Fisher is financially liable for the response efforts.
The location where the Vicious Fisher went down is located in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary and is near the Quileute Indian Tribe reservation.
More information about salvage and recovery efforts – including potential pollution threats – will be provided as soon as it becomes available. On scene officials have not seen any signs of pollution.

UPDATE 2: Missing sailboat bound for Philippines found

2011-01-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

UPDATE 2: Missing sailboat bound for Philippines found

Emergency beacon in North Pacific prompting international response

2011-01-14T17:04:00.000-08:00

Emergency beacon in North Pacific prompting international response

Coast Guard responding to vessel aground at Mayport, Fla.

2011-01-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Jacksonville January 7, 2010 - The Coast Guard is responding to a vessel aground on the St. John's River near Mayport, Fla., Thursday.
The 235-foot Motor Vessel Endeavour ran aground Thursday on the St. John's River in Mayport near the entrance of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Captain of the Port has established a 50-yard safety zone around the vessel; all traffic should remain outside this zone for their own safety and for those crews conducting removal operations
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville is working with the owner of the vessel to ensure the vessel is safely re-floated mitigating the risks to the environment and Port of Jacksonville. At this point there are no risks to commerce or traffic in the channel.
The cause of the incident is under investigation.

UPDATE: Coast Guard assits with fuel transfer of Guam Shipyard dry dock "Big Blue"

2011-01-07T13:23:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: Coast Guard assits with fuel transfer of Guam Shipyard dry dock "Big Blue"

Coast Guard assists local agencies in response to marina fire in Washington, N.C.

2011-01-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard assists local agencies in response to marina fire in Washington, N.C.

International search leads to rescue of 20 « Coast Guard Compass

2011-01-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

International search leads to rescue of 20 « Coast Guard Compass

Coast Guard responds to tank leak, section of Houston Ship Channel closed

2011-01-05T15:10:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard responds to tank leak, section of Houston Ship Channel closed

Coast Guard investigates grounded freighter

2011-01-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard investigates grounded freighter

U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews, good samaritan aid sinking commercial fishing vessel

2011-01-01T11:22:00.001-08:00

DATE: December 31, 2010 11:50:15 PM EST

OWL’S HEAD, Maine – U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews and a good samaritan aided a commercial fishing vessel crew after abandoning their sinking boat east of Owl’s Head State Park, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010.
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England watchstanders received report that the fishing vessel Miss Jill was sinking at 8:40 p.m. and three mariners were abandoning their vessel to embark a life raft.
Coast Guard Station Rockland rescue crews launched a 47-foot Motor Life Boat to the last reported location. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued by watchstanders alerting any boats in the vicinity to provide assistance.
A 30-foot fishing vessel, the Rising Sun, was in the immediate area and plucked the mariners in their life raft from the water.
"It's fortunate the Rising Sun crew was close by to assist the mariners," said Chris Berry, a Coast Guard Sector Northern New England operational unit controller. “This shows the great camaraderie of a tight-knit maritime community.”

Search for missing crewmen - update - Maritime New Zealand

2010-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

Search for missing crewmen - update - Maritime New Zealand

Coast Guard aircrew assists in rescue of two off Nantucket, Mass.

2010-12-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard aircrew assists in rescue of two off Nantucket, Mass.

Missing Solomon Islanders found safe by Hercules crew

2010-12-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Canberra December 6, 2010 - An overnight dash by a Royal Australian Air Force C130H Hercules supporting the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) has contributed to the successful rescue of five Solomon Islanders reported missing near the Santa Cruz Island group.
The small boat and missing islanders were observed sheltering on an island by the C130 crew at approximately 11am local time this morning and later successfully recovered by helicopter.
The RAAF crew commenced their search this morning at the request of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Solomon Islands’ Government.
Acting Chief Joint Operations Command Rear Admiral Ray Griggs said the C130 and crew deployed at extremely short notice on the life-saving task.
“Thankfully, the search area was well defined and this, combined with the crew and equipment onboard the aircraft, assisted in efforts to find the missing vessel,” Rear Admiral Griggs said.
“The C130 crew can be very proud of their role in ensuring these five people were safely recovered. The mission highlights our ability to react quickly to a range of different contingencies.”
The C130H Hercules of the Royal Australian Air Force’s No 37 Squadron was fitted with a specialist module to assist with search and rescue and deployed to the search area at the request of the RCC.
For further details about the missing vessel, the extent of the search and the subsequent recovery, please contact the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre – Honiara.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing mariners in the Republic of Marshall Islands

2010-12-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard suspends search for missing mariners in the Republic of Marshall Islands

Merchant vessel crew saves 4 sailors 1000 miles off Bermuda

2010-12-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Merchant vessel crew saves 4 sailors 1000 miles off Bermuda

Shipping Company and Senior Crewmembers Convicted of Covering up Oil Pollution

2010-12-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Shipping Company and Senior Crewmembers Convicted of Covering up Oil Pollution

Ecology, Coast Guard and U.S. Oil responding to diesel fuel spill to Tacoma’s Blair Waterway | November 2010 News | Washington State Department of Ecology

2010-12-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ecology, Coast Guard and U.S. Oil responding to diesel fuel spill to Tacoma’s Blair Waterway November 2010 News Washington State Department of Ecology: "Department of Ecology News Release - November 30, 2010 (1 p.m.)
10-316
Ecology, Coast Guard and U.S. Oil responding to diesel fuel spill to Tacoma’s Blair Waterway
TACOMA – The state Department of Ecology, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Oil & Refining Co. are responding to a diesel fuel spill to the Blair Waterway in Tacoma.
The waterway remains open but vessel traffic should avoid wakes and stay away from the cleanup area as much as possible.
During a fuel transfer, a U.S. Oil employee detected a leak on a partially open bleeder valve. Company personnel quickly shut the valve and immediately stopped the transfer.
Observations on the waterway show that less than 25 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from the shore side into the Blair Waterway. Oil containment boom located at the dock was immediately deployed.
Marine Spill Response Corporation personnel and several other spill response contractors have been mobilized to aid in recovery efforts, avoid personal injury and property damage, and to help minimize damage to the environment.
An investigation is under way to determine the exact cause of the spill and the amount of diesel fuel spilled. No injuries have been reported.
More information about the spill will be provided as soon as it becomes available."

UPDATE: Coast Guard, Navy, local rescue teams continue the search for missing mariners in Republic of the Marshall Islands

2010-11-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Coast Guard, Navy, local rescue teams continue the search for missing mariners in Republic of the Marshall Islands

Bulgaria: 1 Ship Sinks in Collision Off Bulgarian Coast, No Oil Spills - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency

2010-11-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Bulgaria: 1 Ship Sinks in Collision Off Bulgarian Coast, No Oil Spills - Novinite.com - Sofia News Agency

Wrecked yacht hull ready for transportation - BarentsObserver

2010-11-24T12:39:00.000-08:00

Wrecked yacht hull ready for transportation - BarentsObserver

Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department rescue 15-month-old child

2010-11-23T16:46:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department rescue 15-month-old child

Coast Guard contains oil product leaking from sunken boat at abandoned marina

2010-11-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard contains oil product leaking from sunken boat at abandoned marina

Coast Guard, AMVER partners assist vessel in distress

2010-11-23T11:01:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard, AMVER partners assist vessel in distress

Voyager solicitor 'overbilled millions'

2010-11-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Voyager solicitor 'overbilled millions'

Denies involvement in crash - BarentsObserver

2010-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Denies involvement in crash - BarentsObserver

Newspapers in Education

2010-11-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

Newspapers in Education

USS Oscar Austin Aids Iranian Mariners Stranded in Arabian Gulf

2010-11-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

USS Oscar Austin Aids Iranian Mariners Stranded in Arabian Gulf

Coast Guard boat, helicopter assists 2 near New River Inlet, N.C.

2010-11-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard boat, helicopter assists 2 near New River Inlet, N.C.

Swedish coastguard aids blazing ferry - The Local

2010-11-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Swedish coastguard aids blazing ferry - The Local

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA Enforces Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule

2010-11-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NOAA Enforces Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule

Companies to Pay More Than $6 Million for Natural Resource Damages from Buzzards Bay Oil Spill

2010-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 15, 2010

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the state of Rhode Island announced today that Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. and its affiliates will pay more than $6 million to settle a portion of the federal and state natural resource damages claims for the April 2003 spill of up to 98,000 gallons of oil into Buzzards Bay. The settlement announced today is in addition to damage assessment costs for federal and state governments of almost $1.6 million.
“Today’s settlement holds accountable those responsible for the spill that impacted 100 miles of New England coastline,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “This settlement will restore shoreline and aquatic habitats vital to commercial and recreational fisheries, enhance breeding grounds for shorebirds such as the federally-threatened piping plover, and improve opportunities for public recreational use.”
The U.S. Coast Guard first reported an oil spill on April 27, 2003. At that time, the tug Evening Tide was towing the unmanned tank barge Bouchard B. 120, which was carrying No. 6 fuel oil. The barge was in route from Philadelphia to the Mirant Power Generating Facility in Sandwich, Massachusetts.
The barge grounded on a shoal soon after entering the western approach to Buzzards Bay, rupturing its hull and allowing the release of the cargo. In the days and weeks following the grounding, winds and currents drove the spilled oil ashore, affecting approximately 100 miles of shoreline in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Cleanup of the oiled shoreline took months, including at Barney’s Joy and Hoppy’s Landing, where a heavy oil coated boulders and cobble.
Hundreds of loons, seaducks and other birds were killed as a result of the spill. The beaches, which function as breeding and forage habitats for shorebirds, such as piping plovers, were impacted by the spill. In addition, the oil spill adversely affected the public’s use of Buzzards Bay waters and the adjoining coastline, by causing the oiling and temporary closure of shellfishing beds throughout the bay and restricting boat and beach access.
Bouchard Transportation earlier reached a criminal plea agreement as a result of the spill, agreeing to a fine of $10 million. In the criminal matter, the company was charged with negligently piloting the Evening Tide resulting in the death of migratory birds in violation of the Federal Migratory Bird Act.
The natural resource trustees in this case include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the state of Rhode Island.
“The Bouchard oil spill in Buzzards Bay caused extensive damage to our shoreline, to wildlife in the area, and to Massachusetts businesses and citizens who rely on Buzzards Bay for their livelihoods and for recreation. This settlement, while not a substitute for prevention, will help to restore those precious resources,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.
“I am pleased to join Attorney General Coakley and our federal partners in announcing this settlement, which will go a long way toward compensating the public for the environmental damage caused by the Bouchard oil spill,” said Ian Bowles, Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. “As the commonwealth’s NRD trustee, and with the public’s input, I intend to make sure that these funds are put to the highest and best use to restore the vital wildlife habitat, and important aquatic resources and recreational areas of Buzzards Bay.”
“The state of Rhode Island is pleased that restoration work for the natural resources impacted by the 2003 oil spill into Buzzards Bay can now begin,” said Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director W. Michael Sullivan.
The settlement will, once approved by the court, compensate the public for injuries to shoreline and aquatic resources, piping plovers and coastal recreational uses, such as beach access, shellfishing and boating that depend on the natural resources affected by the spill. The current settlement does not address injuries to terns, loons and other birds. The trustees continue to discuss these injuries with the responsible parties and also to pursue the recovery of additional damage assessment costs.
The federal and state trustees may use portions of the settlement funds, after public input, to restore salt marsh and river herring runs. In addition, the trustees may use some of the settlement funds to fund a potential project to stabilize a portion of shoreline of Ram Island, which is a state-owned wildlife sanctuary in Massachusetts and serves as critical nesting and fledgling habitat for roseate terns, a federally listed endangered species. The 2003 oil spill caused significant injury to the salt marsh on Ram Island.
“NOAA looks forward to continuing to fully participate with our co-trustees and the public to identify and implement successful restoration projects benefiting fishery resources and their habitats, as well as other restoration activities along the Massachusetts and Rhode Island coast,” said David Kennedy, Acting Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director Marvin Moriarty added, “We are pleased that a settlement has been reached. These funds will help increase summer breeding success for piping plovers and other shorebirds.”
The proposed consent decree outlining the settlement was lodged in court today and is available at www.justice.gov/enrd/Consent_Decrees.html. It is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

Coast Guard rescues 4 near Barnegat Light, N.J.

2010-11-16T09:54:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard rescues 4 near Barnegat Light, N.J.

Coast Guard assists boat disabled by fire

2010-11-14T23:13:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard assists boat disabled by fire

Cargo vessel with Russian crew in distress in North Sea | World | RIA Novosti

2010-11-14T23:09:00.000-08:00

Cargo vessel with Russian crew in distress in North Sea World RIA Novosti

Coast Guard continues search for fisherman 2100 miles southwest of Oahu

2010-11-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard continues search for fisherman 2100 miles southwest of Oahu

Cruise ship adrift; Coast Guard continues response

2010-11-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Cruise ship adrift; Coast Guard continues response

Family missing at sea for six days rescued

2010-11-07T23:15:00.000-08:00

Family missing at sea for six days rescued

Louisiana Vessel Company to Pay $2.1 Million in Penalties

2010-11-04T14:51:00.000-07:00

Louisiana Vessel Company to Pay $2.1 Million in Penalties

Search continuing for man overboard - Maritime New Zealand

2010-11-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Search continuing for man overboard - Maritime New Zealand

Crew of disabled sailboat rescued 900 miles southeast of Hilo

2010-11-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

Crew of disabled sailboat rescued 900 miles southeast of Hilo

Bengal trawler capsize toll rises to 23, 100 missing - World News, 74500

2010-10-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Bengal trawler capsize toll rises to 23, 100 missing - World News, 74500

Coast Guard suspends search for man swept from beach in Saipan

2010-10-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard suspends search for man swept from beach in Saipan

Navy launches rescue mission for tall ship - News - Bucks Herald

2010-10-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Navy launches rescue mission for tall ship - News - Bucks Herald

Burning ship limps to port in England after rescue - CNN.com

2010-10-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

Burning ship limps to port in England after rescue - CNN.com

Coast Guard fines Great Lakes freighter for failure to report grounding

2010-10-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

October 21, 2010, 10:11:36 AM

DETROIT – Coast Guard Sector Detroit is reminding mariners of the importance of immediately reporting commercial vessel marine casualties, following a $5,000 civil penalty issued Thursday to a commercial vessel owner who failed to report the vessel running aground months prior.
Timely notification to the Coast Guard ensures that appropriate corrective actions are taken for the marine casualty, proper oversight is given for any repairs or injuries, and adequate safety measures are in place for continued operations.
June 1, 2010, the 670-foot U.S. flagged cargo ship Herbert C Jackson failed to appropriately report to the Coast Guard damages resulting from the ship's running aground in the Saginaw River near Bay City, Mich.
The grounding went unreported for 121 days until an internal ballast tank survey by the crew uncovered the full extent of the damage. After the report was made to the Coast Guard, personnel from Marine Safety Unit Toledo, Ohio, completed a thorough inspection of the damage, a review of the repair plan, and an investigation into the accident.
Following the vessel’s departure from Bay City June 1, the crew noticed a vibration. June 23, they hired divers to inspect the propeller. The Coast Guard became aware of the grounding in late September, when the freighter’s crewmembers were doing a routine cleaning of the ship’s ballast tanks, noted structural damage to the hull bottom, and notified the Coast Guard of the damage.
The vessel owner not only failed to report the marine casualty immediately to the Coast Guard, which is required by federal law, but also failed to notify the Coast Guard of damage and extensive repairs to the propeller caused by the grounding.
Reportable marine casualties require immediate notification to the Coast Guard followed by a written report submitted within five days of the initial notification. Marine casualties required to be reported to the Coast Guard include: unintentional groundings, loss of propulsion or steering that reduces the maneuverability of a ship, any occurrence that affects a ship’s seaworthiness, loss of life, an injury that requires professional medical treatment beyond first aid, more than $25,000 in property damage, and an occurrence involving significant harm to the environment, such as an oil spill.
Sector Detroit is the parent command to 11 subordinate units in Eastern Michigan and Western Ohio and is responsible for all Coast Guard missions in U.S. navigable waters along a 472-mile international border with Canada.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing Maui paddler

2010-10-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard suspends search for missing Maui paddler

Cargo ship capsizes Dutch commuter ferry in canal - The Globe and Mail

2010-10-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Cargo ship capsizes Dutch commuter ferry in canal - The Globe and Mail

New Photographs Reveal Extent of Damage to Costa Classica : Cruise Law News

2010-10-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

New Photographs Reveal Extent of Damage to Costa Classica : Cruise Law News

Four rescued from vessel fire off West Coast

2010-10-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

14 October 2010 - 7:00PM

Four fishermen have been rescued from a vessel that caught fire off the West Coast this afternoon.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) was alerted to a fire aboard the fishing vessel Marconi earlier today after a mayday call was received.
A Coastguard rescue craft from Greymouth was dispatched to the stricken vessel, which was about 22 nautical miles (41 kilometres) off the coast.
The four-person crew was transferred to the Coastguard vessel and taken back to Greymouth. No injuries were reported.

Fire on Baltic Sea ferry with 240 aboard

2010-10-09T09:25:00.000-07:00

Fire on Baltic Sea ferry with 240 aboard

Coast Guard crews rescues 3 after vessel capsizes off Kauai

2010-10-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard crews rescues 3 after vessel capsizes off Kauai

Chemical tanker and cargo vessel collide in Channel - Channel4 News

2010-10-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Chemical tanker and cargo vessel collide in Channel - Channel4 News

Coast Guard, Netarts Fire Department respond to capsized vessels in Netarts Bay, Ore.

2010-10-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, October 06, 2010, 6:55:06 PM

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard, working with Netarts Fire Department, recovered three people from the water after two vessels capsized in Netarts Bay, Ore., 12-miles south of Tillamook Bay, Ore., at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Two Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., two motor lifeboat crews from Coast Guard Station Tillamook Bay and two jet skis from Netarts Fire Department deployed to assist after onlookers reported two vessels in distress.
One person was recovered and transported to shore by a Netarts Fire Department jet ski and a second by a Coast Guard motor lifeboat crew. Both people were pronounced dead by a local emergency medical team.
The third person was recovered and transported to shore by the Coast Guard helicopter crew and taken to Tillamook County Hospital.
Both recreational vessels were approximately 15-feet long and early reports indicated that one may have been attempting to assist the other.
On scene weather conditions were five-knot winds and two-foot waves with occasional seven-foot waves.
The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation into the cause of the boating accident.

Jury Awards $4 Million for Transocean Accident

2010-10-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

LAFAYETTE, La., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- In a unanimous decision, a federal jury has awarded a 32-year-old oil field worker $4,091,867.17 for damages sustained in an offshore rig accident. The plaintiff was represented at trial by Joseph "Buzzy" Joy of Joseph Joy & Associates, and assisted by Gordon J. Schoeffler, both of Lafayette, LA.
The incident occurred July 14th, 2007, and resulted in multiple injuries, including mild permanent brain damage. The Plaintiff was employed as a casing stabber with Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools at the time of the accident, aboard the Amirante, which was owned by Transocean Enterprise Inc. and operated and maintained by Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling, Inc. The plaintiff was injured when the Amirante's hydraulic basket, in which he was working, malfunctioned.
The young man, who has a wife and family, is unable to return to work or be left alone and will need round-the-clock care for the rest of his life.
"I feel the jury recognized the magnitude of what faces my client and the pain and suffering he will endure for the rest of his life," Joy said. "When something like this happens, corporations owe a debt to the men and women who put their health and their lives on the line. This is a fair award and just compensation for this young man and his family. A case like this makes me proud to be a lawyer."
The jury verdict against Transocean was announced by the court Friday, September 24, 2010. The trial was presided over by Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette-Opelousas Division.

Coast Guard responds to sinking barge

2010-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard responds to sinking barge

Coast Guard recues 2 sinking fishermen

2010-10-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard recues 2 sinking fishermen

Dry-cargo freighter under Russian flag runs aground off Turkish coast : Voice of Russia

2010-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Dry-cargo freighter under Russian flag runs aground off Turkish coast : Voice of Russia

Tourists die in Italy ferry tragedy - World News, Breaking News - Independent.ie

2010-09-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tourists die in Italy ferry tragedy - World News, Breaking News - Independent.ie

Two rescued in water off Portsmouth, R.I.

2010-09-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

BOSTON — A Good Samaritan vessel rescued two people from the water after the 29-foot boat they were on experienced an engine failure off Portsmouth R.I. near Prudence Island Saturday, Sept. 25 at about 1:45 p.m.

A Coast Guard Station Castle Hill, R.I. 45-foot response boat crew took the rescued people off the Good Samaritan boat and transported them to Mellville Marina in Portsmouth where a waiting ambulance took them to Newport Hospital. There are no reports of serious injuries.

Two other people who remained aboard the disabled boat were taken aboard a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boat. A second Auxiliary boat took the disabled vessel under tow and transferred it to a commercial towing service.

The cause of the mishap is unknown but will be investigated by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, which also had a boat respond to the scene.

"The two people who jumped overboard fortunately were not in the water very long before being rescued," said Ensign Gus Seyler, the command duty officer at Sector Southeastern New England. "They were lucky that boats were nearby that could help them get out of the water, and we were glad to hear no one was seriously hurt. This case is a good example of close coordination between us, the Auxiliary and local and state agencies."

Search suspended for man overboard - Maritime New Zealand

2010-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

Search suspended for man overboard - Maritime New Zealand

Coast Guard medevacs 1 near Cape Hatteras, NC

2010-09-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard medevacs 1 near Cape Hatteras, NC

Coast Guard responding to barge sinking on the North Slope

2010-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard responding to barge sinking on the North Slope

7 foreign ships under detention in the UK during August 2010

2010-09-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

09 September 2010 10:01 Maritime And Coastguard Agency (National)

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that 7 foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during August 2010 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.
Latest monthly figures show that there were 4 new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during August 2010 and 3 vessels under detention from previous months. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 3.8% this is slightly up from July’s twelve month rate.
During the month of August 160 Port State Control inspections were carried out in the UK. A total of 60 vessels had no deficiencies raised against them, 71 had between one and five deficiencies, 23 had between six and ten deficiencies, 5 had between eleven and twenty deficiencies and 1 vessel had more than twenty deficiencies.
Out of the detained vessels 4 were registered with flag states listed on the Paris MOU white list, 1 was registered with a flag state on the grey list 1 was registered with a flag state on the black list and 1 was unregistered.
1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (95/21/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes full details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.
2. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the MCA. Where a ship is found to be deficient or lacks the required documentation, MCA surveyors can take a range of actions leading to detention in serious cases. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as SIReNaC. This allows the ships of flags with poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.
3. Detained ships have to satisfy surveyors that remedial work has been carried out before they are allowed to leave port.
4. When applicable the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).
Notes on the list of detentions
- Full details of the ship.
- The accompanying detention list shows ship’s name, the flag state and the ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it.
- Company.
- The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate or the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
- Classification Society.
- The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship and not necessarily the party issuing and/or carrying out surveys for certificates relevant to the defect found.
- Recognised Organisation.
- The "organisation" - responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates, (on behalf of the Flag State).
- Defects.
- The list gives a summary of the main grounds for detention and includes information where the ship has been released to sail to another port for repairs.

Vessels detained in August included:

A 21,870 GT. Bulk Carrier was detained in Tilbury because the charts and publications were out of date, the water tight doors were defective and the emergency fire pump was inoperative. Due to the number of deficiencies found, a major non conformity was identified with respect to the maintenance of the ship and equipment which was not according to SMS.

SHIPS DETAINED IN AUGUST 2010

Date & Place of detention 04/08/2010 - Southampton
Vessel Name: HUELIN ENDEAVOUR (General Cargo)
GT: 499
IMO: No:8215807
Flag: Eire
Company: Lee Shipping Co
Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Bureau Veritas (BV)
Summary: 20 deficiencies, 5 grounds for detention.
The vessel was detained in Southampton for 6 days because stability calculation records were found not to have been fully completed for voyages since 26th May 2010 and stability calculations prior to that date did not demonstrate compliance with relevant requirements. In addition there was insufficient navigational record keeping during previous passages and the passage planning was inadequate. Other deficiencies identified included: the medical certificate of fitness for the bosun had expired in June 2010 and the recently signed on 2nd Engineer’s COC had expired; the lifeboats were not properly maintained and not ready for immediate use; and the GMDSS logbook evidence for daily and weekly checks was not fully completed. The number and nature of the deficiencies relating to the maintenance, the safety and environmental policy and the resources and personnel showed that the ship was not being maintained according to ISM.
The vessel was released on 09/08/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 11/08/2010 Southampton
Vessel Name: FLEX DARWIN (General Cargo)
GT: 2,999
IMO No:9195925
Flag:Antigua & Barbuda
Company: Osterstroms Logistics
Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Summary: 17 deficiencies 2 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Southampton for 2 days because the charts had not been properly updated since April 2009 and the passage planning had not been prepared as required by SMS. In addition the development of plans for ship board operations was not according to SMS. Other deficiencies identified included: the compass was unreadable over approximately 50° arc on the aft part of the bowl and the compass error log had not been completed which was in contravention of the master’s standing orders; the GMDSS shore based maintenance agreement had expired on 27/07/2010: and the muster lists did not indicate the person responsible for the maintenance of life saving and fire fighting equipment.
The vessel was released on 12/08/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 16/08/2010 Port of Tyne
Vessel Name: PLEIADES SPIRIT (Ro-Ro Cargo)
GT: 60,330
IMO No 9409326
Flag: Panama
Company: World Marine Co Ltd
Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Summary: 8 deficiencies 5 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in the Port of Tyne for 2 days because the vessel was using low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO) in the generators and auxiliary boiler 12 hours after berthing which was in contravention of an EU directive. The hours of rest for the master and the officers were not available for August and not all of the crew were meeting the hours of rest requirements on 24th / 25th July 2010. In addition there was no enclosed space entry permit in accordance with the regulations for crew cleaning the ME scavenge space. Other deficiencies identified were the self closing fire doors in the purifier rooms had non approved hold backs and there were no acknowledgements to any external DSC test calls for the last 3 weeks.
The vessel was released on 17/08/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 23/08/2010 Tilbury
Vessel Name: FEROI (Bulk Carrier)
GT: 21,870
IMO No:8220101
Flag: Jamaica
Company: Ferodi Shipping Ltd
Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Recognised Organisation: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) & Lloyds Register (LR)
Summary: 24 deficiencies 5 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained for Tilbury for 4 days because: the charts had expired; the water level indicator was broken; the fire pump was inoperative and the chain locker water tight doors were inoperative. A major non conformity was identified with respect to the maintenance and equipment due to the number and nature of deficiencies found on board. Other deficiencies found included: the hospital toilet was inoperative; the crew shower facilities were unusable the instructions for the main engine emergency starting were missing; the emergency escape from the engine room was not marked and the inflatable liferafts were not properly marked the id was incorrect.
The vessel was released on 26/08/2010.
DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS
Date & Place of detention: 26/07/2010 Swansea Docks
Vessel Name: SIAM PROJECT (RO – RO Cargo)
GT: 9019
IMO No:8100571
Flag: Singapore
Company: Jutha Maritime Public Company
Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Recognised Organisation: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
& Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
Summary: 22 deficiencies 4 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Swansea Docks for 10 days because the emergency fire pump was inoperable; the fire and abandon ship drills were sub-standard and the resources and personnel were not according to SMS. A major non conformity was identified with respect to the maintenance and equipment which was not according to SMS. Other deficiencies found included: The fire suit in the accommodation required rubber gloves that have the correct electrical resistance and the batteries in the torch needed replacing; the rope on the port and starboard embarkation ladders was rotten at the anchor point and the launching instructions for the port lifeboat were ripped; the safety chains were missing from the liferafts and the engine room aft door could only be opened internally.
The vessel was released on 04/08/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 30/07/2010 Tilbury
Vessel Name: PAMAKARISTOS (Bulk Carrier)
GT: 21941
IMO No 8323214
Flag: Malta
Company: Anbros Maritime SA
Classification Society: Lloyds Register (LR)
Recognised Organisation: Lloyds Register (LR)/ American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Summary: 26 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Tilbury for 8 days because the emergency generator flaps were unable to be closed; the engine room intake flaps were seized and the starboard casing after flap was holed; the engine room bilge pump was not able to pump to the bilge holding tank; the fore peak tank vent was holed and the port chain locker sounding cap was missing. Major non conformities were identified in respect of the maintenance and equipment and the development of plans for ship board operations. Other deficiencies identified included: the engine room stores hatch permanently secured open; the sheave wheels of the port and starboard lifeboats were seized; the records of rest for the captain, chief and second engineer were missing and the records of rest for the chief officer was false. The number and nature of the deficiencies indicated a breakdown of the planned maintenance and a lack of crew familiarity and a breakdown of training which not according to SMS.
The vessel was released on 06/08/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 04/03/2010 – LOWESTOFT
Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)
GT: 106
IMO No: 8944446
Flag: Unregistered
Company: Open Window Inc
Classification Society: Unclassed
Recognised Organisation: Not applicable
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Not applicable
Summary: 30 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Lowestoft because the main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space. There were insufficient liferafts, the sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room. There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.
Other deficiencies found were insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date. In addition the following items were found to be missing:
distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle.
The vessel was still detained at 31/08/2010.

Master of large tanker fined for failing to complete a breath test

2010-09-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

09 September 2010 15:55 Maritime And Coastguard Agency (National)

At a hearing today at Lyndhurst Magistrates Court, the Master of the Singapore Registered tanker Nord Fast pleaded guilty to one offence of failing to supply a specimen after having been arrested on suspicion of having the proportion of alcohol in his breath exceed the prescribed limit (35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres).
In the early hours of Wednesday 8th September 2010 Nord Fast, a 176 metre long tanker with a displacement of 48,983 tonnes was proceeding into Fawley oil refinery jetty with the assistance of a pilot.
The Pilot became concerned about the state of the Captain, Rajesh Kuman Singh (41) and subsequently the police attended the vessel and Captain Singh was breathalysed. He failed that test and so was arrested and taken to the police station for further tests. At the police station he recorded a reading of 78 but then failed to undertake a second test which is required by the procedures.
In summing up the Magistrates stated:-
"This is a very serious matter which was aggravated by your position of authority and your responsibility for the Vessel and crew, her size and the amount of fuel cargo that she was carrying. It is however mitigated by the fact that there was a Pilot on board and that you did try to provide a specimen, your early plea and your clean record."
The magistrates fined Captain Singh £1600 plus £85 cost and £15 Victim support charge.
Keith Tatman, Head of Navigation Safety at the MCA said:-
"The Master has responsibility at all times for the safety of his ship, her crew and any other users of the sea with which his vessel may interact. To put any of them at risk due to the use of alcohol, at any time but particularly when within a very busy commercial and leisure harbour falls well below the standards expected of a Master Mariner"
When the vessel arrived at Fawley oil terminal, it was visited by Port State Control officers from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who detained the vessel with a number of defects.

Chilean oil rig on fire | News.com.au

2010-09-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Chilean oil rig on fire News.com.au

Coast Guard searches for missing person near Corolla, N.C.

2010-09-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard searches for missing person near Corolla, N.C.

Coast Guard responds to vessel grounding in Apra Harbor

2010-09-08T11:21:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard responds to vessel grounding in Apra Harbor

Fishing vessels run ashore; Mexican navy searching for one ship | crew, ship, guard - Now - TheMonitor.com

2010-09-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Fishing vessels run ashore; Mexican navy searching for one ship crew, ship, guard - Now - TheMonitor.com

Five rescued as fishing boat capsizes in Seymour Narrows

2010-09-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

Five rescued as fishing boat capsizes in Seymour Narrows

Fuel tanker runs aground in Canadian Arctic

2010-09-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Fuel tanker runs aground in Canadian Arctic

U.S. Coast Guard crews search for possible missing mariner near Portsmouth

2010-09-03T17:21:00.000-07:00

U.S. Coast Guard crews search for possible missing mariner near Portsmouth

U.S. Coast Guard crews respond to two persons in the water near Gloucester, Mass

2010-08-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

U.S. Coast Guard crews respond to two persons in the water near Gloucester, Mass

Captain of the Port sets Port Condition ZULU for the U.S. Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico

2010-08-30T11:17:00.000-07:00

Captain of the Port sets Port Condition ZULU for the U.S. Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico

COASTGUARD REQUEST HELP FROM THE PUBLIC AFTER EXTENDED SEARCH FOR KAYAKER

2010-08-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

News : NDS

YARMOUTH COASTGUARD ALERT SHIPPING TO 60 TONNES OF LOST CARGO

2010-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

News : NDS

THROWN AWAY BEACON SPARKS COASTGUARD SEARCH

2010-08-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

News : NDS

Russian tugboat with 14 crewmembers sinks in Laptev Sea | Russia | RIA Novosti

2010-08-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Russian tugboat with 14 crewmembers sinks in Laptev Sea Russia RIA Novosti

7 Foreign ships under detention in the UK during July 2010

2010-08-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

13 August 2010 11:08 Maritime And Coastguard Agency (National)

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that 7 foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during July 2010 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.
Latest monthly figures show that there were 6 new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during July 2010 and 1 vessel under detention from the previous month. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 2.9% this is slightly up from June’s twelve month rate.
During the month of July 144 Port State Control inspections were carried out in the UK. A total of 44 vessels had no deficiencies raised against them, 74 had between one and five deficiencies, 18 had between six and ten deficiencies, 7 had between eleven and twenty deficiencies and 1 vessel had more than twenty deficiencies.

Out of the detained vessels 5 were registered with flag states listed on the Paris MOU white list, 1 was registered with a flag state on the grey list none were registered with flag states on the black list and 1 was unregistered.

1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (95/21/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes full details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

2. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the MCA. Where a ship is found to be deficient or lacks the required documentation, MCA surveyors can take a range of actions leading to detention in serious cases. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as SIReNaC. This allows the ships of flags with poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

3. Detained ships have to satisfy surveyors that remedial work has been carried out before they are allowed to leave port.

4. When applicable the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

· Full details of the ship.

· The accompanying detention list shows ship’s name, the flag state and the ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it.

· Company.

· The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate or the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.

· Classification Society.

· The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship and not necessarily the party issuing and/or carrying out surveys for certificates relevant to the defect found.

· Recognised Organisation.

· The "organisation" - responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates, (on behalf of the Flag State).

· Defects.

· The list gives a summary of the main grounds for detention and includes information where the ship has been released to sail to another port for repairs.

Vessels detained in July included:

A 25,497 GT. Container ship was detained in Thamesport because the engine room was dirty and the savealls were filled with oil, numerous handrails were broken and the stevedore access to container securing points was missing. The number and nature of the deficiencies indicated a breakdown of the ISM system

SHIPS DETAINED IN JULY 2010

Date & Place of detention: 05/07/2010 - BERWICK

Vessel Name: ROGER (General Cargo)

GT: 1523

IMO: No:8410330

Flag: Antigua & Barbuda

Company: Reederei Erwin Strahlmann

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Recognised Organisation for ISM: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Summary: 10 deficiencies, 1 ground for detention.

The vessel was detained in Berwick for 2 days because the engine room skylight casing was corroded through and repaired with tape, which made it incapable of being sealed. Other deficiencies identified included: the rescue boat fuel tank was only a ⅓ full; several lights in the provision room store were inoperable and the crew toilet light cover was missing; the ventilators for the CO² room and provision store were unable to be made weather tight and the discharge hose for accommodation CO² extinguisher was missing as were the boots for the forward fireman’s outfit.

The vessel was released on 06/07/2010

Date & Place of detention: 13/07/2010 Thamesport
Vessel Name: MOL SASSANDRA (Container)
GT: 25,497
IMO No:9178525
Flag: Panama

Company: Yano Kaiun Co Ltd

Classification Society: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Recognised Organisation: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Recognised Organisation for ISM: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Summary: 27 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Thamesport for 8 days because the cleanliness of the engine room was insufficient, savealls were full of oil, there were broken handrails in various locations and the stevedore access to the container securing points was missing, in addition the turbo charger outlet insulation was missing on Nos1 and 3 auxiliary engines. The number and nature of deficiencies indicated a breakdown of the ships’ ISM system.

The vessel was released on 20 July 2010.

Date & Place of detention: 14/07/2010 Gunness Wharf

Vessel Name: FAST JEF (General Cargo)

GT: 2066

IMO No:9136101

Flag: Belgium

Company: Fast Baltic Sp

Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Recognised Organisation for ISM: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)

Summary: 4 deficiencies 1 ground for detention

The vessel was detained in Gunness Wharf for 3 days because the emergency fire pump casing was corroded through. Other deficiencies identified included; the chief engineer’s certificate was invalid; there were no previous records of compass errors being taken and the cargo hatch drain valves were unapproved.

The vessel was released on 16/07/2010

Date & Place of detention: 20/07/2010 Liverpool

Vessel Name: NORDSTRAND (Container)

GT: 30526

IMO No:9003299

Flag: Cyprus

Company: Reederei Nord Klaus E Oldendorff GMBH

Classification Society: Bureau Veritas (BV)

Recognised Organisation: Bureau Veritas (BV)

Summary: 16 deficiencies 3 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained for Liverpool for 3 days because there was oil on the stairway platforms and on the access to the bow thruster space, the engine room was dirty and required full cleaning. Other deficiencies identified included: the gyro repeater in steering gear was not as per the bridge reading; there was oil in the steering gear flat indicating poor house keeping; 2 navigation lights were not working and a fire suit in the locker stores was not fit for use. The number and nature of the deficiencies identified indicated the ISM was not functioning correctly.

The vessel was released on 22/07/2010

Date & Place of detention: 26/07/2010 Swansea Docks

Vessel Name: SIAM PROJECT (RO – RO Cargo)

GT: 9019

IMO No:8100571

Flag: Singapore

Company: Jutha Maritime Public Company

Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)

Recognised Organisation: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)

& Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Recognised Organisation for ISM: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)

Summary: 22 deficiencies 4 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Swansea Docks because the emergency fire pump was inoperable; the fire and abandon ship drills were sub-standard and the resources and personnel were not according to SMS. A major non conformity was identified with respect to the maintenance and equipment which was not according to SMS. Other deficiencies identified included: The fire suit in the accommodation required rubber gloves that have the correct electrical resistance and the batteries in the torch needed replacing; the rope on the port and starboard embarkation ladders was rotten at the anchor point and the launching instructions for the port lifeboat were ripped; the safety chains were missing from the liferafts and the engine room aft door could only be opened internally.

The vessel was still detained at 31/07/2010

Date & Place of detention: 30/07/2010 Tilbury

Vessel Name: PAMAKARISTOS (Bulk Carrier)

GT: 21941

IMO No 8323214

Flag: Malta

Company: Anbros Maritime SA

Classification Society: Lloyds Register (LR)

Recognised Organisation: Lloyds Register (LR)/ American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Recognised Organisation for ISM: American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)

Summary: 26 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Tilbury because the emergency generator flaps were unable to be closed; the engine room intake flaps were seized and the starboard casing after flap was holed; the engine room bilge pump was not able to pump to the bilge holding tank; the fore peak tank vent was holed and the port chain locker sounding cap was missing. Major non conformities were identified in respect of the maintenance and equipment and the development of plans for ship board operations. Other deficiencies identified included: the engine room stores hatch permanently secured open; the sheave wheels of the port and starboard lifeboats were seized; the records of rest for the captain, chief and second engineer were missing and the records of rest for the chief officer was false. The number and nature of the deficiencies indicated a breakdown of the planned maintenance and a lack of crew familiarity and a breakdown of training which not according to SMS.

The vessel was still detained at 31/07/2010

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Date & Place of detention: 04/03/2010 – LOWESTOFT

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106

IMO No: 8944446

Flag: Unregistered

Company: Open Window Inc

Classification Society: Unclassed

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable

Recognised Organisation for ISM: Not applicable

Summary: 30 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Lowestoft because the main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space. There were insufficient liferafts, the sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room. There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.
Other deficiencies found were insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date. In addition the following items were found to be missing:
distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle.
The vessel was still detained at 31/07/2010.

Survivors found following sinking

2010-08-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

18 August 2010 - Forty-four survivors have so far been recovered from liferafts following the sinking of the New Zealand chartered foreign fishing vessel the Oyang 70 in the Southern Ocean today.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) initiated the search after receiving an alert from the vessel’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) at 4.40am. The 82m trawler has 51 foreign crew on board.
The EPIRB alert was followed shortly after by a mayday call from the same position, approximately 400 nautical miles East of Dunedin, relayed by the fishing vessel the Almatal Atlantis, which reported that the Oyang 70 had sunk.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue Officer Christine Wilson said 7 fishing vessels, including the Almatal Atlantis, were on scene and searching for the missing vessel and the remainder of crew.
Weather in the area was good, but foggy and extremely cold, she said
A Royal New Zealand Airforce Orion had also been tasked by RCCNZ and was expected at the scene about 10am today to assist with the search.
More information will be made available as soon as it comes to hand.

Oil tanker incident in Murmansk - BarentsObserver

2010-08-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Oil tanker incident in Murmansk - BarentsObserver

U.S. Coast Guard crews suspend search for missing mariner near Fall River

2010-08-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

DATE: August 09, 2010 11:33:13 EST

FALL RIVER, Mass. – U.S. Coast Guard crews suspended the search for a missing mariner near the Charles S. Braga Bridge, Aug. 9 2010.

Coast Guard crews have extensively searched an area approximately five-square miles along the river near the mariners last known location.

Rescue crewmembers from Station Castle Hill used 25 and 45-foot response boats to saturate the area. An HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew, from Air Station Cape Cod, conducted sorties including a first light search. All crews had no results in the search.

Rescue crews are standing by pending further developments.

Queen of Nanaimo Mishap Village Bay BC

2010-08-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

http://issuu.com/seawaves/docs/qn_of_nanaimo_03_aug_2010

TSB has deployed an investigator to a marine accident at Mayne Island, B.C.

2010-08-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Aug. 3 /CNW Telbec/ - The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed an investigator to today's marine accident at Mayne Island, B.C. Mr. Bill Dutrizac, Senior Marine Investigator, is the investigator-in-charge of this accident.
On 03 August 2010, at approximately 8:00 am local time, a ferry was involved in an accident.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates marine, pipeline, railway and aviation transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

Eight still missing from sunken ship in the White Sea

2010-08-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

The freighter Varnek (Photo mchs.gov.ru)

2010-08-02 Only one of the nine people on board have been found after a freighter carrying building materials sank in a storm in the White Sea in the end of July.
The freighter Varnek was on its way from Arkhangelsk to Shoyna on the west coast of the Kanin Peninsula with 130 tons of concrete blocks, containers and provisions when it was last heard from on July 23, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.
Because of the storm, search and rescue operations could not start until July 26.
The vessel had a crew of five and four passengers, including an 8 months old child. The child’s mother is the only one of the people on board who has been found. Her body was identified by relatives on Friday, web site News.Mail.ru writes.
The vessel is lying with the keel up some 70 kilometers outside the Kanin Peninsula. Rescue workers are now trying to turn the vessel around. A life raft has been found empty close to the vessel.

~Barents Observer

Men rescued in heavy seas near Niue

2010-08-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

2 August 2010

Two men have been rescued by a cargo ship after their yacht capsized in stormy seas near Niue yesterday, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) says.
RCCNZ detected an emergency locator beacon signal from the American-flagged 57-foot (around 17 metres) catamaran Anna yesterday about 4pm.
The signal was coming from a location around 126 nautical miles (around 233 kilometres) west of Niue. Local weather reports indicated heavy seas and storm conditions.
Repeated efforts to contact the yacht were unsuccessful, despite Anna having a range of communications equipment on board.
RCCNZ dispatched an Air Force P3 Orion from New Zealand and the cargo ship Forum Pacific, 80 nautical miles away from Anna, was asked to divert to the signal’s location.
The P3 Orion arrived on scene about 11pm yesterday and found Anna capsized and inverted. However, the American skipper and his New Zealand crewman were safe, one still on board Anna, and one in an inflatable dinghy attached to the catamaran.
The P3 Orion maintained a vigil over the men overnight while Forum Pacific made its way to the scene.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue mission controller Mike Roberts said the cargo ship arrived about 6am and the two men were now safe on board and en route to Niue.
RCCNZ had broadcast a navigation warning to other vessels advising of the location of the capsized catamaran.
Mr Roberts said the fact the beacon was GPS-enabled had greatly assisted the men’s rescue.
“With GPS positioning, we were able to accurately pinpoint the location of the vessel and send the Orion directly to the scene. Given the stormy conditions, the speed that we were able to reach the men made a huge difference to their safety.
“Furthermore, the fact the beacon was registered meant we were able to contact the skipper’s wife and obtain information as to who was on board and what kind of equipment they had with them.
“We would strongly urge owners of emergency locator beacons to register their beacons with RCCNZ – it’s a free service – and to ensure they keep their details updated”

Louisiana Vessel Company Pleads Guilty to Dumping Oil on High Seas, Will Pay $2.1 Million in Penalties

2010-07-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON Friday, July 30, 2010 – Offshore Vessels LLC (OSV) has entered a plea of guilty to knowingly discharging waste oil from one of its vessels, in violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS), the Justice Department announced today. OSV, based in Louisiana, entered the plea in U.S. District Court in New Orleans.
OSV owned and operated the R/V Laurence M. (L.M.) Gould (R/V Gould). The R/V Gould is a 2,966 gross ton American-flagged vessel that served on a contractual basis as an ice-breaking research vessel for the National Science Foundation on research voyages to and from Antarctica. OSV admitted that on or about Sept. 8, 2005, on the high seas, R/V Gould crew members knowingly discharged oily wastewater from the bilge tank of the ship overboard, in violation APPS. Regulations under APPS require that oily wastewater be discharged only after it has been processed through an oily water separator, to ensure that the concentration of oil in the wastewater is below the legal limit.
OSV’s plea agreement with the Justice Department requires the company to pay a criminal fine of $1.75 million and remit a payment of $350,000 as community service to the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, to be used for study of polar water pollution and protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Antarctic region. OSV will also serve a period of probation for three years, during which it will be subject to an Environmental Compliance Plan.
"The Department of Justice will vigorously pursue all vessel companies, American and foreign, that deliberately violate the laws enacted to protect the oceans," said Assistant Attorney General Ignacia S. Moreno. "This case is particularly egregious because the defendant is an American company tasked with providing passage for the National Science Foundation in order for it to perform important environmental research in Antarctica."
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service and was prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Daniel Dooher, Environmental Crimes Section, Department of Justice; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dorothy Manning Taylor, Eastern District of Louisiana.

CSL GROUP | CSL Group Final Report about the M/V Richelieu Incident

2010-07-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

CSL GROUP CSL Group Final Report about the M/V Richelieu Incident

DEBKAfile, Political Analysis, Espionage, Terrorism, Security

2010-07-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

DEBKAfile, Political Analysis, Espionage, Terrorism, Security

Search and rescue off Solomon Islands

2010-07-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

A Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules has flown to Solomon Islands to assist in search and rescue efforts after local authorities received a distress call from a small vessel on the 20th of July.
Unable to locate the vessel and its three crew members using local aircraft, Solomon Island authorities contacted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on Thursday afternoon the 22nd of July requesting assistance.
Following a request from AMSA, the Hercules aircraft left RAAF Base Richmond early this morning carrying Air Sea Rescue Kits which can be dropped to survivors.
Air Sea Rescue Kits include rations, first aid kits, survival manuals, fire lighting equipment, signal equipment, sea dye markers, water, and dinghies.
Enquiries into this search and rescue operation should be made through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

USNS John Ericsson Rescues Fishermen After Typhoon Passes Philippines

2010-07-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

USNS John Ericsson Rescues Fishermen After Typhoon Passes Philippines

4 Foreign ships under detention in the Uk during June 2010

2010-07-22T16:16:00.000-07:00

20 July 2010 16:18 Maritime And Coastguard Agency (National)

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that 4 foreign flagged ships were under detention in UK ports during June 2010 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.
Latest monthly figures show that there were 2 new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during June 2010 and 2 vessels under detention from the previous month. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months was 2.8% this is slightly down from May’s twelve month rate.
During the month of June 171 Port State Control inspections were carried out in the UK. A total of 61 vessels had no deficiencies raised against them, 79 had between one and five deficiencies, 22 had between six and ten deficiencies, 9 had between eleven and twenty deficiencies and none of the vessels inspected had more than twenty deficiencies.
Out of the detained vessels, 2 were registered with flag states listed on the Paris MOU white list, none were registered with flag states on the grey list, 1 was registered with a flag state on the black list and 1 was not flagged.
1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson's Inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (95/21/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes full details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.
2. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the MCA. Where a ship is found to be deficient or lacks the required documentation, MCA surveyors can take a range of actions leading to detention in serious cases. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as SIReNaC. This allows the ships of flags with poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.
3. Detained ships have to satisfy surveyors that remedial work has been carried out before they are allowed to leave port.
4. When applicable the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).
Notes on the list of detentions
· Full details of the ship.
· The accompanying detention list shows ship’s name, the flag state and the ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it.
· Company.
· The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate or the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
· Classification Society.
· The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship and not necessarily the party issuing and/or carrying out surveys for certificates relevant to the defect found.
· Recognised Organisation.
· The "organisation" - responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates, (on behalf of the Flag State).
· Defects.
· The list gives a summary of the main grounds for detention and includes information where the ship has been released to sail to another port for repairs.
Vessels detained in June included:
A 7,478 GT. passenger ship was detained in Belfast because the fire safety measures were inadequate and the maintenance of the ship and equipment was not in accordance with the Safety Management System. The vessel had previously been detained in the UK in May 2006.
SHIPS DETAINED IN JUNE 2010
Date & Place of detention: 02/06/2010 - BELFAST
Vessel Name: VISTAMAR (Passenger Ship)
GT: 7,478
IMO: No: 8701193
Flag: Italy
Company: SO. GE. VI. S.R.L.
Classification Society: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Recognised Organisation: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Summary: 19 deficiencies, 4 grounds for detention.
The vessel was detained in Belfast for 4 days because fire doors were broken or missing, one fire door opening was restricted and numerous fire door latches were missing. Due to the number of deficiencies found, the maintenance of the ship and equipment was not in accordance with SMS.
Other deficiencies included: life jacket donning instructions were missing; on-board instructions for life saving appliances required updating; lifeboat instructions posted were incorrect; the public address system in the upper alleyways and cabins was inoperative and paint was stored incorrectly. In addition: there was a large bubble in the magnetic compass and the azimuth ring did not fit; portside liferaft emergency preparation light was not connected to the emergency system and was not marked; switches were inoperative for emergency overboard lights for liferafts and a test battery was missing for the emergency two-way communications.
The vessel was released on 05/06/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 09/06/2010 - ABERDEEN
Vessel Name: ICELANDICA HAV (General Cargo Ship)
GT: 1,530
IMO No: 8128884
Flag: Bahamas
Company: Hav Ship Management AS
Classification Society: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Germanischer Lloyd (GL)
Summary: 3 deficiencies, 1 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Aberdeen for 4 days because it was unable to monitor the atmosphere of the cargo hold and adjacent spaces in accordance with precautionary measures indicated in the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargo 2004.
Also the records of rest for all crew for the previous seven days were missing and the Master was not supplied with the specific carriage requirement, associated hazards and precautions in respect of the carriage of dangerous goods.
The vessel was released on 12 June 2010.

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS
Date & Place of detention: 04/03/2010 – LOWESTOFT
Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)
GT: 106
IMO No: 8944446
Flag: Unregistered
Company: Open Window Inc
Classification Society: Unclassed
Recognised Organisation: Not applicable
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Not applicable
Summary: 30 deficiencies 7 grounds for detention
The vessel was detained in Lowestoft because the main fire pump was inoperative and there was no alternative fire pump outside the machinery space. There were insufficient liferafts, the sanitary water system was inoperative and there was no fresh running water to the galley, pantry and shower room. There were no nautical publications and charts were incomplete for the operational area.
Other deficiencies found were insufficient provisions for the intended voyage and medicines were out of date. In addition the following items were found to be missing:
distress flares; line throwing appliances; lifebuoys; life jackets with lights; immersion suits; satellite EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon); fire extinguishers and the fire hose nozzle.
The vessel was still detained at 30/06/2010.
Date & Place of detention: 18/05/2010 – COWES (IOW)
Vessel Name: SAN MARINI (General Cargo)
GT: 462
IMO No:7601023
Flag: Georgia
Company: Ugmar Co Odessa Ukraine
Classification Society: Shipping Register of Ukraine (SUR)
Recognised Organisation: Shipping Register of Ukraine (SUR)
Recognised Organisation for ISM: Shipping Register of Ukraine (SUR)
Summary: 13 deficiencies 5 grounds for detention

The vessel was detained in Cowes (IOW) for 30 days because the hours of rest records were not kept on board, several cubic metres of bilge water was on the tank top and there had been no shore discharge recorded since 5/04/2009, charts had not been corrected and the master and the engineer did not have a satisfactory command of the English language. Major non conformities were identified with respect to the resources and personnel and the maintenance of the ship and equipment which was not according to SMS. Other deficiencies identified included: the port engine room fire pump was inoperative; the port forward main engine fuel filter casing was repaired with liquid steel; one fire pump was inoperative because the sea water filter was dirty and there was little or no fresh food on board save for a few vegetables.
The vessel was released on 16/06/2010.

News - Africa: Lake Victoria ferry capsizes

2010-07-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

News - Africa: Lake Victoria ferry capsizes

Arctic oil tankers collided - BarentsObserver

2010-07-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Arctic oil tankers collided - BarentsObserver

Mayor worries about artificial reefs after oil spill

2010-07-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:04:00 07/19/2010
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Pollution, Environmental pollution, Natural Resources (general), Local authorities

THE LEAK of bunker fuel from a submarine pipe of one of the country’s biggest oil firms is also endangering artificial coral reefs in a Cavite town where it created an oil spill that officials said had been contained.
Mayor Jose Ricafrente of Rosario said the reefs were right in the site of the spill.
The artificial reefs, each about half meter in size and made of materials using German technology, were built in 2007.
“We now have 600 of these, growing (marine life) and attracting fish,” Ricafrente said.
The mayor said the municipal government had formed its own crisis committee, composed of engineers and environment officials, to study the effects of the oil slick on the reefs.
“The oil may not contaminate the fish, but it may drive the fish away from our coasts,” Ricafrente said.
Rosario has the largest fish port in Cavite and is dependent on fishing.
“People are now hesitant to buy fish at the markets if they learned they came from Rosario,” the mayor said. He said fish from the town was safe for human consumption.
At the height of Typhoon “Basyang,” the anchor of a barge hit and damaged an underwater bunker fuel pipeline owned by Petron Philippines at its depot in Rosario.
Petron had sealed the ruptured pipe to prevent further leak, while Coast Guard men continued to contain and collect the spill on the sea surface.
At least four drums of bunker fuel have already been retrieved.
But Ricafrente said sealing the pipe was only a temporary solution. “We want the company to replace the pipeline and resurface them again, if in case they will re-operate,” he said.
In the 1950s, the pipelines were at the sea port before the company redesigned the depot and laid the pipes under water, Ricafrente said. He described the lines to be 1.5 kilometers long and wide enough to fit a human being.
“The problem is we really would not know what is going on with the pipelines if they are under the water. Nobody wanted this accident, but what if it does happen again? There should be a long-term solution to this,” Ricafrente said.
The fishermen’s group Pambansang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas demanded the complete shutdown of the oil depot in Cavite.
The municipal government has suspended depot operations, but allowed deliveries to prevent any disruption in supply.
“No new petroleum products should be pumped into the pipelines anymore,” Ricafrente said.
The Cavite depot supplies petroleum products to Petron stations in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).
Maricar Cinco, Inquirer Southern Luzon

Refugees die in boat accident off Spanish coast

2010-07-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Refugees die in boat accident off Spanish coast

Ship Management Corp. to Pay $4 Million Penalty for Concealing Deliberate Pollution

2010-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ship Management Corp. to Pay $4 Million Penalty for Concealing Deliberate Pollution

Government to help out Taiwanese boat skipper

2010-07-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

Taipei Times - archives

Coast Guard escorts passenger vessel to Petersburg, investigates grounding

2010-07-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard escorts passenger vessel to Petersburg, investigates grounding

HSC-25 Teams with Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department to Save Fishermen

2010-07-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

HSC-25 Teams with Coast Guard, Guam Fire Department to Save Fishermen

Coast Guard responds to grounded passenger vessel near Robert Island

2010-07-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard responds to grounded passenger vessel near Robert Island