Thai Navy Rescues 16 Crew Members from Sinking Boxship Off Phuket

The Royal Thai Navy successfully rescued all crew members from a regional container vessel that began sinking off the coast of Phuket, averting any loss of life. According to maritime authorities, the boxship encountered serious difficulties while transiting waters south of Phuket, where it reportedly developed a severe list and began taking on water. A distress call was issued in the afternoon, prompting an immediate response from naval units and local maritime authorities. Rescue operations were carried out swiftly, with crew members evacuated from the vessel and transferred to nearby boats and patrol craft. All crew were safely brought ashore, and no injuries were reported. Authorities have not released details regarding the nationalities of the seafarers. The vessel later sank after the evacuation was completed. Officials confirmed that the ship was carrying containerized cargo, and precautionary measures were initiated to monitor the area for potential environmental impact, including possible fuel leakage or drifting containers. The Royal Thai Navy has deployed patrol assets to secure the area and continues to coordinate with relevant agencies to assess navigational safety and environmental risks. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the incident. This remains a developing situation, and authorities have indicated that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Iran Seizes Two Tankers in Persian Gulf Over Alleged Fuel Smuggling

Iranian authorities have seized two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf over allegations of fuel smuggling, according to reports from state-linked media. The operation was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal fuel trade in the region. Officials said the vessels were intercepted in Gulf waters after intelligence monitoring indicated they were transporting large volumes of smuggled fuel. The tankers were subsequently escorted to an Iranian port for further investigation. Authorities claim the cargo included diesel fuel believed to be intended for illegal distribution outside the country. A total of 15 crew members were detained during the operation and have been referred to judicial authorities. Iranian officials stated that the crew members are foreign nationals but did not disclose their identities, nationalities, or the flags under which the vessels were operating.

Six-Year Sentence Imposed on Solong Captain Following Fatal Ship Collision

A London court has sentenced Russian mariner Vladimir Motin to six years in prison after finding him responsible for the death of a crew member in a high-profile maritime collision in the North Sea. The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Judge Andrew Baker at the Old Bailey Central Criminal Court in London. Motin, 59, was commanding the Portuguese-flagged container vessel Solong on 10 March 2025 when it struck the anchored U.S.-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the east coast of England. The impact triggered a fire and explosion, engulfing both vessels. During the trial, the court heard that Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino crewman working on the bow of the Solong, was killed instantly in the collision; his body was never recovered. Prosecutors argued that Motin failed to maintain a proper lookout and neglected fundamental navigational duties, contributing to the accident.

Blue Star Patmos Damaged During Berthing at Megisti Port

Blue Star Patmos Damaged During Berthing at Megisti Port The passenger and vehicle ferry Blue Star Patmos sustained damage while attempting to berth at the port of Megisti (Kastellorizo), Greece, during scheduled operations. The incident occurred amid challenging weather conditions, which affected the vessel’s approach to the quay. According to port authorities, strong winds complicated the berthing manoeuvre, causing the ferry to make contact with the pier. The impact resulted in damage above the waterline, but officials confirmed that the vessel’s hull integrity was not compromised and there was no water ingress. All passengers and crew on board were reported safe, with no injuries sustained during the incident. At the time, the ferry was carrying passengers, vehicles, and commercial cargo as part of its regular service connecting the Dodecanese islands with mainland ports.

Harren Group and NSB Group Strengthen Philippine Crewing Operations with Launch of Albireo in Manila

Harren Group and NSB Group Strengthen Philippine Crewing Operations with Launch of Albireo in Manila German ship management and maritime services companies Harren Group and NSB Group have formally joined forces in Manila through the successful launch of a new crewing joint venture, Albireo Maritime People and Performance Incorporated, marking a significant milestone in their long-term engagement with Filipino seafarers and global shipowners.

Joint Maritime Committee Conference 2026

Joint Maritime Conference 2026 Successfully Concludes, Spotlighting the Philippines’ Role in Global Shipping The Joint Maritime Conference 2026, “The Philippines in Global Shipping: Future Opportunities and Threats,” was successfully held on January 29, 2026, at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Organized by the Joint Maritime Committee of the European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines, the full-day conference concluded smoothly from opening to closing, earning strong positive feedback from participants across government, industry, and academia.

Shaping Future Seafarers Through Global Standards and Real Sea Experience

Maritime cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) CADETS Program are currently undergoing intensive Shipboard Familiarization (MAREX), transforming classroom theory into real-world competence through hands-on training at sea. Recognized worldwide for its commitment to safety, excellence, and professionalism, the NSA Cadets Program continues to be a gold standard in developing future maritime leaders.

PMMAAI New Year’s Ball, B-Connect and Election

PMMA Alumni Association Hosts New Year’s Ball, Welcomes New Adopted Member, and Announces Elected Leaders for 2026–2027 The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAI) successfully held its New Year’s Ball, B-Connect, and Election on January 8, 2026, at One Shangri-La Condominium Corporation, bringing together PMMA alumni from different generations for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and leadership transition.

Distress Signaling Equipment

Distress signaling equipment plays a critical role in maritime safety by ensuring vessels and survival craft can quickly attract attention and be accurately located during emergencies at sea. These devices are designed to transmit alerts, provide location data, and create visible or audible signals that assist rescue teams in initiating timely and effective response operations. Distress signals are generally categorized into sound and light signals, visual distress signals, and electronic distress signals. Sound and light signals, such as whistles, bells, horns, and signal lamps using Morse Code SOS, are essential for attracting attention, especially in low visibility or nighttime conditions. Visual distress signals include rocket parachute flares, handheld flares, and smoke signals. Rocket parachute flares rise high and emit a bright red light visible over long distances, while handheld flares are used at close range to pinpoint location. Smoke signals, producing dense orange smoke, are particularly effective for daytime visibility from both sea and air. Electronic distress signals provide advanced location tracking and communication. EPIRBs transmit distress alerts and position information via satellite and can activate automatically or manually. SARTs and AIS-SARTs are used on survival craft to enhance detection by rescue vessels’ radar and AIS systems. Together, these devices significantly improve the chances of rapid detection, accurate location, and successful rescue at sea.

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)

The Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is a critical safety device installed on board ships, often referred to as the vessel’s “black box,” similar to those used in aircraft. Its primary function is to continuously record essential data related to a ship’s operation, navigation, and surrounding environment. The VDR is required under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, specifically the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, for most commercial vessels. A VDR captures a wide range of information, including bridge audio, VHF radio communications, radar images, ship speed, heading, engine orders, alarms, and GPS position. This data is securely stored in a protective capsule designed to withstand extreme conditions such as fire, impact, and prolonged submersion in water. In the event of a maritime accident, collision, grounding, or near-miss incident, the recorded data can be retrieved and analyzed by investigators.

Understanding Bolt Failure

Understanding Bolt Failure: Key Types and Causes Bolts are critical components in marine, industrial, and structural applications, ensuring the integrity and safety of assemblies. However, improper installation, material defects, or environmental factors can lead to bolt failure, posing risks to equipment and personnel. Understanding the types of failures is essential for prevention and maintenance. 1. Tensile Failure – Occurs when a bolt is subjected to forces beyond its tensile strength, causing it to break or snap. 2. Shear Failure – Happens when forces act perpendicular to the bolt’s axis, cutting it across its cross-section. 3. Thread Stripping – Results from excessive torque or wear, damaging the bolt threads and preventing secure fastening.

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) refer to the equipment and systems installed on board ships to protect lives and ensure survival at sea during emergencies such as abandonment, fire, collision, or sinking. These appliances are essential for safeguarding seafarers and passengers and form a critical part of a vessel’s emergency preparedness. LSA typically include lifeboats, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, rescue boats, emergency communication devices, and visual distress signals. All equipment is strategically located and clearly marked to allow rapid access and deployment in emergency situations.