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.