At Least 2 Filipino Seafarers Dead After Cargo Vessel MV DEVON BAY Sinks Near Scarborough Shoal

MANILA, Philippines — At least two Filipino seafarers have died following the capsizing of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy in Manila confirmed on Friday, January 23. The vessel, which was carrying ore cargos , reportedly capsized about 55 nautical miles off Scarborough Shoal, a China-controlled maritime feature also claimed by the Philippines. According to Chinese authorities, 17 of the 21 all-Filipino crew members were rescued by responding vessels from the Chinese Coast Guard after a distress report was received at around 1:30 a.m. One of the rescued seafarers remains under emergency medical treatment, while 14 others are in stable condition.

Major Container Fire Breaks Out at Karachi Port, Causing Extensive Cargo Damage

A large fire erupted at the Karachi Port on Friday, sweeping through stacked shipping containers at one of the port’s active terminals and causing significant damage to cargo while temporarily disrupting operations. The blaze reportedly started in the container storage area near the international container terminal and rapidly spread to adjacent units due to the close stacking of containers. Thick plumes of smoke were visible across the port area as emergency responders raced to contain the situation.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Black Sea Oil & Gas Terminal with Drones

Ukrainian forces have carried out a drone attack on a strategically important Russian oil and gas terminal on the Black Sea, causing significant damage to fuel storage and port infrastructure. The incident marks another escalation in Kyiv’s campaign targeting Russia’s energy and logistics assets supporting its military operations. According to Russian regional authorities, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles struck the terminal during the early hours, triggering fires at fuel storage facilities. Emergency services were deployed to contain the blaze, and operations at the terminal were temporarily disrupted. Officials described the incident as a large-scale aerial attack on critical infrastructure. Video footage released by Ukrainian sources appears to show drones approaching the facility before explosions ignite large fires, suggesting direct hits on storage tanks or associated infrastructure. While Russian officials acknowledged damage, the full extent of operational impact has not been independently verified. The targeted terminal plays a vital role in handling crude oil, refined petroleum products, and gas shipments through the Black Sea, making it a key node in Russia’s energy export network. Disruptions at the facility could affect regional fuel logistics and export capacity. The strike follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries, pipelines, and port facilities, as Ukraine seeks to reduce Russia’s ability to finance and sustain its military campaign. The incident underscores growing vulnerabilities in critical maritime and energy assets amid the ongoing conflict.

Maritime Piracy Escalates in 2025; Singapore Straits Declared Most Dangerous Waters

Maritime Piracy Escalates in 2025; Singapore Straits Declared Most Dangerous Waters A new maritime security report for 2025 has revealed a notable increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide, with the Singapore Straits emerging as the most hazardous shipping corridor. According to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), reported cases rose to 137 incidents, up from 116 in 2024, marking a continued upward trend in maritime crime. This spike has raised significant concerns among shipping operators and coastal authorities due to the region’s high traffic and strategic importance. The Singapore Straits accounted for the majority of the global cases, registering 80 incidents, which represent approximately 58% of all reported piracy events in 2025. This surge is particularly alarming as the waters are a critical transit route for global trade, linking major shipping lanes between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The high concentration of attacks in this area has prompted calls for stronger security coordination among regional maritime agencies. While many incidents involved low-level theft and opportunistic boardings, the IMB report indicates an increase in the use of weapons and aggressive tactics. Several cases involved armed perpetrators using knives and firearms, escalating the threat level to crew safety. In some incidents, seafarers were threatened, injured, or temporarily detained, reflecting a shift towards more violent confrontations in previously considered safer waters.