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Attack on the “Family Boat” of the Global Sumud Flotilla: Drone Allegations, Tunisian Denials

 A controversial incident has involved the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) , a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza, during the night off the Tunisian coast. According to the organizers, the “Family Boat” – the main vessel of the expedition, a 35-meter ship sailing under the Portuguese flag – was struck by a drone that allegedly dropped an incendiary device, causing an explosion on board. The Flotilla’s Account Activists from the GSF claim this was a deliberate strike from above: on the mission’s official channels they released surveillance camera footage from the vessel, where a buzzing sound believed to be a drone can be heard, shortly before a flash of light hits the frame. Additional footage – filmed from another ship in the flotilla – reportedly shows the impact from above. The organizers state that none of the crew or passengers, including Greta Thunberg, were injured , though some reports mention two people suffering minor injuries. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur...
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Heightened Maritime Security in Key Norwegian Ports Amid Increased Threat Level

On the morning of August 8, 2025, at 06:31 UTC, a safety broadcast was transmitted via the Inmarsat Indian Ocean Region (IOR) satellite, alerting vessels to a sudden change in maritime security conditions in Norway. The message, classified under NAVAREA I and issued as an ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Announcement , informed the shipping community that the maritime security level in several Norwegian ports has been raised from Level 1 to Level 2 with immediate effect. Ports Under Security Level 2 The announcement specifically named six port facilities, all operated or associated with NorSea, a major logistics provider for Norway’s offshore oil and gas sector: NorSea Logistics Averøy – NOAVE-0001 NorSea Tananger (Risavika) – NOSLA-0002 NorSea Logistics Stordbase – NOSRP-0003 NorSea Polarbase (Hammerfest) – NOHFT-0005 NorSea Dusavik (Stavanger) – NOSVG-0008 NorSea Logistics Vestbase (Kristiansund) – NOKSU-0014 The affected facilities...

The Dramatic Ordeal of M/V CHRISTINA DEBORA: From Mechanical Failure to Abandonment in the Mid-Atlantic

In June 2025, the standby safety vessel CHRISTINA DEBORA , 38.77 meters in length, experienced a maritime emergency that culminated in its abandonment in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after drifting powerless for more than two weeks. The vessel had been sold and reflagged to Zanzibar either shortly before or just after leaving South Africa. The Beginning of the Crisis – June 8, 2025 The ordeal began on Sunday, June 8, when CHRISTINA DEBORA , navigating approximately 300 nautical miles northwest of St. Helena Island, suffered a major clutch failure, completely losing propulsion. Seven crew members were onboard at the time. The distress call was officially reported by MRCC NATAL on June 11: the vessel was adrift and urgently required clutch repair parts as well as potable water. Captain Victor managed to contact Johnny Clingham, the administrator of the Facebook group “St Helena’s Talk Group,” who verified the authenticity of the request and informed the wider maritime community. ...

US Attack on Iran: Implications for Maritime Navigation

In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States has launched an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, targeting key facilities such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. This move has been met with mixed reactions globally, with the US administration claiming success while Iran downplays the damage. The attack has raised concerns about the potential repercussions on maritime navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic chokepoint is crucial for global oil shipments, and any disruption could have severe economic impacts worldwide. Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US aggression. Such an action would not only disrupt global oil supply but also significantly increase shipping costs. The potential for increased military presence in the region further complicates the situation, as tensions could lead to unintended confrontations. The implications of this attack extend beyond immediate military concerns. The global economy could f...

Freedom Flotilla: What We Know About the Madleen and Its Interception

June 9, 2025 — The Madleen , a ship part of the Freedom Flotilla headed toward Gaza with humanitarian aid, was reportedly intercepted by Israeli forces during the night between June 8 and 9. Data gathered from technical sources, public posts, and official statements paint a troubling and evolving picture. Last Known Position According to available AIS data, the Madleen 's last recorded position was at 22:16 UTC on June 8, 2025 , with the following coordinates: Latitude: 31.9755 Longitude: 32.2488 Speed: approximately 2.24 knots No further updates have been received since, suggesting either a deliberate transponder shutdown or a loss of tracking signal. Social Media Alerts Journalist and activist Rima Hassan , aboard the ship, began posting hourly updates on X/Twitter to signal that the crew still had internet access and were safe. Her final known post was at 01:12 AM on June 9 . Shortly afterward, the thread went silent. Between 00:00 and 02:00, several alarmin...

Four Refugees Jump Overboard to Escape Libyan Coast Guard: Rescued by Humanitarian Ship Madleen

UPDATE 05/06/2025 15:30 A Frotex Vessel has recovered the 4 migrants rescued by the Madleen vessel which has resumed its route.

BALTOPS 25: NATO Launches One of the Largest Maritime Exercises in the Baltic Sea

  ROSTOCK, Germany – June 3, 2025 BALTOPS 25, the 54th edition of NATO’s premier annual maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea, officially kicked off today with the pre-sail conference. The event involves 16 allied nations, over 40 ships, 25 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 personnel. The exercise itself will begin on June 5 and run through June 20, featuring a wide range of multinational operations including amphibious assaults, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, medical response, and the use of both surface and underwater unmanned vehicles. “This year’s BALTOPS is more than just an exercise. It’s a visible demonstration of our Alliance’s resolve, adaptability, and maritime strength,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. “As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, BALTOPS 25 showcases our ability to operate together as a unified force across the full spectrum of ma...