Unmanned Cargo Vessel Found Anchored Unlit in the Red Sea

February 20, 2024 - An unlit unmanned cargo vessel has been reported anchored in position 12°53.00'N 043°09.00'E in the Red Sea.

NAVAREA IX 077/24, issued on February 20, 2024, by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), warns mariners of the vessel's presence and advises them to exercise caution in the area.

Details of the Unmanned Cargo Vessel:

Type: Unmanned cargo vessel
Location: 12°53.00'N 043°09.00'E
Status: Anchored, unlit
Warning: Mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Recommendations:

Mariners are advised to exercise caution when transiting the Red Sea.
Vessels should maintain a sharp lookout and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security advisories and warnings for the region.

Note:

The situation in the Red Sea remains volatile, and mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area. UPDATE:

February 18, 2024: Between 9:30 p.m. and 10:40 p.m., the M/V Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier, was attacked by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists while anchored in the Red Sea. The unprovoked attack caused significant damage to the ship, resulting in an oil spill stretching 18 miles. The M/V Rubymar was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer at the time, raising concerns of environmental disaster if the cargo spills.

Image by U.S. Central Command

Comments

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. ...

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE: The crew members were rescued.

Tragedy in the Mozambique Channel: What Is Known About the Deaths of Sailors Deirdre Sibly and Pascal Mahe

1 December 2025 — International authorities are investigating the deaths of Australian sailor Deirdre Sibly , 67, and French sailor Pascal Mahe , who were found dead aboard their yacht in the Mozambique Channel after issuing a distress signal. Although the circumstances remain unclear, several key facts have been confirmed. Deirdre Sibly, an experienced sailor from Port Lincoln, South Australia, had been at sea for nearly four decades. She had been travelling for several months aboard the French-registered yacht Acteon , accompanied by French sailor Pascal Mahe. The two reportedly met on Réunion Island and had been planning a passage across the Indian Ocean. Their most recent route led them from Réunion towards Durban, South Africa , where Sibly intended to catch a flight back to Australia. The distress signal 🚨 #MAYDAY RELAY 🚨 Sailboat #ACTEON issued a DSC distress call on 26 Nov at 0430 UTC (17°05.00S / 040°05.00E). Two persons onboard, but no signs of life reported since. A...

Sea warnings

Search This Blog