Mariners Advised of Drifting Containers in North Atlantic

April 7, 2024

Inmarsat has issued a safety warning to mariners about 15 containers that are adrift in the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the Bay of Biscay.

The containers are believed to have fallen from a cargo ship during heavy weather. They are currently located at 47 20.00N 007 35.00W.

Mariners are advised to navigate with caution in the area and to be on the lookout for the containers.

The current weather in the area is:

Wind: 24 knots with gusts to 33 knots from the southwest
Wave height: 4.5 meters
Precipitation: Light
Forecast: Conditions are expected to deteriorate in the coming hours.

Advice for Mariners

Mariners are advised to take the following precautions when sailing in areas where drifting hazards are present:

Reduce speed.
Maintain a sharp lookout.
Use radar to detect hazards.
Alter course to avoid hazards.
Report any sightings of hazards to the nearest Coast Guard station.

By following these precautions, mariners can help to ensure the safety of themselves and their crew.

Comments

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

UPDATE: The crew members were rescued.

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. ...

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