Increased Security Concerns in the Gulf of Guinea: MARAD Issues Updated Advisory

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has updated its advisory for the Gulf of Guinea due to a rise in kidnappings for ransom in the region. According to EOS Risk Group, there have been three reported incidents over the past year, with two occurring in just the last six months.

In addition to these kidnappings, there were also three suspicious approaches made towards vessels in the Gulf of Guinea between May and June. Two of these approaches occurred offshore Gabon, while the third took place near Ghana.

These incidents highlight the need for increased vigilance and security measures for ships traveling through the Gulf of Guinea. The updated MARAD advisory serves as a reminder to all maritime operators and crews to remain cautious and aware of potential threats in the region.

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

UPDATE: The crew members were rescued.

On the night of March 6, 2025, at 22:16 UTC, a crew member of the merchant vessel MV Ariadne fell overboard in the central Adriatic Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian coast, at latitude 41°39'N and longitude 16°50'E. Current weather conditions in the area are favorable, aiding search and rescue operations. The Italian Coast Guard promptly initiated search operations, deploying naval units and helicopters to locate the missing mariner. All vessels transiting the area have been alerted and are requested to maintain vigilant watch, reporting any sightings to the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome. The Coast Guard commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime units in emergencies like this, noting that swift intervention is crucial to increasing the chances of successful rescue operations. Search efforts will continue unabated until the missing mariner is found or until authorities deem it necessary to conclude ...

PAN-PAN Alert: Sailing Vessel SKYFALL Requests Assistance in South Atlantic

February 28, 2025 – A PAN-PAN distress message has been issued for the sailing vessel Skyfall (MMSI: 235099478), a 13-meter sailing yacht flying the United Kingdom flag. The vessel is experiencing critical rigging issues and is at risk of losing its mast. The crew has requested urgent assistance. Distress Details Message Received: February 25, 2025, at 05:57 UTC Vessel Name: Skyfall (Call Sign: 2GPT6) Position: 22° 22' 26.4" S, 001° 31' 42.0" W Crew Onboard: 2 persons Issue: Loose rigging, expected mast loss Assistance Required: Additional diesel jerry cans from nearby vessels Weather Conditions in the Area Wind: 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots from ESE Wave Height: 1.9 meters Sky Conditions: Mostly clear to partly cloudy Call for Assistance Any vessels in the vicinity are strongly encouraged to assist. Skyfall requires extra fuel to maintain power and stability as the crew deals with their rigging failure. Mariners able to provide aid should report to ...

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