Sea warnings

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.

A Maltese-flagged cargo ship named "Ruby" is causing concern off the coast of Kent, England. The vessel is carrying a massive amount of ammonium nitrate, a highly explosive fertilizer, roughly seven times the quantity that caused the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020. The Ruby's Journey and Current Status: The ship departed Norway on Monday, seeking a port to unload its cargo and undergo repairs. It seems to be headed towards Malta, but its course appears unusual. The Ruby was previously denied entry into Norwegian and Danish waters due to safety fears. It recently lost its tugboat, "Amber II," which left the vessel in a potentially precarious situation. Three temporary safety certificates the ship held expired on September 25th, 2024. Safety Concerns and Public Anxiousness: Authorities are closely monitoring the Ruby's movements, especially given its damaged state and the explosive cargo onboard. The lack of a tugboat and expired safety certificat

 The National Hurricane Center has issued a new advisory warning that Hurricane Helene is moving northward and expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surge to the northeastern Gulf Coast. The publication date of this alert is 2024-09-26T05:56:03.000Z. Sailors in the affected areas should be aware that Hurricane Helene poses a significant threat, with catastrophic winds and storm surge expected along the northeastern Gulf Coast. The NHC advises sailors to take immediate action and prioritize safety as the storm approaches. The NHC warns that preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. This may include making necessary evacuation plans, securing outdoor furniture and equipment, and having an emergency plan in place. Hurricane Helene is expected to bring catastrophic winds and storm surge to the northeastern Gulf Coast, with significant impacts anticipated for sailors in the area. The NHC advises sailors to take necessary precautions to protect their

September 26, 2024 (Montserrat) - The search for missing fisherman John Lee and his vessel, the MV Optimum, has entered its second month with no sign of the 49-year-old Montserratian. Lee, a fire officer and experienced angler, vanished on August 28th after setting sail for a solo fishing trip east of Montserrat Island. The most recent update comes from the Martinique Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Fort De France). As of today, September 26th at 2:32 AM UTC, an automated distress message continues to be broadcast via the Inmarsat system. The message details the ongoing search for the white, 9.5-meter-long MV Optimum, registered in Montserrat. Authorities emphasize the critical lack of safety equipment onboard the vessel. All vessels in the vicinity are urged to maintain a sharp lookout and report any information to MRCC Fort De France. Contact details include phone: +596 596 70 92 92, Inmarsat number: 422 799 024, and email: ANTILLES@MRCCFR.EU. This renewed plea follows a

Tropical Storm Helene is currently located near 19.9 N, 85.5 W, with maximum sustained winds of 50 kt and gusts up to 60 kt. According to the National Hurricane Center's forecast advisory number 7, the storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 9 kt. The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb. The current position of the tropical storm is accurate within 25 nm, and it was previously located near 19.7 N, 85.2 W at 25/0000Z. The forecast valid until 25/1200Z predicts that Helene will move to 21.1 N, 86.3 W with maximum sustained winds of 65 kt and gusts up to 80 kt. By 26/0000Z, the storm is expected to be located near 22.7 N, 86.4 W, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kt and gusts up to 90 kt. By 27/0000Z, Helene will further strengthen to a maximum sustained wind speed of 105 kt and gusts up to 130 kt. The storm is expected to dissipate by the end of the forecast period. However, it is important to note that errors for track have averaged near 125 nm on day 4 and 175 nm on

 UPDATE: VESSEL NO LONGER REQUIRES ASSISTANCE. Seelonce Feenee. UK Coastguard – September 18, 2024 (18:37 UTC): A distress call (MAYDAY) was received today from the general cargo ship BBC Vermont (IMO: 9357236) located at coordinates 48°06.9N 018°36.6W. Reported Situation: An explosion occurred onboard the BBC Vermont. One crew member is reported unconscious. Urgent Assistance Needed: The UK Coastguard is seeking any vessels in the vicinity of the BBC Vermont that are able to assist. How to Respond: If your vessel is able to offer assistance, please contact the UK Coastguard immediately. Additional Information: The BBC Vermont is a general cargo ship sailing under the flag of Antigua Barbuda. The ship's dimensions are 138.5 meters long and 21.34 meters wide. Weather Conditions in the Area: Wind: Easterly at 10 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. Waves: 2 meters. Sky: Overcast with no precipitation.

Issued by IMRCC Rome - Italian Coast Guard Date: September 17, 2024 To: All Ships Transiting in the Ligurian Sea  A white and grey aircraft with blue stripes is overdue and a Search and Rescue (SAR) operation has been initiated.  In accordance with the SOLAS Convention and the SAR Convention Hamburg 1979, all vessels transiting in the Ligurian Sea are urged to maintain a sharp lookout for the missing aircraft. Any potential sightings should be reported immediately to IMRCC Rome. Weather Conditions: Be advised that current weather conditions in the Ligurian Sea include northeasterly winds of 20 knots with waves up to 2 meters high. Weather is expected to worsen in the coming hours. The overdue aircraft and worsening weather conditions make this a time-sensitive search and rescue operation. The Italian Coast Guard implores all vessels in the area to actively participate in the search and report any potential sightings as soon as possible.

  Itamarca Island, Brazil - September 17, 2024 - The Brazilian Navy is conducting a search and rescue operation after the cargo ship Concordia sank on Sunday, September 15th, approximately 15 kilometers off the coast of Ponta de Pedras in Pernambuco, Brazil. The cause of the sinking remains unknown. Five Crew Members Missing There were nine people on board the Concordia at the time of the incident. Thankfully, four crew members were successfully rescued by a nearby tugboat and are reported to be in good health. However, a search operation is ongoing for the remaining five crew members who are currently missing. Brazilian Navy Issues Distress Call According to a distress call issued by the Brazilian Navy (SAR SNE-020/2024), the last known position of the Concordia was 07° 38' South and 034° 40' West, recorded at 18:21 UTC on September 15th. The Navy is urging any vessels in the vicinity to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Reports from the Scene News reports indicate tha

Salvador, Brazil - September 16, 2024 - A distress call has been issued for the vessel "Boto I," which has gone missing in the waters off the coast of Brazil. The Brazilian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Salvador) is requesting immediate assistance from all vessels in the vicinity. Last Known Position: Latitude: 16° 41' 53" S Longitude: 039° 06' 00" W Weather Conditions: North-Northeast winds of 7 knots with gusts up to 14 knots, expected to strengthen in the coming hours. Seas with waves up to 1.2 meters. Mariners are urged to keep a sharp lookout for any signs of the missing vessel and to report any sightings immediately to the MRCC Salvador.

The Italian Coast Guard has issued two separate distress calls today, September 13, 2024. The first alert (SAR CASE 3821) concerns a white sailboat measuring between 7 and 10 meters with a single mast. The last known position was reported near Misincu Beach, Corsica, at 19:30 UTC yesterday. Authorities are urging all vessels transiting the area to keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to the IMRCC Rome. The second alert (SAR CASE 3830) was issued following a mayday call received on VHF channel 16 at 09:25 UTC. Unfortunately, the communication was unclear and neither the name of the vessel in distress nor its position could be identified. Once again, the Coast Guard is requesting the cooperation of all vessels in the area to report any information related to the mayday call or any sightings. The forecasted weather conditions for the area include winds up to 20 knots from the northwest with gusts up to 28 knots. There is a possibility of thunderstorms and waves up to 1.2 meters

 The MV Sounion, a Greek-flagged oil tanker, became the center of a major incident in the Red Sea in late August. Here's a reconstruction of the events: August 22nd: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rigged with explosives by the Houthi rebels is intercepted and destroyed by a French frigate participating in the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) operation ASPIDES near the MV Sounion. The tanker itself reportedly comes under attack with RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades). August 23rd: Videos emerge showing the Houthis setting explosive charges on the deck of the MV Sounion. The crew is safely evacuated. Fires erupt on the tanker, raising concerns about a potential environmental disaster. Images shared online show the vessel ablaze with reports indicating fires on at least five locations on the main deck. August 24th - 26th: The burning tanker continues to drift in the Red Sea, raising fears of an oil spill. The size of the vessel, carrying 150,000 tons, fuels concerns about environmen

A powerful typhoon, Bebinca, is rapidly intensifying in the East China Sea and is expected to make landfall in the coming days, posing a significant threat to the Ryukyu Islands and coastal regions of mainland China. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Typhoon Bebinca is currently located at N24°15'25", E134°57'21" with maximum sustained winds of 40 knts. Forecast models suggest that the storm will continue to strengthen and could reach Category 3 or even Category 4 intensity before making landfall. "Bebinca is a rapidly developing system and all interests in the region should closely monitor its progress," said Lim Weather, a renowned meteorologist who has been tracking the storm. "The potential for significant damage, especially in coastal areas, is high." The Ryukyu Islands, particularly Naha and Okinawa, are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Residents in these areas are being advised to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong

As Hurricane Francine barrels towards the Gulf Coast, mariners and coastal residents are urged to prepare for a potentially devastating landfall on September 11th. The National Hurricane Center has issued a severe weather warning for the region, with forecasts indicating that Francine could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane. This storm, coupled with the anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11, has created a heightened sense of anxiety and uncertainty. Safety Precautions for Mariners: Seek Shelter: If you're at sea, head to a safe harbor or anchorage as soon as possible. Avoid shallow areas and exposed shorelines. Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed about the storm's path and intensity through reliable weather channels and advisories. Secure Your Vessel: Batten down hatches, secure loose objects, and ensure your vessel is properly anchored or moored. Prepare for Power Outages: Have a backup power source and essential supplies on board, including food, water, and fi

  UPDATE 08 Sptempber 2024: The vessel was located in the port of Denia. Alarm no longer active. With the post on Facebook the captain lets us know that they are fine: Oisin Margey Hi, I am the captain of Sunbeam. We are fine and currently approaching the East Coast of Spain. So sorry we did not hear the vhf call and very grateful for the concern for our well being. It is very much appreciated. Please get in touch if you need  more information. Take care and safe sailing.

Rio Grande, Brazil - September 5, 2024 - A maritime distress alert was issued early this morning for the vessel MA MIVATA (MMSI 203246071). The alert, received via Inmarsat, indicated that the vessel was experiencing an emergency while positioned at 31° 44.3' South, 50° 59.8' West . The exact nature of the emergency remains unclear at this time. Authorities have issued a call to action for nearby vessels to render assistance. Specifically, the SISKIN ARROW (MMSI 311001248) and NAVIOS DOMINO (MMSI 636023346) have been requested to proceed to the MA MIVATA's position to assess the situation and provide any necessary aid. NAVIOS DOMINO , a large container ship flying the Liberian flag, is well-equipped to respond to such emergencies. With a length of 260.66 meters and a beam of 32.3 meters, this vessel is capable of carrying out search and rescue operations. Weather Conditions: The prevailing weather conditions in the vicinity of the MA MIVATA are challenging but not extre

 The Indian Coast Guard has issued an alert for the missing cargo ship IFB Jayam GP (Regn No. IND-TN-02-MM-2660) along with its 11 crew members, who have been reported overdue since September 2, 2024. The last known position of the vessel was 15 degrees 21 minutes north, 81 degrees 52 minutes east (194 Vakalapudi LT 102), transmitted at approximately 0512 hours UTC on September 2, 2024. Ships traversing the area are requested to maintain a sharp lookout, establish communication, and provide assistance as needed while informing the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chennai. The Coast Guard has shared contact information for MRCC Chennai, including telephone (00 91-44-25395018), fax (0091-44-23460405), and email ([mrcc-east@indiancoastguard.nic.in](mailto:mrcc-east@indiancoastguard.nic.in) and [mrccchennai@gmail.com](mailto:mrccchennai@gmail.com)).

Latest Updates: Search efforts intensify: Four Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ships and two aircraft are scouring the Arabian Sea near Porbandar, Gujarat, for three missing crew members after their helicopter ditched on Monday night. One rescued: Thankfully, one crew member was successfully rescued shortly after the incident. Adverse weather: The search is hampered by rain and strong winds in the area. Cause unknown: The reason for the emergency landing and subsequent ditching of the helicopter is still under investigation. Public appeals: ICG is urging all mariners in the vicinity to keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to MRCC Mumbai.

This is a summary of the high seas forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the Indian Ocean region, valid from September 2nd, 2024 (03 UTC) to September 4th, 2024 (00 UTC). Remnant of Cyclonic Storm Asna: The remnant of cyclonic storm Asna has weakened into a depression and is located over the northwest Arabian Sea, approximately 200 km southeast of Ras al Hadd, Oman. It is expected to move further south-southwestwards and weaken further over the next 6 hours. Important Notes: Wind gusts can be up to 40% stronger than forecast. Maximum wave heights can be twice the forecast wave height. Forecast Areas: Arabian Sea (Area A1): Wind: Southwesterly winds at 20/30 knots, becoming northwesterly winds at 10/20 knots east of 70 degrees E. Waves: 4.0-5.0 meters west of 60 degrees E, 2.0-3.0 meters elsewhere. Weather: Widespread rain and thunderstorms east of 60 degrees E, fair elsewhere. Visibility: Very poor east of 60 degrees E, good elsewhere. Arabian Sea (Area A2):