Sea warnings

 We are alerting all vessels navigating in the specified area of a distress situation involving a boat with approximately 30 people on board. The last known position of the vessel is: Latitude: 37° 40' N Longitude: 018° 32' E Course: 290 degrees Speed: 6 knots (at 1207 UTC) In accordance with the SOLAS and SAR Hamburg Conventions of 1979, we request that you maintain a sharp lookout and, upon visual contact with the vessel in distress, immediately report the information to the following competent authority:  MRSC Reggio Calabria

Taipei, Taiwan - October 31, 2024 - Super Typhoon Kong-rey, one of the most powerful storms to hit Taiwan in decades, slammed into the island's eastern coast on Thursday afternoon, bringing heavy rains, violent winds, and widespread damage. According to reports from the Central Weather Administration (CWA), Kong-rey made landfall in Taitung County with maximum sustained winds of 184 kilometers per hour (114 miles per hour) and gusts reaching nearly 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour). The typhoon triggered evacuations, caused at least one confirmed fatality, and injured at least 73 people. News outlets like ferozwala (@ferozwala) reported that schools and workplaces across Taiwan were closed in anticipation of the storm's arrival. Supermarkets were reportedly emptied by residents stocking up on supplies. Taiwanese authorities, alerted by the impending danger, evacuated over 8,600 people from flood-prone areas and regions susceptible to landslides and mudslides, as rep

Super Typhoon Kong-Rey Bears Down on Taiwan with Devastating Force TAIPEI, Taiwan – A colossal and menacing Super Typhoon Kong-Rey is barreling towards Taiwan, threatening to unleash catastrophic winds and torrential rain. With one of the largest eyes ever observed in a major tropical cyclone, this storm is poised to deliver a devastating blow to the island nation. Meteorologists are warning of life-threatening conditions as Kong-Rey is expected to make landfall on Taiwan’s west coast on Thursday afternoon. The typhoon is packing sustained winds of over 150 mph, accompanied by towering waves and potentially deadly storm surges. Satellite imagery reveals a monstrous storm system with an eye so vast it dwarfs other tropical cyclones. Experts are comparing the typhoon's size and intensity to a "snowplow truck tire wrapped in steel-cold chains." The sheer scale and power of Kong-Rey have prompted urgent warnings for residents to prepare for the worst. Taiwanese authorities h

An EPIRB distress signal has been detected by the Italian Coast Guard (MRCC Rome) at position 38° 13.96 N - 018° 14.53 E in the Mediterranean Sea. This alert was received on October 30, 2024, at 05:28 UTC. The Italian Coast Guard is urging all vessels currently transiting in this area to report any information related to the distress signal to the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Reggio Calabria. Mariners are requested to maintain a sharp lookout for any signs of a vessel in distress and report any sightings immediately. Current weather conditions in the area include northerly winds of 15 knots with gusts up to 20 knots. Seas are rough with waves reaching 1 meter. Visibility is reported to be good. The Italian Coast Guard requests that all vessels who receive this message acknowledge receipt by email, including their ship's satellite phone number. This will assist them in coordinating the search and rescue operation.

A small wooden boat carrying an estimated 150 people has been reported adrift in the Atlantic Ocean, prompting a search and rescue operation. The boat departed from Dakar on October 21 and experienced engine failure later that day at 26 Oct 0700 UTC. According to the latest report, the boat was navigating on course 104 with a speed of 4 knots in the vicinity of 20-29.3N, 018-23.3W at 27 Oct 2022 UTC. However, there is uncertainty about the boat's sailing condition and the well-being of the people on board. There has been no news since 27 Oct 2022 UTC. The dead reckoning position of the boat was reported to be 20-11.0N, 017-31.0W at 0834 UTC. Vessels in the vicinity are urged to keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to MRCC Las Palmas. The international maritime community is working together to locate the boat and ensure the safety of its passengers. 

Received: October 27, 2024, 11:07:15 UTC From: MRCC Rabat (Morocco) Urgency: PAN PAN Situation: A migrant boat is overloaded, disabled, and adrift. There are approximately 100 people on board (POB). They require urgent assistance. Last Known Position (LKP): Time: October 27, 2024, 20:06:58 UTC Latitude: 20° 48.33' North Longitude: 18° 34.11' West Vessels in the Area: M/V STAR ISTIND (Call Sign: LAMP5) M/V LAEM CHABANG EXPRESS (Call Sign: VRRQ4) Tanker GALOP (Call Sign: 9V5486) MORNING PRIDE (Call Sign: V7FM4) Request: The aforementioned vessels are in a position to assist. They are requested to proceed to the provided datum (latitude/longitude) and report to MRCC Rabat or the nearest Coast Radio Station (CRS).

  Fort-de-France, Martinique – October 25, 2024 – A Mayday alert has been issued for the pleasure vessel "Independence Day," which is overdue on its voyage from Saint Lucia to Martinique. The 32-foot vessel, with two people on board and flying the French flag, departed Saint Lucia but has not yet arrived at its destination. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Fort-de-France is urging all ships in the vicinity to be on the lookout for the missing vessel and report any information to their office. The vessel is described as having a white hull. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and are coordinating search and rescue efforts.

 In recent years, the rise of unconventional forces and clandestine operations by Russia has raised increasing concerns among Western countries. One of the most unsettling elements of this strategy is the so-called "Dark Fleet," a secret naval fleet invisible to NATO forces, which could pose a new and serious threat to security in Europe and beyond. While Moscow's hybrid warfare has already demonstrated its ability to destabilize through sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, the Dark Fleet adds another layer of complexity and danger, with the potential to strike not only on the military front but also on economic and infrastructural levels. What is the Dark Fleet? The Dark Fleet refers to a group of military or paramilitary ships operating in the shadows, without a flag, conducting covert operations on behalf of the Kremlin. These unofficial ships evade radar and international regulations, moving in international waters and violating the maritime sovereign

In recent years, the so-called "Dark Fleet" has played a central role in the oil and gas trade, circumventing international sanctions imposed on countries like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. This term refers to a series of tankers operating in the shadows, transporting oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargos with unclear traceability or transparency in transactions. Despite European and American sanctions, the Dark Fleet continues to ship millions of barrels of crude oil and cubic meters of gas to Asian markets, primarily China and India. Dark Fleet Operations A report from TankerTrackers.com highlighted how the Dark Fleet is being used to transfer large amounts of oil between various countries. The main routes include oil shipments from Iran to China (about 1.5 million barrels per day), from Russia to India and China, and from Venezuela to China. This trade presents a significant challenge to Western sanctions, as only one-third of the fleet has been officially sanctioned

  Hurricane Oscar made landfall in eastern Cuba near Baracoa on Sunday, bringing with it powerful winds and torrential rains as the island grappled with an ongoing nationwide power outage. The storm, classified as a Category 1 hurricane, hit the Cuban coast with sustained winds of 80 mph (130 km/h) and a central pressure of 986 mb, according to meteorological reports. Oscar had earlier passed near the Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas before setting its course for Cuba, where it made landfall at 9:50 PM UTC. Residents in affected areas, particularly in the north of Guantánamo, were bracing for heavy rains, flash floods, and the potential for landslides. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a warning regarding the imminent risk of flooding and storm surges, which could be life-threatening along the northern coastlines of Cuba and the Bahamas. The blackout affecting Cuba since Friday has left the island vulnerable as it continues to deal wit

  October 21, 2024 - A Mayday alert has been issued for a small grey airplane that has gone missing in the vicinity of Mayotte Island. The aircraft, with the registration number FJDFV, departed Nosy Be on October 20th at 08:58 UTC with two people on board. According to the Reunion MRCC, the aircraft was expected to arrive at Mayotte Island but has failed to do so, prompting concerns for the safety of those on board. All ships in the area are being requested to maintain a sharp lookout and report any information regarding the missing aircraft to the Reunion MRCC. Weather conditions in the area are currently favorable for search and rescue operations, with little wind, calm seas, and partly cloudy skies.

Hurricane Oscar, a Category 1 storm, has stunned meteorologists with its rapid intensification over the past 24 hours. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Oscar’s center was located near 21.1N, 73.1W at 0900 UTC on October 20, 2024. With sustained winds of 70 knots (85 mph) and gusts reaching 85 knots, the storm has transformed from a disorganized system into a powerful hurricane in just a few hours. A Burst of Rapid Intensification Oscar’s sudden leap in strength is classified as a Rapid Intensification (RI) event. It was first noted as an area of interest, or “invest,” with a 30% chance of developing into a tropical storm. However, it quickly defied expectations, intensifying from a 40 mph tropical storm to an 85 mph hurricane within a matter of hours. This event ranks among the most dramatic cases of RI observed in recent years. Social media accounts dedicated to weather tracking, such as @Mighty__Muffins and @EnhancedRisk, echoed the surprise and intensity, with @Enha

 The Indian Coast Guard's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Mumbai has issued a distress call for a missing fisherman from the Indian Fishing Boat (IFB) Al-Izza. Details: Date Received: October 19, 2024 (10:04 AM UTC) Reporting Agency: MRCC Mumbai, Indian Coast Guard Missing Fisherman: Mr. Rethai Das, 38 years old Vessel: IFB Al-Izza (Registration Number: IND-KL-07-MM-7174) Last Known Position: 11° 19' N, 75° 12' E (285 nautical miles from Beypore lighthouse on a bearing of 39 degrees) Request for Assistance: Mariners operating in the vicinity of the last known position are requested to maintain a sharp lookout for Mr. Das. Any sighting of Mr. Das or the IFB Al-Izza should be reported immediately to MRCC Mumbai. Weather Conditions in the Area: Wind: Southwesterly at 5 knots with gusts up to 10 knots Visibility: Good Sea State: Slight

Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach is just one of several popular coastal destinations forced to close due to the appearance of mysterious black "tar balls" washing ashore. The closures, affecting at least nine beaches in total, began on Tuesday after reports of the tar-like material emerged from Coogee Beach. The exact source and composition of the tar balls remain unknown, prompting an investigation by the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Authorities are concerned about potential health and environmental risks associated with the material. "The EPA is investigating the origins and any potential risks to the community and the environment," tweeted Kellie Sloane, Member of Parliament for Vaucluse. The closures have caused disruption for locals and tourists alike. Social media users like Lou Pollard expressed frustration, sharing a photo of their backyard as an alternative beach experience. "We can't go to the beach because of the black t

Alert Issued: Thursday, October 17, 2024 (09:32 UTC) Issuing Authority: Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Rome All vessels transiting the designated search area SAR Cases No. 2275, 2294, 2295 - Urgent Assistance Needed Details: The Italian MRCC Rome is conducting a search and rescue operation for three (3) vessels carrying approximately 10 migrants each. These boats are believed to have departed from Algeria and are currently unaccounted for. Weather Conditions: Significant deterioration expected. Winds reaching 19 knots from the North by this evening. Choppy seas with waves up to 1 meter. Partly cloudy skies. All vessels in the vicinity are urged to maintain a sharp lookout for any signs of the missing boats. In case of a sighting, please report it immediately to the Italian MRCC

North Sea, October 2024 – NATO's annual maritime exercise, Strike Warrior, is currently underway in the North Sea, showcasing the alliance's collective military capabilities. The exercise involves a large number of warships, aircraft, and personnel from various NATO member states. One of the key participants is the US aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is serving as the command ship for the exercise. The carrier is accompanied by a strike group that includes cruisers, destroyers, and support vessels. The exercise has seen a variety of training scenarios, including air defense drills, anti-submarine warfare operations, and amphibious landings. Fighter jets from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Sweden have been involved in the exercise, demonstrating their ability to protect the fleet from air threats. In addition to the military activities, Strike Warrior also provides an opportunity for NATO members to strengthen their cooperation and interoperability. T

  Violent protests over the high cost of living have rocked the Caribbean island of Martinique, forcing the closure of its international airport and disrupting travel plans for many, including sailors. The unrest, which began in September, has seen demonstrators clash with police, set fire to buildings, and block roads. Protesters are demanding that the prices of essential goods, particularly food, be lowered to match those on the French mainland. The airport in Fort-de-France was forced to close on Thursday after dozens of protesters stormed the runway. Inbound flights were diverted to the neighboring island of Guadeloupe, causing significant disruption for travelers. While the airport has since reopened, the situation remains tense. Implications for Sailors The ongoing protests and associated travel disruptions have had a direct impact on the sailing community. Many sailors planning to visit Martinique have had to alter their itineraries or postpone their trips. The closure of the a

 In a move that has heightened tensions in the region, China began a new round of military exercises around Taiwan on Monday. Taiwan responded by mobilizing its armed forces and issuing radio warnings to Chinese vessels approaching its territorial waters. The Chinese drills, codenamed "Joint Sword 2024B," come amidst growing concerns about China's intentions towards Taiwan, which it claims as a breakaway province. Taiwan, on the other hand, views itself as a self-governing democracy. Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, convened a high-level security meeting in response to the drills. The Taiwanese military placed outlying islands on "heightened alert" and deployed patrol boats to monitor Chinese movements. Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Expelled Taiwan's Coast Guard reported issuing radio warnings and attempting to intercept four Chinese coast guard ships that ventured close to Taiwanese waters. Four Chinese coast guard ships were reportedly expelled from th

A significant maritime incident unfolded in the Baltic Sea on Friday morning as the German oil tanker 'Annika' caught fire following an apparent explosion. The 240-foot vessel was anchored in the Bay of Mecklenburg when the blast occurred, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky and prompting a swift response from emergency services. While initial reports suggested that the 'Annika' was already at anchor when the fire broke out, a more detailed analysis of marine traffic data indicates that the tanker may have only dropped anchor a few minutes before the explosion. This timing suggests a direct link between the detonation and the subsequent fire. Emergency crews, including tugboats, have been deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and mitigate the environmental impact of any potential oil spill. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the extent of the damage to the vessel and its cargo.

  Distress Relay Issued by Reunion MRCC A distress relay has been issued by Reunion MRCC for a man adrift in a yellow life raft south of the Desroches Islands, which are located south of the Seychelles. All vessels in the vicinity of the designated search area, centered at 5.0°S, 53.0°E with a radius of 150 nautical miles, are urged to be on high alert and report any information related to this distress situation. Weather Conditions Current weather conditions in the search area include: Wind: Southeast at 14 knots with gusts up to 24 knots Sky: Overcast with possibility of rain in the coming hours Waves: 1.7 meters It is important to note that weather conditions are expected to worsen. For any information or to report sightings related to this distress case, please contact Reunion MRCC.

Issued: October 8, 2024, 03:57 UTC Source: IMRCC Rome, Italian Coast Guard To: All Ships Transiting in the Area (Latitude 36° 39′ N, Longitude 13° 50′ E) Urgency: Distress Incident: A man overboard situation has been reported from the MT LEO SUN, a Crude Oil Tanker sailing under the Liberian flag. The last known position of the missing man is Latitude 36° 39′ N, Longitude 13° 50′ E , reported at 00:00 UTC on October 6, 2024 . Request for Assistance: The Italian Coast Guard, acting as the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) for this area (SAR Case N0 4120), is requesting all vessels in the vicinity to maintain a sharp lookout for any sign of the missing man . Reporting: If you sight anything that could be related to the missing man, please report it immediately to IMRCC Rome. Additional Information: MT LEO SUN (IMO: 9457608) has a length of 244 meters and a width of 42 meters. Current weather conditions in the area: Southeasterly wind at 13 knots with gusts up to 17 kno

The HMNZS Manawanui, a hydrographic survey vessel of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), sank on Sunday morning after running aground on a reef near the southern coast of Upolu, Samoa, the previous night. The ship, which caught fire after grounding, was evacuated safely by its crew of 75 with no reported casualties, according to a statement from the RNZN. The cause of the grounding remains under investigation. While some social media commentary has linked the incident to climate change, official sources have not confirmed this. Focus on Environmental Impact and Salvage New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins addressed the incident in a recent interview, stating that the government's primary concern is the environmental impact from the sunken vessel. Salvage operations are underway alongside environmental assessments. Questions Remain over Insurance Coverage Adding another layer of complexity, it has been revealed that the HMNZS Manawanui was not fully insured. Reports indicate o

A rapidly intensifying Hurricane Milton is barreling towards the west coast of Florida, prompting urgent evacuation orders and raising serious concerns among residents and mariners. Forecasters predict the storm will make landfall as a major hurricane near Tampa Bay by Wednesday, bringing with it potentially catastrophic winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall. The National Hurricane Center has issued hurricane warnings for a large portion of the Florida peninsula, emphasizing the extreme danger posed by Milton. The storm's powerful winds could cause widespread damage to structures, while the accompanying storm surge could inundate coastal areas. "This is a life-threatening situation," said [Name of local official]. "Residents in low-lying areas must evacuate immediately. Time is running out." Mariners in the Gulf of Mexico are advised to seek safe harbor as soon as possible. The combination of high winds, storm surge, and rough seas will create extremely hazardo

Hurricane Kirk, a powerful Category 4 storm, is currently churning in the open Atlantic Ocean. While this monstrous hurricane poses no immediate threat to land, large swells are expected to reach the U.S. East Coast by Sunday . Status: Category 4 hurricane: Sustained winds are estimated at 125 mph with the potential to reach near Category 5 strength according to some meteorologists. Location: Currently located far out in the Atlantic, with no direct landfall anticipated. Impact: Large swells generated by the hurricane will create an increased risk of rip currents along the U.S. East Coast by Sunday. Need to Know: Monitor weather updates: Stay informed on the latest developments regarding Hurricane Kirk by following reputable weather sources, particularly the National Hurricane Center (NHC) updates. Exercise caution: Large swells can create hazardous conditions at sea. Mariners are advised to exercise caution, especially when navigating near the East Coast over the comi

 I ssued by Italian Coast Guard - IMRCC Rome Date: October 4, 2024 A small boat with 10 people on board is missing at sea. The vessel departed El Kala, Algeria on October 1st, 2024, at 2:00 UTC and was headed towards the coast of Sardinia, Italy. The Italian Coast Guard is requesting all ships transiting in the area to: Maintain a sharp lookout for any signs of the missing vessel. Report any sightings or relevant information immediately. Current Weather Conditions in the Area: Northwesterly winds at 15 knots with gusts up to 24 knots. Cloudy with rain. Sea state: 2.2 meters with decreasing swell. Please help us bring these people home safely. Keep a vigilant watch and report any information that could assist in the search.

  October 2, 2024 - As Super Typhoon Krathon approaches Taiwan, new developments paint a picture of a potentially weakening storm but continued uncertainty. Warming Clouds Hint at Weakening Recent satellite observations reveal a key sign of potential moderation - rapid warming of the cloud tops surrounding the typhoon's eye. This phenomenon can indicate weakening due to the storm's own upwelling of air. Delayed Arrival Brings Hope The typhoon's anticipated landfall in Kaohsiung has been pushed back repeatedly, bolstering hopes for a less powerful impact. Meteorologists attribute this delay to the typhoon's interaction with cooler ocean waters. Unknowns Remain While a weaker landfall is a positive possibility, significant unknowns persist. The storm's exact path and final intensity remain uncertain. Additionally, mountainous terrain in Taiwan could disrupt Krathon's movement, potentially impacting different regions. Taiwan Braces for the Worst Despite the encou

Red Sea, October 1st, 2024 - In a concerning development for maritime security, Houthi forces have attacked two commercial vessels in the Red Sea today. The first targeted ship, the Panamanian-flagged crude oil tanker Cordelia Moon (IMO: 9297888), had just delivered a million barrels of Russian crude to India and was currently empty. This empty state, according to TankerTrackers.com, makes the vessel more susceptible to explosions, citing the infamous PABLO incident as an example. Additionally, the empty hull sits higher in the water, presenting a larger target. Reports indicate the Houthis launched four anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs) at the Cordelia Moon, all of which missed. However, the vessel was subsequently struck by an unmanned surface vessel (USV), resulting in water ingress. The second vessel targeted was the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Courage. Details surrounding the attack on this ship are scarce, but reports suggest it was hit by a single ASBM. Thankfully,

  October 1, 2024 - Super Typhoon Krathon, a monstrous storm with a visible eye exceeding 50 kilometers in diameter, is churning towards Taiwan's heavily populated southwest coast. Satellite imagery reveals the typhoon's immense size and organized structure, raising concerns for both maritime traffic and coastal communities. Experts warn of a potential slow-moving event, likely impacting Taiwan from Tuesday through Thursday. The most severe weather is anticipated on Wednesday, bringing the potential for devastating storm surges and torrential rains. Disruptions to Maritime Trade Expected The typhoon's path directly threatens Taiwan's western coast, home to major ports like Kaohsiung. Disruptions to shipping lanes and port operations are highly likely. Vessels in the region are advised to exercise extreme caution and consider taking evasive maneuvers. Coastal Residents Brace for Impact Authorities in Taiwan have issued widespread school closures and evacuation orders

Andravida Air Base, Greece - October 1, 2024 - The skies over Greece buzzed with activity today as Exercise Ramstein Flag 24 , NATO's first-ever Flag series exercise, officially kicked off. The multinational training event, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force (HAF), brings together over 140 aircraft from 12 NATO member states for high-intensity air defense drills. News of the exercise's launch spread quickly on social media, with the official hashtag #ramsteinflag24 trending across platforms. The Hellenic Air Force (@HAFspokesperson) proudly announced the commencement with the message, "Exercise Ramstein Flag kicks off with our Hellenic Wings springing into action!" accompanied by photos of Greek fighter jets taking flight. Independent defense observers also joined the conversation. e-Αmyna (@e_amyna) highlighted the participation of Rafale and F-16V fighters from the Hellenic Air Force, while Itamilradar (@ItaMilRadar) confirmed reports of night training exercises. Ima