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Showing posts from December, 2024

Hurricane Warning Issued for the South-West Indian Ocean

A Hurricane Warning has been issued by Météo-France for the South-West Indian Ocean, specifically for Metearea VII and Metearea VIII. The warning, issued on December 11, 2024, at 0600 UTC, pertains to Tropical Cyclone 4 (Chido), which is currently located within a 20-nautical-mile radius of 10.5 degrees South and 58.4 degrees East. Intensity: Chido is currently an intense tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 969 hPa. Movement: The cyclone is moving westward at a speed of 7 knots. Threat Areas: Squally weather within a 200-nautical-mile radius of the center. Hurricane-force winds (65-80 knots) and very high to phenomenal seas within a 15-nautical-mile radius of the center. Storm-force winds (50-60 knots) and high to very high seas within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the center, extending up to 25 nautical miles in the southern semicircle. Gale-force winds (35-45 knots) and very rough to high seas within a 35-nautical-mile radius of the center, extending up to 50 na...

Russia's Grip on Tartus: A Strategic Naval Base Amidst Syrian Turmoil

Tartus, Syria - As the situation in Syria continues to unfold, the strategic importance of the Russian naval facility at the Mediterranean port of Tartus has come into sharp focus. This base, a relic of the Soviet era, has become a vital asset for Russia's military presence in the region. A Bastion of Russian Influence Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict, which began in 2015, significantly bolstered its presence at Tartus. The base has served as a crucial logistical hub, allowing Moscow to project power in the Eastern Mediterranean. It provides access to warm-water ports, a strategic advantage for Russia's navy, particularly its fleet of warships equipped with long-range cruise missiles. Questions Linger Amidst Syrian Upheaval Recent developments in Syria, including the attempted coup against President Bashar al-Assad, have raised questions about the future of Russian military assets in the country. While some reports suggest a partial withdrawal of Russian forces,...

Distress Call Issued for Small Vessel "Nec Aspera Terrent"

  Issued: December 8, 2024 (20:45 UTC) - Received December 9, 2024 (04:45 UTC) Source: MRCC Rabat (Morocco) A PAN-PAN distress call has been issued for the small vessel "Nec Aspera Terrent." Details: Vessel Name: Nec Aspera Terrent Type: Rannoch MMSI: 232024485 Call Sign: MGDE6 Color: Orange Last Position: 29°20′N 011°30′W Reason for Distress: Large storm approaching Urgency: All vessels in the vicinity of 29°20′N 011°30′W are requested to keep a sharp lookout and assist the "Nec Aspera Terrent" if possible. Please report any contact with the vessel to MRCC Rabat or the nearest coast station. Additional Information: The "Nec Aspera Terrent" is a British pleasure craft with a length of 8 meters and a width of 2 meters. Weather conditions in the area: North-northeasterly winds at 24 knots with gusts up to 32 knots, increasing. Partly cloudy skies. Wave heights up to 4 meters.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Successfully Rescues Crew of MV ISA STAR in Red Sea

  December 5, 2024, the MV ISA STAR sent a distress call while sailing in the Red Sea. The crew reported flooding in the engine room and announced their intention to abandon ship. In response to the master's request for assistance, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES launched a rescue operation and dispatched a nearby ship to aid the stricken vessel. The prompt action of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES resulted in the successful rescue of all crew members aboard the MV ISA STAR. The seafarers will be transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port of call, where they will receive any necessary medical attention and support. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES is a European Union military operation with a defensive mandate aimed at providing credible maritime security within its area of operation. The lives of seafarers and the principle of freedom on the high seas are non-negotiable values for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, and their protection remains a key objective of the mission.

Two Ships Collide Off the Coast of Algeciras

Algeciras, Spain – A collision between two large vessels occurred early Tuesday morning, December 3rd, in the waters off the coast of Algeciras, Spain. The incident involved the tanker Gloria Maris and the container ship HMM ST Petersburg . According to the Spanish Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (CCS) in Tarifa, the collision took place approximately 8.9 nautical miles southeast of Algeciras. Both ships sustained damages in the incident, but fortunately, there were no reported injuries or any significant environmental impact, such as oil spills. The HMM ST Petersburg has since arrived at the Port of Algeciras for further inspection and repairs. The cause of the collision is currently under investigation by maritime authorities. The incident highlights the risks associated with maritime traffic in busy shipping lanes. Despite the immediate response of rescue services and the absence of major casualties, such events serve as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and ong...

Man Overboard from Sailing Vessel OCEAN BREEZE

UPDATE : The type of boat is different from what was previously reported. A Man Over Board (MOB) incident has occurred, and a search and rescue operation is underway since the Austrian Volvo 70 Ocean Breeze (skipper Johannes Schwartz) lost a crew member overboard. The operation is coordinated by MRCC Norfolk, USA. According to some Danish sources, the family of the man who fell overboard has been informed.