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The US Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of an overdue 86-year-old man and his dog on Oct 28, 2026, from the s/y 'Willow Wind' (MMSI: 368247580), following a multi-day search approximately 460 miles off San Diego. Coast Guard Pacific Area watchstanders had received a report Oct 24, of the overdue mariner aboard the sailing vessel, en route from Astoria, Oregon, to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The mariner had not been heard from since Aug 20. On the afternoon of Oct 27, the Coast Guard RCC Alameda received an alert from an EPIRB registered to the 'Willow Wind'. The watchstanders coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircrew and diverted an HC-130 Hercules aircrew as well as the Coast Guard Cutter 'Robert Ward (WPC 1130)', and requested assistance from nearby vessels. The Spartan aircrew located the 'Willow Wind' on the evening. The 'Grand Orion', enroute from Balboa to Yokohama, responded to assist and arrived on scene on Oct 28 at approximately 3:20 a.m., but was initially unable to rescue the mariner due to rough seas. At 5:36 p.m. the man and his dog could be rescued from the sailboat, which had damaged sails and was left adrift. On the morning of Oct 29, a Coast Guard Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew hoisted the mariner and his dog from the 'Grand Orion', approximately 170 miles west of Ventura, California, and transported them to Coast Guard Sector San Diego. Emergency medical personnel transported the mariner to Scripps Mercy Hospital for further evaluation. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4638660/coast-guard-coordinates-rescue-of-overdue-mariner-dog-460-miles-off-san-diego/

The 'Fu Zhi' was detained in Zhanjiang on Oct 29, 2026, with two detainable defiencies: 07114 - FIRE SAFETY - Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces (no responsibility of RO) 11112 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Launching arrangements for survival craft (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 30 and left the port enroute to Hong Kong, where it arrived on Oct 31.

The 'QC Punny' was detained in Qingdao on Oct 30, 2026, with two detainable defiencies: 11101 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Lifeboats (no responsibility of RO) 11113 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Launching arrangements for rescue boats (no responsibility of RO).

The 'Sasebo Glory' was detained in Geraldton on Oct 30, 2026, with one defiency: 07115 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire-dampers (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 31.

India’s Shipping Minister has confirmed an attacks on the 'Arzanah', an ADNOC-managed, Liberia-flagged VLCC, on Oct 29, 2026. The tanker was targeted in a projectile attack. All seafarers on board were reported safe. Also the LNG tanker 'Al Mayeda' was attacked in the Persian Gulf, as well as the Suezmax tanker 'Riti' (IMO: 9249075). The Suezmax tanker 'Louise 1' (IMO: 9290323), was damaged by manually-emplaced limpet mines. The product tanker 'Stone' (IMO: 9380362) was intercepted by the IRGC Navy and allowed to reverse course without being damaged.

The U.S. mining, exploration, and development company Critical Metals Corp., has become the latest owner of thr former Soviet passenger ferry 'Konstantin Simonov', now operating as 'Ocean Endeavour'. In recent months, the ship had housed troops and personnel in Greenland. The Critical Metals Corp., which is undertaking a major rare earth mineral project in Greenland, has acquired the former expedition cruise ship at a cost of €7.5 million ($8.5 million) to house about 300 workers for its Tanbreez project in Greenland. The vessel was owned by the SunStone Marine Group and has been chartered to various companies. Recently, the Danish Defence gad chartered the vessel, which has a capacity to accommodate 190 passengers and a crew and staff of 124 to house Danish and NATO troops during the Arctic Endurance exercise. The vessel has changed ownership several times. In the early 2000s, she was converted to a cruise ship and briefly operated for an Israeli company before being outfitted for polar cruising in 2015. Last month, SunStone announced that the ship was up for sale. The Nasdaq-listed Critical Metals has purchased the ice-strengthened vessel owing her proven operating history in both the Arctic and Antarctic environments and would make the ship well-suited to support year-round activities associated with the development of the Tanbreez critical minerals project. The 'Ocean Endeavour' was to provide flexible housing capacity for up to 300 project personnel, in effect minimising the demand on local housing and hotel capacity in Greenland. For Critical Metals, providing self-contained accommodation for its workforce means there will be minimal strain on the limited hotel and tourism infrastructure in Qaqortoq and the surrounding region. The vessel will be moored adjacent to the Tanbreez project. On Sep 20, 2026, the 'Ocean Endeavour' left Nuuk. OIn Nov 1, it transited the Kiel Canal enroute from Vigo to Sczcezin, where it was to be refitted for the new task.

The Lloyd Yard has been awarded the contract to repair the 'Mein Schiff 3'. The cruise ship was expected to arrive at the shipyard in Bremerhaven on Nov 1. The Maritime Safety Authority has granted the necessary permit. The final confirmation from the Rönner Group, which included the Lloyd Yard, was still pending. However, the group had already expressed interest in the repair work. The 'MSC Victorine', which was also severely damaged in the allision, will not be going to a shipyard, but will be repaired directly at the Strom Quay and has been turned around for this purpose with the damaged port side towards the quayside for better access. Repairs were completed on the foremidday of Nov 1, and the ship left Bremerhaven enroute to Antwerp with an ETA as of Nov 4.

The US Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of an overdue 86-year-old man and his dog on Oct 28, 2026, from the 'Willow Wind' following a multi-day search approximately 460 miles off San Diego. Coast Guard Pacific Area watchstanders had received a report Oct 24, of the overdue mariner aboard the sailing vessel, en route from Astoria, Oregon, to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The mariner had not been heard from since Aug 20. On the afternoon of Oct 27, the Coast Guard RCC Alameda received an alert from an EPIRB registered to the 'Willow Wind'. The watchstanders coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircrew and diverted an HC-130 Hercules aircrew as well as the Coast Guard Cutter 'Robert Ward (WPC 1130)', and requested assistance from nearby vessels. The Spartan aircrew located the 'Willow Wind' on the evening. The vehicles carrier 'Grand Orion' (IMO: 9303194), enroute from Balboa to Yokohama, responded to assist and arrived on scene on Oct 28 at approximately 3:20 a.m., but was initially unable to rescue the mariner due to rough seas. At 5:36 p.m. the man and his dog could be rescued from the sailboat, which had damaged sails and was left adrift. On the morning of Oct 29, a Coast Guard Air Station San Diego MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew hoisted the mariner and his dog from the 'Grand Orion', approximately 170 miles west of Ventura, California, and transported them to Coast Guard Sector San Diego. Emergency medical personnel transported the mariner to Scripps Mercy Hospital for further evaluation. Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4638660/coast-guard-coordinates-rescue-of-overdue-mariner-dog-460-miles-off-san-diego/

The 'Emine' was detained in Shanghai on Oct 29, 2026, with five detainable defiencies: 15106 - ISM - Shipboard operations (no responsibility of RO) 07120 - FIRE SAFETY - Means of escape (no responsibility of RO) 10114 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Voyage data recorder (VDR)/Simplified Voyage data recorder(S-VDR) (no responsibility of RO) 06107 - CARGO OPERATIONS INCLUDING EQUIPMENT - Cargo operation (no responsibility of RO) 08109 - ALARMS - Boiler alarm (no responsibility of RO). Ther ship was released again on Oct 31 and left the port enroute to Tianjin with an ETA as of Nov 3.

The 'Quan Yuan 5' was detained in Humen on Oct 30, 2026, with six detainable defiencies: 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (no responsibility of RO) 10111 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Charts (no responsibility of RO) 11108 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Inflatable liferafts (no responsibility of RO) 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (no responsibility of RO) 11107 - LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES - Stowage of rescue boats (no responsibility of RO) 14108 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - MARPOL ANNEX I - 15 PPM Alarm arrangmts. (no responsibility of RO).

The 'Hua Shun Da 3' was detained in Dongjiakou on Oct 31, 2026, with four detainable defiencies: 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (no responsibility of RO) 07106 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire detection and alarm system (no responsibility of RO) 05105 - RADIO COMMUNICATIONS - MF/HF Radio installation (no responsibility of RO) 14811 - POLLUTION PREVENTION - BALLAST WATER - Ballast Water Management System (no responsibility of RO).

On the morning of Oct 29, the 'Hebrides', serving on the route Uig - Tarbert - Lochmaddy, suffered a technical issue with the starboard side main engine, which required further investigations. As a consequence, the scheduled 09:40 a.m. sailing, departing from Uig, was delayed. Engineers have identified the issue and started repairs, which were expected to take approximately one hour to be completed. On Oct 30 another technical issue required further investigation, so that there was a delay to the 09:40 a.m. sailing from Uig, which finally departed at 10:00 a.m. The ferry also departed Uig with a delay at 3:11 p.m., one hour and 11 mins late.

The 'Wulf 9' has left the fleet of Otto Wulf in Cuxhaven and was re-flagged to Palau after being sold to new owners. The tug was renamed 'Atilla' and left the port of Cuxhaven on Oct 30, 2026, enroute to Brest with an ETA as of Nov 2.

A technical defect on the 'Nordlicht II' led to a difficult docking procedure in the outer harbour of Emden on the evening of Oct 25. A technical issue arose with one of the water-jet propulsion systems during the final voyage from Borkum to Emden. It was able to continue its journey using its remaining engine. Due to strong wind gusts and an active storm surge warning, the tugs 'Friedrich Wessels' (IMO: IMO 7525205) and 'Radbod' (IMO 1022287) were called to assist in the docking manoever. Despite of this, the ferry was pushed against the quay. None of the 56 passengers on board were injured. The operator AG EMS had already canceled the final departure from Emden at 7:30 p.m. and the early morning departure from Borkum at 7:15 a.m. on Oct 26 due to high winds. Following the incident, further sailings had to be canceled. The following replacement services were to be provided by the car ferry 'Westfalen' up to and including Oct 29: Borkum Train Station – Emden 11:00 a.m. Emden – Borkum 1:30 p.m. Borkum Train Station – Emden 4:45 p.m. On Oct 29, the ferry 'Nordlicht' (IMO: 8816015) was scheduled to resume its regular service, departing from Emden at 12:30 p.m. Consequently, the sister vessel initially took over the catamaran service. Affected passengers were contacted and rebooked onto alternative departures. Existing tickets could also be used for travel on a ferry. Report with photos: https://www.borkum-news.de/technischer-defekt-nordlicht-ii-in-emden-gegen-mole-gedrueckt/

The 'Wooyang Venus' was detained again in Newcastle, New South Wales, with one detainable defiency: 18201 - LABOUR CONDITIONS-CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Fitness for duty - work and rest hours (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 31. The last detention was on Aug 9 in Gladstone, Queensland,also with one detainable defienciy for two days.

The 'Polar Lady' was detained in Huanghua on Oct 29, 2026, with two detainable defiencies: 07114 - FIRE SAFETY - Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces (no responsibility of RO) 07103 - FIRE SAFETY - Division - decks, bulkheads and penetrations (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 31 and left the port enroute to Sanshan with an ETA as of Nov 3.

The 'Gas Summit' was detained in Zhangjiagang on Oct 30, 2026, with two detainable defiencies: 07105 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire doors/openings in fire-resisting divisions (no responsibility of RO) 07199 - FIRE SAFETY - Other (fire safety) (no responsibility of RO). The ship was released again on Oct 31.

The 'Al Mayeda', en route from Qatar in loaden condition, was targeted by an unknown projectile on the evening of Oct 30, 2026, about 40 nautical miles off Naval Island, close to Ras Laffan. The Qatari-owned LNG tanker was carrying a cargo of gas for customers in Pakistan. The ship had received safe-passage approval from Iranian officials for the crossing just hours before the attack. Nonetheless, its accommodations block was hit by an unknown projectile at about 6 p.m. UTC. All 25 crew members were reported safe, including six Indian seafarers. The LNG tanker was reportedly in a safe condition and remained operational, though its AIS went black. No environmental impact has been reported as a result of the incident. The identity of the attackers and the full extent of the vessel's damage have not yet been established. The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the attack. The State of Qatar reserved its right to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, to protect its assets and safeguard its vessels and their crews. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the relevant authorities have initiated the necessary investigations to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

On the morning of Oct 31, the Port Authority of Chania was informed of a work accident of a 27-year-old assistant aboard the 'Elyros'. He was injured at his right hand, while performing work inside the ship. The man was initially provided with first aid by the Chief and members of the crew and then transported by a private vehicle to the General Prefectural Hospital of Chania Agios Georgios for further medical treatment. A preliminary investigation wasconducted by the Central Port Authority of Chania.

The 'Mein Schiff 3' was facing extensive repairs and was towed to the Lloyd Yard in Bremerhaven on the afternoon Nov 1. A particular challenge was the procurement of the damaged lifeboats; at least three new units were required, and these could not simply be replaced on short notice. The task of manufacturing them has been entrusted to the Fassmer shipyard in Berne. The company was already intimately familiar with the vessel, having produced the original lifeboats and tender boats for the 'Mein Schiff 3'. As these are custom-made, specialised units, there were no suitable replacements in stock. The required boats must be manufactured from scratch and subsequently undergo official regulatory inspection and approval. Current estimates suggested that the production and delivery of the new lifeboats could take approximately six to eight weeks. However, a definitive delivery date from Fassmer has not yet been established. The actual duration depended on how quickly production could be organised. Fassmer was exploring ways to adjust existing manufacturing processes to complete the order as rapidly as possible. In addition to production, technical testing and safety certifications were required. Ultimately, the boats must meet all international standards before they can be put back into service on board. If the estimated production time of six to eight weeks proves accurate, the delivery of the new lifeboats could extend into December 2026. Whether the 'Mein Schiff 3' would truly need to remain out of service for that long, however, remained to be seen. A temporary return with a reduced number of passengers could be a possibility, provided that the remaining life-saving equipment and all safety regulations allowed for it. The 'MSC Victorine' was repaired directly at the Strom Quay and had been turned around for this purpose with the damaged port side towards the quayside for better access. Repairs were completed on the foremidday of Nov 1, and the ship left Bremerhaven enroute to Antwerp with an ETA as of Nov 4. Photos: https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/4035480?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/4035479?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest https://www.shipspotting.com/photos/4035478?navList=gallery&category=39&page=1&viewType=normal&sortBy=newest