On Nov 6, a significant Russian military sealift operation was underway, involving the 'Lady R' (IMO: 9161003), 'Lady D' (IMO: 9349289) and 'Maia 1' (IMO: 9358010) A second cargo convoy has been tracked navigating in formation, recently crossing the southern Baltic Sea just north of the Polish coast. Following military loading activities at Baltiysk throughout late October, involving other vessels like the 'Ascalon' and 'Anastasiia', this group was now sailing outbound. The 'Lady R' has been operating with intermittent AIS signals. There were three highly probable destinations, Tobruk with an ETA as of Nov 8-9, 2026, Tartus or Lomé with an ETA as of Nov 13-14. On Nov 7 at 5.32 a.m., the convoy split south of Gedser, with the 'Lady R' and 'Maia 1' having aborted their transit through the Danish Straits. The ' Lady R' executed a circular U-turn maneuver in the Fehmarn Belt and was sailing eastbound at a reduced speed of just 3.4 knots. Also thr 'Maia 1' turned back east. Both vessels were under joint US and EU sanctions, likely restricting their transit through European territorial waters and the Danish Straits. The Lady D' was meanwhile continuing its northbound trajectory. The vessel was under US sanctions only, lacking the EU restrictions that halted the rest of the convoy. A fourth, unacknowledged vessel sailing in the center of the convoy, a vessel of approximately 110 meters transmitting no AIS data. The signature was highly consistent with a Russian Navy frigate or corvette providing an armed, dark escort. The Danish patrol boats 'P 523' and 'P 524' conducted a tactical handover at 12:40 a.m. UTC to maintain continuous surface tracking. The 'P 524' was shadowing the northbound 'Lady D'. The German patrol ships 'Bamberg' and 'Neustadt' have taken over the eastbound tracking of the 'Lady R' and 'Maia 1' . The German patrol aircraft PCT636 also conducted close passes over the formation. Swedish Coast Guard aircraft were actively monitoring the operational area from above.
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VOLUNTAS
In Izegem, West Flanders, the 'Voluntas', enroute from Voeselare, allided with the Centre Bridge over the Roeselare-Leie Canal, which connects the centre of Izegem with the sub-municipality of Emelgem, on the morning of Nov 7, 2026, at 10.15 a.m. The ship's wheelhouse was completely destroyed. The skipper managed to escape just in time by jumping from the cabin, though he sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Shortly before, the vessel had unloaded a cargo of heating oil in Roeselare. As a result, it was carrying less weight and sat higher in the water. The skipper realised too late that the ship would not fit under the bridge and was unable to avoid the allision. Following the accident, another crew member was able to maneuver the ship a significant distance in reverse. Eventually, another cargo vessel assisted by pushing it towards the bank, allowing the ship to dock at the South Quay. Reports with photos: https://www.hln.be/izegem/vrachtschip-vaart-tegen-brug-op-kanaal-in-izegem-schipper-moet-uit-stuurhut-springen-en-raakt-gewond~ad7270b7/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fbinnenvaartlog.nl%2F&fbclid=IwT01FWAVcL6hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHz3leZ5rnZcxY-alUHG-PvYuADgs2EyBVwUnbAuF-mwQ5PruPH6vLCRtDBqj_aem_GFmuMfaospALFL_BO-H3hg https://focus-wtv.be/nieuws/vrachtschip-vaart-tegen-centrumbrug-in-izegem-stuurhut-volledig-vernield-en-schipper-gewond?fbclid=IwT01FWAVcMStleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABH_BDHTmyrbBBDda_KmmAtjtDJE4k9xv1K6HVTCW7CDDeSddYjWEoo7QUblil_aem_KsPFGUAOgFjS4yUpVHvJdQ
BYB OTHELLO
On the early morning of Nov 6, 2026, the 'Byb Othello', enroute from Kocaeli to Izmail, suffered a main engine failure near Anadolu Feneri at the northern exit of the Bosphorus. The first distress call came in at 02:41 a.m. LT, and the ship finally ran aground at 03:56 a.m. off the Istanbul Anadolu Lighthouse. The General Directorate of Coastal Safety th2n deployed the tugs 'Bayrak 1', 'Kurtarma 6' and 'Kurtarma 11' to assist. As a sea-based intervention was not feasible, shore-based rescue team used a traditional breeches buoy system to safely evacuate all 13 crew members from the vessel amid severe weather and sea conditions. The rescue system was established at 06:12 a.m., the first crew member was evacuated at 06:28 a.m., and by 06:55 a.m., all 13 crew members had been safely rescued. None of them had health problems, and no visible pollution was seen in first checks. The ship had six port state inspections in 17 months with 90 deficiencies in total. The latest, about ten days earlier, had listed 17 shortcomings, including hull and structure, liferaft stowage and fire safety. Reports with photos and video: https://www.sondakika.com/amp/haber-beykoz-aciklarinda-karaya-oturan-byb-othello-gemis-20400483/ https://www.sondakika.com/amp/haber-beykoz-da-karaya-oturan-byb-othello-gemisindeki-13-20400980/ https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/beykoz-aciklarinda-gemi-karaya-oturdu-bakan-uraloglu-13-personel-tahliye-edildi-4336779 https://x.com/kiyiemniyet/status/2118572052139352149/video/1
AROYAT
After the 'Aroyat' was towed to Giresun waters by a tug of the Giresun Port Operations and searched after having moored. While the body of the missing Turkish engineer Arkan Nika was recovered, the 2nd engineer Erkan Nika remained missing. Upon his family's application, the port authorities in the Novorossiysk region, the Coastguard, health institutions, and SAR units had also conducted a fruitless search operation at sea after the attack. The last AIS signal of the ship originated from Sep 24 near Sinop, bound from Poti to Novorossiysk, before it was targeted by three drones, which set the accomodation block and the bridge on fire on Sep 27. The wreck was towed by the 'Eren Enerji IV' (IMO: 1037270), assisted by tugs of the General Directorate of Coastal Safety to the dismantling facilities in Aliağa on Oct 30, after the necessary talks had been finished, and was beached on Nov 5 for recycling. Report with photo: https://en.haberler.com/the-ship-attacked-by-a-drone-in-russia-drifted-off-2319983/
VIEIRA
The 'Vieira' has reported an explosion while navigating the Strait of Hormuz on Nov 6, 2026. The tanker, transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz, experienced an explosion at its port-side waterline, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Khasab. All crew members were accounted for. The tanker remained under its own power and continued its voyage. Authorities were investigating the incident. The cause of the explosion and the identity of those responsible have not been established.
MENTOR
After the damaged 'Mentor', carrying approximately 11,000 tonnes of sunflower oil, broke free during a towing operation from Constanța to Turkey in the Black Sea, and went adrift off the Bulgarian coast near Shabla amid severe weather on Nov 4, the replacement tug 'Athletic' managed to take over the towing operation on Nov 5, attempting to move the 'Mentor' southwards again towards Turkey. Report with photo: https://www.maritime.bg/157737/
NORWEGIAN BLISS
A passenger of the 'Norwegian Bliss' was airlifted from the ship by the U.S. Coast Guard about 32 miles off Oregon Inlet, N.C., on Nov 2. An aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City, located in the northeastern corner of North Carolina, was called to respond to the cruise ship. A second passenger was also hoisted aboard the Coast Guard helicopter during the rescue. The patient was transferred in stable condition to the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Virginia for further care.
MAYERA
The container barge 'La Blanca' (MMSI: 244740804) with 90 containers on board, was in collision with the 'Mayera', loaded with dredged silt, on the Meuse River near Bokhoven on Nov 7, 2026, at 11.15 a.m. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Bokhovense dike, where conditions were very foggy at the time. The container ship struck the smaller cargo vessel along its side, causing significant damage. Its hull appeared to be crushed inward by about 1.5 meters amidships. The container ship sustained considerably less damage. Both vessels navigated to a side branch of the Meuse and were moored there. No one was injured. The water police started investigating the cause of the collision. Report with photos and video: https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/6033951/aanvaring-tussen-twee-vrachtschepen-op-de-maas-bij-den-bosch-in-dichte-mist?fbclid=IwT01FWAVcMelleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABH-KIuM3bIJFDJOG-3SlrPpcr7KAhq7qepD5DBAoBJNxnkQ7NIvbt4tHuf16-_aem_QNZ1i8Ia4RB2O2YRM_Hd4w
HINCH SPIRIT
On Nov 6, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m. the 'Federal Beaufort' was in allision with the 'Hinch Spirit' in Montreal at Section 35 upon arriving at the port from downstream. It struck the ' Hinch Spirit', which was stationary and moored alongside at Section 35 while receiving bunkers. The 'Hinch Spirit' sustained damage to her port quarter and starboard side, while the 'Federal Beaufort' sustained damage to her bow. No injuries have been reported. Both vessels are were moored alongside, awaiting divers and an investigation by Transport Canada.
BIRKA GOTLAND
On Nov 7, 2026, at 12.59 a.m., a man fell overboard from the 'Birka Gotland' near Tjärven in the Sea of Åland. Upon notification, the Swedish JRCC launched a major SAR operation in the waters northeast of Norrtälje. Two helicopters and about ten vessels took part. It was concluded shortly after 04:00 a.m. without result.
TARYN EVE
The 'Taryn Eve', after having been severely damaged by drone strikes in the Black Sea, was towed as a dead ship by tugs of the General Directorate of Coastal Safety through the Bosphorus on Nov 6, 2026. The accomodation block and wheelhouse were largely gutted and burnt out.
SILJA EUROPA
A fire broke out on the 'Silja Europa', docked on Marconi St. in Rotterdam, on the morning of Nov 6, 2026, inside a container filled with washing machines on deck 3. Although emergency services responded in large numbers of police units, fire engines, and ambulances, the situation was quickly brought under control, and no one was injured. The automatic fire-suppression system on board the ship activated to combat the blaze, which immediately resulted in a significant amount of smoke. The fire department was able to bring the fire under control quickly. The smoke did not reach the residents' cabins. Consequently, the ship was not evacuated; those on board were able to remain in their own cabins. The fire department remained on site to ventilate the ship. The vessel was currently serving as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. Since the summer of 2023, Rotterdam has served as the home port for this ship, which houses at least 2,000 individuals with legal residency status. Report with photo: https://www.ad.nl/112-nieuws-rotterdam/kleine-brand-op-opvangschip-silja-europa-in-rotterdam-snel-onder-controle~a57e75c4/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
LA BLANCA
The 'La Blanca', with 90 containers on board, was in collision with the cargo barge ' Mayera' MMSI: 211147040), loaded with dredged silt, on the Meuse River near Bokhoven on Nov 7, 2026, at 11.15 a.m. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Bokhovense dike, where conditions were very foggy at the time. The container ship struck the smaller cargo vessel along its side, causing significant damage. Its hull appeared to be crushed inward by about 1.5 meters amidships. The container ship sustained considerably less damage. Both vessels navigated to a side branch of the Meuse and were moored there. No one was injured. The water police started investigating the cause of the collision. Report with photos and video: https://www.omroepbrabant.nl/nieuws/6033951/aanvaring-tussen-twee-vrachtschepen-op-de-maas-bij-den-bosch-in-dichte-mist?fbclid=IwT01FWAVcMelleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABH-KIuM3bIJFDJOG-3SlrPpcr7KAhq7qepD5DBAoBJNxnkQ7NIvbt4tHuf16-_aem_QNZ1i8Ia4RB2O2YRM_Hd4w
SIGRID THERESA
The 'Sigrid Theresa' was detained on Nov 4, 2026, in Naples with six deficiencies, five of which being regarded as seriously and grounds for a detention: 1) Fire safety - Fire pump and its pipes Not as required 2) Fire safety - Evaluation of crew performance Lack of training 3) Emergency system - Enclosed space entry and rescue drills Not as required 4) Life saving appliances - Launching arrangements for rescue boats Not as required 5) ISM - Ism certificate Not as required The vessel was released again on Nov 6 and left the port enroute to Ravenna with an ETA as of Nov 9. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FiYixV4A2/
FEDERAL BEAUFORT
On Nov 6, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m. the 'Federal Beaufort' was in allision with the 'Hinch Spirit' in Montreal at Section 35 upon arriving at the port from downstream. It struck the ' Hinch Spirit', which was stationary and moored alongside at Section 35 while receiving bunkers. The 'Hinch Spirit' sustained damage to her port quarter and starboard side, while the 'Federal Beaufort' sustained damage to her bow. No injuries have been reported. Both vessels are were moored alongside, awaiting divers and an investigation by Transport Canada.
SD5 HORNSRIFF
On Sep 17, 2026, the 'Hornsriff- SD 5' arrived in Kampen upon Ijssel to be broken up. On Oct 19 the work was underway.
ERA
The 'Era' ex 'Bella 1' (aka 'Marinera') arrived at Chattogram, Bangladesh, on Nov 4, prompting urgent new court filings in the United States from the purported Russian owners of the vessel, who were challenging the United States' forfeiture and sale of the vessel. Lawyers for Burevestmarin, a Russian company that claimed to have acquired the vessel on Dec 17, 2025, were contesting the sale by the United States, calling it an “economically irrational sale for its own convenience,” and accusing the United States of conducting the “maneuver behind closed doors.” In a filing on Nov 4, the lawyers revealed that the tanker, which had been sold by the United States to GMS as a cash buyer, was resold on October 14 to a recycler in Bangladesh for $20,763,062.25, which they asserted contradicted statements from the United States. It said the U.S. reported the GMS was not authorized under its license to transfer ownership of the ship and would retain the vessel while it was scrapped. They were asserting that this was the latest in a series of steps in the illegal forfeiture and sale of the vessel to GMS at a “grossly unreasonable price at which to attempt the government's fire sale.” They highlighted that the court was told in a filing in August that the ship tanker was sold under an April court order for $9.1 million, yielding proceeds of just under $8.1 million after more than $1 million in costs related to the sale. The U.S. Government further asserted that it had additional unspecified costs for “repairing serious safety and operational deficiencies, maintaining and transiting the vessel,” unrelated to the sale. The court case for the forfeiture had been sealed until August 2026. Burevestmarin, however, filed in October, making a claim and seeking to overturn the sale. The United States in March had contended to the court that the tanker, which it continues to refer to as the 'Bella 1', had been used dating back to at least 2023 to transport Venezuelan and Iranian oil in violation of sanctions. However, the U.S. said that the vessel was stopped in January 2026 after the pursuit because it was operating without a valid flag. It says the ship was claiming to be registered in Guyana, although the authorities said it was not a legitimate registry. The United States refused to recognise the sale of the vessel to Burevestmarin and the attempt to register the vessel in Russia while it was being pursued across the Atlantic. In the March filing for the forfeiture and sale, the United States lists a Turkish company as the owner of the tanker. The United States has opposed Burevestmarin’s attempts to seek a temporary restraining order and compensation for the seizure. Burevestmarin asked the court to hold the ship or force its return, not permitting it to be beached for scrapping. The United States, in its response, highlighted that the company waited months to file its case, refutes the various elements of the claim, and asserts that the company came to court with “unclean hands,” saying it was involved in the vessel’s movements while it failed to respond to USCG orders to stop. The United States also pointed to what it called a “threatening email” from representatives of Burevest sent in March 2026 to the company hired to tow the tanker, demanding the vessel be returned to the Russian Federation. The lawyers for the company asserted that the United States told the court alternately that the tanker was going to India or Bangladesh for scrapping. The vessel has not been transmitting an AIS position since mid-October. The lawyers said that not only was the vessel sold at half its scrap value, but that it has far greater value as an operating asset. In the Nov 4 filing, they are again asking the court to stay any transfer of the vessel by GMS to a third party and to show cause why the vessel should not be preserved or held pending adjudication of the sale order’s validity. The court has ordered the U.S. Justice Department to respond by the morning of Nov 6 to the latest filing from Burevestmarin’s lawyers.
NATO WARSHIP P76
On Nov 4, 2026, the Spanish Navy sank the 'Infanta Elena' with a single torpedo fired from the submarine 'S-81 Isaac Peral'. As part of the SINKEX 26 exercises in the Atlantic Ocean, the submarine’s crew launched a combat torpedo at the decommissioned patrol ship Infanta Elena, causing it to sink. The exercises allowed for testing the effectiveness of the 'S-81'’s weapon systems and the readiness of its crew under conditions as close to combat as possible. In addition to the submarine, the maneuvers involved the frigates 'Cristóbal Colón (F-105)' and 'Navarra (F-85)', the multi-purpose vessel 'Carnota (A-61)' and the patrol ship 'Relámpago (P-43)'. The air component was provided by three AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft, a helicopter from the 10th Squadron, a ScanEagle drone, and a maritime patrol aircraft from the Spanish Air and Space Force. The exercises demonstrated the submarine forces’ ability to operate covertly and deliver precision strikes against surface targets, while also testing the interoperability of various fleet components. Before sinking, the decommissioned ship was cleared of fuel, lubricants, and other pollutants. The exercise area also underwent hydrographic and environmental inspections, and marine mammals and other protected species were monitored during the live-fire exercises. On Sep 29, the United States and the United Kingdom sank the decommissioned frigate USS 'Klakring' using NSM, Sea Venom, and SM-6 anti-ship missiles, as well as a Mk 48 heavy torpedo.

