The 'Ever Calm' was detained in Shenzhen on Oct 23, 2026, with two detainable defiencies: 24.10.2026 07106 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire detection and alarm system (no responsibility of RO) 07115 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire-dampers (no responsibility of RO).
News
LIRA
The 'Lira' has been banned from European ports for failing to call at a repair yard, as previously agreed. The Paris MoU said that the vessel would not be allowed into any port in the bloc after failing to call at a repair yard in Greece. It had been detained at the Port of Olbia, but sailed on Oct 3. While one of the conditions for the ship's release from Olbia was that she headed straight to a yard in Piraeus, the Paris MoU received a communication from the coordinator of the Piraeus Port State Control office on Oct 15 indicating that the vessel had not arrived at the port and had also failed to give any updates regarding its arrival. Although the Paris MoU did not reveal the deficiencies that led to the vessel's detention in Olbia, the fact that the vessel was sailing under the flag of Tansania meant it was considered very high-risk under the Paris MoU's inspection priority scheme. The vessel was sailing under the Panamanian flag before changing to the flag of Tansania.
VILLA DE AGAETE
Caflaja, which operates Armas Trasmediterránea's remaining Algeciras–Ceuta business, has signed a binding agreement to sell the route together with the 'Villa de Agate'. The buyer has not been named, however, it was thought that the Trasmapi, part of the Sercomisa group, was the likely buyer. DFDS, which originally agreed to take over the Ceuta business, withdrew because of the conditions set by the Spanish competition authority CNMC. From Oct 30, the service will run under the Ceuta Link brand, when the ferry has returned from a technical stop at Gibdock in Gibraltar. The ship was managed by the Ceuta Link Co., set up in November 2025. The sale was still subject to administrative procedures.
KHORYV
The 'Khoryv', enroute from Ereğli to Sulina, carrying ferrous materials, was attacked by drones and set on fire on Oct 23, 2026, at around 10 a.m. around 13 nautical miles from Constanța, outside Romania's territorial waters, but close to their boundary, in the Black Sea. The vessel sent an emergency call reading "Mayday/Drone attack". The vessel capsized and started sinking, bottom up, following the impact, with life rafts drifting nearby in pos. 44°06.35' N, 029°00.45' E. The MRCC of the Romanian Naval Authority responded immediately and deployed the SAR 'Artemis' of ARSVOM to the scene. The rescue ship departed from the quay, from berth 78 of the Port of Constanta, towards the area indicated by the MRCC. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) set off on a mission to rescue the sailors. Due to unfavourable weather conditions with torrential rain and low visibility, an intervention by a Black Hawk helicopter was not possible. The ship had 13 crew members on board, among them ten Ukrainian nationals and three Azerbaijani citizens. Nine of them were rescued by a the offshore supply ship 'Sartor' (IMO: 9087312), which was by chance sailing nearby. They were subsequently transferred to a Romanian Coast Guard vessel. Three more were missing. The body of the deceased was recovered by a Romanian Border Police patrol boat. The death of one Ukrainian seafarer was confirmed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while four Ukrainians, including the captain, were undergoing treatment in the hospital. A large scale SAR operation was continued to find the remaining sailors. Chances to find more survivors were regarded as slim amid poor weather and a water temperature of around 17° C. As of Oct 24, no trace of the missing was found. A Black Hawk helicopter of the General Aviation Inspectorate took off from Constanța and was carrying out a search mission in the Black Sea to find the three sailors. The search efforts were suspended later that day due to reduced visibility. The attack came shortly after a meeting of Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence, which discussed threats linked to developments in the Black Sea and raised questions about stronger protection for commercial shipping and the need for anti-drone systems. The Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the attack constituted part of the Russian escalation in the region. Romania's prime minister Luca Niculescu denounced the incident as a flagrant violation of international law and said it was a result of Russian escalation: "We will continue our efforts with our allies, as well as our coordination with Bulgaria and Turkey, to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security. Our country is set to receive additional equipment, following initiatives taken by Romania within the NATO alliance." Meanwhile, the emergency response deployment at Constanța Port has been reinforced and now comprised four SMURD ambulances, a mobile intensive care unit, two specialist vehicles for transporting personnel and multiple casualties, and an advanced medical post. Reports with photos and video: https://prm.ua/en/a-ship-with-ukrainians-on-board-sank-off-the-coast-of-romania-with-one-fatality/ https://agerpres.ro/english/2026/10/23/incident-at-sea-drone-hit-vessel-capsizes-with-imminent-risk-of-sinking--1606166 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8creKx-o5ao
AQUACHARM
On the afternoon of Oct 24, the 'Aquacharm' was moved from its berth in Dung Quat to the dock of the Oil and Gas Shipbuilding and Mechanical Industry Company Ltd. in the Dung Quat Port Area, Quang Ngai Province, to repair the damage caused by the allision with the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Special Pier. The ship was docked safely at 10:50 a.m. The ship remained under the supervision of the relevant authorities in accordance with the court order. On Oct 21, the Quang Ngai Region 2 People's Court had issued an order to detain the vessel for 30 days to ensure the resolution of a maritime dispute. The Quang Ngai Port Authority has notified the Quang Ngai Region 2 People's Court, the Quang Ngai Region 2 Coast Guard Command, the Border Guard Agency, Customs, and other relevant authorities of the change of mooring location to continue coordinating the monitoring, inspection, and oversight of the vessel during its detention. The bulk carrier, en route from the port of Hedland to the port of Dung Quat (Quang Ngai Province), had 22 crew members on board and was transporting 170,586 tons of iron ore. The ship entered the port at 6:00 a.m. on Oct 14, being towed by the three tugs 'Hai Au 03', 'Hai Au 04' and 'An Binh 01'. Report with photos: https://www.vietnam.vn/de/dua-tau-cho-hon-170-500-tan-quang-sat-di-sua-chua-sau-va-cham-o-dung-quat
JERNOY
On Oct 24, 2026, the Boreal Sjø AS informed that the 'Jernøy', serving as a reserve ferry on the NEX route 23-731, would not be carrying cargo until further notice due to technical issues. This applied until new information was received.
LOCHINVAR
Due to a power cut affecting the 'Lochinvar', serving on the route Lochaline - Fishnish, on Oct 26, the following sailings were cancelled: Departure Lochaline 07:00 a.m., 07:50 a.m. Departure Fishnish 07:25 a.m., 08:15 a.m.
KAKAPUNA
The 'Takapuna' was detained in Shanghai on Oct 23, 2026, with four detainable defiencies: 06104 - CARGO OPERATIONS INCLUDING EQUIPMENT - Lashing material (no responsibility of RO) 06107 - CARGO OPERATIONS INCLUDING EQUIPMENT - Cargo operation (no responsibility of RO) 07114 - FIRE SAFETY - Remote Means of control (opening,pumps,ventilation,etc.) Machinery spaces (no responsibility of RO) 07115 - FIRE SAFETY - Fire-dampers (no responsibility of RO).
LIRA
On Oct 3, 2026, the 'Lira' has left the port of Olbia, enroute to Piraeus, after seven years. The operation was coordinated by the Olbia Shipping Directorate with the assistance of the Sardinian Port Authority. The ship was abandoned with its crew by the Turkish shipowner, who had declared bankruptcy, in 2016, and subsequently auctioned off in 2019. The crew remained on board until 2019. Gradually, they managed to leave the ship. They owed their survival primarily to the helpfulness of the Sardinians, who provided them with food, assisted them, and clearly cared for them. The ship posed a threat to safety and the marine ecosystem. Measures have already been taken to prevent the ship from listing and taking on water. Report with photo: https://www.unionesarda.it/de/sardinien/das-verlassene-handelsschiff-lira-verlasst-nach-sieben-jahren-den-hafen-von-olbia-die-besatzung-hat-dank-des-herzens-der-sarden-uberlebt-g5wofv5w?amp=1
CALEDONIAN ISLES
A body believed to be that of an 82-year-old man who went missing after potentially falling from the 'Calledonian Isles' has been found in the Largs beach area on the morning of oct 25. Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of missing pensioner Jim Wither, from Johnstone, have been informed. Enquiries suggested he may have entered the water after boarding the ferry sailing from Ardrossan to Arran. Jim Wither was last seen walking towards Beith Road on Oct 18 at around 12.18 p.m. An extensive search was launched at around 8.30 p.m. that evening following reports that a man had fallen from the 'Caledonian Isles' near Arran. The death was not being treated as suspicious, and a report was to be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.
PROSPECTOR 5
One Indian worker was recovered dead on Oct 25, while four people were still missing off the coast of Mayumba, Gabon, after the 'Prospector 5' sank off the coast of Mayumba, Gabon. A total of 110 people have been found safe and sound. The four people still missing were three Gabonese nationals and one expatriate. A major SAR operations was still underway. The accident occurred while the platform heading towards the MaBoMo production facilities for a drilling campaign on the Dussafu Marin permit operated by BW Energy. Initial reports indicated that the platform suffered a punch through during preloading operations, resulting in a loss of stability and the subsequent sinking. The 'Prospector 5' was being used for drilling operations by the BW Energy, a Norwegian company with operations and projects in Gabon, Brazil, and Namibia. The group was holdomg three permits in Gabon, including the Dussafu production permit and the Niosi and Guduma exploration permits. In 2025, its net production reached 24,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day, according to available information. BW Energy, however, remained a smaller operator in the Gabonese market than Perenco, the country's main producer following TotalEnergies' gradual divestment of several of its assets. The Gabonese Ministry of Petroleum and Gas announced the activation of a crisis unit and the reinforcement of SAR operations at sea by the navy. A technical investigation has also been ordered, stated the Minister of Petroleum and Gas, Clotaire Kondja. No release of harmful substances has been observed, while pollution control resources remained deployed to protect the coastline and the neighbouring Mayumba National Park.
AQUACHARM
On the afternoon of Oct 21, the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority has issued a seizure notice for the 'Aquacharm' carrying 170,586 tons of iron ore, following the allision with a wharf in Dung Quat, in accordance with regulations. The bulk carrier was seized pursuant to Decision No. 154/QD-BGTB, issued by the People's Court of Region 2 – Quang Ngai. During the seizure period, the authorities have ordered that the vessel may not leave the port waters, which were managed by the Quang Ngai Maritime Port Authority. It has also been ordered to remain at its designated berth, maintain a full crew, and observe watchkeeping duties as required by law. At the same time, other regulations must be implemented to ensure maritime safety and security and prevent environmental pollution.
AMERICAN COURAGE
On the night of Oct 4, 2026, the foremast of the 'American Courage' was damaged, while proceeding on the on the Cuyahoga River, in a collision with the Columbus Road Bridge in Cleveland, Ohio. The bulk carrier was proceeding astern under the bridge, when the operator lowered the vertical lift bridge prematurely. The road deck was lowered onto the bow of the bulk carrier. , was lowered prematurely by the operator during the passage of the ship. The local authorities did not disclose if the bridge had suffered any significant damage. The Coast Guard was alerted and has launched an investigation into the incident. There were no reports of a pollution. Photo and video: https://www.reddit.com/r/GreatLakesShipping/comments/1wykrdm/american_courage_damage_in_cleveland_october_5/ https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1SqRetmjDU/
GUARDAMAR POLIMNIA
Three cayucos were assisted to El Hierro with 170, 43, and 150 people on board on Oct 23 by the 'Salvamar Navia', 'Salvamar Diphda and 'Guardamar Polimnia'. Another boat arrived at port in La Restinga by its own means with 205 people on board. The SAR helicopter Helimer 202 has participated in the rescue operations. On the night of Oct 24, three more cayucos were located in the vicinity of La Restinga. The 'Salvamar Navia' and 'Salvamar Diphda' escorted the boats to the port. They had 78, 102, and 72 people on board respectively. The 'Salvamar Navia' was again mobilised by the CCS of Salvamento Marítimo in Tenerife on the morning of Oct 26, to assist a cayuco off the port of La Restinga. The boat was escorted to the port, where a total of 59 people, among them three women and four minors, safely disembarked. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/2113924530981023830 https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/2113674533299261523
TAN BINH 257
The 'Tan Binh 257' was detained in Zhanjiang on Oct 23, 2026, with four detainable defiencies: 10109 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Lights, shapes, sound-signals (no responsibility of RO) 04113 - EMERGENCY SYSTEMS - Water level indicator (no responsibility of RO) 07109 - FIRE SAFETY - Fixed fire extinguishing installation (no responsibility of RO) 10127 - SAFETY OF NAVIGATION - Voyage or passage plan (no responsibility of RO).
DALMACIJA
Jadrolinija announced that all sailings with the 'Dalmaciha' have been cancelled until Jan 5, 2027. because of te ongoing technical problems. The ship suffered an engine failure in mid-August, which led to cancellations on her routes from Split to Ancona and Bari and from Dubrovnik to Bari. The yard stay has been extended so that the engines could be converted to run on HVO, while they were dismantled for repairs. The conversion had been planned for a later maintenance period, and some components have had to be sourced, which has added time. Passengers with bookings were to be compensated.
FV MOR BREIZ
Falmouth’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat' Decibel Too' was tasked on oct 23, 2026, to help an injured crew member aboard the 'Mor Breiz', which was sailing seven nautical miles east south east of Zone Point, after the vessel’s master had contacted HM Coastguard. The pagers had alerted the crew at 8.22 a.m., and the lifeboat left its temporary, more sheltered, berth in the Port Pendennis Marina at 8.40am under the command of Falmouth RNLI Coxswain Luke Wills, arriving on scene at 9.18 a.m. The conditions were partly cloudy, good visibility, a force 7 to gale 8 north westerly wind of storm Austen, and a moderate sea. Due to these conditions, the fishing vessel and the lifeboat proceeded to a more sheltered part of the Falmouth Bay, where two qualified casualty care lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the fishing vessel to assess the injured. It was found that he had suffered a dislocated knee, so he was transferred onto the lifeboat and taken back to the lifeboat station, arriving there at 10.30 a.m. The fisherman was then taken to the minor injury unit. The fishing vessel returned to sea. Report with photo: https://rnli.org/news-and-media/2026/october/24/falmouth-rnli-assist-an-injured-seaman-during-storm-austen
PROSPECTOR 5
Five people remained missing after the 'Prospector 5', with 115 people on board, sank on Oct 24, 2025, at 8.37 p.m. LT (7.37 p.m. GMT), as it was preparing for a a planned drilling programme on the Dussafu Marine licence. During th e jacking operations, the rig experienced a punch through event during preload activities, resulting in a loss of stability and the subsequent sinking. The platform gradually tilted before disappearing beneath the surface. People on a nearby structure witnessed the scene, while several lifebuoys were visible near the sinking installation. 110 workers have been safely accounted for. Borr Drilling’s onshore emergency response team has been activated. The company was working with local authorities and BW Energy to respond to the incident. Family members who were still seeking information or assistance may contact the team at +44 (0)1224 087026, the contractor said. SAR operations were ongoing in close coordination with the drilling contractor Borr Drilling, relevant authorities and emergency responders. The production at BW Energy’s MaBoMo facility was shut down. There has been no reported damage to the facility or related equipment, nor any accidental discharge of harmful substances to the sea from the facility. Reports with photos: https://info241.com/gabon-le-rig-de-forage-petrolier-prospector-5-sombre-au-large-de,12616 https://omigabon.com/2026/10/25/urgent-borr-prospector-5-des-disparus-signales-et-une-plateforme-petroliere-engloutie/ https://www.reddit.com/r/SeaEmploy/comments/1xexzl3/borr_drillings_prospector_5_drilling_rig_sinks/ https://info241.com/naufrage-du-prospector-5-3-gabonais-et-2-expatries-parmi-les,12624
MAIA-1
The sanctioned Russian 'Maia 1' has been spotted off the coast of Norway on Oct 22, 2026. The ship was linked to arms shipments from North Korea. It departed on Oct 21 near Kildin Island, north of the Russian city of Murmansk. A day later, it sailed southwards along the Norwegian coast. Its destination and cargo were unknown. Satellite images from Oct 17 showed a ship near Kildin that strongly resembled the 'Maia 1', but could not be definitively identified based on the images. In the fall of 2023, the ship was transporting containers between North Korea and Russia. International observers suspected the containers held weapons and ammunition. Moscow was believed to have later used the shipment in the war against Ukraine. The ship was also suspected of having repeatedly picked up alleged ammunition shipments at the North Korean port of Rason in recent years. The vessel was reportedly there again in May 2026. It was also allegedly seen in India in 2022 with weapons on board. The EU, the US, and other countries have the 'Maia 1' on their sanctions lists. The EU imposed sanctions on the ship in June 2024. The EU justified the move by stating that the ship transported goods and technology for the Russian defense and security sector. The owner and operator is the Russian shipping company MG-Flot, formerly known as Transmorflot. This company is also subject to sanctions by the EU, the US, and the UK. The shipping company is accused of having ties to the Russian Ministry of Defense and of supplying weapons from Iran and North Korea. The freighter has already been in Norwegian waters several times. On Sep 29, 2026, it was sighted on the Northeast Passage, sailing west from Russia's Pacific coast. In August 2025, the ship sailed along the Norwegian coast toward Arkhangelsk and later continued its journey along the Siberian coast. It may have last crossed the maritime border between Norway and Russia on Aug 24, 2025.
PRIDE OF VANCOUVER
The 'Pride of Vancouver' ran aground on a sandbar in the Burrard Inlet, off Metro Vancouver, on Oct 23, 2026, at around 8.25 p.m. LT, with more than 150 people, including students and chaperones, on board. The ferry got stuck near the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge. Two Canadian Coast Guard vessels, an RCMP marine unit and Royal Canadian Marine Search and the RCMSAR rescue vessel 'Siyay' were mobilised to evacuate the people on board. On Oct 24 at around 12:10 a.m. the students, along with chaperones, were successfully evacuated and transported to Harbour Green Dock in Coal Harbour. There were no injuries and no water ingress reported. The ferry refloated with the rising tide on the morning and proceeded to the Coal Harbour, where it was safely berthed.

