Cargo Vessel Drifts at Istanbul Anchorage After Engine Failure

Cargo Vessel Drifts at Istanbul Anchorage After Engine Failure A cargo vessel temporarily lost maneuverability after suffering an engine failure while anchored off Istanbul, causing it to drift in the busy Sea of Marmara and prompting a rapid response from Turkish maritime authorities. The incident raised safety concerns due to the high density of vessels operating in the anchorage area. According to maritime officials, the vessel experienced a sudden propulsion breakdown while at anchor, leaving it unable to maintain position against wind and current. As the ship began drifting, authorities were alerted to the risk of potential collision with nearby anchored vessels and port infrastructure. Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety deployed tugboats to assist the stricken ship. The response teams were able to secure the vessel and guide it to a safer position, preventing further movement and stabilizing the situation. No injuries to crew members were reported, and there was no indication of pollution or cargo damage.

Turkmenistan Rescues Crew From Distressed Iranian Cargo Vessel in Caspian Sea

Turkmenistan Rescues Crew From Distressed Iranian Cargo Vessel in Caspian Sea Turkmenistan’s maritime authorities have successfully rescued 14 crew members from an Iranian cargo ship that became distressed in the Caspian Sea, according to official statements. The operation was carried out after the vessel issued an emergency call, prompting a swift response from coastal rescue services. The Iranian-flagged cargo ship encountered difficulties while sailing in Turkmenistan’s area of responsibility in the Caspian Sea. Upon receiving the distress signal, Turkmenistan’s coast guard and emergency response units were immediately dispatched to assist the vessel and its crew, in line with international maritime safety obligations. Rescue teams were able to evacuate all 14 crew members safely, with no injuries reported. Authorities said the crew included Iranian and Indian nationals. Following the rescue, the seafarers were brought ashore, where they received medical checks and support from local authorities.

Two Merchant Ships Hit in Drone Attacks Near Ukraine’s Southern Coast

Russian forces have struck two civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea near Ukraine’s southern ports, Ukrainian officials said, in what Kyiv described as a further escalation of attacks on commercial shipping amid the ongoing conflict. According to Ukrainian authorities, unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Russia targeted two foreign-flagged cargo ships operating close to the port of Chornomorsk, a critical hub for Ukraine’s maritime exports. One vessel was waiting to enter port to load agricultural cargo, while the second had recently departed after completing loading operations. The strikes caused damage to both ships and sparked a fire on one of the vessels, which was later extinguished by emergency services. Ukrainian officials reported that at least one crew member was injured and evacuated for medical treatment, while the remaining crew members were unharmed. Despite the damage, one of the vessels was able to continue its voyage under its own power. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba condemned the attacks, stating that civilian shipping and international trade routes were being deliberately targeted. He emphasized that Ukraine’s Black Sea ports play a vital role in global food supply chains and warned that continued strikes threaten maritime safety and economic stability beyond the region. Regional authorities in Odesa said the incident was part of a broader pattern of drone and missile attacks affecting port infrastructure and commercial vessels along Ukraine’s coastline. They noted that such actions increase risks for seafarers and raise costs for ship operators due to higher insurance premiums and security concerns. Russia has repeatedly denied intentionally targeting civilian vessels, maintaining that ships approaching Ukrainian ports could be considered as carrying strategic or military-related cargo. Ukrainian officials and international maritime observers have rejected this claim, arguing that the affected vessels were engaged in legitimate commercial activity. The Black Sea remains a critical but increasingly dangerous route for maritime trade as the conflict continues. Despite mounting security risks, Ukraine and its international partners continue efforts to keep export corridors open, highlighting their importance to global grain and commodity markets.

Fire Erupts Aboard General Cargo Vessel Undergoing Repairs in Netherlands

Harlingen, Netherlands — A fire broke out early on 12 January 2026 aboard the Dutch-flagged general cargo ship Marry-S while the vessel was berthed for scheduled maintenance at Damen Shiprepair Harlingen, local maritime sources reported. The blaze originated in the ship’s cargo hold shortly before dawn as the vessel, built in 1997 and owned by Sierra Maritiem, was receiving repair work at the Lange Lijnbaan facility. Responding firefighters were able to bring the fire under control within a short period, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the ship or the repair shed. Smoke was visible around the shipyard during the incident, and emergency crews faced challenging conditions due to icy roads in the area, which initially hampered access to the scene. Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries among the vessel’s crew or yard personnel. Firefighting teams ventilated both the cargo hold and the docked vessel once the flames were extinguished, and operations at the shipyard have since resumed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and preliminary reports have not yet identified a specific source of ignition. Shipyard officials and maritime investigators are expected to review maintenance activities and safety procedures as part of the inquiry. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about fire risks aboard vessels during repair and maintenance periods, when standard operational safeguards may be disrupted by work-site activity. Maritime safety experts stress the importance of rigorous monitoring and rapid emergency response to limit damage and protect personnel.

PMMAAI New Year’s Ball, B-Connect and Election

PMMA Alumni Association Hosts New Year’s Ball, Welcomes New Adopted Member, and Announces Elected Leaders for 2026–2027 The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAI) successfully held its New Year’s Ball, B-Connect, and Election on January 8, 2026, at One Shangri-La Condominium Corporation, bringing together PMMA alumni from different generations for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and leadership transition.

MARINA Presents 2025 Accomplishments, Regulatory Reforms, and Maritime Roadmap at Year-End Press Con

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) presented its major accomplishments, regulatory reforms, and strategic priorities during its Year-End Press Conference held on 16 December 2025 at the 12th Floor Conference Room, MARINA Central Office in Manila.

Marlow Navigation Unmasks Excellence at Year-End Masquerade Celebration

Marlow Navigation concluded the year with an elegant and memorable year-end celebration, “Unmask the Extraordinary: A Masquerade Party,” held at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel. The event gathered distinguished guests from government, industry partners, stakeholders, employees, seafarers, awardees, and their families, with the presence of a company representative from Cyprus and the strong support of the Directors of Marlow, highlighting the organization’s global reach and unified leadership.

The Managers’ Club (TMC) Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration

The Managers’ Club Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration, held at the elegant Levatine & Mediterranean Hall of Grand Westside Manila Bay, gathered maritime executives, managers, and industry professionals for an evening dedicated to unity, collaboration, and festive appreciation. Organized through the strong support and initiative of the Managers’ Club founders, and made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors, the event provided a warm and vibrant setting for the maritime community to close the year together.

Micrometer

What is a Micrometer A micrometer is a precision measuring instrument widely used in engineering, machining, ship maintenance, and industrial applications where accuracy is critical. It is designed to measure very small dimensions such as thickness, diameter, and length with high precision. Understanding the different parts of a micrometer helps users operate the tool correctly and achieve accurate measurements.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

A Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is a personal respiratory protection device that supplies clean, breathable air from an independent source. It is designed for use in hazardous, oxygen-deficient, or smoke-filled environments where the surrounding air is unsafe to breathe. SCBAs are commonly used by firefighters, seafarers, rescue teams, and industrial workers to ensure safe breathing during emergencies such as fires, chemical leaks, or confined space operations.

HOW TO USE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

A fire extinguisher is a vital safety device designed to control or extinguish small fires in emergency situations. It works by releasing an agent—such as water, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂—that suppresses the fire, preventing it from spreading and minimizing damage or injury. Fire extinguishers are essential on ships, workplaces, and homes as a first line of defense against fire hazards. Proper operation of a fire extinguisher can be remembered with the PASS method: ‣ Pull – Remove the safety pin to unlock the extinguisher. ‣ Aim – Direct the nozzle at the base of the fire, where it feeds on fuel. ‣ Squeeze – Press the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. ‣ Sweep – Move the nozzle side to side across the base until the fire is completely out.

Litmus Test

Litmus Test What is a Litmus Test The litmus test is a simple method used to identify whether a liquid is acidic, neutral, or alkaline (basic). It uses special paper called litmus paper that changes color when dipped into a solution. There are two types of litmus paper: blue litmus paper and red litmus paper. A universal pH paper can also be used to show a wider pH range using color changes. Purpose The litmus test is used to quickly check the chemical nature of a liquid. It helps determine if a substance is safe to handle or suitable for use in systems such as water treatment, cleaning, or maintenance. How It Works Blue litmus paper turns red in an acidic solution Red litmus paper turns blue in a basic (alkaline) solution Universal pH paper changes color based on the pH level