Pirates Hijack Bulk Carrier Off Yemen as Piracy Incidents Rise in 2026

YEMEN — A bulk carrier was reportedly hijacked by a pirate action group on September 10 while operating south of Yemen, marking another piracy incident in the Gulf of Aden region. The Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO) reported that the vessel was hijacked approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Balhaf, Yemen. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) initially received a report that the vessel was being approached while approximately 98 nautical miles southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen. Authorities monitoring the area later reported that pirates had taken control of the vessel, while assets connected to the European Union’s Operation ATALANTA were investigating the incident.

Burned MV June Aster Remains Off Coron, Search for Missing Continues

CORON, PALAWAN — The burned MV June Aster remains off Coron, Palawan, following the fire that engulfed the passenger Ro-Ro vessel on September 9. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel’s manifest listed 134 people onboard, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members.

Trump Rejects Saudi Call for U.S. Strikes on Houthis Amid Bab al-Mandab Threat

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to order military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis as the group advanced toward the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. According to a report citing two U.S. officials, the Saudi crown prince made two calls to Trump on Thursday as fighting in Yemen intensified. Trump reportedly declined the request, while U.S. officials said Washington does not currently plan to directly attack Houthi forces. The United States is instead expected to increase support for Saudi Arabia, including providing intelligence on Houthi positions and targeting information.

Houthis Capture Yemen’s Port City of Mocha, Officials Say

Yemen’s Houthi forces captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha on September 10 , according to Houthi and Yemeni officials. The takeover followed an advance along Yemen’s western coast amid fighting with forces supporting the internationally recognized government. Mocha lies near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Its capture gives the Houthis a stronger position near a major route for commercial shipping. Control of the city does not establish control over all vessel movements through the strait.

Houthis Capture Yemen’s Port City of Mocha, Officials Say

Yemen’s Houthi forces captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha on September 10 , according to Houthi and Yemeni officials. The takeover followed an advance along Yemen’s western coast amid fighting with forces supporting the internationally recognized government. Mocha lies near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait , which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden . Its capture gives the Houthis a stronger position near a major route for commercial shipping . Control of the city does not establish control over all vessel movements through the strait .

STCW Philippine Conference 2026 Brings Maritime Stakeholders Together

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) held the STCW Philippine Conference 2026 on September 10, bringing together maritime stakeholders to discuss Philippine proposals concerning seafarer education, training, certification, safety, and welfare. The conference provided industry representatives and members of the Philippine Working Group with an opportunity to review and contribute to the country’s positions as the international maritime community continues the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code.

3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair Opens in Manila for Filipino Seafarers

The ,3rd Annual APO MARINO AA Job Fair is being held today, September 2, 2026, at 1108 A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila, formerly the OWWA Seafarer Hub, giving Filipino seafarers direct access to employment opportunities in the maritime industry.

NSD Committee Holds Successful Meeting Ahead of 2026 National Seafarers’ Day, National Maritime Week

The National Seafarers’ Day (NSD) Committee successfully held a preparatory meeting on Tuesday, September 1, at the Intership Crew Philippines, Inc. office at PITX in Parañaque City, as preparations continue for the 31st National Seafarers’ Day and 27th National Maritime Week this September 2026.

Types of Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are designed for different classes of fire, making proper selection essential for onboard safety. Common types include CO₂, dry powder, water, wet chemical, and foam extinguishers. Seafarers must know their correct applications, locations, and operating procedures to respond quickly and safely during a fire emergency at sea.

Common Types of Ropes

Ropes are essential equipment in shipboard operations, used for mooring, towing, lifting, rigging, cargo handling, and other deck activities. Different types of rope have specific properties, strengths, and limitations. Understanding the characteristics and proper applications of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, HMPE, wire rope, and Manila rope helps seafarers select the right rope for each operation and work safely onboard.

Recovery Position

The recovery position is a basic first-aid technique used for an unconscious casualty who is breathing normally. It helps keep the airway open and allows fluids such as saliva or vomit to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of airway obstruction. Before placing someone in the recovery position, the rescuer should check responsiveness, airway, and breathing and consider possible injuries.

Solar System

Understanding the solar system remains important in maritime navigation, especially in celestial navigation. Mariners use the Sun, Moon, selected planets, and stars as reference points to determine a vessel’s position when navigating at sea. Knowledge of celestial bodies also helps navigators understand time, direction, seasonal changes, and astronomical observations used with nautical almanacs and navigation instruments. Even with modern GPS, celestial navigation remains a valuable backup skill for seafarers.