Fire Erupts Aboard Cargo Vessel During Maintenance at Dutch Shipyard

A fire broke out aboard the general cargo vessel Ostborg while it was undergoing maintenance at a Dutch shipyard, prompting an immediate emergency response from on-site personnel. The incident occurred during scheduled repair activities, though authorities have not yet identified the exact cause of the ignition. According to initial reports, shipyard teams quickly mobilized and managed to contain the blaze before it spread to other sections of the vessel. Their fast intervention prevented the fire from escalating and helped minimize potential structural damage. No injuries or casualties were reported, and all personnel were safely accounted for following the incident.

Cargo Vessel ATA 1 Towed to Safety Following Engine Failure Near Çanakkale

The general cargo vessel ATA 1 was towed to safety after suffering an engine failure while navigating near the Çanakkale Strait, according to information released by Turkish maritime authorities. The Panama-flagged vessel reportedly lost propulsion during its northbound transit, prompting the crew to notify the Çanakkale Vessel Traffic Services Center. In response, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety deployed tugboats to the vessel’s position. The tugs were able to secure ATA 1 and guide it to a designated safe anchorage without further incident. Authorities confirmed that no injuries, pollution, or navigational disruptions occurred during the operation. Technical inspections are expected to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and assess the vessel’s readiness to continue its voyage. The Çanakkale Strait is considered a critical and high-traffic waterway, where even minor mechanical failures can pose risks to vessel safety and marine traffic flow. Maritime officials stated that the timely intervention ensured the situation remained under control and prevented any escalation.

MARINA Strengthens Maritime Partnerships with Belgium and Oman at IMO Assembly in London

LONDON, United Kingdom — The Philippines strengthened its global maritime alliances and continued its bid for re-election to the IMO Council as the country hosted a lunch reception during the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) General Assembly on 24 November 2025. The event opened with messages from Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Ventura S. Plan, who both stressed the Philippines’ strong commitment to improving the welfare, training, and global mobility of Filipino seafarers.

Fire Erupts Aboard Containership ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles

A major fire broke out aboard the containership ONE Henry Hudson while it was berthed at Berth 218 in the Port of Los Angeles, prompting a large-scale multi-agency emergency response and temporarily disrupting port operations. The Los Angeles Fire Department reported that the blaze originated below deck, likely from an electrical source, before spreading through several lower compartments of the vessel. Firefighters faced difficult conditions as the fire advanced into confined and inaccessible spaces, leading the Unified Command to shift to a defensive strategy. An explosion later occurred mid-ship, briefly disabling onboard lighting and crane systems and complicating suppression efforts. Authorities established a Unified Command involving the Los Angeles Fire Department, Long Beach Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles Port Police, and the ship’s operators. Hundreds of personnel, including HazMat teams, fire boats, rescue units, and aerial support, were deployed. Due to potential hazardous materials in the cargo, air-quality monitoring was conducted continuously, and a temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for nearby communities in San Pedro and Wilmington. The ship’s 23 crew members were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. To reduce risks to port infrastructure and improve firefighting accessibility, the vessel was later undocked and towed to an offshore anchorage near Angel’s Gate, where suppression efforts continued under controlled conditions. Officials confirmed that the fire was eventually brought under substantial control, allowing the port to resume operations after brief disruptions. Air monitoring results indicated safe environmental conditions, enabling authorities to lift community precautionary measures. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, evaluate the condition of the cargo—including any hazardous contents—and assess any potential environmental or structural impact. The incident underscores ongoing challenges associated with fires aboard large container vessels and highlights the critical importance of coordinated emergency response in major ports.