Cargo Vessel Loses Containers Near Isle of Wight, Prompting Recovery and Safety Operations

A coordinated maritime response is underway off the Isle of Wight after a cargo vessel lost multiple containers in the busy approach to the Solent, triggering safety alerts, shoreline closures, and temporary disruptions to commercial traffic. Maritime authorities have confirmed that the incident occurred near the Nab Tower area, a critical navigational point for shipping entering southern UK ports. According to initial reports, the vessel identified as the Baltic Klipper lost a total of 16 containers during its transit on Saturday evening. Several of the units were loaded with perishable produce, while others were empty. No injuries to crew were recorded, but the floating debris quickly became a navigational concern, prompting a hazard notice to all vessels operating in the region.

Nine Eternity C Crew Members Set for Release After Months in Houthi Custody

Nine Filipino seafarers held captive by Houthis after the July sinking of the cargo ship Eternity C will be released, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Tuesday. The crew will be transferred from Sanaa, Yemen to Muscat, Oman before they return home, according to the DFA. The release is credited to diplomatic efforts led by the DFA together with the government of Sultanate of Oman. The Eternity C, a Liberia-flagged vessel, had been attacked by the Houthis with sea drones and rocket-propelled grenades in early July. The attack forced the crew to abandon ship; the vessel eventually sank. Rescue teams managed to pull several crew members from the water shortly after the attack. However, a number of seafarers remained unaccounted for. The Philippine government welcomed the news, expressing “sincerest appreciation” to Oman for its role in securing the safe release and repatriation of the sailors.

Tanker MIDVOLGA-2 Attacked in the Black Sea

The Russian-flagged tanker MIDVOLGA-2, carrying a cargo of sunflower oil, was attacked while transiting the Black Sea. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles off the coast of Türkiye as the vessel sailed from Russia toward Georgia. Initial reports indicate that the vessel was struck by what is believed to be an unmanned aerial drone. Despite the impact, the tanker did not issue a distress signal and remained operational. All 13 crew members were confirmed safe, and the vessel continued its voyage under its own power toward the port of Sinop for inspection and further evaluation. The attack on MIDVOLGA-2 adds to a growing number of recent incidents involving Russian-linked tankers in the region, heightening concerns over maritime security and the overall risk environment in the Black Sea. Coastal authorities and maritime stakeholders remain on alert as investigations into these incidents continue.

Black Sea Ship Insurance Jumps After Drone Strikes on Sanctioned Tankers

War-risk insurance for ships sailing in the Black Sea has risen sharply after two sanctioned oil tankers were hit by naval drones. The vessels, linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” were heading toward the port of Novorossiysk when the strikes happened. Following the incident, insurers raised their rates for ships entering the region. Coverage for a week-long trip to Ukrainian ports increased to about 0.5% of a ship’s value. For ships calling at Russian ports, the cost climbed even higher, reaching between 0.65% and 0.8%. Insurers say the new prices reflect growing concerns that similar attacks could happen again.