Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Oil Export Terminal

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at a Russian oil export terminal, marking another escalation in the ongoing campaign targeting key energy and maritime infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort. The attack, reported by maritime security monitors, caused significant disruption at the facility as emergency teams moved quickly to contain the blaze and assess structural damage. Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out shortly after the drone impacted critical areas of the terminal used for storage and loading operations. While Russia has not released full details on the extent of the damage, local officials confirmed that terminal activities were temporarily halted as a precaution.

MARINA HOLDS DECEMBER OATH TAKING FOR MARINE OFFICERS

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through the STCW Office’s Examination and Assessment Division (EAD), officially welcomed newly certificated Marine Deck and Engineer Officers during an oath-taking ceremony held on 04 December 2025 at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila. A total of 98 new officers took their oath. • Deck Department: 48 officers — 11 Master Mariners, 2 Chief Mates, and 35 Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch. • Engine Department: 50 officers — 7 Chief Engineers and 43 Officers-in-Charge of an Engineering Watch.

U.S. Coast Guard Reports Historic $1.1 B Cocaine Seizure in Eastern Pacific

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a record breaking success in its maritime counter-drug campaign, revealing that more than 150,000 pounds of cocaine have been seized in the Eastern Pacific since the launch of Operation Pacific Viper in August 2025. The haul valued at roughly US$1.1 billion represents over 57 million potentially lethal doses, based on the commonly used lethal threshold of 1.2 grams per dose. This operation marks one of the most ambitious and effective efforts in recent memory by the Coast Guard. On December 2, 2025, the cutter USCGC Munro intercepted a "go fast" vessel and after disabling its engine with precision fire seized more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine, constituting the largest single at-sea interdiction by any cutter since 2007. Meanwhile, the cutter USCGC Stone recently offloaded roughly 49,010 pounds of cocaine at Port Everglades, setting a new record for the largest cocaine seizure by a single cutter in one patrol. The cutter USCGC James also contributed with several substantial interdictions over a ten day period in November.

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.