Using eDNA to Search for Nessie in Scotland and Angel Sharks Off Corsica

Until fairly recently, scientists attempting to establish the existence, health, or migration of marine life had to use nets, cameras, or other means to identify and count the number of animals involved. Now researchers have a new and powerful tool, … Continue reading

Two Ships of US Navy “Ghost Fleet” Visit Japan

In August, we posted about how Ukrainian naval drones are redefining warfare in the Black Sea in Ukraine’s battle against the ongoing Russian invasion. On the other side of the globe, two US Navy unmanned surface vessels (USV) arrived in … Continue reading

Rare Dumbo Octopus Videoed by ROV in Deep Waters of North Pacific

The ROV Hercules, operated by the E/V Nautilus, a research vessel owned by the nonprofit Ocean Exploration Trust, has captured video of a rare dumbo octopus at a depth of over 1,600 meters deep.  The research vessel was exploring the … Continue reading

Playful Humpbacks & Other Whales “Kelping” — Wearing Seaweed as a Hat

There is so much that we do not understand about the social behaviors of whales and dolphins. Dolphins off the Australian coast, for example, have been observed wearing sponges as hats in what is believed to be an attempt, though … Continue reading

MSC Orders Two Cruise Ships With Green Multi-Fuel Options

The headline on Cruise&Ferry.net reads “MSC confirms orders for hydrogen-powered ships for Explora Journeys.” The headline is somewhat misleading as the new ships on order from Fincantieri for MSC’s luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys, will not be hydrogen-powered, per se, … Continue reading

Update: SS Badger — MARAD Approves $600,000 Study to Convert Coal-Burning Steamship to Zero-Emissions

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded nearly $12 million in grants to eight marine highway projects across the nation under the United States Marine Highway Program (USMHP).  One of these grants, $600,000 awarded to Lake Michigan … Continue reading

“Hero” Humpbacks Attempt to Protect Seal From Orca Attack

Recently, Bertie Gregory, a National Geographic Explorer and host of Animals Up Close on Disney+, observed a remarkable attempt by two humpback whales to protect a seal under attack by a pod of orcas in Antarctica’s Weddell Sea. National Geographic reports that … Continue reading

British Endurance Swimmer Lewis Pugh Swims 315 Mile Length of Hudson River

On August 13 2023, British endurance swimmer and environmental activist Lewis Pugh began his 315-mile (507-km) swim down the Hudson River, from its source at Lake Tear of the Clouds, to its end at New York City. He finished the … Continue reading

Guessing the Deployment After Royal Navy Vanguard Class Sub Returns Looking Like a “Sea Monster”

The War Zone column from the Drive.com blog recently featured photographs of a Royal Navy Vanguard class submarine returning to HM Naval Base Clyde, which is also known as Faslane, on the west coast of Scotland, after a 197-day nuclear … Continue reading

Update: North Korea Launches Submarine Claimed to be Capable of Launching Nuclear Missiles

North Korea has unveiled a new “tactical nuclear attack submarine,” based on a remodeled Soviet-era vessel, equipped with multiple launching tubes capable of launching nuclear missiles. Submarine No. 841 – named Hero Kim Kun Ok – will be one of … Continue reading

Update: Reza Baluchi Attempts to Run Across the Atlantic in His “Hamster Wheel of Doom,” Arrested By Coast Guard

Reza Baluchi is at it again. The US Coast Guard intercepted Baluchi in the Atlantic about 70 miles (110km) off Tybee Island, Georgia on August 26 in his most recent attempt to run across the ocean, this time from the … Continue reading

Update: Deadly Conception Dive Boat Fire, Where 34 Died, Started in Trash Can According to AFT

The LA Times reports that the deadly fire that broke out four years ago aboard the Conception dive boat, killing 34 people, started in a plastic trash can on the main deck, a confidential report reviewed by The Times shows. Investigators … Continue reading

Inspired by FLIP, Polar Pod to Explore the Mysteries of the Southern Ocean

We recently posted about the remarkable 61-year career of the one-of-a-kind research vessel FLoating Instrument Platform, known as FLIP. FLIP was essentially a massive 355-foot-long spar buoy used to study oceanic wave height, acoustic signals, water temperature, and density. Now, … Continue reading

Remembering Captain Bill Pinkney, First Black Man to Sail Solo Around the World via the 5 Great Capes

We are saddened to learn that Captain William “Bill” Pinkney died on August 31, 2023 at the age of 87. Captain Pinkney was the first Black man to sail solo around the world via the 5 Great Capes. Captain Pinkney … Continue reading

An Octopus’s Garden in Deep, Dark, & Warm Water

Richard Starkey, better known as Ringo Star, wrote the song, Octopus’s Garden, for the Beatles 1969 album Abbey Road. The first verse goes: I’d like to be/Under the sea/In an octopus’ garden/In the shade… In a recent study, researchers describe finding … Continue reading

Update: Canopée, Ro-Ro “Rocket Ship,” for European Space Agency Ready to Set Sail

In 2021, we posted about the start of construction of a sail-assisted cargo ship, built to carry Ariane 6 rockets for the European Space Agency (ESA).  Now, the ro-ro cargo ship, Canopée, has completed sea trials and is ready to … Continue reading

P&O Cruise Ship MV Britannia Blown From Her Moorings, Collides with Tanker in Mallorca, Spain

The P&O cruise ship MV Britannia was blown from her dockside moorings in Mallorca, Spain on Sunday during a sudden and intense storm. The ship drifted across the harbor and collided with a moored oil tanker, the Castillo de Arteaga. … Continue reading

Russia Reported to be Sinking Ferries to Protect Kerch Bridge From Ukrainian Sea-Drone Attacks

We recently posted Ukrainian Naval Drones Redefining Warfare in the Black Sea, discussing naval drones developed by the Ukrainians with formidable ranges and increasing lethality. These sea drones are explosive uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) that have been used to attack … Continue reading