Rear Admiral Peter Branson, who died recently at age 86, had an illustrious career in the Royal Navy. His career almost ended before it began. Branson was twice torpedoed while he was still under training, on one occasion surviving five days adrift in … Continue reading
Category Archives: Current
The Carnival Splendor, which was crippled by an engine room fire on November 8th, leaving it drifting for days off the coast of Mexico with nearly 4,500 crew members and passengers aboard, is expected to sail from San Francisco on Friday … Continue reading
Ocean rowing has got to be one of the most physically demanding of all sports. In addition to the physical labor of fighting the wind and seas, salt water sores and chafing are reported to be a big problem. … Continue reading
On Monday, the six British rowers of Team Hallin have set a new world record for rowing the Atlantic Ocean. The five men and one woman landed in Barbados after completing the 3,000 mile course from Tenerife in 31days and 23hours … Continue reading
Salvors are now reported to be beginning a slow release of sulphuric acid from the capsized tank barge, Waldhof, which capsized in the Rhine on January 13th near the infamous Lorelei Rock, in hope of averting a larger uncontrolled acid spill on … Continue reading
Yesterday, the Italian-owned Aframax tanker MV Savina Caylyn was hijacked by pirates approximately 670 nautical miles East of Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean. Today, the Greek-owned VLCC MV Irene SL was hijacked approximately 350 nautical miles South East of … Continue reading
Last Friday, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission approved a plan for Bruce Power to ship 1,600 tonnes of radioactive waste, in the form of 16 decommissioned nuclear reactors, across the Great Lakes, though the St. Lawrence Seaway and across the Atlantic … Continue reading
Blustery winds, gray skies and rain marked the beginning of the 6,000 nautical mile Sprint 3 of the Velux Five Oceans Singlehanded Around the World Race. The four remaining boats departed Sunday from Wellington, New Zealand bound for to Punta del … Continue reading
On this the 183th anniversary of the birth of Jules Verne, it seems worthwhile to look at the submarines named Nautilus. Click on any of the thumbnails for a larger image. … Continue reading
The United States is far behind the countries of Western Europe and China in the development of offshore wind power. Today, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced a few steps toward catching up. … Continue reading
Last month we posted about a rendezvous of the “Three Queens,” the RMS Queen Mary II, the MS Queen Elizabeth and the MS Queen Victoria in New York harbor. Of the three ships only the Queen Mary II has the distinction of … Continue reading
The sinking of the frigate INS Vindhyagiri, following a collision with the container ship MV Nordlake, last Sunday near Mumbai harbor, is the worst-ever peacetime loss for the Indian Navy. That the accident occurred as the warship was returning … Continue reading
“Spice” is apparently the generic name for so-called “synthetic marijuana” or “fake pot.” In most states, it is still perfectly legal, though that may be changing. “Spice” is, however, not OK with the US Navy. At the end of last … Continue reading
The barque Picton Castle, known for its around the world voyages, is offering cruises this summer sailing around Newfoundland. It sounds fantastic. Sail Around Newfoundland Starkly stunning coastline. Incredible whales, seabirds and maybe even icebergs. Hospitable folks in big towns and small outport … Continue reading
Somehow this sounds like a really bad idea. I just hope everyone brings sun screen. Back in October, the BBC ran an article about a Lithuanian company’s plans for a Maldive island resort run entirely by blondes. The proposed development was reported on again this week … Continue reading