Update: MV Rena – Owners Charged, Officers Plead Guilty, Stern Sinks

Posted on by April 7, 2012

Photo: MNZ

In early October,  the container ship MV Rena ran hard aground on the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga, New Zealand, resulting in an oil spill which the New Zealand Environment minister Nick Smith has referred to as the country’s most serious maritime environmental disaster in history.   In March, New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) determined that the casualty was caused by the captain taking a “short cut” to beat a deadline. The captain and navigating officer have pleaded guilty to mishandling the vessel and tampering with the ship’s documents after the crash. They are likely to be sentenced on May 25.  This week Daina Shipping Company, the owner of the ship, has been charged by Maritime New Zealand under section 338 (1B) and 15(B) of the Resource Management Act 1991, which relates to the “discharge of harmful substances from ships” in the coastal marine area.  Also last week, the stern of the container ship sank in high seas. The bow of the Rena remains stranded on Astrolabe reef.

Analysis: Shippers Make U.S. the Port of Call for Bankruptcy

Posted on by April 7, 2012

Graphic: Harry Campbell

In the mid to late 19th century, American clipper ships set the standard for the world and challenged the maritime supremacy of Great Britain.  After World War II, the US merchant marine fleet was the world’s largest, representing about 43 percent of the world’s shipping trade.  US ship operators developed containerization and briefly dominated that trade. These days, the the US international shipping industry is largely moribund.  A recent article in Reuters identifies one area where the United States is still attractive to ship operators – bankruptcy court.  Both US and foreign based ship owners have found it advantageous to file for bankruptcy in the US.

Analysis: Shippers make U.S. the port of call for bankruptcy
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Three Rescued As Tug Capsizes off Liberty Island, New York Harbor

Posted on by April 6, 2012

Some excitement in my neighborhood this morning. Three crew from the tug Katherine G were pulled from the water near Liberty Island in new York harbor, after the tug capsized at around 9:45 this morning. The men were rescued by the New York Police Department’s harbor unit and taken to local medical facilities. No serious injuries were reported. Thanks to Cynthia Drew for passing the news along.

Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa Sinks the Ryou-Un Maru, Tsunami Ghost Ship

Posted on by April 6, 2012

Plumes of smoke rise from Ryou-Un Maru under fire from the Cutter Anacapa Photo: Petty Officer Second Class Charly Hengen/AP

We posted recently about the discovery of the 164′ Japanese fishing vessel, Ryou-Un Maru, which had been carried out to sea from the port of Hachinohe, a year ago by the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The ship was found drifting 120 miles off Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Canada.  The ship continued to drift at about one knot toward the North American coast.

The US Coast Guard decided that the drifting ship, with no lights or communications, was a hazard to navigation and dispatched US Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa to sink the ship with cannon fire.  As the Coast Guard was readying to fire on the vessel, a Canadian fishing vessel, the 62-foot Bernice C, claimed salvage rights over the ghost ship in international waters.
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Littoral Combat Ship Program Plowing Ahead Regardless

Posted on by April 6, 2012

Independence Class LCCS

It is never a good sign for a new class of Navy ships when an article about them appears on the front page of the New York Times.  The article, Navy Plowing Ahead on New Coastal Ship, Despite Woes by Elisabeth Bumiller,  focuses on the construction of the Navy’s new Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), which Ms. Bumiller describes as “one of the most tortured shipbuilding programs in Navy history, a decade-long tale of soaring costs, canceled contracts and blown deadlines.”  Given the history of Navy shipbuilding, that is saying quite a lot.
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Update: McMurdo Radiation Leaks – Peabody Award & Navy Confirms Veteran’s Exposure

Posted on by April 6, 2012

McMurdo Station

In March of 2011, we posted about reporting done by Ron Regan at NewsChannel5 in Cleveland, Ohio, concerning radiation leaks at a nuclear power plant at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. There is concern that these radiation leaks are related  to a string of cancers suffered by Navy veterans contracting cancer after serving at the station. (See Nuclear plant leak in Antarctica suspected of causing cancer.)

Two updates on the story – Yesterday, Ron Regan received a Peabody Award for his reporting on the McMurdo radiation leaks and the cancers suffered by veterans of the base. The George Foster Peabody Award is the oldest and most prestigious prize for excellence in electronic media. Our congratulations to Mr. Regan.

As a direct result of Ron Regan’s reporting, Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio called for an official investigation by the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense. These hearing confirmed that Navy veterans were unwittingly exposed to leaking radiation at McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

Federal hearings confirm Navy veterans exposed to leaking radiation first revealed by NewsChannel5
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Bob Ballard Discusses Titanic on the Colbert Report

Posted on by April 5, 2012

Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who lead the expedition which discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985, was interviewed by Stephen Colbert on the Colbert Report last night. He discusses how the search for the Titanic was a cover for finding two missing nuclear submarines. (See our previous post from June 2010 – Searching for the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion with the Titanic as Cover.)  He also discusses the problems of underwater tourism damaging the remains of the Titanic, and an idea to paint the sunken ship to preserve it. Yes, painting the Titanic.  An interesting interview, indeed.

Robert Ballard

Reliving the Titanic’s Last Days in Real Time on Twitter or iPad App

Posted on by April 5, 2012

The truly Titanic obsessed do not have to wait for the centennial of the tragic sinking of the so-called “unsinkable” passenger liner.  They now can follow the Titanic via either a Twitter feed or an iPad app which mark down the events of leading up to the sinking in real time!

On Twitter check out TitanicVoyage @ TitanicRealTime.  There is also an iPad app: Titanic: Her Journey selling for £2.99.

America’s Privateer, Lynx and the War of 1812 — More than a Coffee Table Book, a Review by Linda Collison

Posted on by April 5, 2012

We recently posted about an upcoming event at Mystic Seaport Museum honoring the bicentenial of the War of 1812 which features the privateer schooner Lynx.   We also posted about an on-line documentary, the Privateer Lynx.  While we are focussing on on the Lynx, it seems worthwhile to post a review by Linda Collison of a book published by the Lynx Educational Foundation, America’s Privateer, Lynx and the War of 1812 by J. Dennis Robinson.

America’s Privateer tells the story of Lynx, a ship with two lives that sailed in two different centuries. The first Lynx was built in Fells Point, Maryland 1812.  Captured early in the war, the British Admiralty was so impressed by the design that they recorded her lines.  In 2001, Woodson K. Woods, an entrepreneur and lifelong sailor, brought the 1812 Lynx back to life as a modern privateer inspired by the original plans. The first square-topsail, wooden schooner built in Rockport, Maine since 1885, Lynx sails America’s coasts, teaching young people about the craft of sailing a privateer, and of the history of the War of 1812. In  America’s Privateer, J. Dennis Robinson brings the story of the schooners named Lynx to life against the backdrop of the oft forgotten War of 1812.

Linda Collison is the author of the Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series, Star Crossed (soon to be re-released by Fireship Press as Barbados Bound) and Surgeon’s Mate.  She has sailed on the privateer Lynx as well as serving as crew on HMS Endeavour.   Linda’s review of  America’s Privateer, Lynx and the War of 1812 by J. Dennis Robinson, originally published on her blog Sea of Words.  Reposted with permission.

America’s Privateer — more than a coffee table book
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Ship Aground Off Llanddulas, Near Colwyn Bay, Wales – Seven Crew Rescued

Posted on by April 4, 2012

On Tuesday evening, the 82m general cargo ship, Carrier, was blown ashore in high winds and seas near a quarry jetty at Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, Wales. Two lifeboats and an RAF helicopter successfully rescued seven Polish crew members from the stricken ship despite gale conditions. The ship is reported to be intact, but there are increasing concerns over pollution from the 40,000 litres of fuel aboard the ship. Thanks to David Hayes and Alaric Bond for passing along the news.

Ship runs aground off Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, Wales

Happy 50th Birthday Schooner Mary Day !

Posted on by July 10, 2019

Roughly a year ago we posted about the 75th anniversary of Captain Frank Swift buying laid up schooners which had previously carried stone, lumber, hay and all manner of goods, and began carrying vacationers to cruise in the Maine summers.  Many of these schooners are still sailing in the Maine “windjammer” fleet.  Since then, however, new schooners have been built specifically for the trade.  The first purpose-built schooner for the vacation trade was the Mary Day, which is celebrating her 50th birthday this year.  She has sailed more than 150,000 miles and has carried more than 20,000 guests so far. May she sail for another 50 years!

Tall ship Mary Day celebrates 50th birthday

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Sailing on the schooner Mary Day

Thanks to Tom Russell of the Traditional Sail Professionals Linked-in Group for pointing out the birthday.

Alexander von Humboldt Moving to the Bahamas

Posted on by April 3, 2012

Alex Sailing into Freeport Harbour Photo: Angela Hackman

In November we posted about the first shakedown day cruise of the Alexander von Humboldt II, Germany’s newest tall ship.  The new ship, operated by Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST), is replacing the 1906 built Alexander von Humboldt which has been sailing as a sail training ship since 1988.

But what will become of the Alexander von Humboldt, known by her nickname, Alex, now that she has been retired by DSST?  She will be sailing out of Freeport in the Bahamas under the Bahamian flag.  The ship will host cruise ship passengers, island visitors and residents on coastal sailing excursions, as well serving as a venue for corporate gatherings, receptions and theme parties. She will also serve as a training vessels to train new Bahamian crews.  Thanks to Wojtek ‘Voytec’ Wacowski on Facebook for passing along the news.

106 year-old ship, Alexander von Humboldt receives warm welcome to Grand Bahama

Update: Two Clipper Round the World Sailors Rescued by US Coast Guard Cutter

Posted on by April 2, 2012

USCG Cutter Bertholf Photo: USCG

Yesterday we posted the Clipper Round the World 68′ racer, Geraldton Western Australia, which was struck by a large wave in a storm in the Pacific.  The wave sheared off the boat’s steering pedestal, damaged electronics and injured four crew, who were on deck.   The conditions were too rought for a rescue by helicopter, so late Sunday night, the two most seriously injured of the crew, Jane Hitchens, a 50-year-old doctor and Nik Brbora, a 29-year-old engineer, were evacuated by boat to the USCG Cutter Bertholf.   The cutter is expected to arrive in San Francisco Bay this afternoon.

Cutter Carrying 2 Injured Sailors to SF Bay

Norwegian Jarle Andhøy Arrested by Chilean Navy

Posted on by April 3, 2012

Norwegian rogue adventurer Jarle Andhøy, 34, along with four other crew members on the 54-foot yacht, Nilaya have been arrested by the Chilean Navy.  Andhøy is returning from his second Antarctic voyage, both of which he has undertook without permission, permits or insurance.

His first voyage ended in the sinking of the yacht Berserk II and the loss of three crew.  The navy has offered no reason about why the boat was stopped, but Andhoy has been told it was at the request of the New Zealand government.  Andhøy is best known for controversial voyages in polar regions usually without permits, or insurance, which have run afoul of the authorities in Norway, Finland, Russia and New Zealand. He was deported from Canada in 2007.

Norwegian explorer arrested in Chile

Two Gray Whales Caught in Nets in One Week off Southern California

Posted on by April 2, 2012

According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, fishing nets are the biggest killer of whales and dolphins across the globe. Last week alone, two gray whales migrating off the coast of California were caught in fishing nets. A week from last Saturday, a gray whale was rescued after discovered entangled in netting outside Dana Point Harbor. The whale was cut free after a 24 hour effort. Reports said the whale was towing a sea lion, a leopard shark, two angel sharks as well as various crabs, fish and rays in the net. Last  Wednesday, a second whale, tangled in nets and buoys was sighted between Laguna Beach and Dana Point. By Thursdays volunteers had cut the whale free.

From 2001 through 2010, there have been 78 entanglement reports off California alone. Thirty-one involved humpback whales and 19 involved gray whales. The others were fin whales (four), a minke whale and unidentified species (22).

Second Gray Whale Entangled in Fishing Net Is Freed
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Update: Azamara Quest – Passengers Praise Captain and Crew of Stricken Cruise Ship

Posted on by April 2, 2012

The stricken luxury cruise ship Azamara Quest sails towards the port of Sandakan on the island of Borneo Photo: REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad

In a pleasant contrast to events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia, the passengers aboard the  fire damaged cruise ship Azamara Quest are reported to have high praise for the actions of the captain and crew. A fire broke out in one of the ship’s engine rooms on Friday. The fire was extinguished though five crew members suffered injuries due to smoke inhalation. No passengers were injured. The ship drifted for approximately 24 hours in Philippine waters until the crew was able to restart some of the ship’s engines and return electrical and propulsion power.  The ship reached the harbour of Sandakan city in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island late on Sunday.
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PT 728, World War II Patrol Torpedo Boat, for Sale in Hammacher Schlemmer Catalog

Posted on by April 1, 2012

Hammacher Schlemmer’s catalog is subtitled: “Offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected for 164 years.” One item for sale certainly qualifies as “unique.”  They currently list for sale the World War II PT-728, the only PT boat in existence licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard for carrying passengers.  They are asking $1,000,000 for the refurbished boat.

The Genuine PT Boat 
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USCG Cutter Attempts Rescue of Sailors Injured in Clipper Round the World Race 400 Miles off San Francisco

Posted on by April 1, 2012

A large wave broke over the 68′ yacht, Geraldton Western Australia, one of ten yachts racing in the Clipper Round the World Race, while in the Pacific approximately 400 miles off San Francisco. The wave swept the deck, shearing the steering pedestal, damaging electronics and leaving four sailors with injuries ranging from broken ribs to back injuries.  “We were racing along in 40-60 knot gusts,” the boat’s skipper Juan Coetzer said. “The sea was alive with rage. We were making good speed, sailing with the third reef in the main, surfing at 15 to 20 knots. Then at our watch change, just before the sun came up, a monstrous foaming swell broke over our stern.”

The USCG Cutter Bertholf, with rescue helicopters aboard, was dispatched to the stricken yacht. The four injured sailors, who were on deck when the wave hit, are reported to be Jane Hitchens, 50, from Kent, the onboard medic; Nik Brbora, 29, from London; Mark Burkes, 47, from Worcestershire and Max Wilson, 62, a farmer from Queensland, Australia.

Coast Guard attempts rescue after freak wave smashes race yacht in Pacific
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Update: MS Carnival Triumph Allowed to Sail from Galveston, TX in Costa Concordia Lawsuit

Posted on by March 31, 2012

Update:  The MS Carnival Triumph was allowed to sail as scheduled following last minute negotiations.

The 2,758-passenger cruise ship MS Carnival Triumph was supposed to sail today for a five-day cruise to Yucatan and Cozumel. Instead, a Texas judge has ordered the ship held in Galveston as part a $10 million lawsuit filed by the family of a German tourist who died aboard the Costa Concordia.  Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, owns Costa Lines, the owner of the  Costa Concordia.

“The court finds that the conditions for an attachment of defendants’ joint and collective property within this district, mainly the MS Carnival Triumph, appear to exist upon an admiralty and maritime claim,” U.S. Magistrate Judge John Froeschner of Galveston said in the warrant.

Carnival officials are meeting with attorneys this morning to determine what can be done to allow the ship to sail as scheduled.

Carnival Cruise Ship Ordered Held in Texas in Shipwreck Suit

Fire on the MV Azamara Quest Only the Latest Failure on Modern Diesel Electric Cruise Ships

Posted on by March 31, 2012

The fire on the MV Azamara Quest, is one of a recent series of disabling fires and power failures on diesel-electric powered cruise ships.  Unlike the MV Azamara Quest, however, the ship’s crews aboard the Costa Allegra, the Carnival Splendor,  and the MSC Opera were unable to effect repairs to the ships’ propulsion system. These ships  remained blacked out and needed to be towed to port.  A brief summary of recent electrical failures on cruise ships:
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