Tsunami Kills More Than 200 Following Anak Krakatau Eruption

On Saturday, a tsunami in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait killed at least 222 and injured 843. The huge wave hit without warning at night destroying hundreds of homes and buildings, sweeping away cars and uprooting trees. Officials say more than 160 people were killed in … Continue reading

Five Countries are Responsible for 60% of Plastic Dumped in the Oceans

For several years now, we have posted about the so-called ocean garbage patches, the great swaths of the oceans where plastic and other floating debris accumulate while riding on vast circular currents. The problem is that an estimated 8 million … Continue reading

Second Refugee Boat Bound for Christmas Island Capsizes, Merchant Ships Rescue 136

A  boat loaded with asylum seekers has capsized in Indonesian waters about 107 nautical miles north of Australia’s Christmas Island. The boat is reported to have had 150 passengers and crew aboard.  CNN is reporting that 136 have been rescued by two merchants ships. … Continue reading

Asylum Seekers Boat Capsizes North of Australia’s Christmas Island – 200 Believed Aboard

With a sad familiarity, another overloaded boat, filled with desperate asylum seekers trying to reach Australia’s Christmas Island, has capsized in Indonesian waters. Up to 200 people are believed to have been aboard the vessel when it capsized.  Indonesia’s search and rescue authority … Continue reading

The Really, Really Ancient Mariners – Solutreans, Neanderthals & Hobbits

For most, a river or an ocean is a boundary. For a sailor, each is a highway.  But, when did the first sailor set out across the water? Recent research suggests that the early man may have gone to sea, and indeed, … Continue reading

Update – Slavery at Sea? Abuse of Indonesian Sailors on Chartered Fishing Vessels

Last April we posted, Slavery at Sea ? Abuse of Sailors on New Zealand Chartered Fishing Vessels. Secret papers reveal the government has allowed fishermen from poor countries to be exploited in New Zealand waters.  Workers are fishing in rusting boats turned … Continue reading

More than 200 Missing as Asylum Seeker’s Ship Sinks Off Indonesia

On December 15th last year a boat loaded with asylum seekers wrecked on Australia’s Christmas Island, killing 48 or more than half of the passengers aboard.   On Saturday, a boat bound for Christmas Island sank off Indonesia roughly 50 miles off … Continue reading