Indonesian Ferry KM Barcelona VA Catches Fire — 575 Rescued, 3 Dead, 2 Missing

On Sunday, a fire broke out on the ferry KM Barcelona VA in the Celebes Sea off the northern coast of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The ferry was en route to Manado, on its regular half-day journey from Melonguane port, according … Continue reading

Ferry Capsizes and Sinks in Bali Strait, at Least Four Dead & 30 Missing

The roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry MV Tunu Pratama Jaya capsized and sank in rough seas late Wednesday on its way to the resort island of Bali, Indonesia. At least four people died, at least 30 are missing, and 31 survivors were … Continue reading

Salt in their Veins — a Short Documentary About the Bajo of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Salt in their Veins is a breathtaking and thought-provoking short documentary by German photographer & filmmaker Rita Hencke. The documentary explores the lives of the Bajo people of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, descendants of sea nomads with a deep connection to … Continue reading

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