The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has carried out a major towing operation involving a sanctioned Russian oil tanker after the vessel suffered a main engine failure off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
The 37,273 DWT product tanker Alyssum experienced technical problems while operating near El Alamein, prompting a request for emergency assistance. Following the incident, the SCA dispatched its salvage tug Mohamed Beshir to assist the disabled vessel.
According to the Suez Canal Authority, the tanker was successfully towed approximately 180 nautical miles to the Port Said anchorage area, where it is expected to undergo maintenance and necessary repairs.
Russian Tanker Alyssum Has History of International Sanctions
Built in 2006, the Alyssum has attracted international attention because of its involvement in the transportation of Russian oil and its history of sanctions violations.
The United States added the tanker to its sanctions list in January 2024, citing repeated violations of the G7 price cap on Russian oil. The United Kingdom followed in September 2025, while Canada and Ukraine have also included the vessel on their respective sanctions lists.
The ship has undergone several identity and registration changes in recent years. Previously operating under the names Mona and Miley, the vessel is now known as Alyssum.
Its flag history has also raised concerns. The tanker reportedly operated under a falsely claimed Guinean flag and spent a period in 2024 without declaring a flag. It has been registered under the Russian flag since March 2026.
Ownership records indicate multiple reported sales since 2022, reflecting the complex ownership and operational history often associated with vessels linked to the shadow fleet.
SCA Deploys Salvage Tug for 180-Nautical-Mile Tow
The Suez Canal Authority said it received an assistance request from Sphinx Shipping Agency following the sudden failure of the tanker’s main engines off El Alamein.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA, confirmed that the authority responded promptly by deploying its salvage resources.
The towing operation covered approximately 180 nautical miles and was completed in what the authority described as record time. The tanker was subsequently brought to the Port Said anchorage area for technical inspections and repairs.
AIS transmissions indicate that the vessel had been holding off the Egyptian coast since late September or early October. Its current AIS safety message reads: “Keep Safe Distance.”
Suez Canal Authority Expands Salvage Operations Beyond the Canal
The incident also highlights the Suez Canal Authority’s growing role in maritime emergency response beyond the canal itself.
The authority stated that its salvage fleet is available to assist vessels experiencing emergencies not only within the Suez Canal but also in surrounding regional waters.
By providing emergency towing and salvage services, the SCA aims to strengthen maritime safety and demonstrate its operational capabilities across the region.
The successful assistance to Alyssum demonstrates the importance of having specialized salvage vessels available when merchant ships experience serious technical failures at sea.
Three crew members were injured after the Turkish-flagged tugboat Ayaz Bey collided with the unmanned tanker Mentor during a towing operation off the Romanian coast on November 4, 2026.
The accident occurred near Neptun in challenging weather conditions, triggering a rescue operation involving Romanian maritime authorities.
Towline Failure Led to Collision in Rough Weather
The tugboat Ayaz Bey was operating alongside another Turkish tug, Ramazan Bey, to tow the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged tanker Mentor from Ukraine to Turkey.
The tanker had reportedly sustained damage near Odesa, Ukraine, in September and was being transported under tow.
During the operation, severe weather and hurricane-force winds caused the towing lines to break. The tug crews then attempted to reconnect the lines in darkness and difficult sea conditions.
Although the towing connection was eventually restored, Ayaz Bey subsequently lost control and struck the tanker’s hull head-on.
The collision caused substantial damage to the tugboat, leaving it at risk of sinking.
Romanian Authorities Launch Rescue Operation
At approximately 04:20 local time, Ayaz Bey issued a distress call requesting assistance.
Romanian authorities responded by dispatching rescue vessels to the area. Three of the tugboat’s seven Turkish crew members were transferred to the Netherlands-flagged tug Odin, which transported them to Mangalia.
The remaining four crew members declined evacuation, reportedly stating that they did not require assistance.
Romanian naval authorities later reported that Ayaz Bey had been stabilised and anchored off Mangalia.
Tanker Mentor Drifts into Bulgarian Waters
Following the towing-line failure and subsequent collision, the tanker Mentor was temporarily left without control and continued drifting.
The vessel was later located in Bulgarian waters, where local authorities became involved in coordinating assistance.
The second tugboat, Ramazan Bey, was instructed by Bulgarian authorities to remain close to the drifting tanker while arrangements were made to manage the situation.
The incident highlights the risks associated with towing damaged vessels in severe weather, particularly when operations involve multiple tugboats and exposed offshore conditions.
Further information regarding the extent of the damage and the condition of the injured crew members has not yet been reported.
The United States has imposed sanctions on an international network accused of operating fake ship registries and providing unauthorized maritime certification services to vessels involved in Iran’s oil trade. The move also comes with a fresh warning to shipping companies, insurers and other maritime service providers about the risks associated with falsely flagged vessels.
Announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on November 4, 2026, the sanctions target an India-based network allegedly led by Suniel Kumar Sharma and his wife, Jaspreet Preeti Shahid. According to U.S. authorities, their operations helped sanctioned tankers transport Iranian petroleum while appearing to operate under legitimate national flags.
The action forms part of Operation Economic Outcast, a broader U.S. campaign targeting financial and maritime networks supporting Iran’s oil exports.
Fake Ship Registries Used to Support Sanctioned Tankers
According to the Treasury Department, the network created and operated fraudulent ship registration services, allowing vessels to obtain flag documents without approval from the relevant flag states.
The operation allegedly impersonated maritime administrations in several jurisdictions, including Guyana, Eswatini, Laos, Aruba, Nicaragua, Sint Maarten and other locations.
Websites designed to resemble official government maritime registry platforms were reportedly used to offer services such as:
Ship registration and flag documentation
Seafarer certification
Maritime registration services
Classification-related documentation
U.S. authorities say the scheme dates back to at least 2014, when Sharma and Shahid allegedly attempted to impersonate Dominica’s flag administration.
In 2023, Sharma established a Singapore-based company called Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry PTE Ltd. The company allegedly continued issuing registration services to vessels transporting Iranian oil, despite Eswatini authorities publicly distancing themselves from the operation.
Tankers Identified in the Sanctions Action
Several vessels previously involved in Iranian oil transportation were identified in the Treasury Department’s announcement.
These include:
Vessel Name
IMO Number
PING SHUN
9231901
LATTAFA
9245794
BINARY STAR
9380570
VERA
9304655
MAJESTIC X (formerly PHONIX)
9198317
One notable case involves the tanker MAJESTIC X, formerly known as PHONIX. According to the Treasury Department, U.S. military forces seized the vessel on April 22 while it was carrying Iranian oil. The tanker had reportedly been operating under a fraudulent Guyana flag.
The sanctions also cover Sharma, Shahid, two associates and nine companies or organizations allegedly connected to the network. Among the designated entities are Oceaniek Technologies India, Aryavart Ship Management Private Limited and Eswatini Maritime Affairs and International Ship Registry.
OFAC Issues Warning Over Fraudulent Ship Flags
Alongside the sanctions announcement, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) published a new maritime industry advisory highlighting the risks of dealing with vessels operating under fraudulent registrations.
The advisory warns that companies providing services to falsely flagged vessels may face sanctions exposure or other penalties, depending on their involvement and the applicable regulations.
OFAC noted that shadow fleet operators have increasingly relied on questionable flag registrations to maintain vessel operations after losing access to legitimate ship registries.
A vessel may appear properly registered based on its documents or website records, even though the country whose flag it claims to fly has never authorized that registration.
Warning Signs of a Fraudulently Registered Vessel
OFAC highlighted several indicators that maritime companies should consider when verifying a vessel’s registration status.
These include:
Unrecognized flag registration: A vessel claims to operate under a flag that cannot be confirmed through official maritime administration channels.
Unverifiable documents: Registration certificates and other flag-state documents cannot be independently authenticated.
MMSI inconsistencies: The vessel’s reported flag does not match the country identification associated with its Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number.
Unrecognized ship registries: Registration services are offered by organizations that have no official authorization from the country concerned.
For shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, insurers, banks and port service providers, these warning signs underline the importance of independent flag verification before entering into commercial arrangements.
Why Fraudulent Flags Are a Serious Maritime Safety Concern
The issue extends beyond sanctions and international trade restrictions. A legitimate flag state has important responsibilities under international maritime conventions, including oversight of vessel safety, statutory certification and compliance with applicable regulations.
When a ship operates under a fraudulent flag, the claimed flag administration may have no knowledge of the vessel or exercise no effective regulatory control over it.
This can create serious questions regarding:
Validity of statutory certificates
Safety inspections and regulatory oversight
Compliance with international maritime conventions
Insurance and P&I coverage
Responsibility in the event of an accident or pollution incident
OFAC also warned that falsely flagged vessels could expose coastal states to substantial environmental and economic liabilities if a major maritime casualty occurs.
The U.S. agency encouraged governments to investigate unauthorized registration services operating in their names and report suspected fraudulent registries to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Accurate international maritime records are essential for identifying vessels whose registration status is invalid.
U.S. Expands Pressure on Iran’s Maritime Oil Network
The latest sanctions are part of a wider U.S. effort to disrupt the financial and commercial networks supporting Iran’s oil exports.
Operation Economic Outcast was launched in August 2026 and focuses on individuals, businesses and intermediaries accused of helping sustain Iran’s economic activities.
The latest action also included Türkiye-based Fugo Ground Services Inc., which the Treasury Department accused of continuing to provide ground-handling services to several sanctioned Iranian airlines.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that individuals and companies continuing to support the Iranian government could face further sanctions.
The November 4 announcement highlights an important development in sanctions enforcement: Washington is increasingly targeting the service providers, registration intermediaries and commercial networks that allow sanctioned vessels to remain operational, rather than focusing exclusively on the tankers carrying the oil.
For the international shipping industry, the message is clear: verifying a vessel’s flag registration through official sources is an essential part of maritime due diligence and sanctions compliance.
An Indian cargo vessel was attacked by an unidentified aerial object off the coast of Oman on 2 November, resulting in the death of one crew member. Thirteen other seafarers were rescued following the incident.
India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed that the vessel, MSV Al Jusufi, was struck while sailing off the Omani coast.
Omani Coast Guard Rescues 13 Crew Members
The Indian-flagged motor sailing vessel was carrying 14 Indian crew members when the attack occurred.
Following the incident, the Omani Coast Guard launched a rescue operation and successfully evacuated 13 crew members. Unfortunately, one seafarer died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Minister Sonowal stated that Indian authorities are working closely with their Omani counterparts to provide immediate assistance to the rescued seafarers.
Arrangements are also underway to facilitate the repatriation of the surviving crew members and the return of the deceased seafarer’s remains to India.
Vessel Details: MSV Al Jusufi
MSV Al Jusufi is an Indian-flagged motor sailing vessel measuring approximately 52 metres in length and 12 metres in width.
According to available vessel tracking information, the ship departed from Al Hamriya Port in the United Arab Emirates on 31 October, two days before the reported attack.
The identity of the aerial object responsible for the incident and the circumstances surrounding the attack have not yet been established.
The incident adds to growing security concerns for commercial vessels operating in the waters surrounding Oman and the wider Arabian Sea region.
A Qatari-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was struck by unidentified projectiles while transiting the Arabian Gulf on the evening of October 30. All 25 crew members aboard the vessel, including six Indian nationals, were reported safe following the incident.
The vessel, named Al Mayeda, was sailing through the region when it was hit by unidentified objects. No information has been released regarding the type of projectiles involved or the source of the attack.
Nakilat Confirms Attack on Al Mayeda
The LNG carrier is owned by Nakilat, Qatar’s major gas transportation company. Following the incident, Nakilat confirmed that the vessel had been struck but reported that there were no injuries among the crew.
The company also stated that no pollution had been reported and that the vessel remained operational after the incident.
Nakilat is currently assessing the situation in coordination with regional maritime navigation authorities while maintaining communication with the crew.
Qatar and Regional Countries Condemn the Incident
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack on the Qatari LNG carrier. However, authorities have not identified the objects that struck the vessel or confirmed who was responsible.
Other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, have also condemned the incident.
Bahrain has called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against repeated attacks on commercial shipping and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The incident adds to growing security concerns for commercial vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf, a strategically important maritime region for global energy transportation.
Al Mayeda Vessel Particulars
Al Mayeda is a Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier built in 2009. The vessel is operated in the international LNG transportation sector and is owned by Qatar-based Nakilat.
Key vessel details:
Vessel Name: Al Mayeda
Vessel Type: LNG Carrier
Flag: Marshall Islands
Year Built: 2009
Length Overall: 345.28 metres
Beam: 53.8 metres
Gross Tonnage: 163,922
Owner: Nakilat
Crew: 25 (all reported safe)
Although the vessel remained operational following the attack, the incident highlights the security risks faced by merchant ships navigating through the Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters.
Two crude oil tankers were targeted in separate attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on October 29 and 30, 2026. Despite the incidents, all 29 Indian seafarers serving aboard the vessels were reported safe, with no injuries confirmed.
India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the incidents and stated that authorities were monitoring the situation and coordinating with the vessel management companies.
Two Tanker Attacks Reported Within 24 Hours
The first incident occurred on October 29, when the Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker Arzanah, carrying two Indian crew members, was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Both Indian seafarers aboard the vessel were reported safe following the attack.
A second incident was reported on October 30, involving the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker Louise 1, which had 27 Indian crew members on board.
According to the available information, two explosive devices were attached to the vessel’s hull by a small boat. The resulting explosion caused a fire in the engine room and temporarily disabled the tanker.
Despite the damage, Louise 1 managed to resume its voyage towards its next port of call. All 27 Indian crew members were confirmed safe, and no injuries were reported.
Indian Authorities Monitoring Crew Safety
Following the two incidents, Minister Sarbananda Sonowal confirmed that Indian authorities were closely monitoring developments in the region.
Coordination is also underway with the respective ship management companies to ensure the continued safety and well-being of Indian seafarers serving aboard vessels operating in the area.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Maritime Security Concern
The latest attacks highlight the continuing security risks facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime passages for crude oil transportation.
Incidents involving projectiles and explosive devices attached to merchant vessels raise serious concerns about the safety of seafarers, vessel security, and the risks associated with commercial operations in the region.
For shipowners, operators, and onboard management teams, maintaining security awareness and following the latest navigational and security advisories remain essential when operating in high-risk waters.
A fire aboard a tugboat operating off the coast of southern Japan has left one crew member dead, while five others were successfully rescued by the Japanese Coast Guard.
The incident occurred on October 30, approximately 20 nautical miles north of Miyako Island, after authorities received an emergency report of a vessel fire.
Fire Reported Aboard Tugboat Cebu Maru
The vessel, Cebu Maru, a 237-gross-ton tugboat, was reportedly sailing toward the Philippines when the fire was reported at around 08:15 local time.
Built in 1997, the tugboat measures approximately 36 metres in length. According to available reports, the vessel had recently been sold and was operating under the Mongolian flag.
Following the emergency notification, the Japanese Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue operation.
Five Crew Members Rescued from Life Raft
A Coast Guard aircraft was dispatched to the area and located a life raft drifting approximately 300 metres from the burning tugboat.
A patrol vessel subsequently reached the life raft and rescued five crew members at around 10:30 local time. Coast Guard personnel also began firefighting operations to control the blaze.
However, initial reports indicated that one crew member was still missing. The missing individual was believed to be the vessel’s chief engineer.
Missing Crew Member Found Dead
Search operations continued throughout the day as rescue teams attempted to locate the missing seafarer.
At approximately 16:00 local time, responders managed to board the tugboat and conduct a search inside the vessel. An unconscious person was subsequently discovered and later pronounced dead.
The Japanese authorities have not yet provided further details regarding the circumstances that led to the fire.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
A bulk carrier ran aground near Kakinada, off the coast of Andhra Pradesh, India, after suffering an engine failure during severe weather conditions. All 20 crew members aboard the vessel were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard, with no injuries reported.
The vessel, Sigma Pearl, reportedly lost propulsion while sailing in rough weather associated with Cyclone Arnab. Authorities are also assessing the situation for possible environmental pollution following the grounding.
Engine Failure Leaves Bulk Carrier Unable to Manoeuvre
According to initial reports, the incident occurred after Sigma Pearl discharged its sulphur cargo at Visakhapatnam and departed for Singapore at approximately 00:17 local time on October 27.
During the voyage, the vessel experienced an engine failure and lost its ability to manoeuvre. Strong winds and heavy seas associated with Cyclone Arnab caused the ship to drift towards the coast, eventually resulting in it running aground near Kakinada.
The combination of adverse weather, high waves and loss of propulsion created a serious situation for the vessel and its crew.
Indian Coast Guard Rescues All 20 Crew Members
Following the grounding, the Indian Coast Guard launched a rescue operation involving the offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sujay and a Coast Guard helicopter.
The operation successfully evacuated all 20 crew members and transported them safely ashore. No injuries were reported among the rescued personnel.
Meanwhile, authorities are continuing to assess the condition of the grounded vessel and the potential risk of marine pollution. Further developments regarding the vessel’s recovery and environmental impact have not yet been confirmed.
Sigma Pearl Vessel Details
Sigma Pearl is a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier built in 2010. The vessel’s main particulars are:
Vessel Name: Sigma Pearl
Vessel Type: Bulk Carrier
Flag: Marshall Islands
Year Built: 2010
Length Overall (LOA): 179.9 metres
Beam: 28.4 metres
Gross Tonnage: 20,809
Last Reported Voyage: Visakhapatnam, India – Singapore
The incident once again highlights the risks faced by vessels operating in severe weather, particularly when a loss of propulsion occurs close to the coastline.
The containership Contship Jet, operating under charter to Israeli shipping company ZIM, sank in the Black Sea off Bulgaria on October 29, 2026, following an attack involving sea drones. Bulgarian authorities reported that the vessel went down approximately 12 hours after the incident, raising further concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
Crew Rescued After Contship Jet Attack
ZIM confirmed that the vessel was chartered to the company and stated that its owner, Contship Management, had informed it that all crew members had been rescued and brought to Bulgaria.
The company described Contship Jet as a small containership carrying a limited number of containers. ZIM also said that the expected financial impact would be minimal and that it was working to arrange a replacement vessel to maintain services for its customers.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in the western Black Sea, where several commercial vessels have reportedly come under attack in recent weeks.
Ship Sinks East of Varna With 421 Containers Onboard
According to reports from Bulgarian authorities, Contship Jet sank around midnight approximately 17 nautical miles east of Varna, Bulgaria.
The vessel was reportedly carrying 421 containers when it went down. Bulgarian response teams were sent to the location to assess the situation and monitor potential environmental risks. Initial reports indicated that there were no immediate signs of pollution following the sinking.
The reported cargo manifest included lithium-ion batteries, corrosive liquids, acids and other industrial components. The presence of potentially hazardous cargo makes the incident particularly important from an environmental and maritime safety perspective, although the extent of any resulting environmental impact remains unclear.
Contship Jet Vessel Details
The vessel had a reported deadweight of approximately 18,000 tonnes and a maximum container capacity of 1,267 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units).
Despite its relatively modest size compared with larger container vessels operating on international routes, the sinking highlights the potential consequences of attacks on commercial ships, particularly when dangerous goods are carried onboard.
Growing Security Risks for Black Sea Shipping
The sinking of Contship Jet highlights the continuing security challenges facing merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea. Repeated attacks in the region have increased concerns among shipping companies, seafarers and maritime authorities.
For ship operators, incidents of this nature can lead to additional security measures, changes to voyage planning, higher insurance costs and disruptions to scheduled services. The presence of hazardous cargo also creates additional challenges for emergency response teams and pollution prevention operations.
Although the crew of Contship Jet was reportedly rescued, the loss of the vessel demonstrates the serious risks commercial shipping can face in areas affected by maritime conflict.
Maritime authorities and shipping companies will continue to face the challenge of protecting seafarers, vessels and cargo while maintaining commercial operations in the Black Sea.
CO₂ Leak in Rotterdam Harbour Injures Six After Tugboat Collision
Six people were affected by carbon dioxide exposure following a collision between a tugboat and a cargo vessel in Rotterdam Harbour, Netherlands. Four were taken to hospital, while two received medical treatment at the scene.
Tugboat Collision Occurred During Early Morning Hours
The incident occurred at approximately 02:00 on Sunday, 23 February 2025, when a tugboat collided with a larger cargo vessel in Rotterdam Harbour.
Following the collision, the tugboat was at risk of sinking. Two other harbour vessels and the cargo ship moved the tugboat against the quay in an attempt to stabilise it and prevent it from going under.
During the operation, the vessels used significant engine power, resulting in a reported release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the surrounding area. Six people subsequently suffered from CO₂ exposure and required medical attention.
According to Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region, four of those affected were transported to hospital, while the other two were treated at the scene. A spokesperson said the hospitalised individuals were doing well under the circumstances, although further details about their conditions were not disclosed.
Emergency Teams Worked to Prevent the Tugboat from Sinking
Emergency services responded to the incident and supported efforts to stabilise the damaged tugboat.
Pumps were deployed to remove water from the vessel and help keep it afloat while preparations continued for a controlled salvage operation.
The immediate priority was to prevent the tugboat from sinking and manage the situation safely following the collision.
CO₂ Exposure Highlights Risks During Maritime Emergency Operations
The incident also draws attention to the risks associated with carbon dioxide exposure during shipboard and harbour operations.
CO₂ is colourless and odourless, meaning people cannot reliably identify its presence through their senses. At elevated concentrations, exposure can cause serious health effects, including headache, dizziness, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness and, in severe cases, death.
Although carbon dioxide is commonly associated with fire-extinguishing systems onboard ships, exposure risks can also arise in other operational circumstances. The exact source and mechanism of the reported release in Rotterdam should be distinguished from the confirmed facts of the collision and rescue operation.
For ship operators and port personnel, the incident underlines the importance of understanding atmospheric hazards, assessing risks during emergency response and ensuring that personnel have appropriate safety procedures in place.
The Rotterdam Harbour collision left six people requiring medical attention after reported CO₂ exposure during efforts to prevent a tugboat from sinking. The incident demonstrates that emergency operations can introduce additional hazards beyond the initial collision, making risk assessment and personnel safety essential throughout vessel recovery operations.
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