Category Archives: maritime

accidents, maritime, search and rescue

Coast Guard searching for survivors after commercial fishing boat sinks off Massachusetts; 1 body recovered

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The U.S. Coast Guard is urgently searching Massachusetts waters for survivors after a commercial fishing vessel carrying seven people, including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) observer, sank on Friday approximately 25 miles off the coast of Cape Ann.

Coast Guard watchstanders received an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert at about 6:50 a.m. local time, registered to the 72-foot commercial fishing vessel Lily Jean. After attempts to contact the boat failed, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB).

Responding to the distress signal, the USCG Northeast District deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod and a small boat crew from Station Gloucester to search the area. Additionally, the Coast Guard Cutter Thunder Bay was diverted to assist in the search efforts.

Rescue crews discovered debris near the location where the EPIRB was activated, along with a body and an unoccupied life raft. The Coast Guard confirmed that search and rescue operations will continue.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey expressed her sorrow over the tragedy and affirmed the state’s full support. In a statement, she said, “I’m heartbroken over the devastating news out of Gloucester about the sinking of the Lily Jean and have offered our full support to Mayor Lundberg, Harbormaster Lucido, and the Coast Guard. I am praying for the crew, and my heart goes out to their loved ones and all Gloucester fishing families during this awful time.”

Governor Healey emphasized the importance of fishermen and fishing vessels to the history, economy, and culture of Gloucester and Cape Ann, noting that this tragedy is deeply felt across the state.

The boat’s captain, Gus Sanfilippo, and his crew were previously featured in a 2012 episode of the History Channel show *Nor’Easter Men*, which highlighted a fishing expedition in hazardous weather conditions. Sanfilippo, a fifth-generation commercial fisherman, specialized in haddock, lobster, and flounder fishing.

Senator Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, who is a friend of the missing captain, also commented on the situation as search efforts continue.

The Coast Guard and local authorities remain committed to locating survivors and providing support to the families affected by this tragic incident.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/coast-guard-searching-survivors-after-commercial-fishing-boat-sinks-off-massachusetts-1-body-recovered

climate, disaster, maritime, safety, weather

IMD issues cyclone alert in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify from September 24, officials said on Tuesday.

Local port warnings have been issued in response to the weather system, which is likely to bring heavy rainfall until September 25. According to officials, “Thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph and lightning are very likely to occur at one or two places over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 24.”

Heavy rain, measuring between 7-11 cm, is expected at one or two places over the Andaman Island. Additionally, thunderstorms with gusty winds of 40-50 kmph and lightning are also likely at one or two places across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 25 and 26.

The officials further added, “Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds (40-50 kmph) and lightning are expected at one or two places over the islands on September 27 and 28. Squally weather with surface wind speeds ranging from 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is very likely to prevail over the Andaman Sea and the Andaman and Nicobar coast.”

Sea conditions are forecasted to be rough over the next five days. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Andaman Sea and the islands’ coast until September 25. Due to the potential for surging waves, boat owners, island residents, and tourists have been cautioned to operate their boats with utmost vigilance. Recreational activities should also be undertaken with due care.

Meanwhile, in light of the IMD’s weather advisory indicating the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) is expected to reschedule the sailing of vessels to Campbell Bay, Nancowry, Katchal, and other islands.

*Note: This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the data in the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content at their absolute discretion without prior notice.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/imd-issues-cyclone-alert-in-andamans-23595397

business, economy, maritime

Kerala’s Maritime Economy Soars With ₹7,288 Crore Investment Proposals At Union Conclave

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**Kerala’s Maritime Economy Gets a Rs 7,288 Crore Boost at ‘Blue Tides’ EU Conclave**

*Thiruvananthapuram:* Kerala’s maritime economy has received a significant boost with investment proposals worth Rs 7,288 crore emerging from the two-day Kerala-European Union conclave, ‘Blue Tides’, held recently in Kovalam. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian announced this development during the conclave’s valedictory session on Friday.

The proposals were submitted by 28 investors, reflecting strong interest in Kerala’s fisheries and maritime sectors. The European Union, a key partner of the conclave alongside the Government of India, urged Kerala to establish a dedicated platform for sustained engagement with EU countries, Minister Cherian added.

“This conclave has not only achieved what it set out to do, but its outcome has exceeded expectations and set an example for the country,” said Cherian. He emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a significant push for the growth and modernization of Kerala’s fisheries sector.

Cherian also highlighted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s inaugural remarks, wherein the CM pointed out that the conclave had opened doors for innovation and sustainable, inclusive development of both the seas and the coastline.

During the event, 28 investors signed expressions of interest, signalling their commitment to future collaboration.

European Union Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, also addressed the conclave, sharing insights on the discussions held with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ambassadors put forward a proposal to create an engagement platform with EU states, as part of ‘Team Europe’s’ efforts to explore multiple avenues for cooperation with Kerala.

Delphin noted that the conclave was viewed as a continuation of the global ‘blue economy’ summit held earlier this year in France. His team made considerable progress during dialogues with Kerala officials, identifying opportunities for collaboration, especially in healthcare and information technology sectors.

Recalling the panel discussions, Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. A Jayathilak pointed out that key topics included sustainability, advanced technology, climate change resilience, and global cooperation on logistics.

Kerala’s special representative in New Delhi, Professor K V Thomas, acknowledged the challenges faced leading up to the conclave but praised the strong support from the Chief Minister and the organizational capabilities of Minister Cherian for successfully hosting the event.

The conclave ‘Blue Tides’ signals a new chapter for Kerala’s fisheries and maritime industries, positioning the state as a promising hub for sustainable blue economy initiatives in collaboration with international partners.

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*Disclaimer: This story is sourced from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been modified.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/keralas-maritime-economy-soars-with-7288-crore-investment-proposals-at-union-conclave