On the morning of May 13, the 25 meter long fishing vessel Ablette (MMSI: 227309000) caught fire in the Bay of Biscay 120 miles west of Gironde, France. The Ablette had suffered water ingress which resulted in causing a fire on board the vessel. The vessel requested assistance with authorities dispatching multiple aircraft to the area. Authorities requested nearby vessels to assist. The 122.5 meter long, 10546 dwt cargo vessel FWN Sun (IMO: 9721669) was headed to Gibraltar from La Rochelle and rescued the 2 crew of the Ablette. The crew were later airlifted to a SAR helicopter which transported to shore. The crew were taken to hospital and treated for injuries. No further details reported.
On the morning of May 2, the 100 meter long, 5535 dwt cargo vessel Sea Beauty (IMO: 9151096) became disabled in the Aegean Sea some 4 nautical miles off Cape Kafireas, Greece. The Sea Beauty was headed to Thessaloniki from Elefsina with a cargo of 1500 metric tons of steel when it suffered engine failure. Authorities reported that a nearby vessel monitored the Sea Beauty until it was able to restore power. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.
Reports state the Sea Beauty had been detained in April 2025 at Porto Nogaro with 18 deficiencies with some regarded as serious.
On the afternoon of April 14, the 91 meter long, 2560 dwt ro-ro cargo vessel Nhô Padre Benjamim (IMO: 7812919) sank in Preguiça Bay off the coast of São Nicolau, Cape Verde. The Nhô Padre Benjamim was en route from Palmeira to São Nicolau loaded with construction supplies and trucks bound for roadwork and construction at the Preguiça airport. As the vessel approached the São Nicolau, the vessel suffered uncontrolled water ingress on the vehicle deck. Reports state the crew tried to bring the flooding under control with pumps, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The Nhô Padre Benjamim would eventually sink by the stern.
The crew of 19 and the 1 passenger on board were able to safely abandon ship and were later rescued by local fishermen. No reports of injuries.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Initial reports has place much focus on environmental concerns. There is a high risk that fuel and other oil pollution will seep out from the wreck. Due to the depth of the location of the wreck, it may be difficult to pump out the fuel and oil from the vessel.
Photo: expressodasilhas.cv
Photo: expressodasilhas.cv
Photo: expressodasilhas.cv
Photo: brava.news
News reports state the vessel owner claims the Nhô Padre Benjamim was well maintained and was in proper working condition prior to the incident. The vessel was not overloaded, but witnesses state the vessel departed with the stern lower in the water than usual. It is possible the investigation may reveal improper cargo stowage could have been a factor.
