Loss Prevention Advice
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A guidance regarding the registration of distress alert devices and the procedures for cancelling false distress alerts.
As explained by the US Coast Guard, accurate registration and prompt cancellation of false distress alerts are crucial for maintaining maritime safety, ensuring search and rescue resources are used efficiently, and preventing unnecessary disruptions. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Incident History Database (IHDB), the chart below depicts the number of distress alerts vs. false alerts that occurred from 2020-2024 from distress alert devices:
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Distress Alerts |
88 |
78 |
80 |
60 |
104 |
|
False Alerts |
2014 |
1971 |
2209 |
2066 |
2149
A crane collapsed and partially landed on a vessel named Rimini, at the Tinnemans Shipbuilding yard on Industrieweg in Maasbracht, Netherlands. The incident occurred on 15 April during maintenance work aboard the vessel, when a crane broke in half and collapsed onto the ship’s deck, injuring two individuals. As reported, emergency services, including fire units, police and a trauma helicopter responded promptly to the scene. Furthermore, the injured individuals have been rescued by firefighters and were transported to a hospital. In addition, an external contractor was tasked with removing and recovering the damaged crane. The Dutch Labour Inspectorate has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
A significant increase in stowaway incidents which remain a persistent issue despite the adoption of the ISPS Code by many West African states. According to Skuld, the methods used by stowaways are becoming more sophisticated, and their financial demands for repatriation raise concerns about their true motives. While some ports in the region assist with disembarking stowaways, others are less cooperative, citing concerns about the impact on their image and varying fines for security lapses.
Over the past week, 8-14 April, one CAT 4 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported. The incident occurred onboard a general cargo ship while at anchor in the Chittagong Anchorage, Bangladesh on 4 April 2025. The crew members were not injured. Some paint cans were stolen. Area of concern This is the first incident that occurred in Chittagong Anchorage, Bangladesh since January 2025. The ships to exercise enhanced vigilance and step up watch-keeping when at ports and anchorages, and the coastal State to increase patrols and enforcement in the area. Situation of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off eastern Sabah |