Working Conditions Aboard the Everest

The cargo vessel 'Everest' encountered its third detention incident since 2025 on May 7, 2026, while docked at Karadeniz Eregli. Authorities identified a total of 20 deficiencies, with four being deemed serious enough to warrant the detention. These critical issues included: 1) Navigation safety - BNWAS not compliant, 2) Navigation safety - Inoperative voyage or passage plan, 3) Life-saving appliances - Rescue boats not adequately maintained, and 4) Pollution prevention - Ballast Water Management System not meeting requirements. After addressing these concerns, the ship was cleared and set sail again on May 9, headed toward Sulina with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) on May 11. The vessel had previously faced detentions on February 14, 2025, in Heraclion where it was held for 26 days due to 27 deficiencies, and earlier on January 9, 2025, in Kocaeli, where it was detained for eight days with 31 identified issues.

On February 14, 2025, the container ship 'Everest' faced another bout of scrutiny in Heraklion, resulting in its detention as inspectors uncovered an alarming 27 deficiencies, 26 of which were deemed serious and thus contributed to the vessel's detention status. Among the critical issues listed were missing certification for minimum safe manning, inadequate steering gear, and malfunctioning electrical installations. Additionally, Life Saving Appliances such as the embarkation arrangements for survival crafts were found poorly maintained, while critical pollution prevention equipment, including oil filtering systems and the Ballast Water Management System, were also not properly managed. Significant deficiencies related to emergency systems included inoperative emergency lighting, a lack of control during abandon ship and fire drills, and insufficient emergency towing arrangements. Propulsion machinery suffered from numerous failures, highlighting that the auxiliary machinery and main engine did not meet required safety standards. Fire safety protocols were also alarmingly lacking, with inoperative detection systems and outdated fire control plans noted. Navigational safety was compromised due to outdated charts and expired nautical publications, along with an inadequate guiding plan lacking essential information. Labour conditions were not exempt from the issues either, with inoperative lighting in working spaces and poorly maintained sanitary facilities. Additionally, the vessel exhibited a lack of familiarity with GMDSS equipment and faced challenges with unsafe pilot ladders and piloting procedures. The 'Everest' was finally released from detention on March 11 and set sail towards Tuzla. By March 15, it was anchored just off Pendik at coordinates N 40° 52' and E 029° 12', remaining stationary as of March 17. This detention follows a troubling history of access refusals to ParisMOU ports due to repeated infractions, with previous detentions occurring on January 9, 2025, in Kocaeli for 31 deficiencies lasting nine days, September 16, 2024, also in Kocaeli with 28 deficiencies for three days, and July 20, 2022, in Ravenna where it faced 25 deficiencies over a five-day period.

On January 9, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Everest' was detained in Kocaeli due to 31 noted deficiencies, with six being classified as critical enough to warrant the detention. The serious deficiencies included: 1) Missing Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS), jeopardizing navigation safety; 2) Cracks in the hull, raising concerns about structural integrity; 3) Damage to structural components like beams, frames, and floors; 4) Inadequate water/weather tightness in ventilators, air pipes, and casings; 5) A non-operational emergency power source, including the emergency generator; and 6) Issues with the International Safety Management (ISM) certificate not meeting required standards. The ship was subsequently released on January 17, 2025, and set sail for Sulina, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) on January 20.

On the morning of May 27, 2017, the cargo ship 'Eems Delfia' encountered trouble as it ran aground off the coast of Wangerooge while loaded with construction materials. The incident raised immediate concerns as local authorities and maritime services assessed the situation. By around 4 p.m. the same day, tugs successfully refloated the vessel, which then made its way into the port of Wangerooge for necessary inspections. The Wilhelmshaven water police initiated an investigation to determine the contributing factors of the grounding, which were believed to include a challenging mix of currents, wind, and fog. After thorough checks and ensuring all safety protocols, the 'Eems Delfia' departed from Wangerooge on May 28 at 1:15 p.m., continuing its journey to Hausvik with an estimated arrival date of May 30.