Discover the Katsuya: Ratings & Maritime News

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has received an alarming report regarding the vessel KATSUYA (IMO: 9178068), indicating that the ship has been abandoned. Registered under the flag of Gambia and currently situated in Singapore, the KATSUYA has left 25 seafarers without wages for the past three months. The crew members hail from Georgia and India, raising concerns about their welfare and the implications of this abandonment for international shipping practices. The ITF was officially notified of this incident on August 1, 2025, and the case remains open as they work to address the situation. This distressing report is part of the ITF's comprehensive seafarer abandonment list, which monitors and highlights issues of crew abandonment globally.

On November 11, 2015, in a remarkable act of maritime cooperation, the tanker 'Chance' successfully towed a stranded trimaran, 'Fearless', to safety in Galveston following a challenging 300-mile journey through the Gulf of Mexico. The single-handed sailor aboard 'Fearless' had departed from Port Aransas on November 5, aiming for Key West, when a rudder malfunction forced him to signal for help on November 9 using a satellite device. At the time of the distress signal, he was approximately 300 miles southeast of Galveston. Upon receipt of the distress call, watchstanders at Sector Houston-Galveston quickly coordinated with the Rescue Coordination Center in New Orleans. A SafetyNET emergency broadcast was dispatched, alerting vessels in the vicinity to assist the sailor in need. The captain of the 'Chance' steered a new course to offer assistance, connecting with 'Fearless' and beginning the tow to Galveston. As the tanker approached the shore on the morning of November 11, a 45-foot response boat crew from Station Galveston took over the tow approximately 16 miles offshore, ensuring the sailor was safely escorted within reach of commercial tow services. TowBoat US was on standby to assist with the final leg of the journey to port. This coordinated rescue operation showcases the vital role of maritime operators and the Coast Guard in ensuring safety at sea. For further details and images from the rescue, visit: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2635826/

On the night of September 2, 2012, the tanker 'Chance', which was traveling from Luanda to Antwerp, encountered rudder issues while navigating Flushing Roads. In response to the mechanical difficulties, the vessel dropped anchor and called upon the Belgian tugboat 'Union Grizzly' for immediate assistance. The ship was successfully moored in the lock harbour shortly after midnight. For additional details and visual insights, Dutch reports featuring a photograph can be found at this link: http://www.tugspotters.com/site/content/2012/09/tanker-chance-met-stuurproblemen/