What Crew Members Say About Mini-Star

On January 18 and 19, 2026, the 'Mini Star' met a tragic end in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 20 nautical miles north of Libya's Green Mountain region at coordinates 34°08 N 21°47 E. The vessel, which had set sail from Augusta to Saida just four days prior with a crew of 11, began rolling violently while navigating north of Jabal Akhdar. The heavy seas caused the ship to develop a concerning starboard list, sending its deck cargo—which included second-hand trucks—into disarray. In response to the escalating situation, the crew was mustered on the bridge, and an urgent navigational warning was issued to nearby vessels. The bulk carrier 'Golden Beijing' (IMO: 9439412), on its route from Alsukhna to Algeciras, responded promptly and rescued all crew members without any injuries, transporting them safely to Malta. The 'Mini Star,' originally constructed as 'Condock III' at Husum Shipyard in 1983, was carrying a mixed load of construction machinery and marble alongside the trucks. Unfortunately, its deteriorating condition was already known; the ship had endured significant hull damage prior to its demise and had been detained for 17 deficiencies in Marina di Carrara just a month earlier on December 20, 2025. After departing the port on January 11, the vessel's troubled history continued. It had narrowly avoided capsizing during an earlier journey in Russia and suffered a heavy list while transiting the Bosphorus on its way back for repairs, raising serious safety concerns. The sinking of the Mini Star highlights the ongoing issues surrounding aging maritime vessels and the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced in the maritime industry.

On December 20, 2025, the 'Mini Star' faced detention at the Marina di Carrara due to an alarming total of 17 deficiencies. Notably, eight of these issues were classified as serious enough to justify the vessel's detention. The critical deficiencies identified included non-functional lifeboats that were not ready for use, an inoperative steering gear, and damaged cargo and other hatchways compromising water and weather tightness. Additionally, significant issues with the emergency systems were noted, including the emergency fire pump and its associated pipes being inoperative. Safety evaluations revealed that the crew lacked essential fire safety training and the radar system was out of operation, with nautical publications not being updated, reflecting a concerning lapse in navigational safety. Moreover, cargo operations were marred by a lack of familiarity, further raising red flags regarding overall safety protocols. After addressing these issues, the Mini Star was released on January 8, 2026, and was granted permission for a single voyage to Tartous, where permanent repairs are set to be undertaken. The incident emphasizes the importance of adherence to safety regulations and the need for ongoing crew training in maritime operations.