The Motaro: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On October 28, 2024, the bulk carrier 'Motaro' became the target of a series of explosions perpetrated by Houthi militants while navigating the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. The first explosion was recorded at 2:35 p.m. GMT, followed shortly by another blast at 3:03 p.m. GMT, and a third explosion at 4:37 p.m. GMT. Fortunately, the 'Motaro,' which was on its way from St. Petersburg to Changjiangkou, reported no harm to its crew or vessel, continuing its journey unaffected. Notably, the 'Motaro' has no reported ties to Israel and has not docked at any Israeli ports in the last three years. Furthermore, the Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for attacks on two additional vessels, the 'Maersk Kowloon' and 'SC Montreal,' in the Arabian Sea.

A serious workplace accident occurred on June 12, 2019, involving a Filipino crew member on the Bulk Japan. At around 6 p.m., the seaman sustained life-threatening injuries while performing duties in the cargo hold. Preliminary reports indicate he suffered significant spinal and chest injuries, along with a severely crushed arm, resulting in heavy blood loss. Urgently, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) of Vietnam was alerted, initiating a rapid response. By 7 p.m., a Search and Rescue (SAR) vessel, equipped with a medical team, was dispatched to intercept the bulk carrier, which was en route from Qinzhou to Singapore. In the evening, the Bulk Japan altered its course toward Da Nang, where the critically injured 46-year-old crew member was transferred to the SAR ship at 10 p.m. Following the transfer, he was rushed to a local hospital, arriving shortly after 1 a.m. on June 13. As of now, the seaman remains in intensive care, fighting for his life.