The Oceanic-Tug: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a dramatic turn of events, the 'Oceanic Tug' finds itself under judicial custody following its seizure in an October 2025 operation executed by Panama’s Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (Senan). This specialized force, tasked with ensuring maritime security and combating narcotics, detected the vessel within Panamanian waters of the Pacific Ocean. As authorities moved in, the crew attempted to evade interception but were ultimately apprehended. The operation uncovered 13.5 metric tons of cocaine, valued at approximately 200 million U.S. dollars, concealed in 579 meticulously packaged sacks, indicating a high degree of planning by the traffickers. The operation led to the arrest of ten crew members from various countries, including Ecuador, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Peru, and Colombia, highlighting the international dimensions of contemporary drug trafficking networks. This seizure sent shockwaves through Panama's maritime sector and the associated business community. Amid the fallout from this incident was the resignation of businessman Pablo Torres from the board of directors of the Panama Maritime Chamber. This development prompted differing opinions among legal experts regarding the potential criminal liability of the individuals involved. Lawyer Marco Austin asserted that selling the vessel while under investigation might amount to obstruction of justice, implicating both previous and new owners in the attempt to mask criminal activity. He also pointed out that the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) could face charges for its failure to promptly execute the vessel's detention order, labeling this an intentional omission to hide the craft. Conversely, lawyer Guillermo Cochez disputed any criminal responsibility attributed to the former owner, provided the sale was legitimate and compliant with legal protocols. He mentioned that the 'Oceanic Tug,' which has now been sold three times and is registered under a different flag, is disconnected from the incident despite still being listed with Panama’s Autoridad de la Protección de la Biodiversidad (ABP). Originally registered in Panama in 2022 after meeting all necessary inspection and certification requirements, the vessel changed hands in May 2024 and was flagged under Tanzania, thereby exiting direct Panamanian regulatory oversight. Pablo Torres claimed to have sold the 'Oceanic Tug' in 2023, yet it remained listed under the Dolphin Tugs company as per AMP records, raising further questions about ownership and accountability. The vessel had previously attempted to regain operational status under the White Tiger license, paying over $100,000 in outstanding fees, but failed a safety inspection just a month prior. A warrant for the ship's arrest had been issued by the Panama Maritime Authority, but it then fell off the radar until its capture, marking the largest anti-drug operation in Panama's history. The investigation continues, as the Public Prosecutor's Office delves into the case's implications, and legal debates swirl concerning the 'Oceanic Tug's future under judicial custody.

In a positive turn of events, the U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed that the tugboat Bulwark, operated by Crowley Marine Services, sustained no damage after running aground in Nelson Bay near Cordova on Tuesday evening. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Allie Ferko reported that all six crew members were unharmed, and there were no signs of pollution resulting from the incident, which took place approximately 10 miles northeast of Cordova. The grounding occurred as the crew prepared to anchor a barge. Though the crew succeeded in freeing the 136-foot tug later on Tuesday, they were instructed to remain at the site until divers could conduct a thorough inspection. Divers evaluated the vessel on Wednesday and confirmed that the Bulwark was in good condition. By Wednesday evening, the tug had resumed its journey back to its homeport in Valdez. The Coast Guard has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding.

On March 13, 2023, at approximately 1724 local time, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that the tug Bulwark ran aground in Nelson Bay, Alaska. Fortunately, the vessel grounded on a soft seabed, which minimized the impact. By 1936, the crew of the Bulwark confirmed they had successfully refloated the vessel using their own power and reported no damage incurred during the incident. At the time of the grounding, the tug was anchoring a barge, which was subsequently towed to safety in Valdez by the tug Guardian.