Discover the Star-Isfjord: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 25, 2020, at 2:10 a.m., the cargo ship 'Star Isfjord,' carrying a crew of 22, experienced a significant mechanical issue due to a malfunctioning main engine exhaust valve. The incident took place in Canadian waters, specifically at coordinates 49° 41' 00'' N, 123° 10' 04'' W, placing the vessel approximately 0.3 miles northeast of Squamish, British Columbia. After the vessel was anchored, the dedicated crew immediately initiated repair operations to address the malfunction. Successfully completing the necessary repairs, 'Star Isfjord' safely berthed in Nanaimo later that same day. Following this brief stop, the ship resumed its journey, setting sail towards Tokyo, Japan, with an expected arrival date of April 10.

In a concerning development, 22 crew members were placed under quarantine on the cargo ship 'Star Isfjord' after the vessel arrived at Brunswick on February 24, 2014. This precautionary measure followed the diagnosis of a sailor aboard the ship who was found to have active pulmonary Tuberculosis, a highly infectious variant of the disease. The quarantine was implemented to ensure the safety and health of both the crew and the public. Health officials determined that while six of the quarantined sailors had been exposed to Tuberculosis, they did not exhibit any active symptoms and were not considered contagious. These individuals received medical attention from health workers on-site. After a thorough evaluation, the 'Star Isfjord' departed from Brunswick around 6 a.m. on February 28 and successfully docked in Wilmington on March 2.

On December 23, 2013, a brave rescue operation unfolded in the tumultuous waters near the Scilly Isles when the 'Star Isfjord' responded to a distress call involving two French sailors participating in the Transat Jaques Vabre yacht race. The yacht 'Rivages', sailing under the race sponsor name 'Cheminées Pousoulat', found itself in peril due to severe gale force 9 winds and towering 10-meter waves. The dramatic situation escalated at 6:50 PM when the yacht's Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) was activated, alerting the Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The 19-meter vessel, making its way to Brest, reported taking on water and struggling with mast issues. In response to the emergency, the Falmouth MRCC broadcasted an urgent alert to all vessels in the vicinity, requesting assistance for the troubled crew. Thankfully, the 'Star Isfjord', located about 30 nautical miles away, altered its course to provide aid. However, due to the severe weather conditions, the vessel could only advance at a slow speed of 3 knots. Collaborating with the French Coastguard in Griz Nez, the Falmouth MRCC coordinated the deployment of a Royal Navy Rescue Helicopter from Culdrose. The aircraft, with help from a French plane, established a communication link and pinpointed the yacht's coordinates. The Royal Navy helicopter reached the scene shortly after midnight, but despite its efforts to winch the sailors aboard, it had to abandon the mission as the deteriorating weather and damage to the mono-hull made the task unmanageable. As dawn approached on Christmas Eve, the 'Star Isfjord' finally arrived at the distress location at 4 AM, facing force 8 winds and 8-meter waves. Remarkably, at just after 6 AM, the crew successfully secured a line from the 'Rivages', allowing both stranded yachtsmen to transfer safely aboard. Following the successful rescue, the 'Star Isfjord' continued its course to Rotterdam, ensuring the two sailors were unharmed and grateful for their miraculous Christmas Eve salvation.