The United-S: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On March 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., the 'United S', a detained vessel in Tenerife linked to a massive drug smuggling operation, was reported to be in danger of sinking due to a hull leak. In response to this critical situation, the Port Authority activated its Maritime Emergency Plan (PIM) in Phase 0, which is a preventative measure, as well as the National Maritime Emergency Plan. Emergency personnel, alongside divers from Atlantic Underwater Services, were swiftly dispatched to address the predicament. The dedicated divers managed to seal the leak from the exterior of the hull. By 7:00 p.m. on March 5, the Port Authority confirmed that the leakage issue was under control but indicated continued monitoring would be required to ensure the vessel's stability. Throughout the night, until 10:00 p.m., efforts were made to pump out the water that had accumulated within the ship. This water, mixed with oils and fuel residues, was subsequently transported to the local refinery for proper disposal. The 'United S' has been moored at the Los Llanos Dock in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife since January, when it was intercepted while en route from Turkey to collect a significant drug shipment near Brazil. Remarkably, the vessel was on its final voyage prior to being dismantled when it was captured. Authorities uncovered ten tons of cocaine aboard, marking it as the largest cocaine seizure ever recorded in Europe. It's notable that any potential sinking of the ship would not impede the ongoing investigations conducted by the National Police's Drugs and Organized Crime Unit (UDYCO), which includes efforts by both the Central Narcotics Brigade and a specialized team based in Tenerife. For more information and visuals, check the detailed report available here: https://www.eldia.es/sucesos/sucesos-en-canarias/2026/03/05/barco-10-toneladas-cocaina-tenerife-127608065.html

In a historic drug bust, Spanish authorities intercepted nearly 10 tonnes of cocaine concealed aboard the vessel 'United S' approximately 535 kilometers off the Canary Islands. This monumental seizure, which is the largest ever recorded at sea in Spain, is valued at over €100 million ($116.5 million) and took place on January 11, 2026, about 332 miles west of the Canaries. Following intelligence reports linked to a multinational criminal network smuggling significant amounts of cocaine from South America to Europe, officers from Spain's elite GEO unit launched a decisive action against the ship as it navigated the Atlantic from Brazil. The 'United S', which had been sailing for months without a recognized flag and had previous registrations in Togo, Belize, and Sierra Leone, was escorted to Santa Cruz de Tenerife on January 12 after running out of fuel and drifting for approximately 12 hours. The operation, named 'White Tide', was executed in collaboration with law enforcement agencies including Brazil's federal police, the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK's National Crime Agency, and authorities from France and Portugal. Upon inspection, authorities uncovered an astonishing 9,994 kg of cocaine hidden in 294 bales, layered beneath several tonnes of salt cargo. Additionally, a firearm intended for the protection of the illicit shipment was seized, and 13 crew members were apprehended. Notably, this bust surpasses Spain's previous record of 7.5 tonnes of cocaine, which was confiscated from the trawler 'Tammsaare' in 1999. The operational strategy involved exploiting untraceable vessels and navigating legal loopholes in international maritime law, with the Canary Islands being a key transit hub in these operations. As the investigation unfolds, the National Court's judge, José Luis Calama, has ordered six of the 13 crew members to be imprisoned while the rest remain detained on board. The seizure marks a significant blow to the international drug trafficking networks operating in maritime routes. Reports and visual documentation of this extensive operation can be found in various articles linked below.

The vessel named 'Indian' (IMO 7359149), which was en route from Aarhus to Tau, encountered engine troubles while anchored just outside Stavanger yesterday. With challenging weather conditions prevailing in the region, a tugboat was placed on standby nearby to assist if needed. Fortunately, at 18:00 local time today, the vessel successfully resumed its journey towards Tau.

The cargo vessel 'Indian' (IMO: 7359149) experienced engine difficulties while en route from Aarhus to Tau, resulting in its anchorage just outside Stavanger yesterday. The area was experiencing rough weather conditions, prompting a nearby tugboat to remain on standby for assistance. This afternoon at approximately 18:00 local time, the 'Indian' successfully resumed its journey towards Tau after addressing the engine issues.