Engine Room Flooding Forces Cargo Ship Crew To Abandon Vessel In Red Sea
Twenty crew members of the MV ISA STAR, a Panama-flagged cargo ship were rescued in the Red Sea on December 5 after the vessel sent out a distress call.
The EU’s naval mission, Operation Aspides, confirmed that all crew members were safely evacuated and are being transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port.
The incident happened about 100 nautical miles off the port of Hodeidah, Yemen. The ship’s captain reported severe flooding in the engine room and informed authorities that the crew needed to abandon the vessel.
While some reports reveal the flooding was caused by an internal explosion, others point to engine problems. The exact cause is still unclear, and there are no immediate details on the condition of the ship.
Images shared by EUNAVFOR show the ISA STAR heavily tilted at the stern, with major damage.
The vessel, which was travelling southbound in ballast (without cargo), departed from Italy on November 19 and made a stop in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 3. It was headed for Indonesia.
Rescue operations were coordinated by Operation Aspides, with the French frigate FS Languedoc dispatched to assist. The EU naval mission has been actively operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of merchant vessels, especially near high-risk zones.
The incident has raised concerns due to the proximity of its location to Houthi-controlled territory. Since November 2023, Houthi forces have been targeting international shipping in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
However, officials have said there is no evidence linking this event to Houthi activity, calling it a technical or mechanical issue instead.
The ISA STAR, built in 2000, has changed names and ownership several times over the years. It is currently managed by UAE-based Azimuth Ship Management and owned by a Hong Kong company.
Records show that the ship has faced multiple deficiencies during port inspections in the past, although it hasn’t been detained since 2022 under its previous management.
Operation Aspides, led by the Hellenic Navy, has been working in the region for the past nine months. The mission, which includes ships from France, Greece and Italy, focuses on protecting merchant vessels and building strategic alliances in a challenging maritime environment.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion and flooding.
References: Reuters, Port News
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
Related Posts
Disclaimer :
The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
Related Articles
Latest News
⚓️ Enhance Your Knowledge. Prevent Accidents. Stay Safe at Sea.
1. eBooks for Engine Department
Master machinery operations, troubleshooting, and safety procedures with expertly written guides tailored for marine engineers. Prevent costly breakdowns and onboard accidents through practical knowledge.
👉 Explore Engine Department eBooks
2. eBooks for Deck Department
Sharpen your seamanship, navigation, and cargo-handling skills with real-world case studies and practical insights designed for deck officers and cadets.
👉Discover Deck Department eBooks
3. eBooks on Electrical Fundamentals & Issues
Understand marine electrical systems, identify potential faults, and prevent onboard electrical failures with step-by-step explanations from industry experts.
4. Pocket Guides for Quick Reference
Compact, handy, and loaded with essential checklists—perfect for on-the-go reference during operations and emergencies at sea.
5. Combo Packs to Save Big
Access multiple expert eBooks at discounted prices. Ideal for professionals seeking complete safety and operational knowledge across various ship departments.
6. Digital Maritime Courses – Learn at Your Own Pace
Upgrade your competence with Marine Insight Academy’s online courses. Learn from industry professionals anytime, anywhere, and become a safer, smarter seafarer.
Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT