Loss Prevention Advice
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All seven crewmembers of a Turkish-flagged tugboat have been reported safe following a collision during a towing operation in the Black Sea.
The incident occurred on November 4, 2026, near Neptun, Romania, when the tugboat Ayaz Bey collided with the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged tanker Mentor amid adverse weather conditions. According to the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ayaz Bey and another tugboat, Ramazan Bey, were towing Mentor toward Turkey. The tanker had previously sustained damage in Ukrainian waters near the port of Odesa and had no crew onboard.
During the night, adverse weather caused the towing connections to break. Although the connections were subsequently reestablished, Ayaz Bey experienced propulsion difficulties and collided with the tanker.
At approximately 04:20 local time, the tugboat transmitted a MAYDAY distress call, prompting an emergency response coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Constanța.
Romanian authorities deployed two vessels from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, including units from the Coast Guard and the Inspectorate for Emergency Situations. The rescue vessel SAR Ares, operated by the Romanian Agency for Saving Human Life at Sea (ARSVOM), also participated in the operation.
Strong winds and rough seas complicated rescue efforts, preventing the use of aerial assets. In a subsequent update, the ministry confirmed that three crewmembers had been transferred to the Dutch-flagged tugboat Odin for transport to Mangalia. The remaining four declined evacuation, stating that they did not require assistance.
The Romanian Naval Authority subsequently confirmed that all seven crewmembers were safe, with no casualties reported. The damaged tugboat was stabilized and anchored safely near Mangalia, while Mentor was reported drifting in Bulgarian waters.
Although initial reports indicated that Ayaz Bey had sunk, authorities later clarified that the tugboat remained afloat.
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Over the past week, 20 to 26 October, one incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
The CAT 4 incident occurred onboard a tug boat and barge while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) in the Singapore Strait, approximately 4.3 nautical miles off Pulau Nongsa, Indonesia, on 17 October 2026. Six unarmed perpetrators were involved in the incident, during which scrap metals were stolen. The crew members were not injured.
Area of concern
With the incident reported in the Singapore Strait, a total of 25 incidents have been reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) since January 2026.
Ships are advised to intensify vigilance and maintain a sharp look-out while transiting areas of concern and report all incidents immediately to law enforcement agencies. The Centre also urges the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in their respective waters, respond promptly to incidents, strengthen coordination and promote information sharing on incidents and the criminal groups involved to arrest the perpetrators.
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The Indian Navy has rescued all 20 crew members of an Iranian fishing vessel seized by Somali pirates, bringing a more than 48-hour operation to a successful conclusion without any casualties.
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Second video in its three-part hatch cover series, focusing on survey procedures and the importance of assessing weathertightness and maintenance to prevent water ingress and cargo damage.
Published on 27 October 2026, the video explains what surveyors examine when inspecting hatch covers and determining whether their condition and maintenance meet the necessary standards for protecting cargo during voyages.
The latest instalment follows the first video, which examined hatch cover construction, maintenance and the potential consequences of failures, including cargo claims and possible limitations in P&I insurance coverage.
The earlier guidance highlighted the importance of maintaining hatch cover plating, rubber seals and drainage systems, which work together to prevent seawater from entering cargo holds. It also addressed the role of regular inspections and appropriate repairs in preventing deterioration.
Building on these fundamentals, the second video shifts attention to the survey process, explaining how the condition and maintenance of hatch covers are assessed to establish whether they remain weathertight.
As highlighted in the previous instalment, hatch cover inspections may involve ultrasonic testing to identify potential leakage paths, alongside examinations of sealing arrangements, corrosion, maintenance records and repair documentation.
These assessments are particularly important because undetected defects or inadequate maintenance can allow seawater to enter cargo holds, potentially resulting in cargo damage, operational disruptions and insurance disputes.
The three-part series will conclude with a final video examining common hatch cover defects and deficient repair practices, providing further guidance on identifying and addressing problems that can compromise cargo protection.
Watch the full video at the following link.