Coast

Coastal Weather Alert: A Caution for All Maritime Users On Monday, an important alert was issued highlighting the deteriorating conditions along our coastal waters. Winds are projected to reach speeds ranging from 14 km/h to 45 km/h, which could lead to waves swelling up to a daunting height of 1.9 meters. Such rough seas pose significant hazards, particularly for small boats and various maritime activities. The Coast Guard has sounded the alarm, issuing a cautionary statement directed at all maritime users—including…

Seventeen members of Greece's coastguard are facing prosecution in connection with the country’s deadliest migrant shipwreck, a tragedy that claimed hundreds of lives. This news was confirmed by rights groups representing both survivors and victims on Friday. According to survivors, the coastguard's response was alarmingly inadequate when the overwhelmed and aging trawler, known as the Adriana, sank on the night of June 13, 2023, off the coast of Pylos, while en route to Italy. The vessel was reportedly carrying over 750…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in international finance and the former CEO of Credit Suisse, recently faced a significant setback in his political aspirations. Just a week after the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI) announced him as their presidential candidate, Thiam, currently 62, received notice of his disqualification from contesting the upcoming Ivorian presidential election, along with the inability to vote. This startling announcement underscores the complexities that often intertwine politics and…

Incident Update: The Invictus and Its Ongoing Journey On April 23, by midday, a dedicated crew successfully extinguished a significant fire aboard the Invictus. This vessel, a 180-meter-long tanker, was navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors when disaster struck. Despite their remarkable efforts to contain the flames, the situation took a serious turn; flooding in the engine compartment rendered the ship’s propulsion system inoperative. This unfortunate development left the vessel adrift in the vast Indian…

In a significant ruling that reverberated through the political landscape of Ivory Coast, a court recently determined that Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, was not eligible to run for office due to his registered French citizenship at the time of his electoral application. This decision, announced on a Tuesday, highlighted the contentious issues surrounding dual nationality and the complex legal framework governing Nigerian electoral candidacy. Thiam's legal team, in a statement provided to…

In recent developments, the military in Burkina Faso has raised serious allegations regarding a coup plot that reportedly had its roots in neighboring Ivory Coast. The specifics regarding the identities of those involved and the intricacies of their plans are still somewhat murky. However, the implications of such actions are profound and warrant careful consideration. Mahamadou Sana, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, recently provided insights into the situation. He revealed that the alleged coup was orchestrated by a…

In a recent incident along the Yemeni coastline, a vessel’s master made a decisive maneuver, altering the ship's course to avoid a small craft that had approached with curious intentions. Moments later, the small craft retreated, and the vessel resumed its journey, continuing toward its next port of call, as noted in an incident report by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This situation raises questions about what exactly transpired. Was it a benign interaction, or was there a more sinister motive at…

Piracy Incidents Surge in Somali Waters NAIROBI, Kenya - A surge in piracy incidents in Somali waters has sounded alarm bells for the international community. The coastline along the Indian Ocean is witnessing a rise in maritime crime, as revealed by a recent report from a leading anti-piracy organization. The hijacking of two fishing vessels and a dhow on February 7 and March 16 within Somali waters has once again spotlighted the challenges around this…

Ivory Coast and Cocoa Prices Amidst U.S. Tariff Proposals Imagine walking through the bustling streets of Abidjan, where the air is rich with the earthy aroma of cocoa—a scent that hints at its significance to the nation. Ivory Coast, often acclaimed as the world's largest cocoa producer, stands at a crossroads. Recent geopolitical developments have added layers of complexity to an already intricate web of international trade. The present situation stirs up a notable question: What…

Australia is currently anticipating a rare and formidable east coast tropical cyclone, one that poses a serious threat as it heads toward Brisbane, the state’s capital and its third-most populous city. Authorities have issued urgent evacuation orders for residents in flood-prone suburbs, stressing the need for action before the storm arrives. The storm's warnings span over 500 kilometers along the coast, affecting millions of individuals in Queensland and New South Wales. It feels almost surreal, doesn't it? The thought of…