THREAD: two navy aviators killed ferry tragedy

MIRACLE at SEA: Russian Survivor Rescued After Two Months Adrift

16 October 2024 — Emergency crews in Russia have saved Mikhail Pichugin, who drifted at sea for over two months in an inflatable boat. His brother and nephew tragically died during the ordeal, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The rescue happened after a fishing vessel spotted him near the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Pichugin, 46, went on a whale-watching trip with his 49-year-old brother and 15-year-old nephew in early August. They traveled to the Shantar Islands but disappeared after leaving for Sakhalin Island from Cape Perovsky on August 9. Despite initial rescue efforts, they stayed lost until Pichugin’s recent discovery by the Angel fishing vessel.

Reports say their boat’s engine failed, leaving them adrift with minimal supplies — only a small food ration and about 5 gallons of water. The fishing crew first mistook their radar blip for debris or a buoy before finding Pichugin using their spotlight. Shocked to find a starving man instead of junk, they quickly rescued him from his dire situation.

MIGRANT TRAGEDY: Heartbreaking Loss in the English Channel

06 October 2024 — Four migrants, including a 2-year-old child, died in two incidents while trying to cross the English Channel to Britain. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the smugglers, stating they have “the blood of these people on their hands.” He promised intensified efforts against these criminal networks profiting from dangerous crossings.

The recent deaths add to a grim trend making 2024 one of the deadliest years for Channel crossings. Last month, 12 migrants perished when their boat broke apart. Two weeks later, another eight lives were lost in similar circumstances.

Pas-de-Calais prefect Jacques Billant reported that rescuers found the deceased child aboard a migrant boat that had called for help Saturday morning. Fourteen other migrants were rescued and returned to France for questioning by border police. A 17-year-old with leg burns was hospitalized in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Some migrants refused rescue and continued toward Britain despite the risks involved. Billant criticized smuggling networks for endangering lives without regard for safety, particularly families with children, leading them into perilous situations and often death.

TEEN SHOOTER Kills Four in Georgia School Tragedy

05 September 2024 — A 14-year-old boy opened fire at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, killing four and wounding nine. The victims include two students and two teachers.

The shooter, armed with an assault-style rifle, targeted students in a hallway after being denied re-entry to his algebra class. He has been charged as an adult.

Nine injured individuals were taken to hospitals and are expected to survive. The teen will be held at a regional youth detention facility starting Thursday.

BRITISH Tech Magnate MISSING After Superyacht Tragedy

19 August 2024 — British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five others are missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily. Lynch’s wife and 14 others survived the incident. Authorities confirmed that one body has been recovered, and police divers are attempting to reach the hull of the ship at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet).

The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored near Porticello when a waterspout struck overnight. The sudden storm battered the area precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged vessel was moored. Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency stated, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Bayesian had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers on board. Another nearby superyacht assisted in rescuing some of the survivors, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares. The yacht was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast made of aluminum, which was lit up just hours before it sank.

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE Devastates Gaza: 22 Killed in Humanitarian Zone

26 May 2024 — An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed 22 people in Rafah, Gaza Strip. The attack hit tents for displaced people, causing heavy destruction. The Israeli army claimed it was unaware of any activity in the area.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society warned the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continued. They stated that Israel had designated the location as a “humanitarian area.” Footage from the scene showed significant damage and chaos.

This strike occurred two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, was briefed on operations in Rafah on Sunday.

Earlier that day, Hamas fired rockets from Gaza reaching Tel Aviv for the first time in months. There were no immediate reports of casualties from this rocket attack, which Hamas’ military wing claimed responsibility for.

TERROR PLOT Thwarted: Two Charged with Targeting Jews and UK Forces

14 May 2024 — Two men, Walid Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, have been charged with planning terrorist attacks against Jewish individuals and UK security personnel. The charges were presented in Westminster Magistrates’ Court. They allegedly intended to use automatic weapons for the assaults between December 13 and last Thursday.

This case is part of a disturbing increase in antisemitism in the UK. The rise came after tensions escalated between Hamas and Israel starting October 7. The Community Security Trust has stressed the urgent need for increased security measures to protect the Jewish community.

A third individual, Bilel Saadaoui, 35, faces charges related to preparing for his brother Walid’s potential death as part of these plans. He has pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about the terrorism plot. His defense argues that Bilel was unaware of his brother’s alleged plans.

The suspects were apprehended by Greater Manchester Police and are currently detained without bail pending further court proceedings on May 24 at the Central Criminal Court as investigations into these grave allegations continue.

MOUNT WHITNEY Tragedy: Adventurous Couple’s Fatal Fall Revealed

10 May 2024 — The search for Andrew Niziol and Patty Bolan, who vanished while hiking on California’s Mount Whitney, has ended in heartbreak. The pair had planned an ambitious descent by ski and snowboard back to their campsite but never returned. A massive search effort involving helicopters and ground teams was launched following their disappearance.

Rescuers found the bodies of Niziol and Bolan at an elevation of 13,200 feet on the mountain’s rugged north face after five days of intense searching. It was determined that they had tragically fallen, underscoring the perilous nature of high-altitude hiking combined with winter sports.

The recovery mission took over a day to complete, bringing a somber closure to the extensive search for the young couple. Their trip across California’s trails was meant to be an adventure celebrating their spirited pursuit of life, yet it ended prematurely.

Local authorities are using this incident as a stark reminder for hikers to fully prepare for treks and maintain constant communication with rescue services. The community is mourning the untimely loss of two vibrant lives dedicated to exploring and enjoying nature’s challenges.

TEXAS TRAGEDY: Woman Found Dead, Wrapped in Bedding Inside Closet

22 April 2024 — Omar Lucio, 34, is facing murder charges after the body of 27-year-old Corinna Johnson was found concealed in his apartment. FOX 4 Dallas reported that Johnson’s body was discovered wrapped in bedding and hidden away in a closet. The Garland Police Department received a distressing 911 call that led them to the scene.

Upon their arrival at Lucio’s home on W. Wheatland Road, he initially refused to exit his residence. After negotiating for about an hour, Lucio finally surrendered and was taken into custody by the responding officers.

Inside the residence, law enforcement followed a trail of blood leading from the front door to a bedroom closet where they uncovered Johnson’s body among Lucio’s bedding. This grim find has resulted in severe charges being filed against him according to court documents.

TRAGEDY Strikes Gaza: CHILDREN Among the Dead in Latest Israeli Airstrike

21 April 2024 — An Israeli airstrike in Rafah, Gaza Strip, tragically ended the lives of nine people, including six children. This devastating event is part of a seven-month-long offensive by Israel against Hamas. The strike specifically targeted a house in Rafah, a densely populated refuge for many of Gaza’s residents.

Abdel-Fattah Sobhi Radwan and his family were among those who perished. Heartbroken relatives gathered at al-Najjar hospital to mourn their unimaginable loss. Ahmed Barhoum, grieving the deaths of his wife and daughter, voiced his despair over the erosion of human values amid ongoing conflict.

Despite global pleas for moderation from allies including the United States, Israel has hinted at an impending ground assault in Rafah. This area is considered a key base for Hamas militants still active in the region. Prior to this incident, some locals had left their homes following preliminary warnings issued by the Israeli military.

HEROIC Navy Seals SACRIFICED in Iranian Weapons Seizure: Four Arrested

23 February 2024 — Four individuals of foreign nationality have been charged after a vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. Navy seized the ship, which was allegedly carrying Iranian-made weapons.

In a devastating turn of events, two brave Navy SEALs lost their lives during this operation. The fallen warriors were identified as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram.

David Sundberg, Assistant Director of the FBI Washington Field Office, stated that these charges serve as a stern warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He stressed that any hostile actions from foreign governments will not go unchecked by the U.S..

The FBI and other U.S Government agencies pledge to persistently disrupt attempts by hostile foreign entities aiming to instill fear and inflict harm through violent means.

TEXAS TRAGEDY: Young Girl’s Mysterious Death Leads to Capital Murder Charges

21 February 2024 — The small Texas community is in shock after the body of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was found on Tuesday. Her remains were discovered in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge, according to Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons. Audrii had been missing since February 15th, when she failed to catch her usual school bus.

42-year-old Don Steven McDougal is now facing arrest by Polk County District Attorney Shelly Sitton in relation to Audrii’s case. McDougal, who was taken into custody last Friday on separate charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, has had numerous chances to aid the investigation into Audrii’s disappearance but chose not to cooperate.

Sheriff Lyons revealed that McDougal was likely one of the last people to see Audrii alive and would sometimes drive her to school or the bus stop. Despite this connection, he emphasized caution and patience as they continue their work towards building a strong criminal case against McDougal.

Our primary goal is justice for Audrii,“ Sheriff Lyons stated firmly. ”We will persistently process all evidence collected and ensure that justice prevails for this young girl’s untimely death.

US NAVY SAVES the Day: Huthi Missile Attack on Oil Tanker Thwarted

18 February 2024 — The Huthis, a rebel group based in Yemen, announced that they had targeted a British oil tanker, named the Pollux, in the Red Sea using missiles. The US Central Command (CENTCOM), however, clarified that this vessel is actually Danish-owned and registered in Panama.

CENTCOM confirmed that from areas of Yemen under Huthi control, four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched. It was reported that at least three of these missiles were directed towards MT Pollux.

In reaction to this looming threat, CENTCOM successfully executed two self-defence strikes against one mobile anti-ship cruise missile and one mobile unmanned surface vessel located in Yemen. This incident happened just as Washington’s reclassification of the Huthis as a terrorist group became official along with related sanctions.

This event underscores the importance of vigilance and quick action in maintaining security on international waters. It also highlights Washington’s commitment to combating terrorism globally.

TRAGEDY Strikes Joel Osteen’s Texas Megachurch: SHOCKING Shooting Incident Leaves Child in Critical Condition

12 February 2024 — A shocking incident unfolded at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston, Texas, on Sunday when a woman armed with a long gun opened fire. The attack happened just before the church’s 2 p.m. Spanish service was about to commence. Despite the prompt intervention of two off-duty officers who neutralized the shooter, two people were injured, including a critically wounded 5-year-old boy.

The assailant entered the colossal Lakewood Church — a former NBA arena that can accommodate up to 16,000 people — accompanied by the young boy who tragically ended up in the line of fire. A man in his fifties also suffered injuries during this harrowing event. The connection between the woman and the boy remains uncertain as does who shot both victims.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner pointedly attributed blame to the female shooter for recklessly endangering lives, particularly that of an innocent child. Both victims were immediately transported to separate hospitals where they are receiving treatment for their injuries — while reports suggest that man is stable, sadly, the child’s condition remains critical.

This alarming incident occurred between services at one

FINAL WARNING: Yemen’s Houthi Launches Armed Drone at US Navy, Ignites Tensions

05 January 2024 — A drone, armed and unmanned, was launched from Yemen under Houthi control. It came dangerously close — within a few miles — to U.S. Navy and commercial vessels before exploding on Thursday. This alarming incident unfolded mere hours after the White House and its allies issued a stern “final warning” to the Iran-backed militia group. They warned of potential military action if such attacks persisted.

This event marks a first for the Houthis — their initial use of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) since they began harassing commercial ships in the Red Sea following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, as stated by Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads U.S. Navy operations in the Middle East. Fabian Hinz, an expert in missile technology and research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, highlighted that these USVs form a crucial part of Houthi’s maritime weaponry arsenal.

Since late October last year, there has been an increase in aggression from Houthis with numerous attack drones and missiles targeted at commercial vessels traversing through Red Sea waters. In retaliation to these attacks, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian this past December 2022; additional ships were deployed to safeguard commercial vessels navigating through Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

NAVY’S Mightiest Warship USS Gerald R Ford Heads Home: Leaving Middle East Amid Rising Houthi Threats

02 January 2024 — America’s largest naval vessel, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is preparing to sail back home from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This move comes in the wake of an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th and forms part of a broader assessment of global force positioning by defense authorities.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will stand as the only U.S. aircraft carrier in the region, given escalating attacks by Yemen-based Houthis on commercial ships navigating Middle Eastern waters. The Houthis justify these assaults as retaliation to Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza.

Over the past weekend, U.S Navy helicopters from both USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely thwarted a Houthi hijacking attempt in Southern Red Sea, sinking three out of four boats involved after responding to a distress signal from Maersk Hangzhou.

In light of intensifying threats from Houthis, an international task force has been established by U.S military to protect commercial vessels navigating these volatile waters. The Biden administration continues to assert that Iran is providing intelligence support to Houthis for these attacks.

NEPAL PLANE Tragedy: Pilot Error Causes Deadliest Crash in 30 Years, Killing 72 Innocents

30 December 2023 — A devastating plane crash occurred in Nepal earlier this year, taking the lives of 72 people. Among the victims were two American citizens and two U.S. permanent residents. The fatal accident was likely a result of pilot error, according to a report released by government investigators last Thursday.

The ill-fated Yeti Airlines flight was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it plunged into a gorge nestled in the Himalayan foothills. This incident has been marked as the most catastrophic airline disaster Nepal has witnessed in over three decades.

All passengers on board the twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft met with an untimely death — including two infants, four crew members, and fifteen foreign nationals.

The investigation report suggests that both condition levers were mistakenly shifted to the feathered position during flight. This led to both propellers feathering and subsequent loss of thrust which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain. It appears that due to lack of awareness and standard operating procedures, pilots accidentally selected power-controlling condition levers instead of flap lever.

OFF-GRID Tragedy: Colorado Family’s Dream Turns Deadly in Wilderness Survival Attempt

04 September 2023 — A heartbreaking tale has unfolded in Colorado as a family’s quest for off-grid living ended in disaster. Mother Christine Vance, her sister Rebecca Vance, and Rebecca’s teenage son were found lifeless at an isolated campsite. The women had sought solace from societal upheaval, but their wilderness survival skills proved fatally inadequate. Post-mortem examinations indicate that they fell victim to malnutrition and hypothermia.

Their remains were stumbled upon by a hiker in July amidst empty food containers and scattered survival guides. The trio had been subjected to harsh cold and heavy snowfall without sufficient supplies. Officials estimate that they had been dead for a considerable period when discovered.

Trevala Jara, the stepsister of the deceased women, was shattered by the news. She disclosed that the sisters started planning their off-grid adventure in fall 2021 due to dissatisfaction with pandemic politics and societal unrest. Although they weren’t conspiracy theorists, they felt driven to distance themselves from society.

Jara had bestowed her blessed rosary upon them before their ill-fated expedition — a rosary later found alongside the young boy’s lifeless body. Consumed by sorrow and remorse, Jara expressed regret over their decision to ignore her warnings against such dangerous isolation.

UNC Campus Tragedy: Murder Suspect Tailei Qi Appears in Court

29 August 2023 — Tailei Qi, a Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was arraigned on Tuesday. He is accused of fatally shooting associate professor Zijie Yan on Monday, which triggered a campus lockdown.

Qi, a 34-year-old Chinese national, is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm on educational property. The court appearance saw him clad in an orange jumpsuit, with bond denied and a probable cause hearing set for September 18.

The devastating loss of faculty member Yan was lamented by UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz. “This shooting damages the trust and safety that we so often take for granted in our campus community,” he said in a press conference.

Qi’s charges include first-degree murder and possession of a weapon on educational property, as announced by the UNC Police Department. The incident marks a grave start to the new academic year for the UNC community.