THREAD: tragedy strikes georgia dock collapse navy

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.

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.

TRAGIC Migrant DEATHS in English Channel Demand Urgent Action

05 September 2024 — A day after 12 migrants died in the English Channel, dozens more tried the dangerous crossing from France to Britain. French patrol boats watched as a crowded vessel struggled through the seas. This incident shows the big problem facing both French and U.K. governments.

The mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaële, called for urgent action from French and British officials to stop more tragedies. “Smugglers keep sending people to their deaths,” he said. "It’s high time that a lasting solution is found with Britain.

Cross-Channel migration was a key issue in the recent U.K. general election, which saw Keir Starmer become prime minister. A French prosecutor revealed that 10 of the 12 dead were women and six were minors, many appearing to be Eritrean. The boat sank about three miles off the French coast with many aboard lacking life vests.

MIGRANT CROSSINGS Surge: Lives at Risk in English Channel Crisis

04 September 2024 — Migrants continue to risk their lives crossing the English Channel, highlighting a growing crisis for France and the U.K. This comes shortly after a tragic incident where a dozen migrants lost their lives. The mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaële, called for stronger action from both governments to address the issue.

Dubaële criticized the criminal networks smuggling people across the channel, labeling it “unacceptable” and “scandalous.” He emphasized that migrants are drawn to Britain rather than seeking asylum in France. He urged immediate discussions with Britain’s new government to find a lasting solution.

The issue of cross-Channel migration was pivotal in the recent U.K. general election, which saw Keir Starmer become prime minister after Labour’s victory. French maritime authorities confirmed an inflatable boat carrying 40 to 50 migrants was monitored by French patrols on Wednesday morning.

The overcrowded inflatable had people crammed side-by-side with some dangling their legs overboard. French patrol vessels were on standby to assist if needed, underscoring the ongoing risks and challenges of these perilous crossings.

TRAGIC Migrant RESCUE in English Channel Exposes Border Crisis

13 July 2024 — Around 60 migrants were rescued by the French navy and coastguard from a capsized inflatable boat near Boulogne-sur-Mer. Four migrants were found unresponsive and could not be revived. The rescue operation is ongoing, with concerns that more victims may still be in the water.

The migrant crisis on Britain’s southern shore remains unresolved, contributing to the downfall of the previous British government. The new Labour government has promised action but has yet to deliver any meaningful results.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized the new government for its inaction following the recent deaths in the Channel. He warned that he would hold them accountable just as he did with their predecessors.

People smugglers continue to exploit desperate migrants, leading to overcrowded and dangerous crossings. This year alone, 19 people have died attempting to cross the English Channel, while 14,000 have successfully made it across — a nearly 20% increase from last year.

IRANIAN-BACKED Houthis Attack Ship in Gulf of Aden, Injure Mariner

17 June 2024 — The Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles, striking the M/V Verbena in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen. The attack set the ship on fire and severely injured one civilian mariner. U.S. Central Command reported that the mariner was flown to another ship for medical treatment by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea.

The M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, was en route from Malaysia to Italy carrying wood when it was attacked. Central Command confirmed that the crew is still fighting fires on board. This incident marks another escalation in the Houthis’ campaign amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Earlier reports from British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey indicated that a vessel had been attacked and caught fire after making a distress call about being struck by a missile. The Houthis typically delay claiming responsibility for such attacks by hours or even days.

This attack follows another incident where Houthis launched a boat-borne bomb against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday. The rebels have been targeting shipping throughout this strategic corridor as part of their ongoing conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since seizing Yemen’s capital nearly ten years ago.

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.

PORT CRISIS Triggered by Baltimore Bridge Collision: Full Recovery Weeks Away, Temporary Channels Opened

02 April 2024 — The MV Dali’s catastrophic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge continues to wreak havoc on Baltimore’s port operations. The primary shipping channel, designed to handle large Evergreen A-class container carriers, is still obstructed by remnants of the bridge. However, a smaller secondary route has been temporarily opened for use.

This new pathway is not dredged and only reaches a depth of 11 feet. It passes under the first standing span of the destroyed bridge. The Tugboat Crystal Coast marked its inaugural journey along this alternate route near the Dali container vessel site while pushing a fuel barge. This narrow passage will primarily serve barges and tugs involved in clean-up operations.

Governor Wes Moore from Maryland has revealed plans for another temporary channel south of the disaster area with a marginally deeper draft at 15 feet. Despite these advancements, obstacles and limited air drafts continue to hinder full port reopening efforts. Rear Admiral Gilreath from Coast Guard has stressed that reinstating access to the central deep water channel remains his main concern.

The incident has forced significant changes in East Coast ports as they accommodate cargo redirected from Baltimore harbor. Salvage specialists are now tasked with clearing debris from what was once an integral bridge serving thousands daily. With six people feared dead and two survivors rescued from Patapsco River

US BRIDGES on the BRINK: The Shocking State of America’s Crumbling Infrastructure

31 March 2024 — The Fishing Wars Memorial Bridge, a long-standing structure in Tacoma, Washington, is once again off-limits. Despite its reopening in 2019 after a year-long closure and even earning a national award, federal officials have expressed concerns about its aging section. The bridge previously carried around 15,000 vehicles daily. Now it remains closed indefinitely as the city scrambles to fund necessary cleaning and inspection.

Bridges are crucial elements of our infrastructure that often go unnoticed until they fail us. A recent example is the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to an unfortunate cargo ship collision. However, this incident only scratches the surface as thousands of other bridges across the country are in far worse condition.

Reportedly, about 42,400 US bridges are currently in poor condition and bear around 167 million vehicles each day. A staggering four-fifths of these structures have issues with their supporting components. An Associated Press analysis reveals that over 15,800 were also deemed poor a decade ago.

A prime example is a persistently deteriorating bridge on Interstate 195 over Rhode Island’s Seekonk River which was abruptly shut down last year causing significant delays for drivers. In March it was announced that this bridge — carrying approximately 96,000 westbound vehicles daily — needs to be demolished

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.

WW2 BOMB Unearthed: MASSIVE Evacuation in Plymouth Sparks Fear

23 February 2024 — Construction workers in Plymouth, Devon, stumbled upon a chilling piece of history last Thursday. They unearthed a 500kg bomb from the Second World War beneath a garden. Plymouth, known for its key naval base during the war, was a prime target for German air raids which left much of the city center in ruins.

In response to this alarming discovery, police cordoned off a 300-meter exclusion zone around the property. The zone was further extended along the planned route to sea where military personnel plan to dispose of the bomb safely. Detonation at the site would likely result in severe damage to nearby homes.

This incident has sparked one of UK’s largest peacetime evacuation operations since WW2. The British Army and Royal Navy are working round-the-clock with local authorities and emergency services to ensure public safety.

The operation is ongoing as members of HM Coastguard Search and Rescue mobilize following home evacuations triggered by this unexpected discovery.

ASYLUM-SEEKER Convicted: The Tragic Consequence of a Dangerous English Channel Crossing

19 February 2024 — On Monday, Ibrahima Bah, an asylum-seeker from Senegal, was convicted of manslaughter. He was at the helm of an inflatable dinghy that carried more than 40 migrants from France to the U.K. The vessel capsized tragically resulting in four fatalities.

The prosecutors maintained that the dinghy was unfit for such a journey due to severe overcrowding and lack of safety equipment. Despite the glaring risks and its deteriorating condition as it began taking on water, Bah persisted towards U.K. waters.

Bah did not pay for his passage because he piloted the boat himself. The jury found him guilty on four counts of manslaughter and aiding illegal entry into the U.K.

This incident has added more controversy to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s contentious plan to deport migrants to Rwanda amidst ongoing criticism.

Nairobi NIGHTMARE: ILLEGAL Gas Depot Ignites, Triggering Deadly Explosion and Chaos

02 February 2024 — Late Thursday night, a truck laden with liquid petroleum gas cylinders exploded at a depot in Nairobi, Kenya. This devastating incident claimed three lives and injured 280 people. The explosion ignited a massive fire that rapidly spread to nearby homes and warehouses. Experts predict the death toll will rise.

The gas depot where the disaster unfolded had been repeatedly denied operational permits due to its close proximity to residential areas. This raises alarming questions about whether the depot was operating illegally.

Charles Mainge, a local resident, voiced his frustration at the government for permitting such a hazardous site to continue operations despite its clear risks.

Eyewitnesses recalled hearing what they believed was a gas leak before two explosions sparked off the extensive fire. Many residents were likely inside their homes when flames engulfed their houses in Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood.“; PARAGRAPH 5: ”The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that at least 24 victims are critically injured following this deadly incident. This disaster highlights an urgent call for tighter regulations on hazardous materials storage near populated areas.

RUSSIAN Oil Tanker ENGULFED: Houthi Missile Strike Sparks Fear in Gulf of Aden

30 January 2024 — A Houthi missile strike recently ignited a Russian oil tanker, the Marlin Luanda, in the Gulf of Aden. The vessel was carrying Russian naphtha when it was targeted. The attack resulted in a fire breaking out in one of the cargo tanks. Fortunately, the blaze was put out promptly and no crew members were injured.

The incident prompted immediate reactions from other vessels in the area. Another oil tanker quickly reversed its course to escape potential danger. Meanwhile, U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) took action to neutralize an imminent threat posed by a Houthi anti-ship missile towards merchant and U.S Navy vessels operating nearby.

The attack has had economic repercussions as well, causing a 1% surge in oil prices due to concerns over potential disruptions to oil flow through the Red Sea region. This event marks the most severe Houthi assault on oil tankers till date and serves as a stark reminder that even Russian oil is not safe from Yemen’s Iran-backed insurgents’ attacks.

Interestingly, despite targeting a vessel carrying Russian cargo managed by London-based Oceonix Services Ltd., Houthis claimed their target was actually a “British ship”. This discrepancy could potentially fuel geopolitical tensions moving forward.

BRAVE ESCAPE: Coast Guard Rescues 20 from Lake Erie Ice Floe Trap

23 January 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard executed a daring rescue mission on Monday, saving 20 people stuck on an ice floe in Lake Erie. The group found themselves stranded approximately half a mile away from Catawba Island State Park near Port Clinton, Ohio.

The rescue operation began around 10:20 a.m., involving two Coast Guard airboats and a helicopter, as reported by Petty Officer Jessica Fontenette. The Coast Guard successfully rescued nine individuals from the perilous situation.

In addition to the efforts of the Coast Guard, the Put-in-Bay Fire Department also played a critical role in rescuing four more people.

The final seven stranded individuals managed to reach shore using their own airboat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident that showcases the courage and effectiveness of our nation’s first responders.

US-Owned Ship UNDER FIRE: Houthi Rebels Escalate Red Sea Tensions

16 January 2024 — In a recent escalation of Red Sea tensions, Houthi rebels launched a missile attack on a U.S.-owned ship, the Gibraltar Eagle. The strike occurred off Yemen’s coast in the Gulf of Aden and comes less than a day after an anti-ship cruise missile targeted an American destroyer in the same area. Responsibility for these attacks has been claimed by the Houthis, following American-led strikes against rebel forces.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that this latest attack happened approximately 110 miles southeast of Aden. The captain of the ship reported that a missile struck the port side from above. Private security firms Ambrey and Dryad Global identified the attacked vessel as Eagle Gibraltar, registered under Marshall Islands’ flag as a bulk carrier.

The U.S military’s Central Command has confirmed this strike but reports no significant damage or injuries aboard Eagle Gibraltar which continues its voyage undeterred. Brigadier General Yahya Saree, Houthi military spokesman, took responsibility for this attack during his televised address on Monday night.

Saree declared all American and British ships involved in aggression against Yemen as hostile targets during his address. These attacks are causing disruptions to global shipping amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza — impacting vital routes linking Asian and Middle Eastern energy and cargo shipments to Europe via Suez

HANEDA HORROR: Five Perish in Explosive Runway Collision Between Passenger Plane and Coast Guard Aircraft

02 January 2024 — A devastating collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday has left five dead. A passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard aircraft clashed on the runway, resulting in a fiery explosion that claimed the lives of the smaller aircraft’s crew.

All 379 passengers aboard Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 were able to escape unscathed before fire consumed the plane. The Airbus A350 involved, one of the industry’s most recent large passenger planes, suffered its first serious damage since entering commercial service in 2015.

The coast guard’s Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft was en route to deliver relief goods to earthquake victims in Niigata when it met with this fatal accident.

The disaster unfolded as the JAL plane touched down on one of Haneda’s four runways where the coast guard aircraft was preparing for takeoff. Investigations are underway to uncover what communication failures between aviation control officials and both planes led to this catastrophic event.

UKRAINE’S Crushing Blow: Russian Warship Decimated by Air-Launched Missile Attack

27 December 2023 — On Christmas Day, Ukraine demonstrated its formidable military might. The country claimed a significant victory, saying it had annihilated another Russian warship, the Ropucha-class Novocherkassk, using an air-launched cruise missile. Russia confirmed the assault on their landing ship from the 1980s, which is comparable in size to the U.S.-made Freedom-class warship. They reported one casualty from this attack.

Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk of the Ukrainian Air Force praised his pilots’ exceptional performance. He observed that Russia’s naval fleet continues to dwindle in size.

Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces, disclosed further details about this strike. He revealed that fighter jets unleashed a volley of Anglo-French Storm Shadow / SCALP cruise missiles at their target. Their goal was for at least one missile to bypass Russian air defenses successfully. The magnitude of the resulting explosion indicated that onboard ammunition likely detonated.

Ukrainian state media circulated footage allegedly showing a massive explosion and towering fire column following the initial hit — evidence suggesting onboard ammunition

USS MASON Bravely Defends Against Pirate Attack and Dodges Yemeni Missiles: A New Threat on the Horizon?

28 November 2023 — In a daring act of valor, the USS Mason responded to a distress call from commercial vessel M/V Central Park. The Mason successfully defended against an attack by five armed pirates. After attempting to flee, the pirates were pursued and apprehended by the Mason’s crew. The Pentagon has suggested that these pirates are likely of Somali origin, not Houthi.

As the rescue operation was winding down, two ballistic missiles were launched from areas in Yemen under Houthi control. These missiles landed approximately 10 nautical miles away from both the USS Mason and M/V Central Park. Fortunately, no damage or injuries have been reported.

This missile attack could signify an escalation of aggression by Iran-backed forces towards U.S. assets in this region. While there has been a recent increase in drone and missile attacks on U.S bases and troops stationed in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed groups, this marks a new development with ballistic missiles being directed at U.S ships.

The vessel under attack, M/V Central Park flies under Liberia’s flag but is managed by an Israeli firm owned by Israel’s Ofer

MARINE CORPS Commandant’s Sudden Hospitalization: Uncertainty and Political Turmoil Ensue

31 October 2023 — Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith was urgently hospitalized following a medical crisis on Sunday evening. The specifics of the emergency are still concealed, but USNI News suggests that Smith suffered a heart attack.

Currently, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl is holding the fort as acting commandant during Smith’s absence. Under normal circumstances, the assistant commandant would step in if the commandant is unable to perform his duties, but this role remains unoccupied due to political deadlock.

President Biden’s pick for assistant commandant, Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, is one among over 300 nominations held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) objection against a Department of Defense policy related to abortion services for military personnel and their dependents.

Tuberville along with other Republicans assert that the department has exceeded its jurisdiction with this policy; however, the department maintains that its intention is to guarantee equal healthcare access for all military personnel.