The Wu-Tong: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In recent developments concerning the notorious Russian ghost fleet, the tanker 'Progress' appears to be back on its journey after a distress signal was reported last week while navigating the Mediterranean Sea. In contrast, the 'Chariot Tide' remains stationary and adrift. The 'Progress', which is currently transporting around 730,000 barrels of crude oil, switched to a Notice to Unmanned Craft (NUC) status on January 21, shortly after it had passed Algiers. Following this, it distanced itself from the Algerian coastline and subsequently stopped broadcasting its geolocation. In the days that followed, the vessel was observed adrift, likely undergoing repairs. On January 26, 'Progress' was located north of Tunisia, regained its position reporting, and seemed to have resumed its course toward Port Said, operating at a normal speed of 12 knots, with an estimated time of arrival set for January 31. Meanwhile, the second vessel, 'Chariot Tide' (IMO: 9323376), declared itself NUC on January 22, soon after traversing the Strait of Gibraltar. This tanker, carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of crude oil, was taken in tow by the tug 'VB Spartel' on January 23 after experiencing roughly 27 hours of being stuck. As of January 26, 'Chariot Tide' remained in the same vicinity between Spain and Morocco, with the tug relocating it eastwards, placing the situation into international waters and under the Spanish search and rescue zone. Currently, it is adrift, making only 1.7 knots at coordinates 36° 08' N 002° 59' W.

The tanker 'Progress', loaded with around 730,000 barrels of crude oil, has gone NUC (Not Under Command) in the Mediterranean Sea, near the Algerian coastline. This incident occurred while the vessel was en route to Port Said, after departing from Primorsk, Russia, on January 8, 2026. On January 21, the 'Progress' exhibited unusual behavior shortly after passing the Algerian coast due to a mechanical failure. This vessel is part of Russia's shadow fleet, utilized by the Kremlin to navigate around international sanctions following the outset of the Ukraine conflict. Currently, 598 vessels are reported to be navigating within this so-called 'ghost fleet', all facing sanctions from the European Union. This action aims to limit Moscow's energy export capabilities while simultaneously addressing environmental and maritime security concerns.

The oil tanker 'Progress', now under international sanctions for its involvement in Russian oil transport, has found itself in distress off the Algerian coast, drifted aimlessly in the Mediterranean Sea. This vessel departed from Primorsk on January 8, 2026, and was navigating east along North Africa's coastline towards the Suez Canal, laden with approximately 730,000 barrels of the renowned Urals crude from Russia. After passing Algiers on January 21, the 'Progress' made an unexpected northern turn, veering off established shipping lanes. By the early hours of January 22, the ship's navigation status was updated to 'Not under command', dropping to a mere speed of one knot. As of January 24, the tanker continued its drift eastward at the same speed, located at coordinates 38° 39' N, 006° 21' E. On January 26, it was reported to be adrift near Annaba (Latitude: 38.0450, Longitude: 7.3833). Managed by Legacy Marine LLC, a company based in St. Petersburg, Russia, the 'Progress' has been subject to sanctions from both the European Union and the United Kingdom due to its role in Russian oil transportation. The 19-year-old vessel has undergone two name changes since being placed under sanctions and was recently registered under the Russian flag, officially entering the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping in November 2025.

The 'Progress', a tanker currently facing sanctions due to its involvement in the transport of Russian oil, has reportedly encountered difficulties off the Algerian coast, leading it to drift in the Mediterranean Sea. This vessel set sail from Primorsk on January 8, 2026, and was en route along North Africa's coastline toward the Suez Canal, loaded with approximately 730,000 barrels of Russia's renowned Urals crude oil. After passing Algiers on the afternoon of January 21, the 'Progress' made an unexpected turn north, exiting established shipping lanes. On January 22, it changed its navigation status to 'Not under command,' with its speed dropping to a mere one knot. By January 24, the tanker was still adrift, continuing its eastward drift at the same low speed, positioned at coordinates 38° 39' N 006° 21' E. The vessel is operated by Legacy Marine LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia, and remains under sanctions enforced by both the European Union and the United Kingdom. Notably, the 19-year-old ship has undergone two name changes since being added to the sanctions list and was recently re-flagged to Russia, with registration in the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping completed in November 2025.

On the morning of June 14, 2022, the Port Authority of Gythio received a crucial alert from the naval agent of the vessel 'Kudos', which was en route to Kalamata. A 51-year-old foreign crew member was in dire need of urgent medical attention. In response, the local authorities promptly dispatched the rescue vessel 'Tzeni Dimitris' to the scene. The operation was successful, and the patient was safely evacuated and transported to the port of Gythio. Following the evacuation, the crew member was swiftly transferred to the nearby Health Center for a comprehensive medical examination, ensuring he received the necessary care.

On April 1, 2022, the cargo ship 'Kudos', which was making its way from Constanta to Kalamata, experienced a significant engine malfunction near Akbaş in the Bosphorus Strait. In response to the emergency, the General Directorate of Coastal Safety (KEGM) mobilized an impressive rescue team including the tugs 'Nâzım Tur', 'Kurtarma 15', and 'Kurtarma 16', along with the vessel 'Nene Hatun' to lend assistance. Additionally, all vessels navigating through this busy waterway were promptly notified of the situation via radio to ensure maritime safety. For further details, including images of the incident, please visit the full report [here](https://dogruhaber.com.tr/haber/825789-canakkale-bogazinda-gemi-arizasi/).