Maritime History, Culture and People

This portal covers shipping’s past and its people: maritime history by era, notable casualties and the official inquiries into them, shipping companies and their histories, naval architects and mariners, maritime museums and heritage.

Casualty articles follow the official investigation reports, from flag-state inquiries and from bureaux such as the MAIB, the NTSB and the ATSB, and name each report with its number and date.

Every casualty summary here traces to the official investigation report, cited by its number and date. Engine makers’ histories are kept with their engines in Marine Engineering and Propulsion.

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MS Estonia 1994: Baltic Ferry Capsize, Inquiry and Legacy
MS Estonia capsized in the Baltic on 28 September 1994 after losing her bow visor, and 852 died: the JAIC findings, the 2025 review and the ro-ro rule changes.
MV Wakashio 2020: Mauritius Grounding and Oil Spill
The MV Wakashio grounded off Pointe d'Esny, Mauritius on 25 July 2020 and spilled about 1,000 t of fuel oil: the causes, the three reports, and the liability.
Costa Concordia 2012: cruise ship grounding + salvage off Isola del Giglio
Costa Concordia grounding off Isola del Giglio, 13 January 2012; 32 deaths; Captain Schettino convicted; USD 1.5bn parbuckling salvage in 2014.
MV X-Press Pearl 2021: Sri Lanka container ship fire + worst plastic pellet spill
MV X-Press Pearl container ship; fire 25 May 2021 off Colombo; sank 17 June 2021; ~75 t plastic pellets and nitric acid spill; 80+ km of coastline.

All articles in this portal

5 articles, plus 52 in preparation.