Latest news with #hull
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
French President Francois Mitterrand gave green light to bombing – Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History
'He was lying because he was involved.' Over the course of the series we've heard from three key French witnesses about Mitterrand's level of responsibility in the bombing of the Greenpeace boat in Auckland Harbour 40 years ago. Colonel Jean-Luc Kister, the man who placed the bombs on the hull of the boat and who would go on to lead the combat dive unit, said Mitterrand would have had to sign off on the operation. 'Francois Mitterrand, yes, it's clear that such a clandestine operation at that level, they request all the time the green fire from the President.' (Kister's phrase 'green fire' – a direct translation of the French 'feu vert' - means the green light.) Kister said Mitterrand would have had to go if it was proven he knew about the operation. Hubert Vedrine, the former French Minister of Foreign Affairs, who for decades was one of Mitterrand's closest confidants, says the French President told him face-to-face that he had 'confirmed the instructions' his Minister of Defence had given to the DGSE, the French spy service. However, Vedrine maintained that those instructions were simply to 'neutralise' the zone around the French nuclear testing site at Mururoa and to continue the tests. From there, it was up to the defence ministry and the spy service to put those instructions into action. He said there was a big gap between Mitterrand's instructions and what happened. But Vedrine – who, in one form or another has advised every French president over the past five decades – said in another context that he was 'not 100% for transparency'. He was speaking in relation to former French President Francois Hollande's acknowledgement that he had ordered the assassinations of French citizens who had joined Isis – another off-the-books operation by France, shrouded in state secrecy. Plenel said Defence Minister Charles Hernu and DGSE boss Admiral Pierre Lacoste were forced out of their jobs after the French Government admitted that the Rainbow Warrior bombers were following orders. But the parliamentary inquiry that was promised never eventuated as it would have been too dangerous for Mitterrand. While France paid compensation to the family of Fernando Pereira, Greenpeace and the New Zealand Government, Mitterrand remained in power for another 10 years. He died a year later in 1996 from prostate cancer – an illness he had concealed from the French public throughout his presidency. Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History is a six-episode true crime series. Follow the series on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released on Thursdays. The series is hosted and produced by John Daniell and Noelle McCarthy of Bird of Paradise Productions in co-production with the NZ Herald. Rainbow Warrior: A Forgotten History is supported by New Zealand on Air.
Economic Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Air India crash report: Probe tracks engine switch movement; no immediate action for Boeing or GE
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has said there is no immediate need for action by Boeing or GE following last month's Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people, the worst aviation disaster globally in over a decade.'At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers,' the AAIB said in its preliminary report released initial findings noted that the aircraft's engine fuel cutoff switches moved from 'cutoff' to 'run' within seconds of each other just before the crash. The bureau has not linked this sequence directly to the cause of the AAIB, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the investigation. It is working with aircraft and engine makers to examine technical, operational, and human elements behind the fatal event. A final report will be issued after further analysis of flight data and cockpit voice a tragic first for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program, an Air India flight operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after take-off on June 12, killing 260 people. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, struck a medical hostel complex near the airport. Among the 241 people onboard, only one passenger survived. Nineteen others on the ground were also fatal incident marks the first-ever hull loss — a technical term for the total destruction of an aircraft — involving the Boeing 787, which is one of the world's best-selling wide-body jets.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Ōkahu Bay Haul-Out Plan: A Smart, Local Solution To Protect Auckland's Marine Environment
Auckland the City of Sails - currently lacks a public haul-out yard in its central harbour. This surprising gap in a region with the most boats per capita presents a serious biosecurity risk. With international vessels arriving regularly and over 4,000 recreational boats on the water, marine pest management is now urgent. The New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club (NZMYC) - long-time advocates for responsible boating and organisers of the iconic PIC Coastal Classic Yacht Race - is leading a practical, community-led proposal to help address the issue: reopening the Ōkahu Bay haul-out yard on a reduced seasonal scale (May to December). This isn't about expansion - it's about reactivating a proven, ratepayer-funded facility to help tackle growing marine biosecurity threats, with strong community support behind it. 'Since the 2022 closure, local haul-out options have become limited,' says Adrian Percival, Commodore of NZMYC. 'As a result, many boat owners must now travel between regions simply for hull cleaning - raising the risk of spreading invasive pests like Fan Worm, Caulerpa, or the Northern Pacific Sea Star, a serious threat to shellfish and New Zealand's multi-million-dollar aquaculture industry.' Bruce Kendall, MBE, Olympic Gold Medallist, Howick Local Board Member, passionate sailor, and environmentalist supports the concept. 'The Tāmaki River is a unique ecosystem and has so far avoided some of the current plague of marine pests. The more boats that travel from the city and up the river to haul out the higher the risk. He adds: 'Many boating clubs around the country operate haul outs successfully on a volunteer basis. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club has operated a seasonal haul out for many years using the same model as that being proposed by NZMYC. This proposal needs to be accepted for the sake of the environment if nothing else.' While no single measure can solve Auckland's marine biosecurity challenges, this proposal reduces the interregional pest transfer, supports sustainable maintenance, and helps protect the Waitematā and Hauraki Gulf ecosystems. It also strengthens partnerships between recreational users and environmental goals. 'New marinas are being built without haul-out facilities. That's left a glaring gap in a city defined by boating,' says Percival. 'This proposal helps close that gap by using existing infrastructure and a community that's ready to lead.' The site already supports a range of community activities, including waka ama, dinghy storage, parking, and educational programmes. NZMYC is committed to working alongside existing users to ensure inclusive and collaborative use of the space. With thoughtful planning, everyone wins. More than 1,600 public submissions were received on the site's future, with 64% in favour of retaining haul-out capability. The proposal has also received positive engagement from Auckland Council and the Ōrākei Local Board. 'We support a vision for green spaces - but parks and healthy harbours can work together,' says Percival. 'This is about protecting our marine environment and using existing assets wisely. It's a practical solution that reflects what Aucklanders value.' Approving this plan would give the Board a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy - one that reflects leadership in protecting the Hauraki Gulf, and one that future generations will thank them for. A locally led operation like this — small in scale but high in environmental value — empowers the boating community to take responsibility for their impact. 'It may be small, but it's smart, effective, and community-driven — a real example of the little yard that could,' says Percival. A decision from the Ōrākei Local Board is expected on 17 July. Supporters are encouraged to share their views with the Board at orakeilocalboard@ or by attending the meeting in person: 3:00pm, 17 July St Chads Church & Community Centre 38 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland
Straits Times
25-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
SCDF launches rescue vessel to tackle major incidents in Singapore waters
SINGAPORE - A new marine rescue vessel equipped to deal with fires and other emergencies in Singapore's waters has been commissioned, as larger ships with more passengers such as the Disney Cruise Line are expected here in the near future. It will be based at West Coast Marine Fire Station when it is operational from October. The 38m-long Blue Dolphin is a second-generation marine rescue vessel that is 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, and will be the primary vessel for major incidents such as fires, rescues and chemical incidents. The increased space on the boat allows for a heli-winch, where casualties can be evacuated by helicopters from the Singapore Armed Forces. This feature was not available on the Red Dolphin. Built by SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Blue Dolphin can travel at a speed of up to 30 knots, and accommodate up to 30 seated casualties. Another of its features not available on the Red Dolphin is an integrated command post, which can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses. The new vessel's cameras provide clearer footage of surrounding waters to the operating crew, and are equipped with video analytics to help them identify potential targets in the water during search-and-rescue operations. The integrated command post can draw information from the ship's cameras, detectors and operation logs to coordinate emergency responses. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Since 2012 when SCDF's Marine Division took over the maritime firefighting function of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), it has expanded from two vessels and a single fire station to a fleet of seven vessels (including the Blue Dolphin), operating two marine fire stations and two marine fire posts. Building on the search-and-rescue capabilities of the Red Dolphin, the new vessel has an enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), which can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats. The RHIB can also search coastlines with its sonar system, which uses sound waves to locate people and objects up to 7m underwater. The enhanced rigid hull inflatable boat can now be used to fight fires on small stationary boats. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Since 2017, the Marine Division has taken on an additional role handling marine chemical, biological and radiological incidents. If needed, it supports MPA in oil and chemical spill incidents. To deal with chemical emergencies, the Blue Dolphin is equipped with a hazmat sensor that can detect and identify most chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals and volatile organic compounds in the water up to 5km away. Its chemical, biological, and radiological system can then monitor and demarcate hazardous boundaries before responders are deployed. Speaking at the vessel's commissioning ceremony at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on June 25, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong said: 'SCDF Marine Division's capability, I would say, is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Singapore's cruise industry itself is expanding, with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. 'For example, the Disney Cruise Line will soon launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025, and this itself means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters. 'In addition, the Tuas Mega Port's first phase of operations has commenced. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, and the resulting high vessel throughput will make Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally.' Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong participating in a tour of the marine rescue vessel on June 25. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG The Disney cruise ship can carry 6,000 passengers and 2,300 crew members. By 2030, the Marine Division will operate 10 vessels, and will be supported by the new Marine Division Headquarters in Brani, which is slated to open in 2026. Another marine fire post at Northshore Crescent in Punggol is expected to be ready by 2028. Claudia Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times covering the crime and court beat. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
UK seaside town close to shipwreck that's feared to blow up at any second
Fresh concerns the UK's 'doomsday ship' could blow up were sparked after a cargo ship was recently spotted sailing perilously close to the exclusion zone An unassuming seaside town with pastel beach huts and pebble shores is bizarrely home to its very own ticking time bomb. Situated on the northwest corner of the Isle of Sheppey in north Kent, Sheerness looks like any other coastal resort at first glance. With sweeping views of the Thames Estuary, rows of flashing arcades, a slew of fish and chip shops, and a popular promenade that runs along a shingle beach - it ticks all of the quintessential seaside must-haves. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Sheerness' history is what really sets it apart from the rest. It owes much of its origins as a Royal Naval dockyard town, after Henry VIII required the River Medway as an anchorage for his army, and ordered that the mouth of the river be protected by a small fort. Samuel Pepys established the Royal Navy Dockyard in the 17th century, where warships were stocked and repaired until its closure in 1960. But, in 1944, just a year before the Second World War came to an end, a US Liberty Ship named SS Richard Montgomery, was loaded with around 7,000 tons of munitions and joined over convoys bound for the UK and then on to Cherbourg in France. After arriving in the Thames Estuary, the vessel was directed to anchor in the Great Nore just off Sheerness to wait for instructions to cross the Channel. However, on August 20, it all went wrong. "The vessel grounded amidships on the crest of the sandbank. Intensive efforts began to unload her cargo," GOV UK explains. "Unfortunately, by the next day, a crack appeared in the hull and the forward end began to flood. The salvage effort continued until September 25, by which time approximately half of the cargo had been successfully removed. The salvage effort had to be abandoned when the vessel finally flooded completely." Now, the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery remains on the sandbank, her masts clearly visible above the water. There are still approximately 1,400 tons of explosives contained within the forward holds - sparking fears it could explode at any time. The government has reassured the public that the risk of a 'major' detonation is 'believed to be remote' - but that monitoring the condition of the wreck is essential. "Surveys are carried out by the MCA on a regular basis to ensure that any changes to the wreck, or its immediate environment, are discovered quickly," the Maritime and Coastguard Agency states. "It is clear from the results of these surveys that the hull is subject to the prevailing environmental conditions and is showing evidence of gradual deterioration. However, the wreck is considered to be in a stable condition." The wreck is under 24-hour radar surveillance and is designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. An exclusion zone is clearly marked around it, but recent fears emerged after a cargo ship was pictured sailing perilously close to the ticking time bomb. Eastchurch resident James Dewey, who spotted a WEC Lines container ship edging closer to the exclusion zone - marked by buoys, told reports: "It was worrying when I was sitting there looking at doomsday." Officials confirmed the ship did not breach the exclusion zone, but the event still re-sparked interest in the ship's potential to wreak havoc. As previously reported, a 1970 report from the Royal Military College of Science predicted a huge tsunami more than 3,000 metres high would be caused if its payload was to detonate. Nearby Sheerness would also be engulfed in the carnage.
