Baltic Klipper container spill raises wider concerns

10 Dec 202511 Dec 2025 ~ Bob Comlay

This incident draws attention to three distinct areas of concern for Solent Protection Society: Environmental Impacts of PollutionClimate Change AdaptationMaritime Safety Environmental Impacts of Pollution The volunteer trustees of the Solent Protection Society are all too familiar with the environmental damage caused by sewage discharges from Southern Water’s combined sewer overflows. Yet, at the eastern … Continue reading Baltic Klipper container spill raises wider concerns

Capsized by a breaking wave

21 Mar 201415 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Not in the Solent, but a really alarming demonstration of how a small wave can capsize a yacht, have a look at this VIDEO picked up the RSS feed on our Solent Now page.

21st Century Coastguard – the video

2 Feb 201429 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

On 22nd January, Geoff Matthews of HM Coastguard gave a fascinating talk about the major reforms taking place within the Coastguard service. The changes arise from the advances in information and communications technology over the last 2 decades. It was clear that Geoff firmly believes that the new situation will represent a major step forward. … Continue reading 21st Century Coastguard – the video

Solent collision – official Coastguard video

17 Jan 201429 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Official Coastguard video of Atalanta of Chester colliding into the Hanne Knutsen in the Solent. Interesting to note the track of the SP launch (ahead of the tanker) which clearly tried to prevent a collision

Cowes General Directions and Harbour Byelaws 2014

18 Dec 201315 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Not that anyone would ever argue with it, but the chain ferry has now been given formal right of way in the new General Directions for Cowes Harbour. as explained in the forward:- "One of the major changes will be the introduction of General Direction No. 6. Cowes Chain Ferry. This General Direction governs the … Continue reading Cowes General Directions and Harbour Byelaws 2014

The Coastguard Carol

17 Dec 201314 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

A fun idea to produce a new carol video promoting a safety message, Perhaps they should stick to their day jobs! More seriously, Coastguard is in for a year of change. We arranged for a senior Coastguard, Geoff Matthews, to deliver a talk explaining the changes.

Successful SOLFIRE exercise

24 Nov 201314 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

“VTS, THIS IS TANKER ALBION. WE HAVE HAD AN EXPLOSION IN THE PUMP ROOM. THERE IS A FIRE THERE. TWO CREW MISSING. WE HAVE ANCHORED CLEAR OF THE NAVIGATION CHANNEL “ This was the opening move in an exercise held last week in Southampton Water. Tests of the Solfire plan take place at regular intervals, … Continue reading Successful SOLFIRE exercise

“Kahu – a textbook salvage operation”

15 Nov 201315 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Andrew Healy, Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: “This was a model multi-agency response to a complex pollution incident. There was very minimal impact on the local environment as a result of this incident.” We reported the fire that led to the superyacht sinking in the River Medina last … Continue reading “Kahu – a textbook salvage operation”

Solfire emergency plan test on Thursday

13 Nov 201314 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Even the best laid plans can go wrong so it is vital that they are tested, The emergency services in the Solent area have collaborated to produce an emergency response plan to deal with marine accidents that could arise in the port areas of Portsmouth and Southampton. By agreement with HM Coastguard the plan will … Continue reading Solfire emergency plan test on Thursday

Kahu superyacht goes up in flames

7 Nov 201315 Aug 2018 ~ SPS Admin

Fascinating video published by @cowesofficial on twitter of this major fire in the Medina in which superyacht Kahu burned and sank Oil spill plans were put into effect.