Maritime Accident Report — July 25, 2026
This daily report covers notable maritime incidents and offshore casualties from publicly available sources. These summaries are provided for informational awareness and do not constitute legal advice.
One Dead After Boat Crash on Fox River Near McHenry, Illinois; Occupants of Second Boat Reportedly Fled
A boating collision on Saturday, July 25, shut down part of the Fox River in the 2400-block of Riverside Drive West near McHenry, Illinois, for several hours. At least one person died of their injuries, and officials said occupants of the "offending boat" may have fled on foot in the Holiday Hills area south of the McHenry Dam. The McHenry County Sheriff's Office closed the river while the investigation, which remains ongoing, got underway.
Source: ABC7 Chicago
Saudi Tanker Encelia on Fire After Houthi Attack in Red Sea
On Thursday, July 23, the Saudi-flagged product tanker Encelia caught fire after being struck by a projectile roughly 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq in the Red Sea, days after departing Yanbu. Yemen's Houthis claimed attacks on two Saudi tankers, including the Bahri-owned VLCC Layla, though the second strike was not independently confirmed. The crew fought the fire and no casualties were reported.
Source: Seatrade Maritime
Multiple Crew Killed in Missile Strike on Bulk Carrier Golden Leo After Departing Odesa
On Monday, July 20, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged, Turkish-owned bulk carrier Golden Leo was struck by a cruise missile shortly after leaving Odesa with a cargo of grain, sparking a fire in the vessel's superstructure. Ukrainian officials blamed Russia and said a Ukrainian maritime pilot and several members of the 18-person crew of Indian, Syrian, and Ukrainian nationals were killed, with casualty reports ranging from five to ten dead; eight people were rescued.
Source: The Maritime Executive
Grounded Shadow-Fleet Tanker Caroline Bezengi Leaking Oil Off Oman
The 159,000 dwt tanker Caroline Bezengi, which reported an onboard explosion in early June while carrying Russian cargo to India, appears to be aground near Oman's Hallaniyat Islands and leaking oil into a protected marine area, according to satellite imagery from July 2 through July 13 reviewed by independent specialists. The vessel has reportedly settled further onto the rocks with seawater entering several cargo tanks, threatening habitat for humpback whales, sea turtles, and seabirds.
Source: The Maritime Executive
Mobile Woman Killed in Two-Boat Collision on Intracoastal Waterway Near Wolf Bay, Alabama
Kristin Delaney, 46, of Mobile died after the 27-foot vessel she was riding on collided with a 23-foot boat on the Intracoastal Waterway near Wolf Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama, at about 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. Five other boaters from Alabama and Louisiana were injured and hospitalized, and a total of sixteen people were aboard the two vessels. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Patrol Division is investigating.
Source: The Times of Houma/Thibodaux
If you or a loved one has been affected by a maritime accident, consulting a qualified maritime attorney can help you understand your legal rights under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
