ship

We appear to have gotten our first look at a curious Chinese ship, which some have dubbed a ‘drone carrier,’ actually in use, supporting at-sea testing of the AR-500CJ uncrewed helicopter. The vessel is one of a number of unusual designs with open flight decks that have emerged in China in recent years as China’s drone ambitions have increasingly extended into the naval domain.

China’s state-run television station CCTV-7, which focuses on news related to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), broadcast clips of the AR-500CJ being tested at sea back on October 30. The AR-500CJ, a version of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) larger AR-500 family optimized for shipboard operations, first flew in 2022.

The CCTV-7 segment does not appear to name the ship the AR-500CJ is seen operating from, nor does it offer a full view of the vessel. However, the size and configuration of the flight deck, especially a trapezoidal section on the starboard side toward the stern, as well as its markings, match up directly with the design of a ship that was launched at the Jiangsu Dayang Marine shipyard back in 2022. Naval News was first to report in detail on that vessel, which is approximately 328 feet (100 meters) long and some 82 feet (25 meters) across, and has a small island on the starboard side toward the bow, last year.

It had been suggested that the ship seen in the CCTV-7 footage might be a mysterious Chinese vessel with a large open flight deck and three superstructures that TWZ was first to report on last year. That ship bears the logo of the state-run China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and may be named the Zhong Chuan Zi Hao, and could also be a first-of-its-kind ostensibly civilian research ship, as you can read more about here. However, the CSSC ‘carrier’ has a much larger and differently shaped flight deck that also has very distinct markings on it.

As mentioned, a number of unusual open-decked vessels have emerged in China in recent years. Jiangsu Dayang Marine, also known as the New Dayang shipyard, has become particularly notable in this regard. The yard has also produced at least two catamaran drone ‘motherships,’ which TWZ was also first to report on in detail, as well as various specialized barges. These all largely appear to be intended for use in training and/or testing, and to be particularly focused on replicating drone and/or electronic warfare threats. The first known imagery of one of the catamaran motherships in use also notably came from a CCTV-7 segment in 2022.

As TWZ has noted in the past, the maritime platforms that Jiangsu Dayang Marine has produced could potentially have roles in an actual operational context, including when paired with larger crewed warships. At the same time, the relatively small size and general configuration of the ‘mini drone carrier’ would limit its suitability for any kind of sustained employment in support of real-world operations.

An image from the ground of the reported Chinese experimental drone platform. If accurate, it illustrates the relatively modest proportions of the design. Via “斯文的土匪—”/Wb (H/t Temstar/SDF). pic.twitter.com/LAFHRqaGfK

— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) May 18, 2024

Even without a secondary operational role, dedicated naval drone test and training platforms still offer value to the PLA, which has been steadily working to expand the scale and scope of its shipboard uncrewed aviation capabilities. AR-500CJ, which AVIC has said could be used as a surveillance asset or an aerial signal relay node, among other roles, is part of this evolving ecosystem. Another drone helicopter intended for shipboard operations, based on the larger AR-2000 design from China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), was among a host of new uncrewed aircraft designs showcased at a huge military parade in Beijing in September.

Chinese naval drone developments extend well beyond vertical takeoff and landing capable designs. Work on a navalized version of the stealthy flying-wing GJ-11 Sharp Sword uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) has become a particular centerpiece of these efforts. Imagery just recently emerged that offered the first clear look at one of those drones with its arrestor hook deployed. The naval GJ-11, also sometimes referred to as the GJ-21, is expected to fly from at least some of China’s growing fleet of aircraft carriers and big-deck amphibious assault ships.

As it seems, for the first time clear images of a GJ-21 in flight are posted and this one – based on the still installed pitots – has its tail hook down. pic.twitter.com/5h1nVZHzIe

— @Rupprecht_A (@RupprechtDeino) November 1, 2025

On a broader level, China continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in uncrewed aviation developments in the military and commercial domains, and there is often considerable overlap between the two. Just this year, TWZ was the first to report on the emergence of several previously unseen advanced drone designs, a number of which are also notably large. As we have reported in the past, flying-wing uncrewed aircraft designs also continue to be a particular area of focus for the Chinese aviation industry.

With all this in mind, China’s use of bespoke ships with open flight decks to support drone testing and training, as well as other purposes, only looks likely to grow.

Contact the author: [email protected]

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has built up an unusually large force in the Caribbean Sea and the waters off the coast of Venezuela since this summer, when the Trump administration first began to shift assets to the region as part of its so-called war against narcoterrorism.

Here is a look at the ships, planes and troops in the region:

Ships

The Navy has eight warships in the region — three destroyers, three amphibious assault ships, a cruiser and a smaller littoral combat ship that’s designed for coastal waters.

The three amphibious assault ships make up an amphibious readiness group and carry an expeditionary unit of Marines. As a result, those ships also have on board a variety of Marine helicopters, Osprey tilt rotor aircraft and Harrier jets that have the capability of either transporting large numbers of Marines or striking targets on land and sea.

While officials have not offered specific numbers, destroyers and cruisers typically deploy with a missile loadout that contains Tomahawk cruise missiles — a missile that can strike hundreds of miles from its launch point.

A U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Newport News, also is operating in the broader area of South America and is capable of carrying and launching cruise missiles.

Planes and drones

A squadron of advanced U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jets have been sent to an airstrip in Puerto Rico. The planes were first spotted landing on the island territory in mid-September.

MQ-9 Reaper Air Force drones, capable of flying long distances and carrying up to eight laser-guided missiles, also have been spotted operating out of Puerto Rico by commercial satellites and military watchers, as well as photojournalists, around the same time.

It has been widely reported that the Navy is operating P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft out of the region as well.

Earlier this month, the military released a photo of an U.S. Air Force AC-130J Ghostrider, a heavily armed plane capable of firing its large guns with precision onto ground targets, also sitting on the tarmac in Puerto Rico.

There have been a multitude of other military aircraft that have temporarily flown through the region as part of military operations there.

For example, the U.S. Air Force flew a group of B-52 Stratofortress bombers through the region last week for what the Pentagon dubbed as a “bomber attack demo” in photos online.

Troops

All told, there are more than 6,000 sailors and Marines that are now operating in the region based on the ships that have been confirmed by defense officials.

The Pentagon has not offered specific numbers on how many drones, aircraft or ground crew are in the region so their impact on that broader figure is unknown.

Toropin writes for the Associated Press.

Cameroon-flagged tanker issues distress call about 60 nautical miles (110km) south of Yemen’s Ahwar in Gulf of Aden.

A ship has caught fire in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen after being struck by a projectile, the British military said, with one report suggesting its crew was preparing to abandon the vessel.

The incident on Saturday comes as Yemen’s Houthi rebels have maintained their military campaign of attacking ships through the Red Sea corridor in solidarity with Palestinians under fire in Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

The Houthis did not immediately claim an attack, though it can take them hours or even days to do so.

The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) a centre issued an alert about the vessel, describing the incident as taking place some 210km (130 miles) east of Aden.

“A vessel has been hit by an unknown projectile, resulting with a fire,” the UKMTO said. “Authorities are investigating.”

The maritime security firm Ambrey described the ship as a Cameroon-flagged tanker that issued a distress call as it passed about 60 nautical miles (equivalent to 110km) south of Yemen’s Ahwar while en route from Sohar, Oman, to Djibouti.

It said radio traffic suggested the crew was preparing to abandon ship, and a search-and-rescue effort was under way.

Ambrey said the tanker was not believed to be linked to the target profile of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.

The group has launched numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked to Israel or its supporters.

The attacks have disrupted trade flows through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

But no attacks have been claimed by the rebel group since the ceasefire began in Gaza on October 10.

The rebels’ most recent attack hit the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht on September 29, killing one crew member on board and wounding another. The Houthi campaign against shipping has killed at least nine mariners and seen four ships sunk.

Israel has repeatedly struck what it says are Houthi targets in Yemen in recent months, killing dozens of Yemeni civilians. The Houthis have fired missiles towards Israel, most intercepted, but some breaking past Israel’s much-vaunted US-supplied air defences and causing injuries and disruptions at airports.

On Thursday, Israel claimed responsibility for killing the Houthi military’s Chief of Staff Muhammad Abd al-Karim al-Ghamari.

The Houthis said in a statement that the conflict with Israel had not ended and that Israel will “receive its deterrent punishment for the crimes it has committed”.

In August, Israel said it targeted senior figures from the group, including al-Ghamari, in air strikes on the capital Sanaa that killed the prime minister of Yemen’s Houthi-run government and several other ministers.

A massive, seven storey ship that was once used as a luxury hotel in a Thai resort was deserted after reports of a curse and the apparent death of one of its workers

It was supposed to be a luxurious and unique destination in one of Thailand’s most beautiful areas, but a catalogue of disasters led to the downfall of an infamous hotel that locals believed was cursed.

The Galaxy looked like a huge cruise liner that had come aground on the unspoilt banks of the shore, but it was actually a seven storey structure its owner hoped would attract thousands of tourists.

Following its demise, it became a hotspot for urban explorers desperate to get inside the eerie ship – to discover what remained of the once glamorous interior for themselves.

One of these was US social media influencer Joshua T Yozura. He visited the site which lies seven hours south of Bangkok on Thailand’s third largest island, Koh Chang.

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The blogger shared his findings with his followers on his YouTube series, Exploring with Josh, where he explained the dark and mysterious history behind the abandoned ship.

It started out as a US Navy vessel before it was converted to a traditional Thai ship. A resident billionaire then bought the boat because his dream was to own a floating hotel. It was originally supposed to be located in Phnom Pen, Cambodia, but after that didn’t work out it was placed on Koh Chang instead.

The resort, which is now abandoned, sits deep in the jungle on a beautiful lagoon known as Koh Chang Lagoona. Back in 1998 it was popular with tourists who could stay in the impressive bungalows dotted about or on the ship which dominated the area.

The hotel sat on land next to a long untouched beach and swimming pools in the area were designed to look like a ship’s deck.

Originally the seven storey hotel and its 70 guest rooms were said to be the height of luxury with plush carpets, chandeliers and highly trained staff. When Josh visited the site, he witnessed a dilapidated wreck, with the once gleaming white exterior marked with streaks of brown rust.

The structure remained in the original plot, surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation but there was a spooky silence in the deserted area. He and his crew had hoped to get inside the hotel to see what remained of the accommodation but they were followed by a man who told them to leave.

He explained that a variety of factors led to the failure of the impressive hotel. Its bad luck began when a Banyan tree was knocked down so the ship could sit in its location in the lagoon. This angered the highly religious and spiritual locals who believed the tree was sacred to the land, as were the elephants who could no longer roam freely. This was the moment that the hotel’s reputation of being cursed was born.

Josh revealed that apparently when the hotel was active a lot of workers and guests became sick, had falls and even died. “There’s a lot of legends and rumours that say people used to jump from the top of the ship to the bottom,” he said. “I can’t prove that online, it’s always up in the air with stuff like this. There was an article I read that a Russian guy actually got hurt and fell and died on the ship – it’s hard to say [if it’s true].”

As well as the spiritual ‘curse’, the hotel was doomed by its tropical location. The area, which was surrounded by water, was infested with mosquitoes. This led to Dengue fever and malaria and meant guests were fearful of staying there. It was also extremely humid and the ship was difficult to keep cool, which made for a very uncomfortable holiday.

When it eventually closed to staying guests in 2012 it was possible for a time to buy tickets to explore the ‘haunted’ relic with its many decks. However after the pandemic, the resort itself closed down because of lack of finances and tourism.

Then in December 2024 the ship mysteriously caught fire and was destroyed. It was left to smoulder before workers set about dismantling the top sections and removing materials for scrap. All that remains of the bizarre, ‘supernatural’ hotel is the charred hull and a wealth of folklore and legends.

Oct. 10 (UPI) — China said Friday it will start charging U.S. ships docking at its ports in a direct response to the Trump administration imposing the same fee on Chinese vessels entering U.S. shores.

The Chinese Ministry of Transportation announced beginning Tuesday it will charge about $56 per ton for American vessels entering China’s ports in a reciprocal response to ship fees imposed by the United States of about the same at $50 per ship via China.

In addition, China stated it will match the United States by increasing fees over time through April 2028.

In the short term, however, this will “result in an increase in costs for U.S. consumers, a decrease in profits for shippers, and a small decline in demand for exports to the U.S. in certain category,” according to Michael Hart, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in China.

The U.S. and Chinese shipping fees are set to take effect the same day.

On Friday, Beijing said the initial U.S. ship fees imposed by the Trump White House “seriously violate” global trading principles and “seriously damages” China-U.S maritime trade.

“China can give as good as it gets and has demonstrated a willingness to take direct action,” Peter Alexander, managing director of Z-Ben Advisors in Shanghai, told CNBC.

China’s Transportation Ministry said fees will apply to ships owed by American citizens, businesses, organizations and other entities under the U.S. flag holding a 25% ownership stake or more.

Alexander suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump continues to “underestimate China and this needs to stop” and was “just more tit-for-tat negotiation tactics.”

“There seems to be little consideration given to second and third-order effects of policy choices,” he added.

It arrived as communist China and President Xi Jingping seeks to leverage control over export of rare Earth minerals and Trump’s tax-like tariff policies.

“Have there been any lessons learned by the Americans over the past six months?” Alexander questioned. “It certainly doesn’t seem so,” he added.

One mistake has been highlighted by many cruise passengers, and it could see you turned away from the restaurant when you attempt to dress for dinner

Countless British holidaymakers will be eagerly anticipating embarking on a cruise adventure this winter season.

These floating holidays provide endless opportunities to savour delectable cuisine from around the globe whilst experiencing incredible cultural adventures at destinations worldwide.

Yet P&O Cruises has emphasised a crucial regulation that travellers must heed to avoid the embarrassment of being refused entry at their dining booking. The majority of their voyages maintain a laid-back attire policy, with occasional evenings designated as “Black Tie” affairs.

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These special evenings celebrate “glitz and glamour”, as P&O’s website describes: “a chance to dress to impress with your favourite cocktail dress, tuxedo, ball gown, suit or smart jacket and tie.”

There are also “Evening Casual” occasions, where guests are encouraged to don their finest shirts, dark denim and smart separates, “as long as the tracksuits are left on the hanger”.

One particular garment, however, stays strictly forbidden across all dining venues except the buffet during Black Tie evenings – tailored shorts. Even during Evening Casual nights, only a select few restaurants permit guests wearing them to enter, reports the Express.

Reddit users have recounted tales of themselves or their companions being denied access to these more upmarket evenings for sporting shorts – despite pairing them with crisp button-down shirts and pricey footwear. One disgruntled passenger recounted how her husband was turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox for his attire, stating: “My husband got turned away from the main dining room on Celebrity Equinox (about four years ago) for wearing nice shorts with a collared polo shirt,”.

While you might be tempted to dispute with staff over dress code issues, it’s generally seen as bad form. Dressing inappropriately is a frequent faux pas among cruise passengers.

READ MORE: UK travellers face new rule from October 12 – full list

Grant Harrold, an etiquette expert collaborating with Spincasino.com, highlighted that dressing appropriately is crucial and often overlooked by first-time cruisers. Grant emphasised: “This is really important,” adding, “It’s making sure you’re dressed in the right outfit in the right area.”

He further explained that guests are usually informed about the dress requirements for formal and casual evenings aboard large vessels. “On a lot of the big ships you will be given notice of formal evenings or casual evenings, so casual evenings can be anything from jeans and t-shirts to smart shirts, jackets and chinos to the formal evenings where it’s going to be black tie or national dress and officers wear their uniforms.”

However, holidaymakers need not jettison their smart shorts just yet. Daytime attire on cruises is typically relaxed, with t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses being the norm, although they might not be the best choice for a Northern European trip this winter.

OPINION

Grant also advised: “Away from the pool, we ask for shoes to be worn and no pool wear in the ship’s lounges, inside bars, restaurants or reception.”

P&O also suggests comfortable flat footwear for wandering the decks and lightweight layers for cool and windy evenings whilst on deck. For passengers venturing ashore, the cruise line also highlights air-conditioned galleries or cooler places of worship.

“Please remember that some cultures may require you to cover up too,” particularly many sacred sites. Smart shorts aren’t the sole garment with restrictions: “Fancy dress, novelty clothing or outfits that feature any inappropriate or offensive language or images are not permitted on board.”

“We reserve the right to deny embarkation to guests who are inappropriately dressed. The only exception to this is official P&O Cruises theme nights, where guests are invited to dress up in line with the theme.”

Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises all offer up some very cool activities and attractions onboard their cruise ships

Long gone are the days when entertainment on cruise ships consisted of lounging around by the pool all day before heading over to the buffet.

Yes, those experiences are still absolutely available for those who want them, but nowadays cruises have seriously upped the ante when it comes to their onboard entertainment. Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have pulled out all of the stops with onboard rollercoasters, go-kart tracks and thrill attractions for guests who are after an adrenaline rush during their holidays.

That’s not even including the epic water parks that often boast high speed slides and fun for the whole family (although make sure you’re aware of a little-known pool rule before getting in, or you could face having to leave the pool area!).

We take a look at some of the ridiculously cool attractions you can find on cruises – check out our top picks below!

1. Crown’s Edge, Royal Caribbean

Usually a stroll around a cruise ship involves a dedicated track, or just wandering through the decks; but Royal Caribbean has added a major thrill factor for those who dare to brave Crown’s Edge. Described as a “part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride”, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as you step onto the walkway that takes you right above the water below! The attraction is available on the cruise line’s newest ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, which also happen to be sharing the title of world’s biggest cruise ship!

Find out more on royalcaribbean.com.

2. Robotron, MSC Cruises

If you love a fairground ride, then you’re going to want to check out Robotron onboard MSC Seascape. This terrifying ride involves a giant robotic arm that’s attached with a gondola to seat three guests, and sends them soaring 53 metres above the sea, with 360 degree views of the horizon (just be prepared to be flipped upside down and in all sorts of directions!).

Find out more on msccruises.com.

3. Go-karting, Norwegian Cruise Line

Get ready to show off your competitive side on board Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, where you can find some of the world’s longest race tracks at sea. Passengers can race their electric karts at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, with highlights including a pit lane, viewing spaces for spectators, and engine sounds through the headrest so you feel like you could be joining the F1 line-up.

Find out more on ncl.com.

4. BOLT, Carnival Cruise Lines

Riders who brave the world’s first rollercoaster at sea will not only be treated to epic sea views, but they’ll get to control the speed at which they ride on the motorcycle-style car, with the ability to reach up to 40 miles per hour. The ride is available on ships including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Find out more on carnival.com.

5. AquaDuck, Disney Cruise Line

Thrill attractions don’t always have to be for adults and big kids; on Disney’s Cruise Line, the Aquaduck water ride can be ideal for smaller adrenaline-seekers. Families can get propelled along the water tunnels in a dinghy around the ship, across a four-deck drop.

The cruise line’s newest ships including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will feature a similar water ride, although this one is the AquaMouse and features cool features including screens as you join Mickey and Minnie Mouse on their adventures.

Find out more on disneycruise.disney.go.com.

6. Magic Carpet, Celebrity Cruises

Before you get visions of joining Aladdin for a quick-stop flight around the world, this one’s actually a bar! Celebrity’s cantilevered platform is a firm favourite with holidaymakers as you can enjoy a tipple or two while moving up and down the ship. Plus, as it’s on the edge of the ship, you can get unrivalled views of the ocean! You’ll find this very cool feature on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.

Find out more on celebritycruises.com/gb.

7. Zip line, Royal Caribbean

If you’re not afraid of heights, then this suspended zip line that zooms over the Boardwalk, offering you brilliant views of the ship (if you dare keep your eyes open that is). You’ll typically find this attraction on the cruise line’s Oasis Class ships, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

Find out more on royalcaribbean.com.

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From Jack Harris: With two out in the seventh inning Wednesday night, and Blake Snell trying to put the finishing touches on his best performance in a Dodgers uniform, Roberts appeared to be coming to the mound after a pair of walks to turn to his shaky bullpen with a three-run lead.

As he usually does when removing a pitcher, his gait was slow — at least, initially.

Once Snell saw him coming, however, Roberts picked up his pace — as he will sometimes do when electing to leave a pitcher in the game.

“You know what, in that situation, I was actually 50/50,” Roberts said. “Obviously, 99.9% of the time, I’ve got my decision made. But in that moment, I was kind of up in the air.”

After a brief discussion with his starting pitcher, he let Snell stay in.

“He’s one of the guys that we have to push,” Roberts explained afterward. “He’s got the track record for it. The DNA, the talent to do it. So it’s important.”

“For us to win 13 games in October, we’re gonna need certain guys to be pushed and go deeper.”

Five throws later, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, and $182-million centerpiece of the club’s offseason, rewarded the decision. He sent Otto Kemp down swinging with a 95 mph fastball. He authored an emphatic ending to his scoreless seven-inning start, one that lifted the Dodgers to a 5-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies to maintain a two-game lead in the National League West standings.

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Dodgers box score

MLB standings

ANGELS

Brandon Woodruff pitched five solid innings, Sal Frelick hit a three-run homer and Blake Perkins tied a career high with five RBIs to lead the Milwaukee Brewers to a 9-2 win over the Angels on Wednesday night.

Woodruff (7-2) gave up two hits and one run, struck out nine and threw 52 of his 69 pitches for strikes. He was pitching on 10 days rest to manage his workload after he missed last season while recovering from right shoulder surgery.

Angels starter José Soriano (10-11) exited with one out in the second after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Jake Bauers. Soriano sustained a right forearm contusion. X-rays were negative.

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Angels box score

MLB standings

CHARGERS

From Anthony De Leon: When Khalil Mack suffered a left elbow injury after colliding with a teammate while tackling the Raiders’ Geno Smith, the concern wasn’t whether he’d miss time, but how much.

Fortunately for the Chargers, the diagnosis was a dislocated elbow, sidelining him four weeks on injured reserve — far better than the season-ending outcome many had feared.

“He’s like Wolverine,” coach Jim Harbaugh said, invoking the regenerating “X-Men” character. “One of the toughest things I’ve ever seen. He wasn’t going to sit or lay down on the field. … A new level of respect.”

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From Ryan Kartje: Since DeShaun Foster was fired earlier this week, D’Anton Lynn has been near the top of most prospective lists of head coaching candidates for UCLA.

But USC’s rising star defensive coordinator said on Wednesday that he has not been contacted about the open job across town and reiterated that his attention was trained on the Trojans’ upcoming matchup with Michigan State on Saturday night.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff on defense that we’ve got to clean up and improve on,” Lynn said. “So that’s where all my focus is right now.”

Continue reading here

How Bishop Fitzgerald’s roots as a quarterback helped him become a prolific USC safety

From Ben Bolch: The fallout from UCLA coach DeShaun Foster’s dismissal deepened Wednesday when interim coach Tim Skipper disclosed that defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe had agreed to “mutually part ways” with the team, depriving the Bruins of one of their most respected assistant coaches.

Meeting with reporters for the first time since he was selected to coach the team for the rest of the season, Skipper said he didn’t know the specifics of Malloe’s departure. One person close to the coaching staff, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject, told The Times that Malloe couldn’t get past blaming himself for the team’s 0-3 start, even suggesting that he be fired instead of Foster, so it was agreed that it would be best if he took time to regroup and focus on himself.

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L.A. OLYMPICS

From Thuc Nhi Nguyen: After Paris sold a record 12 million tickets for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the group organizing the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is getting a head start on ticket sales.

General registration for 2028 Olympics tickets will open in January 2026, more than a full year ahead of the ticket timeline used during the Paris Games, LA28 announced on Wednesday. Tickets to the Paralympics — coming to L.A. for the first time — will go on sale in 2027.

Beginning next year, fans can register to enter the lottery for Olympics tickets at the organizing committee’s website la28.org. If selected in the random draw, fans will receive a purchase time and date for when ticket drops begin in spring 2026. Fans who are not selected for the first round of ticket drops will be automatically be entered into subsequent ones. LA28 officials plan to announce more information about the process later this year.

Single-event tickets will start at $28, with early access for locals around Olympic venue cities. In addition to major sports zones in Downtown L.A., Exposition Park, the Sepulveda Basin, Long Beach, Inglewood and Carson will host multiple Olympic events. L.A., Long Beach and Carson will host the majority of the Paralympic events.

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LAFC

Son Heung-min secured his first MLS hat trick on a sliding finish in the 82nd minute and LAFC beat Real Salt Lake 4-1 on Wednesday night.

Salt Lake (10-15-4) has lost four of its last five matches.

Son, who joined LAFC (13-7-8) a month ago from the English Premier League, scored on a breakaway in the third minute for a 1-0 lead. He was left wide open in the middle of the field in the 16th and scored from distance to make it 2-0.

Son ran with Denis Bouanga from midfield on a 2-on-1 breakaway and scored an easy tap-in for a 3-1 advantage. Bouanga scored six minutes later on another breakaway to break a tie with league legend Carlos Vela for the most goals in club history with 94.

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LAFC summary

MLS standings

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1899 — The Cincinnati Open begins. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the United States still played in its original city and is now known as the Cincinnati Masters & Women’s Open.

1938 — The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers 2-0. Left end Dick Plasman tackles Arnie Herber in the end zone in the fourth quarter for the win.

1946 — Joe Louis knocks out Tami Mauriello in the first round at Yankee Stadium in New York to retain the world heavyweight title.

1960 — Goose Gonsoulin intercepts four passes to lead the Denver Broncos to a 27-21 win over the Buffalo Bills.

1965 — In his first collegiate game, quarterback Billy Stevens of Texas-El Paso gains 483 total yards in a 61-15 rout of North Texas State. Receiver Chuck Hughes has 349 of those yards.

1966 — Baltimore quarterback Johnny Unitas throws 4 touchdown passes in 38-23 win at Minnesota to surpass Y.A. Tittle as NFL’s career leader with 212; finishes career with 290 TD passes.

1967 — U.S. yacht Intrepid beats the Australian yacht Dame Pattie in four straight races to defend the America’s Cup.

1977 — U.S. yacht Courageous beats the challenger Australia in four straight races to defend the America’s Cup.

1982 — In a rare father-son matchup, coach Jack Elway leads San Jose State to its second consecutive upset of quarterback John Elway and Stanford 35-31 in Palo Alto, Calif. John Elway completes 24-of-36 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns. Spartans quarterback Steve Clarkson, throws for 285 yards, three touchdowns and scores on a three-yard keeper for the win after a Cardinal fumble. Stanford reaches the Spartans’ 26-yard line, but Elway gets sacked on four consecutive plays to end the game.

2005 — Green Bay’s Brett Favre joins Dan Marino and John Elway with 50,000 yards passing and also breaks Elway’s single-stadium NFL touchdown record of 180 with a 4-yard toss to Tony Fisher with 4 seconds left of a 26-24 loss to Cleveland at Lambeau Field.

2011 — At 16, Lexi Thompson becomes the youngest player to win an LPGA Tour event. The 16-year-old Floridian closes with a 2-under 70 to win by five strokes over Tiffany Joh at the Navistar LPGA Classic in Prattville, Ala. Thompson shatters the age record for winning a multiple-round tournament held by Paula Creamer, who won in 2005 at 18.

2011 — Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton sets an NFL rookie record by throwing for 432 yards against the Green Bay Packers. Newton, who tied the record by throwing for 422 yards in last week’s loss at Arizona, completes 28 of 46 passes with one touchdown in the 30-23 loss to the Packers. Newton’s 854 yards passing is also the most yards for a player in his first two games.

2013 — American Jordan Burroughs earns another wrestling world title. Burroughs, a gold medalist at the 2012 Olympics, extends his undefeated streak to 65 matches with a 4-0 victory over Iran’s Ezzatollah Akbarizarinkolaei in the 163-pound category at the Laszlo Papp Sports Arena in Budapest, Hungary.

2016 — Detroit’s Anquan Boldin has a touchdown catch in the Lions’ 16-15 loss to Tennessee, to join Terrell Owens as the only players in NFL history to have at least 1,000 career receptions and a touchdown catch with four teams.

THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1903 — Philadelphia’s Chick Fraser pitched a 10-0 no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs in the second game of a doubleheader. The Cubs won the opener 6-5. Fraser struck out five and walked four. Peaches Graham, normally a catcher, was the loser in his only major league decision.

1908 — Bob Rhoads of the Indians pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox for a 2-1 victory in Cleveland.

1930 — New York pitcher Red Ruffing hit two home runs as the Yankees edged the St. Louis Browns 7-6 in 10 innings.

1954 — The Cleveland Indians clinched the American League pennant with a 3-2 triumph over the Detroit Tigers.

1963 — The New York Mets lost their last game at the Polo Grounds — 5-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies before a crowd of 1,752.

1968 — Ray Washburn threw a 2-0 no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park, one day after the Giants’ Gaylord Perry tossed a no-hitter against Washburn’s St. Louis Cardinals.

1980 — Minnesota’s Gary Ward hit for the cycle in a 9-8 loss at Milwaukee. It was Ward’s 14th career game and the home run was his first in the major leagues. The Brewers won the game in the bottom of the ninth on Gorman Thomas’ two-out two-run homer.

1984 — The Detroit Tigers clinched the American League East Division with a 3-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, making the Tigers the fourth team in major league history to lead from start to finish. The other three teams were the 1923 New York Giants, 1927 New York Yankees and the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers.

1984 — Montreal’s Tim Raines became the first player in major league history with four consecutive seasons of 70 or more stolen bases by swiping four in the Expos’ 7-4 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

1985 — Boston catcher Rich Gedman hit for the cycle and drove in seven runs as the Red Sox rout the Toronto Blue Jays, 13-1.

1987 — Detroit’s Darrell Evans became the first 40-year-old player in major league history to hit 30 home runs in a season as the Tigers beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6.

1996 — Roger Clemens equaled his own major league record, fanning 20 batters and pitching a four-hitter to lead Boston over the Detroit Tigers 4-0.

2003 — Atlanta clinched its 12th straight division title when second-place Florida was mathematically eliminated from the NL East race after a 5-4 loss to Philadelphia. The record title streak started in 1991, when the Braves won the NL West. They moved to the East Division in 1994 and trailed Montreal by six games when the strike stopped the season in August.

2006 — The Dodgers hit four consecutive homers in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game and Nomar Garciaparra’s two-run homer in the 10th lifted Los Angeles to an 11-10 victory over the San Diego Padres.

2011 — Erick Aybar went 4 for 4, with four extra-base hits and tied a franchise record by scoring five runs, leading the Angels to an 11-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

2012 — Dusty Baker managed his 3,000th game, guiding the Cincinnati Reds against one of his former teams, the Chicago Cubs.

2020 — Garrett Crochet becomes the first player in over a decade to go straight to the majors when the #11 pick from the 2020 amateur draft makes his maiden appearance pitching in relief for the White Sox against the Reds. After working out at the Sox’s alternate training site in Schaumburg, IL since being signed, he impresses by striking two of three batter he faces and regularly hitting 100 mph on the radar gun with his fastball.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at [email protected]. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

The world’s first cruise ship for solo travellers is set to sail in 2027 with a series of glamorous European sailings – and bookings have already opened

Solo travellers who want to book cruise holidays often have to face the likes of single supplements as cruise ships often have cabins that are designed for at least two people.

However, a new offering from Riviera Travel could be the answer to their problem, as the brand is launching the world’s first river cruise ship aimed exclusively at solo travellers.

MS George Eliot will set sail in 2027 on a series of European itineraries along the likes of the Rhine and Danube, with eight-day itineraries from £2,449pp, as well as two brand new 15-day itineraries.

The move comes after Riviera Travel saw a 66% year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings. In fact, solo travellers now make up nearly 13% of all bookings, with half of guests being repeat travellers.

Research from the travel firm also found that 64% of solo travellers preferring a solo-exclusive trip, as they embrace the freedom of exploring alone while also having the option to travel with like-minded adventurers.

To celebrate the new launch, the company is offering holidaymakers a free upgrade from middle to upper deck on European river cruises departing in 2027 (excluding long-haul). You’ll need to book by the 31st October 2025, and travellers will need to use the code ‘Upgrade 27’. You can find out more on rivieratravel.co.uk.

It’s not the only new launch for the brand. Riviera Alba will also sail in 2027, and will be the first-ever ship outside Europe for the cruise brand, with itineraries along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.

In the meantime, there are plenty more cruise ships to get excited about. Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises have all revealed plans for new ships in 2027, although you’ll need to watch this space for updates on the names and exactly what passengers will get to enjoy onboard.

For those who can’t wait to sail, there’s more good news as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and TUI Cruises are all set to welcome new ships in 2026. In fact, Royal Caribbean celebrated a milestone for its upcoming mega ship Legend of the Seas, as the vessel was floated out earlier this month ahead of its summer 2026 maiden season.

Legend of the Seas will be the third of the cruise line’s Icon Class ships, with the world’s biggest cruise ships Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas being the other two. It will be the first of this ship class to offer sailings around Europe on itineraries from the likes of Barcelona and Rome. Meanwhile with a passenger capacity of up to 5,628, this huge ship will boast the largest waterpark at sea, a 40ft-long FlowRider surf simulator, dazzling theatre shows, epic dining venues and plenty more for passengers to enjoy.

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Patricia Wooding gets lost roaming the world’s biggest cruise ship, the Star of the Seas, on the first passenger voyage of a vast ship with a 250,000 gross tonnage

The world’s biggest and newest cruise ship has set sail on her debut passenger voyage – and already she’s a legend in her own launch-time.

Star of the Seas, a 250,000 gross tonnage floating metropolis built at a cost of £1.6billion, has all you need for the ultimate family holiday crammed on 20 fun-filled decks.

This giant, ocean-going resort simply blows all rival cruise ships out of the water. The Royal Caribbean ship is so huge and packed with so many attractions that at one stage I actually forgot that I was at sea.

In fact, after four days on board I had hardly begun to experience all this supership has to offer.

There are 40 restaurants and bars to suit all tastes, seven swimming pools, shops, theatres, a casino, ice rink, live bands and nightclubs. There’s even a ship’s dog – Sailor – to comfort any of the 5,600 passengers who are missing their own pets while at sea.

READ MORE: Beautiful rainforest island hardly anyone visits despite new direct UK flightsREAD MORE: Underrated island that’s ‘real-life Mamma Mia’ has amazing beaches and no tourists

Jewel in the crown is Thrill Island, a theme park on the top deck which boasts six record-breaking waterslides.

The biggest is not for the faint-hearted but a must for the adventurous.

It’s part skywalk and part ride 154ft above the ocean.

Adrenaline-seekers have to navigate a suspended walkway and experience a controlled freefall before gliding down a zipline to the deck below. It is meant to test the bravery of the thrill-seeker – and it certainly does that. There’s no need to leave the ship if you fancy a bit of surfing, either. Flow-rider is a wave machine which allows you to go “boogie boarding” and simulate real Surfing USA. Incredibly, 30,000 gallons of water a minute rush under the rider at 30mph creating a 5ft foot wave. Watch out for the height restrictions of 4ft 10in for stand-up surfing or 4ft 4in for boogie boarding.

If you’d rather chill than thrill, head to the adults-only area at the rear of the ship – or the aft as we rookie seafarers call it. There you can relax in the suspended infinity pool and enjoy vast ocean views with a cocktail in hand while grooving to the beat of an Ibiza-style DJ. There’s also a shady bar nearby and a terrace with whirlpools.

Don’t worry about dashing to the bar for a refill. The efficient waiters attend to your needs and keep glasses well topped up.

There’s also a three-deck area for holidaymakers to kick back at four pools, including the Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea.

Guests can enjoy live bands while they sip tropical cocktails from the swim-up bar called The Swim and Tonic. If you’re travelling with a young family, head for Surfside. It’s THE place to stay and play all day, however old the children are.

Younger kids and toddlers will have great fun at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay. There are plenty of lifeguards, constantly on full alert, so no reason to worry about their safety.

There’s a multi-level playground called Playscape, which includes a rock climbing wall, with safety harnesses provided. Just like Star of the Seas they can take cruising to another level.

There’s bags of entertainment for the kids and sporty types, including a spectacular mini golf course and a sports court offering five-a-side football and basketball on the top deck.

You don’t need to worry about the ball going overboard, either, as it’s entirely covered by netting.

There’s so much to do on board that you will forget you’re at sea. This was a surprise to me, as someone who suffers travel sickness on a park boating lake.

After one day at sea, I actually had to pinch myself to remember I was not on land. There wasn’t even a gentle movement. I sat through a performance of Back to the Future, the Musical, performed with a full cast and 16-piece band in a 1,400-seat theatre and left thinking I was actually in the West End. But it’s not the only show in this ocean-going town. Torque, a spectacular featuring champion swimmers and divers packed them in at the AquaTheater to see the aquabatics involving a 55ft waterfall and two 60ft diving platforms.

There are thrills and spills on ice with a huge skating cast, including Olympians, in the show Sol. Stars of this show were extreme skaters, former roller skaters who switched to the ice. There’s even a version of the TV Show The Price is Right where you can win a car.

The ultimate family room was an incredible sight with a kiddie slide, video games, personal access to decks and Jacuzzi and stairs which look like and play like piano keys!

Fitness, yoga, sunrise moments, balloon rides and pickleball – you name it – are part of the entertainment. There’s music for almost every taste, including a resident DJ, karaoke, jazz club, duelling pianos, and a harpist, plus a stand-up comedy theatre. You can shop till you drop with lots of high end boutiques – but don’t go overboard.

Even arriving for breakfast is fun as a pair of dancers greet you, reminding you in song to wash your hands at the row of basins at the restaurant entrance.

Star, sister ship to Icon of the Seas, hit the ocean waves this month to deliver seven-night Caribbean adventures with stops at its top-rated private island in the Bahamas.

Sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida, we stopped at Perfect Day at CocoCay, bought by Royal Caribbean in 1988 and turned into a dream resort. My first glimpse of the tropical paradise was when I drew back the cabin curtains at 7am to see the island glistening like a jewel in the ocean. It contains miles of white, sandy beaches and attractions you’ll find in the world’s top resorts. After breakfast on board, we headed down the gangway and were greeted by staff ready to whisk us about by mini electric train.

Most of it is free – including food, drink and sun loungers – for passengers who pull up for the day. There’s water slides, balloon rides and lots of nature to discover.

But it was pure magic simply to relax on the silver sands of Hideaway Bay, sip a complimentary cocktail and take in the view. We visited Coco Beach Club which boasts a magnificent swimming pool, bars and wooden cabanas which were available for private hire. While bathing in clear, shallow water we came across a 4ft lemon shark. No need to panic, as the lifeguard assured us, as they are not considered dangerous to humans.

Still, it set the heart pounding to see such a magnificent creature swimming so close in barely three feet of water. The great thing about visiting this island is that it’s a home from home for cruisers.

Just flash your passenger identity card and you get complimentary food, drinks, towels and sunbeds, so you can leave your cash and credit cards in the safe in the cabin. Even the free wi-fi you get on board works on the island and is part of your package.

I sampled a Bahama Mama cocktail, enjoyed a refreshing dip in the sparking, turquoise water and felt relaxed with a capital R.

At 4.30, we made our way back aboard the ship to take a shower and freshen up for dinner and the evening of lavish entertainment.

As I finished getting ready, I glanced out of the cabin window to see we were setting sail again and waved goodbye to the magic island.

It truly had been a Perfect Day. But with so much still to see and do on board Star, the adventure was only just beginning…

GET ON BOARD

Royal Caribbean offers a seven-night round trip on Star of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 2 and calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas; Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Philipsburg, St Maarten. From £1,321pp, flights extra. royalcaribbean.com/gbr

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The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), bound for the Gaza Strip, says a drone struck its main ship in the Tunisian port of Sidi Bou Said, causing a fire, but that all its passengers and crew were safe.

A spokesman for the GSF blamed Israel for the incident, which occurred late on Monday, but the Tunisian National Guard said reports of a drone attack were “completely unfounded”.

The agency instead suggested that the fire was caused by a cigarette butt or a lighter setting a life jacket ablaze.

The GSF, however, insisted the incident was a drone attack and said it would provide more details on Tuesday morning.

There was no immediate comment from Israel.

The GSF comprises more than 50 boats, heading for Gaza to break the Israeli siege on the war-battered and famine-stricken Palestinian territory.

According to the GSF, the incident on the Family Boat, which is sailing under a Portuguese flag and carrying the group’s steering committee members, took place at 11:45pm on Monday. There were six people on the boat at the time of the drone attack, and some of the passengers quickly extinguished the fire.

All crew members are safe, it said in a statement.

The fire caused damage to the ship’s main deck and below-deck storage, it said.

‘Huge explosion’

The GSF posted multiple videos on social media that it said showed the moment the attack took place.

One video, taken from another vessel near the Family Boat, showed an incendiary device falling on the boat, causing an explosion. Another video, captured on the Family Boat’s security cameras, shows crew members looking up and jumping back before an explosion.

Miguel Duarte, who was on board the Family Boat and witnessed the attack, told the Middle East Eye that he saw a drone hovering over the vessel before it dropped an explosive device.

“I was standing in the back part of the ship, the aft deck, and I heard a drone,” Duarte said in the video posted online by MEE.

“I saw a drone clearly about 4 metres [13 feet] above my head. I called someone. We were looking at the drone, just above our heads, really,” he recounted.

The drone stopped close to the two crew members, then moved slowly to the forward deck of the ship, and dropped what was “obviously a bomb”, he said.

“There was a huge explosion, lots of fire, big, big flames … We could have been killed,” Duarte added.

Members of the GSF held Israel responsible for the attack, noting the Israeli military’s past assaults on ships bound for Gaza.

“There is no other authority that would do such an attack, such a crime, except the Israeli authorities,” spokesperson Saif Abukeshek said in a video posted on the GSF’s official Instagram page.

“They have been committing genocide for the past 22 months, and they are willing to attack a peaceful, non-violent flotilla,” he added.

Tunisia’s National Guard, however, denied reports of a drone attack, saying on its Facebook page that initial investigations show the fire broke out in one of the life jackets on the ship “as a result of a lighter or cigarette butt”.

It added, “There was no evidence of any hostile act or external targeting.”

The GSF later announced it would hold a news conference at 10am local time on Tuesday (09:00 GMT) to update the media and the public about the attack.

The United Nations special rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, who is taking part in the flotilla, said while details of the attack have to be verified, Israel has a long history of attacking Gaza-bound ships.

“If it’s confirmed that this is a drone attack, it will be an assault and aggression against Tunisia and against Tunisian sovereignty,” Albanese said.

“Again, we cannot keep on tolerating this and normalising the illegal.”

GSF says its mission will continue

Several flotillas have attempted to break the blockade of Gaza in the past.

In 2008, two boats from the Free Gaza Movement, founded in 2006 by activists during Israel’s war on Lebanon, successfully reached Gaza, marking the first breach of Israel’s naval blockade.

Since 2010, however, Israeli forces have intercepted or attacked all such flotillas in international waters, sometimes using deadly force. This includes Israel’s raid on the Mavi Marmara in 2010, during which its commandos killed 10 activists and wounded dozens of others.

There have been three attempts to break the Israeli siege of Gaza this year. The first one, organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was aborted in May after drones struck the Conscience ship off the coast of Malta. The FFC blamed the attack on Israel.

The other bids, on the Madleen and Handala, were intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Gaza in international waters, and activists were detained and deported.

The GSF organisers say the latest attempt is the largest maritime mission to Gaza, bringing together more than 50 ships and delegations from at least 44 countries. Its participants include Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela and French actress Adele Haenel.

The first convoy of the flotilla departed from Spanish ports on August 31 and arrived in Tunisia last week. The group was due to depart from Tunis on Wednesday.

Abukeshek, the GSF spokesman, said the flotilla is determined to continue the mission despite the attack.

“We will continue our preparation as soon as we make sure the ships are safe and the crew and the participants are safe,” he said.

“We will continue to break the siege on Gaza.”

Russia says it carried out a drone boat attack on a Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance ship in the mouth of the Danube River, marking Moscow’s first confirmed use of these weapons that Ukraine has deployed to great effect. The Ukrainian Navy confirmed an attack on one of its ships but did not say how the strike was carried out. Meanwhile, Ukraine carried out an aerial drone strike deep behind enemy lines on a Russian missile corvette in the Sea of Azov. You can read more about that later in this story.

“Using a high-speed uncrewed surface (USV) vehicle, the Ukrainian Navy’s Simferopol medium reconnaissance ship was defeated at the River Danube mouth,” the Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) claimed. “As a result of the attack, the Ukrainian ship sank.”

“This marks the first recorded instance of Russian forces employing a naval drone to strike a Ukrainian warship,” the official Ukrainian United24 media outlet reported.

Two videos emerged on social media showing the moment of the attack. One showed the drone boat view as it approached the Simferpol while the other was taken from a surveillance drone operating overhead.

Ukrainian officials did not name the vessel or provide details about its status.

“We confirm the fact of the strike on the ship,” Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmitry Pletenchuk told the Ukrainian Ukrinform news outlet. “Currently, the elimination of the consequences of the attack is ongoing. The overwhelming majority of the crew is safe. The search for several sailors continues. Unfortunately, one crew member was killed, and several were wounded.”

Though posting a video of the attack, Russia provided no details about the type of USV, where it was launched or any of its capabilities, beyond being able to stream video back to a controller. The Russian USV could have been launched from occupied Crimea, more than 130 miles to the east, or from a larger Navy vessel.

It is interesting to note that on Aug. 27, just a day before Russia supposedly launched its drone boat attack, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane fitted with a secretive radar pod was videod by a Russian jet during a very rare mission over the western Black Sea. That’s over the region where the drone boat strike took place. The jet’s sensors are likely the best available for detecting small craft like a drone boat. You can see a video of that encounter below and read more about it in our original story here.

The meeting between a Russian Sukhoi fighter jet and U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft/ASW plane over the Black Sea. Video reportedly from today.

The P-8A is equipped with the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor multifunctional AESA radar, deployed under… pic.twitter.com/F6xo80Hyq4

— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) August 27, 2025

While the first known sea drone attack on a Ukrainian naval ship, there were claims that Russia hit a bridge near Odesa with one in February 2023. It is unclear if those claims were ever confirmed.

Russia has been working to create its own fleet of these weapons. One publicly known variant is called the Katran. Like Ukrainian versions we have written about in the past, this USV is designed to launch first-person view (FPV) aerial drones or have a mounted machine gun.

Little is publicly known about the Katran, but in May, the Ukrainian Defense Express publication pointed out some apparent limitations.

“Katran lacks satellite communication capabilities, unlike Ukrainian sea drones equipped with systems like Starlink,” the publication reported. “Instead, it relies on radio channels, limiting its operational range and making it susceptible to electronic warfare (EW) systems. The declared control range is 100–200 km, possibly extended through a network of relays.”

In April, the official Russian Izvestia news outlet noted a similar limitation.

“Transmitting a reliable radio signal still limits the range of the boats,” the publication reported.

The War Zone cannot independently verify these claims or the current status of the Katran. This is just one of several drone boats the Russians are developing of various capabilities.

🇷🇺 An unmanned suicide boat of the Black Sea Fleet, which took part in the “July Storm” exercises a month ago, sending the Ukrainian Navy reconnaissance ship “Simferopol” to the bottom at the mouth of the Danube. pic.twitter.com/JupWdOiDNe

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 28, 2025

For Russia, the attack is a significant new step in the ongoing battle for the Black Sea region, where Ukraine has pinned down the Russian Navy by using drone boats in a campaign unleashed in the fall of 2022. You can see videos of one of the earliest such attacks below.

Ukraine released a video from today’s attack on Sevastopol. It shows a naval drone targeting the Black Sea Fleet’s Admiral Makarov Project 11356 frigate, which Russian sources said was damaged (it replaced the Moskva as the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship). https://t.co/zdAeWUvDrb pic.twitter.com/TNnIu4OIap

— Rob Lee (@RALee85) October 29, 2022

As we noted earlier this year, in addition to building drone boats, Russia has also created dedicated units to operate them.

“The new units, which will be formed in all fleets, will perform reconnaissance and strike functions,” Izvestia reported in May. “According to experts, combining different types of drones will allow for effective reconnaissance, surveillance, and destruction of sea and coastal targets.”

The Russian Navy also created a course of study on these systems in the curriculum of its higher educational institutions.

“Now all cadets study the structure and characteristics of drones of various types and their use,” Izvestia pointed out. “In the future, they will master the combat use of attack drones to destroy enemy UAVs, unmanned boats and saboteurs. Classes are taught by teachers who have experience working with drones in combat zones.”

Ukraine’s drone boat campaign in the Black Sea has proven that a nation with nearly no significant remaining traditional navy but an array of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) can keep one of the world’s largest sea services at bay. Over the course of the past three and a half years, Ukraine’s USVs have attacked Russian ports, ships and the Kerch Bridge. They have forced Russia’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) to avoid operating in the open waters of the northern Black Sea, and limit activities in other areas.

The campaign began with kamikaze drone boats, laden with explosives and set out on one-way missions to hit Russian targets. Ukraine has since made a series of advancements, turning its USVs into reusable anti-aircraft platforms, the aforementioned first-person view (FPV) drone launchers and gunboats. As we previously noted, Ukraine’s early drone boat attacks on the BSF were a “wakeup call” marking “a new point in unmanned warfare.”

Meanwhile, about 300 miles to the east, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) carried out what its commander told us was the second successful strike on a Russian warship in the Sea of Azov in the past year. The two-pronged attack was launched from deep behind enemy lines using aerial drones, Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov told us Thursday morning.

The drones first struck and destroyed the radar of the Russian Project 21631 Buyan-M missile ship, GUR stated on Telegram. A secondary attack further damaged the ship, the agency claimed, though no further details were provided. GUR produced a video of that attack, which you can see below.

The attack on the Buyan-M was significant for several reasons. 

The ship was struck while it was in Temryuk Bay, GUR stated. That was more than 130 miles from the front lines and would have required a great deal of coordination to carry out. The bay is also a known launch point for ships like the Buyan-M to fire Kalibr long-range sea-launched cruise missiles at Ukraine. As we previously reported, Russia began launching missile attacks from the Sea of Azov in June of 2024 due to the Black Sea becoming more dangerous as a result of repeated attacks by Ukrainian missiles and aerial and sea drones.

The attack on the Buyan-M came while Russia was launching its largest missile and drone barrage on Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. At least 17 people were killed, many more were wounded, and many buildings were damaged during that bombardment, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on X.

Now, as our people are dealing with the consequences of one of the most large-scale Russian terrorist attacks, we see yet another attempt by Hungarian officials to portray black as white and to shift the blame for the ongoing war onto Ukraine.

In Ukraine, we responded positively… pic.twitter.com/hCdg0rHtRJ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 28, 2025

Striking the Buyan-M took one missile carrier offline, GUR stated.

“As a result of the strikes, the Russian missile ship, which was in the potential launch zone of the Kalibrs in the Temryuk Bay, was damaged and forced to leave the combat patrol area,” GUR stated. However, given the complexity of getting forces that deep behind the lines, the timing of the attack was most likely coincidental.

Still, both of these attacks show the increasing use of asymmetric drone tactics against naval vessels. While the Simferpol was probably attacked in large measure because it is one of the few larger vessels left in the Ukrainian Navy, there are other targets along Ukraine’s remaining Black Sea coastline. Given the success of Ukraine’s drone boat campaign, there is a high likelihood that we will see more Russian drone boat attacks in the near future.

Contact the author: [email protected]

Aug. 21 (UPI) — The U.S. Navy reported a fire aboard the amphibious docking ship USS New Orleans on Thursday. It was anchored near White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Navy crews and Japanese Coast Guard crews extinguished the fire about 4 a.m. Japan Standard Time, the Navy’s 7th Fleet said. The blaze began at about 4 p.m.Wednesday, and the cause is under investigation.

The crew of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego helped New Orleans sailors fight the fire. The San Diego is moored at White Beach.

Two sailors suffered minor injuries and were treated aboard the New Orleans.

The New Orleans crew will stay aboard the ship, the Navy said.

The fire could further hurt the availability of amphibious warships while the Navy is struggling with readiness issues within the fleet, the Navy Times said. The readiness rate of amphibious ships critical to Marine missions has dropped to 41%, a defense official told Military Times earlier this week.

An investigation by the Government Accountability Office in 2024 found that half of the U.S. Navy’s 32 amphibious warfare ships were in poor material condition.

The New Orleans collided with submarine USS Hartford in the Strait of Hormuz in 2009.

Pirating, as evidenced by centuries of stories and one of the greatest theme park rides, has long fascinated. Seafaring and sword fighting imply adventure. Dice games? Bluffing and strategy. And if you’re really lucky, maybe you’ll find a mermaid.

Audience members seen during a production of “Pirates Wanted,” an interactive production from Last Call Theatre.

(Gabriella Angotti-Jones/The Los Angeles Times)

Last Call Theatre, a local interactive-focused performance group, has found a way to give us a taste of buccaneering — without the pesky consequences of being captured by the Royal Navy or succumbing to a rum-induced liver disease.

For one more weekend in Long Beach, theatergoers can live out a mini marauding fantasy on an actual ship at “Pirates Wanted,” a limited-run revival of the troupe’s 2024 show. It’s theater, but it’s also a choose-your-own-adventure-style game, one with branching narratives, multiple endings and even life lessons.

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The show is set on board the American Pride tall ship docked at Long Beach’s Pine Avenue Pier, a 130-foot schooner that today is primarily used as an education-focused vessel. Stand still and feel the lean and long boat gently rock on the waves. But you’ll rarely be stationary on the wood-heavy craft. With a cast of 14 and an audience capacity of 55, “Pirates Wanted” explores the full top deck of the ship, which is accessible via a small portable stairway.

The setup: As audience members, we are to be trained as pirates in 17th century England, with much of the cast performing in exaggerated accents. The drama: Our captain’s previous ship was marooned under suspicious circumstances. To complicate matters, a long-lost sibling, also a pirate with his own troubling history, is here to judge the crew’s seaworthiness. The show begins with a speech from Capt. Souvanna (Bonnie-Lynn Montaño), who sternly demands a vocal “aye” from the audience as the ground rules are laid out. Follow them, Souvanna warns, or risk being thrown into the harbor.

Captain Souvanna (Bonnie-Lynn Montaño) and Captain Draken (Shelby Ryan Lee) share a moment during immersive theater production “Pirates Wanted.”

In moments, we are free to wander and link up with various crew members for our pirating lessons. The so-called “treasures of the seas” aren’t going to be pillaged without our help, and I soon find myself improvising sea shanties and engaging in a game of liar’s dice. I stumble over relearning how to construct a knot — important, I am told, in case I’m tossed overboard and need to quickly lasso myself to a raft — but have better luck mimicking a figure 8 with my sword. We have tasks to complete — or games to play, rather — which are ultimately an excuse for conversation.

Ask a roaming bard about the previous ship’s fate and a host of stories start to unravel and reveal themselves — love affairs, hidden secrets, lost maps and the requisite discontentment among the ship’s keep. What would a pirate narrative be without talk, for instance, of mutiny?

Oats Weetle (Mads Durbin) climbs a mast during a dramatic scene in “Pirates Wanted.”

“Pirates Wanted” is heavily active, and one won’t discover all of the show’s narrative paths. Wander, for instance, to a compartment at the ship’s bow, and you may hear conspiratorial whispers. Hang in the aft, and there might be talk of a siren on board. I saw others with treasure maps, and only caught murmurs of the romantic soap operas unfolding among the crew. Love letters were lost and recovered, and at one point I was pulled aside, a pirate whispering to me to ask if there was an illicit affair on board between a member of the crew and the British Navy.

Audience members take in “Pirates Wanted.”

Like all of Last Call’s shows, there are multiple ways to watch — or play. One can opt to be a relatively passive observer trying to overhear conversations and uncover the various storylines. But it’s advised to lean in, to hop from character to character armed with questions and the willingness to go on assigned quests. Here, the latter rely heavily on gossip. Early on I was tasked, for instance, with asking the various pirates about their feelings over losing their last ship, only I was told not to use the word “feel” in my line of questioning (after all, one must trick a pirate into vulnerability).

Throughout, “Pirates Wanted” explores how to navigate complicated family drama and romantic relationships when value systems — you know, looting and pillaging versus not — don’t align. There are metaphors if you go looking for them, specifically on having to live much of one’s life in the closet, but “Pirates Wanted” places a heavy emphasis on silliness too.

Last Call over the last three years has established itself as one of the more prolific companies on the city’s immersive theater scene, regularly hosting two or three shows per year. The troupe has already announced a winter time traveling production, “The Butterfly Effect,” set to debut Nov. 8 at Stella Coffee near Beverly Hills. “Pirates Wanted” last year became one of Last Call’s best reviewed productions.

Throughout “Pirates Wanted” audience members will be tasked with quests, sometimes seeking hidden items.

“It definitely was our most critically and financially successful show we put on,” says Ashley Busenlener, Last Call’s executive director. “Who doesn’t like pirates on an actual ship?”

“Pirates Wanted” leans campy, a vision of the lifestyle more informed by Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean than any historical fiction. It also tackles subject matter not often seen in pirate tales, such as feelings of being misunderstood and the struggle to be one’s true self.

“One of the things that I often notice about pirate media is a lot of the time you see pirates and the majority of time they are white men,” Busenlener says. “That’s not who I think I pirates are. We were very intentional … in creating a cast that we felt represented what piracy should be.”

In turn, many of the actors are female, queer and hail from diverse backgrounds. The goal, says Busenlener, was to show that anyone can be a pirate.

“Pirates are the people who were outside of society,” Busenlener says. “They were breaking rules and laws and taking power into their own hands. That’s something we wanted to reflect.”

There are multiple story tracks in one “Pirates Wanted.” In one, captain Souvanna (Bonnie-Lynn Montaño) may face a mutiny.

And it’s represented in one of the show’s most affecting narrative branches, one in which a half-mermaid spent their life presenting only as human out of fear. It’s intimate drama laced with mysticism, an adult theme ultimately handled with a hint of levity for this family-friendly show.

It also gets to the heart of Last Call’s ambitious with “Pirates Wanted.” Come for the swashbuckling — and the chance to learn some sword-fighting moves — but stay for the emotional adventure. Just don’t be surprised if you leave the pier suddenly talking in a fake British accent.

Tall ship the American Pride in Long Beach, home for one more weekend to immersive theater show “Pirates Wanted.”

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas is the world’s biggest cruise ship alongside sister ship Icon of the Seas and we got a first look onboard

The world’s biggest and newest cruise ship set sail on her maiden passenger voyage – and I was lucky enough to be on board. Star of the Seas is a giant floating city with 20 decks crammed with top-notch attractions for the whole family, including a water park, swimming pools, crazy golf, theatres, an ice skating rink, 14 shops and 40 bars and restaurants.

It is so big, it feels quite odd as it will take you a few days to find your way around this monster which set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Wednesday night. But after dashing around the decks, here’s a few highlights of the Royal Caribbean ship that you won’t want to miss. Thrill Island is the largest waterpark at sea with SIX record-breaking water slides.

The biggest is not for the faint-hearted but a must for the adventurous. One of its most daring features is Crown’s Edge, part skywalk and part ride 154ft above the ocean. Adrenaline-seekers navigate a suspended walkway and experience a controlled freefall before gliding down a zipline to the deck below. It is meant to test the bravery of the thrill-seeker – and it certainly does that. After all, it’s the sister ship to Icon of the Seas which is also a hit with adventurous holidaymakers.

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There’s no need to leave the ship if you fancy a bit of surfing, either. The Flow-rider is a wave machine which allows you to go “boogie boarding” and simulate real Surfing USA. Incredibly, 30,000 gallons of water a minute rush under the rider at 30mph creating a five-foot wave. Watch out for the height restrictions of 4ft 10in for stand-up surfing or 4ft 4in for boogie boarding.

If you’d rather chill than thrill head to the adults-only area at the rear of the ship – or the aft as we rookie seafarers call it. There you can relax in the suspended infinity pool and enjoy vast ocean views with a cocktail in hand while grooving to the beat of an Ibiza-style DJ. There’s also a shady bar nearby and a terrace with whirlpools.

Don’t worry about dashing to the bar for a refill. The efficient waiters will attend to your needs and keep your glasses well topped up. Chill Island is a three-deck area for holidaymakers to kick back at four pools, including the Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea. Guests can enjoy live bands while they sip on tropical cocktails from the swim-up bar called The Swim and Tonic.

The bags of entertainment for the kids and sporty types, including a spectacular mini golf course and a sports court offering five-a-side football and basketball on the top deck. Don’t worry about the ball going overboard, either, as it’s entirely covered by netting.

If you’re travelling with a young family, head for Surfside. It’s THE place to stay and play all day, however old the children are. Younger kids and toddlers will have great fun at Splashaway Bay and Baby Bay, while parents can relax nearby. There are plenty of lifeguards, constantly on full alert, so no reason to worry about their safety.

There’s a multi-level playground called Playscape, which includes a rock climbing wall, with safety harnesses provided. Just like Star of the Seas they can take cruising to another level.

You can find out more about Star on the Seas including rates and itineraries on royalcaribbean.com.

Disney Cruise Line marked another milestone for their new cruise ship Disney Destiny set to sail in November with tributes to Hercules, the Lion King and Marvel

Disney Cruise Line marked another milestone its the expansion of its fleet as the latest of its cruise ships, Disney Destiny, was floated out earlier this week.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Meyer Weft shipyard in Germany for the highly-anticipated event, which gave fans a first look at the 1,122ft-long ship, which is estimated to have cost up to $1.1billion (approx £743million) to build.

While a float out is a big deal for cruise lines, I wasn’t prepared for how much of an event it would turn out to be. My first clue was when we turned up to find that hundreds of locals had already been camping in the parking lot for days beforehand, and were already lining up near the shipyard’s riverbanks to get some of the best views of the ship.

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Meyer Weft and Disney Cruise Line pulled out all the stops too; there were food and drink stalls, iconic Disney songs playing in the background, and of course those all-important fireworks when the ship made its grand appearance. Minnie Mouse herself made an appearance, dressed in a new superhero outfit in a nod to the artwork that features on the bow of the Destiny.

There was a general buzz of anticipation, and considering a float out takes a couple of hours, the atmosphere was impressive.

Although it was all a very smooth process, it was nail-biting to watch all the same. For a start, although the ship’s engines have been built and are powerful enough for the ship to move forward, these don’t actually get used because there’s such a small margin of error in terms of navigating the riverbank and space.

Instead, a tiny (well, tiny compared to the cruise ship) tug boat sailed out and was hooked up to the ship with ropes; and that turned out to be the way they would be dragging out the huge ship which boasts a 144,000 gross tonnage. The smaller boat slowly zig zagged as it pulled the Disney Destiny out of the construction hall. There were only a few metres either side with room for error, so precision was key, and I felt nervous for the captain whose responsibility it was to ensure that the ship stayed well away from the sides!

There were around four or five shipyard workers who also walked along the edge of the riverbank, reportedly to keep an eye out in case the ship got too close, and to help assist the smaller boat with ropes.

Luckily, they knew what they were doing and the ship was floated out seamlessly, with fireworks and pyrotechnics going off once it had officially left the hall, as well as a new upbeat song being unveiled that will be the ship’s anthem.

As for the Disney Destiny itself, there’s going to be plenty for Mickey Mouse fans to get excited about. A sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, this new addition to the fleet boasts a ‘heroes and villains’ them complete with a Cruella De Vil themed bar, a Marvel lounge inspired by the Sanctum from Doctor Strange, and a Pirates of the Caribbean themed pub.

Disney Destiny will sail on her maiden voyage on November 20, 2025 from Fort Lauderdale, with itineraries to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. You can get more details about the ship and book sailings at disneycruise.disney.go.com. You can also find out more about the shipyard at meyerwerft.de.

A British woman who is obsessed with travelling has now revealed what it is like working on a cruise ship – from no days off to cheeky guests ‘cheating’ on board

Many of us adore cruise holidays, but could you imagine making a ship your permanent home? While we catch glimpses of maritime life through TV programmes like Below Deck or Disney Channel‘s Suite Life on Deck, you might wonder what the reality is actually like. Fortunately, a young British woman has satisfied this curiosity.

Travel enthusiast Anaya revealed what life is genuinely like residing on a cruise ship – from all the benefits she receives, as well as the exhausting shift patterns. She has been able to journey to destinations including Bali, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bali, Amsterdam, Singapore, Laos, Dominican Republic, Australia, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Antigua – to mention just a few.

Anaya is employed by Marella Cruises, owned by TUI, in destination services – assisting people in crafting their ideal trip when they disembark the ship, as well as helping them navigate their way around new locations and arranging excursions and activities.

Although she gets to undertake extensive travelling, enjoys exciting experiences and the facilities aboard the vessel, Anaya acknowledges she also grafts tremendously hard. And apparently, securing any time off is virtually impossible, she claims.

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Speaking on TikTok, Anaya revealed: “Basically, it’s like an unwritten rule that when you work on a cruise ship, you just don’t get a day off for the entirety of your contract. Because the cruise is running nearly every day of the year, we can’t have any days off.”

Anaya typically works several hours, enjoys some leisure time, then returns to her duties later in the day. During breaks from her responsibilities aboard the vessel, she’s able to experience ship life and discover the destinations she visits.

The cruise ship employee explained that while each shift differs, she never exceeds 10 hours of work daily.

The travel enthusiast revealed: “Sometimes we have breaks off in the middle of the day and I work in the excursions department so I spend a lot of time on the trips and seeing the places that way.”

She added she “wouldn’t trade it for the world“.

In the comments section of her video, someone enquired what occurs if a crew member becomes unwell.

Anaya responded: “You would see the medical centre if you were ill. If they thought you were too sick to work then you’d get ‘signed off’. If you’ve not been signed off by medical then you’d still have to work.”

The cruise ship worker clarified that employment contracts for staff can span from three months to eight months.

She continued: “In my department you wouldn’t really do more than seven [months], but in my experience I haven’t really done more than five and a half.”

Anaya says people frequently assume you must speak several languages to work aboard a cruise ship, though this isn’t necessarily true. The vessel she works on chiefly accommodates English and Canadian passengers, so she doesn’t need to be multilingual. Nevertheless, other companies might require this on job applications. On top of this, she doesn’t have to fork out rent for her cabin.

She also receives complimentary meals daily and can enjoy onboard entertainment without any extra cost.

Another bonus is that she’s exempt from paying tax while aboard the vessel. What’s more, social gatherings are frequently arranged for crew members each month.

These evenings off can become quite raucous – as Anaya disclosed it’s “very common” for passengers to be unfaithful to their partners while on board.

So could you cope with life on the ocean? If you’re not scared of grafting hard, it sounds like it could be an absolutely brilliant way to explore the globe.

Greek riot police clashed with demonstrators in Rhodes who were protesting the docking of an Israeli cruise ship. The Crown Iris had previously bypassed Syros after Gaza-related protests. The incidents mark a growing pattern of anti-Israel demonstrations at Greek ports.

A travel expert has shed fresh light on what goes on below deck of commercial cruise ships – including what happens when passengers die onboard and the cryptic codes shared on the PA system

Netflix’s new documentary Trainwreck: The Poop Cruise has caused quite the commotion, leaving many curious about the inner workings of mega cruises. One travel expert has the answers, sharing insider secrets of life below deck. Global Work & Travel ’s Jessie Chambers shares five of the most surprising secrets from the cruise world, including onboard jails and morgues.

She also unpacks common codes blasted over the PA system. According to Chambers, most cruise ships have a brig which is essentially a “secure jail-like room” to detain unruly or dangerous passengers. The brig houses these passengers until they can be removed at the next port.

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Cruise ships also have a place to house deceased passengers. Given that some cruises have an older average passenger age, it isn’t altogether uncommon for deaths to occur onboard. For this reason, most cruise liners are equipped with morgues that can hold multiple bodies until the ship reaches land.

In rare cases, families can potentially request burials at sea – a practice that still exists under strict regulation. According to Chambers, some passengers even pre-plan their final voyage, ashes included.

When it comes to the code system used by staff, Chambers explains that these are used to signal emergencies. Cruise staff are trained to use discreet codes (i.e. “Code Oscar” or “Code Alpha”) to flag medical incidents, man overboard alerts, or even biohazard events like mass vomiting.

Chambers’ last insider secret is that not all ports will welcome all passengers, even if they have paid already. She says that if your cruise ship has a health issue onboard or if weather turns, your port stop can be cancelled.

If this happens, passengers can be left with no recourse or compensation. She says this has happened frequently in the post-COVID era.

Despite some of the less glamorous aspects and potential dangers, Chambers says cruises are still a great way to travel. “Cruises are brilliant fun – but they’re also floating cities, and that means everything from crime to chaos has to be accounted for.

“The Trainwreck: Poop Cruise documentary might seem extreme, but outbreaks, delays, even onboard arrests are all part of the behind-the-scenes reality. It’s important travellers know what they’re signing up for – not to scare them, but to empower them,” she concludes.

That said, there are some passengers of the infamous cruise that argue that the documentary “doesn’t even scratch the surface” of how horrific the experience was.

The cruise voyage from Texas to Mexico descended into chaos after an engine room fire caused a massive electrical failure, leaving over 4,000 passengers and crew to wade through urine and feces and camp on deck.

Tay Redford, 24, a passenger who was only 12 at the time of the incident, says she felt “hurt” by the portrayal after watching the trailer. Tay vividly recalls the fear and chaos, arguing that Carnival failed to provide meaningful support after the ordeal.

“I’ve only seen the trailer, but from what I saw, it doesn’t even scratch the surface,” she said. “It’s just Carnival workers telling the story. It’s really hard watching the documentary come out and seeing all these people making money from it.