WASHINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard announced Friday the launch of an ORBCOMM concept demonstration satellite, equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) capability, from Kapustin Yar, Russia, Thursday. The satellite attained a proper orbit and is expected to start transmitting operational data within the next three months.  The U.S. Coast Guard Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS) [...]

The Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Juneau is reporting an apparent fire aboard the Maltese flagged container ship INDIA LOTUS approximately 700 nm South of Dutch Harbor. You can find the press release here – http://uscgalaska.com/go/doc/780/212494/ More recent reports indicate the fire has been extinguished, however damage assessments are ongoing. Apparently 6 crew members have been [...]