Ship with 3,000 cars faces deadly fire off Dutch coast
A fire on a cargo ship carrying almost 3,000 cars off the coast of the Dutch island of Ameland has left one sailor dead and 22 others hurt.
A major salvage operation is in full swing in an area of the North Sea designated a World Heritage site.
Twenty-two crew members were taken to hospital with breathing problems, burns and other injuries.
A Dutch coastguard spokesman said the fire was probably caused by one of 25 electric vehicles on board the ship.
Photos shared by the coastguard showed the Panamanian-flagged Freemantle Highway engulfed in smoke with flames licking the deck.
The coastguard told Dutch news agency ANP the fire could continue for days. The sides of the ship were being doused with water to cool it down, but rescue boats avoided pouring too much water on board because of the risk of sinking.
The cargo ship left the port of Bremerhaven in northern Germany at around 15:00 local time on Tuesday on course for Port Said in Egypt.
It ran into trouble overnight, about 27km (17 miles) north of the Ameland in the Wadden Sea, on the edge of the North Sea.
Members of the crew initially tried to douse the flames themselves but were overwhelmed and were eventually forced to evacuate.But this latest incident has also raised issues surrounding the risks of transporting electric vehicles.
Last year a cargo ship carrying 4,000 luxury cars caught fire and sank off the Azores. Lithium-ion batteries in the cars caught fire and firefighters needed specialist equipment to put out the fire.
DARE Program to return & Marching Bands will strike a chord in September
In a release sent to RTC News on Thursday, July 13th 2023, the Minister of Education Honourable Rachel Taylor, including the Director of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell, the Deputy Director of Education, Mr. Mark Garland, the Director of Youth, Mrs. Jasmin Parker, Commandant of Cadets, Mr. Nimrol Beckles, as well as Mr. Johannes Hamilton met with the Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. Darron Williams, Superintendent Mr. Dwight Gardiner and Officer Mr. Terry Stewart.
The discussions were centred around introducing a TCI Youth Marching Band, encompassing youth from around the Turks and Caicos Islands, commencing in September 2023.
The second phase of the meeting addressed the reintroduction of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) initiative as a component of the After School Program, to be introduced at the beginning of the new academic school term. The D.A.R.E. Program intends to teach schoolchildren the skills to resist peer pressure to use tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. The D.A.R.E. program also allows students to gain a trustworthy adult friend, develop a positive attitude toward law enforcement personnel, and acquire greater respect for the law.
The initiatives will create an opportunity to develop youth's musical talent and skills, foster discipline, leadership, and character, and build moral values.
Students from around the Turks and Caicos Islands can register for both programs through their schools. Youth interested in the Marching Band will also include individuals who have left secondary school.
Stay tuned for more updates about these Programs focusing on the youths here on RTC FM. The youth is indeed the HOPE of the future!
Fire Again at Dump Site
It remains a challenge for the Environmental Health Department, (EHD), which was informed about a fire at the Providenciales landfill on Friday, July 14th, 2023.
RTC News learned that the fire started at approximately 3:04 pm. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown at this time and may be linked to a potential hot spot on the site.
The Department confirmed to RTC News that the fire was in the location where tires are housed, and all efforts are ongoing to have it contained and extinguished as soon as possible.
The EHD wishes to advise the residents of Providenciales, especially those living in the Wheeland Phase 2 area that the Department is urgently addressing the current fire at the disposal site with the assistance of all stakeholders. Residents are reminded to keep doors and windows closed to avoid any potential exposure to smoke while the fire is being brought under control.
We wish to assure the public that we are committed to safeguarding public health while also creating a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for residents and visitors to enjoy.
RTC News will provide further updates in due course.
Mutilated Body found in Grace Bay Water
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the circumstances which led to the discovery of a mutilated body at sea on Thursday morning.
Preliminary reports indicate that shortly after 9:50 a.m., the Police Control Room received a call indicating there was a body in the water, in the Grace Bay district.
Officers from the Marine Branch and Scenes of Crime Unit arrived at the scene and retrieved the body from the water. Conservation officers from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources were also on scene and offered any assistance needed.
The police is strongly cautioning members within the public domain to desist from putting into circulation or causing to be circulated the graphic images from the morning’s find on all social media platforms.
Investigations are continuing into the matter.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GENERAL SITUATION: HIGH-PRESSURE RIDGING WILL MAINTAIN GENTLE TO MODERATE WINDS AND FAIR WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TODAY
SPECIAL WARNINGS: RESIDENTS SHOULD REMAIN HYDRATED AND LIMIT OUTDOOR ACTIVITY DURING PEAK SUNSHINE HOURS DUE TO HIGH INDEX TEMPERATURES.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: MOSTLY SUNNY, HOT, AND BREEZY.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C HEAT INDEX 100°F 38°C
OVERNIGHT LOW-TEMPERATURE 77°F 25°C
SUNSET: 7:31 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 9:24 AM (0.7 FT) 10:08 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 3:44 PM (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: HIGH PRESSURE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN GENTLE TO MODERATE WINDS AND STABLE WEATHER OVER THE AREA.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND BREEZY. ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET
SUNRISE: 6:05 AM
SUNSET: 7:32 PM
HIGH TIDE: 4:05 AM (2.3 FT) 4:46 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:19 AM (0.7 FT) 11:16 PM (0.7 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY. ISOLATED SHOWERS POSSIBLE.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 4 TO 6 FEET
SUNRISE: 6:05 AM
SUNSET: 7:32 PM
HIGH TIDE: 5:04 AM (2.3 FT) 5:43 PM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:12 AM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: NO TROPICAL CYCLONE ARE EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON ISSUED AT: 1300 UTC
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT GROUP (J-LEG) RE-ESTABLISHED
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government held a signing ceremony on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, to officially reinstate its Joint Law Enforcement Group (J-LEG).
The re-establishment of the Joint Law Enforcement Group “J-LEG” led by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is critical in coordinating and strengthening an effective multiagency working partnership between key law enforcement agencies, partners, and stakeholders across the Turks and Caicos Islands, regionally and internationally. This is supported by mandates issued by the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, signifies the re-establishment of the J-LEG as the oversight body in support of a Multi-Agency Operational Compliance Taskforce (MOCT) to take active steps to enforce existing TCI laws relative to participating agencies for the deployment of resources inland and the protection of the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Commenting on the Re-Establishment of J-LEG Acting Governor Anya Williams stated:
“As we work to ensure the continued safeguarding and protection of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the re-establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islands Joint Law Enforcement Group (J-LEG) is critical as it brings together essential government agencies to coordinate their resources in an efficient manner to address security concerns in land and at our borders in a more structured manner.
Working alongside the National Security Council, the aim and objective of J-LEG will be to develop strategies to: detect, prevent, interdict, disrupt, dismantle, and to deter criminal activities through coordinated intelligence-led operations with partner agencies, which is critical in addressing our national security concerns.
We express our profound gratitude to the 17 law enforcement agencies for the continued work of their teams and look forward to working with them to ensure their future success.”
Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Honourable Charles Washington Misick in commenting: “I am extremely grateful to law enforcement for all of their hard work and noteworthy achievements in recent times. Their dedication speaks to what can be accomplished with a joined-up approach taken to address the challenges of irregular migration and other infractions of the TCI’s border. The increased criminal acts require us to work together and my Government puts its full support toward this initiative.”
Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams stated:
“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to serve as the lead agency in coordinating the work of the Turks Caicos Islands Joint Law Enforcement Group.
As crime is everyone’s business the relaunch of this group is critical in helping the RTCIPF to bring about safe communities across the TCI by reducing criminal activities and the fear of crime by creating more safer spaces for the inhabitants of these islands.”
Police conduct welfare check on Grizzlies' Ja Morant
Police in Tennessee conducted a welfare check on Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant following cryptic messages on his Instagram account Wednesday, with officials telling ESPN that he's just "taking a break from social media."
Earlier Wednesday, Morant posted -- and then deleted -- messages and pictures to social media saying "Love ya ma [blue heart emoji]," "Love ya pops [blue heart emoji]" and "You da greatest baby girl [blue heart emoji] love ya." He then followed those with a post that simply said, "Bye."
The Public Information Officer for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office confirmed to ESPN that officers went to Morant's home on Wednesday morning to check on him and "he is fine."
Morant, 23, was suspended from all team activities following a video of him holding a gun that circulated on social media on May 13.
The video appeared during an Instagram Live session on the account of Morant's friend Davonte Pack, with the All-Star flashing a handgun in a car while rapping along with a song. The video was deleted.
Morant left the Grizzlies and entered a counseling program in March after a video showed him holding a gun while intoxicated at a Denver club when the Grizzlies were in town to play the Nuggets. He was eventually suspended eight games after meeting with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who called Morant's conduct "irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous."
At the time of the suspension, Morant told ESPN that he realizes "what I have to lose" and said he would try to be "more responsible, more smarter and staying away from all the bad decisions."
Morant has been involved in several off-court incidents over the past year. He is being sued by a high school prospect after a fight during a pickup game in Morant's backyard, where Morant and Pack are alleged to have punched the boy in the head. The teenager told police that Morant entered his house after the fight and came back outside with a gun in his waistband.
Morant's five-year, $194 million max contract is set to begin this coming season. It could have escalated to a supermax if he had made All-NBA this season; he was not voted onto that team, which cost him about $39 million in future earnings. He has endorsement deals with Nike and Powerade, though the sports drink company pulled an ad featuring Morant after the March video and the ad currently is not running.
Morant averaged 26.2 points this season and helped Memphis secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Source-ESPN & AP
Legendary singer Tina Turner dies at 83
Legendary singer Tina Turner, known for her sultry voice and a string of Platinum hits, has died at age 83.
The news was confirmed on Turner's official Facebook page.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner," the statement said on Facebook. "With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly."
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, Turner’s first success came as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner with ex-husband Ike Turner. They had such hits as “River Deep-Mountain High,” “Proud Mary” and “Nutbush City Limits.”
The pair split in 1976, with Turner later revealing in her 1986 autobiography, I, Tina, My Life Story, that she suffered horrible abuse by Ike. She eventually went on to have a hugely successful solo career, thanks to her 1984 multi-Platinum album Private Dancer and its Grammy-winning single “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” which was her first and only number one song.
Other Turner solo hits include “Better Be Good To Me,” “Private Dancer,” “The Best” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)."
Turner also dabbled in acting, appearing in The Who’s Tommy, as well as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Her memoir was turned into a hit movie, What’s Love Got to Do With It, which earned Angela Bassett an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Turner.
Turner was a 12-time Grammy winner and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 with Ike and again as a solo artist in 2021. She also received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2005.
In addition to her movie, Tina’s life became the subject of a jukebox musical, Tina, which had its world premiere in London in 2018 and opened on Broadway in November 2019.
While no cause of death was given, in Tina’s 2018 memoir, My Love Story, she revealed various health struggles. She suffered a stroke in 2013, had intestinal cancer in 2016, and in 2017 received a kidney transplant from her husband, Erwin Bach.
Source-ABC
RTCIPF Commissions Vehicle
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) yesterday morning (Tuesday 23rd May) held a brief commissioning ceremony for its latest crime-fighting asset – a second Tactical Response Vehicle.
The ceremony took place at Police Headquarters, Airport Road, Providenciales, and was witnessed by the acting Governor Her Excellency, Mrs. Anya Williams, the Hon. Premier Charles Misick, Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin J. Saunders, Commissioner of Police (ag) Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant, government officials and members of the RTCIPF senior management team.
Last year, the first armored vehicle was presented to the RTCIPF by Premier Misick.
Superintendent of Police Dwight Gardiner in delivering welcome remarks said the purchase of a second armored vehicle, bolsters the capability of the Police Force.
“This latest arsenal in our fight against criminal elements will enable greater mobility, thereby allowing officers to increase their responses to emergency calls from the public in several problematic areas deemed inaccessible. The acquisition of this vehicle is critical to achieving the strategic goal of detecting and reducing crime.
Supt. Gardiner continued: “These vehicles are an important tool in combatting crime and broader national security challenges. The vehicles which will be used during certain tactical operations will seek to instill fear in the hearts and minds of criminals while offering a security blanket to law-abiding citizens.”
THREE DAY PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GENERAL SITUATION: AN ELONGATED TROUGH EXTENDS FROM A LOW PRESSURE NEAR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. THE TROUGH WILL INCREASE CHANCES FOR SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY ACROSS THE COUNTRY. LIGHT TO GENTLE BREEZES WILL PREVAIL ACROSS THE ISLANDS TODAY.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS SHOULD REMAIN VIGILANT DUE TO THE THREAT OF WATERSPOUT AND/OR FUNNEL CLOUD ACTIVITY
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY AND HOT TODAY. CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS THIS EVENING. THE CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 30%.
WINDS: VARIABLE LESS THAN 5 KNOTS
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET
DAYTIME HIGH-TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW-TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 7:24 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 5:39 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 12:23 AM THU (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: A LOW PRESSURE WILL DEVELOP ACROSS THE NORTHERN BAHAMAS AND FLORIDA. FAVORABLE UPPER-LEVEL CONDITIONS COMBINED WITH RICH TROPICAL MOISTURE STREAMING OVER THE AREA WILL SUPPORT SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS THE ISLANDS OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF SCATTERED SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. THE CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 50%.
WINDS: SOUTH TO SOUTHWEST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET
SUNRISE: 6:06 AM
SUNSET: 7:24 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:23 AM (2.6 FT) 12:19 PM (2.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 6:49 AM (1.3 FT) 6:21 PM (1.0 FT)
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY CLOUDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. THE CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION IS 20%.
WINDS: SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS
SEAS: 3 TO 5 FEET
SUNRISE: 6:06 AM
SUNSET: 7:24 PM
HIGH TIDE: 1:08 AM (2.3 FT) 1:08 PM (2.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 7:34 AM (1.3 FT) 7:07 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: NO TROPICAL CYCLONE ACTIVITY IS EXPECTED IN THE NEXT 7 DAYS.