M.V. Moana Roa's Happy Ending: Safe Arrival in Djibouti After Freak Accident at Sea

Date: December 27th 2023

In a remarkable turn of events, the missing vessel M.V. Moana Roa has been found safe and sound in the port of Djibouti, concluding the suspenseful search. The vessel's disappearance was attributed to a freak accident at sea, where a lightning strike rendered its radio, satellite navigation, and communication equipment non-functional.

Captain Michael Rice, drawing upon his extensive experience at sea, alongside his equally qualified navigator, successfully navigated the Moana Roa to Djibouti for necessary repairs. Faced with the inability to communicate and fearing the persistent threat of piracy off the Somali Coast, Captain Rice strategically guided the vessel further off-shore, deep into the Indian Ocean.

Opting for a route that led them to the relative safety of the Gulf of Aden, Captain Rice skillfully charted a course that ultimately brought the Moana Roa to the port of Djibouti. The vessel's crew, families, and the maritime community at large are celebrating this happy ending to what initially appeared to be a potentially dire situation.

The incident underscores the resilience and expertise of seafarers in navigating unforeseen challenges, showcasing the crucial role experience plays in maritime safety. The Moana Roa will undergo repairs in Djibouti before resuming its mission in support of IDAP's humanitarian efforts.

Captain Michael Rice, Master of the Moana Roa (file photo)

SCX fleet skins for BeamNG

 SCX has entered the BeamNG world with some very basic skins and configs for the Gavril H Series Vans.  So far these cover the standard delivery van, Box Truck and for moving our crew around in a little comfort the SCX Crew Bus.

SCX Basic Delivery Van

SCX Box Truck

SCX Crew Bus

Simple modding for BeamNG is relatively easy, skins in particular are very straightforward.  Next mod developments are to define custom [SCX] branded spawn locations, then some 'Missions' for the new SCX fleet.  Initial missions and spawn locations will be using the stock 'Italy' map, in support of our deployment to Bari in Italy.

Search for Missing Moana Roa Intensifies with Radar Contacts, No Confirmed Sightings Yet; Allied Naval Vessels Join Effort

Date: 22 December 2023

As the search for the missing M.V. Moana Roa intensifies, radar contacts have been reported in the vicinity of the vessel's last known location off the Somali Coast. Allied naval vessels, in addition to Southern Charter's efforts, are now actively participating in the search.

Despite these contacts, there are no confirmed sightings of the Moana Roa at this time. Search and rescue teams, including allied naval vessels, are diligently working to investigate the radar contacts and determine their relevance to the missing freighter. The challenging conditions off the coast of Somalia, notorious for piracy threats, add complexity to the ongoing operation.

Southern Charter remains in close coordination with allied naval forces and relevant authorities. Additional resources, including air assets, are expected to join the search effort in the coming days. Families of the crew members anxiously await updates as the maritime community holds its collective breath, hoping for a swift resolution to this concerning situation. Further information on the radar contacts and the search progress will be provided as it becomes available.

Radar target North of Garacad, to be investigated

Southern Charter Freighter M.V. Moana Roa Missing off Somali Coast

Date: 21 Decmber 2023

In a concerning development, the M.V. Moana Roa, a 4000-ton freighter operated by Southern Charter, has gone missing off the Somali Coast. The vessel, dedicated to supporting the International Disaster Aid Program's (IDAP) humanitarian mission in and out of Mogadishu, lost its location tracking overnight.

All attempts to establish contact with the Moana Roa have proved futile, prompting Southern Charter to take swift action. The company is dispatching the M.V. John Matchett to the area for an immediate search and rescue operation. Additionally, air assets are expected to join the search effort in the coming days.

Sailing in the waters off the coast of Somalia is inherently perilous due to the persistent threat of piracy. The Moana Roa's disappearance raises concerns about the safety of the crew and the nature of the incident. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates on the search and the vessel's status are anticipated in the coming days.

Last photo of Moana Roa as she sailed from Mogadishu

Trevor the test pilot

 SCX Captain Trevor Hendry flight testing FE CHC's 737 while sorting some avionics issues.

Trevor owns and operates a full size 737-800 simulator in his garage, flying for Southern Charter, and was on-hand to help diagnose some avionics issues in another local 737 sim.   737's are very a common aircraft in the SCX fleet, across the whole range of simulation software.