13 January - The cruise ship Costa Concordia sinks

 

The Costa Concordia cruise ship encounter a tragic incident on January 13, 2012. On that day, the Costa Concordia, operated by the Costa Cruises line, ran aground off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy. The ship, carrying thousands of passengers and crew members, struck a rock, causing a large gash in its hull.

The accident led to the capsizing of the Costa Concordia, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries. The evacuation process was challenging, and the incident drew widespread attention due to the scale of the disaster and the subsequent investigation into the captain's actions. The Costa Concordia sinking remains one of the notable maritime disasters in recent history.

12 January - RMS Queen Mary 2 began its maiden voyage in 2004

 

The RMS Queen Mary 2, a luxury ocean liner, began its maiden voyage on 12 January 2004. The Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of the Cunard Line and is renowned for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, and transatlantic voyages.

Key features and facts about the RMS Queen Mary 2:

    Maiden Voyage: The Queen Mary 2 embarked on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, on 12 January 2004.

    Transatlantic Route: While the ship operates various cruise itineraries, it is particularly known for its regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York City, maintaining a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century.

    Luxury and Elegance: The Queen Mary 2 is known for its luxurious amenities, including opulent staterooms, gourmet dining, theaters, and a variety of entertainment options. It aims to provide a classic and elegant cruise experience.

    Size and Design: At the time of its launch, the Queen Mary 2 was one of the largest ocean liners ever built. It features a distinctive design reminiscent of classic ocean liners, with a black hull and white superstructure.

    Cunard Line Heritage: The Queen Mary 2 is part of the Cunard Line's fleet, which has a rich history in transatlantic travel. The Cunard Line has been associated with some of the most famous ocean liners, including the original RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth.

    Renovations and Upgrades: Over the years, the Queen Mary 2 has undergone renovations and upgrades to maintain its high standards and incorporate modern amenities.

The Queen Mary 2 continues to be a symbol of luxury travel and oceanic grandeur. Its transatlantic crossings and worldwide cruises attract passengers seeking a combination of classic elegance and modern comforts.

9th JANUARY 1972 RMS Queen Elizabeth caught fire and sank in Hong Kong harbour.

 

The RMS Queen Elizabeth, the liner that had been turned into a sailing university, caught fire and sank in Hong Kong harbour.
The RMS Queen Elizabeth was built in Scotland’s Clydebank shipyard by John Brown’s and was  largest passenger ship in the world for over thirty years when it was launched in 1938. The 83,000 ton vessel was used to transport troops during the Second World War, before then being turned to commercial use. After being sold to a Hong Kong businessman, it was sent to a Hong Kong harbour for refitting, but caught fire on the 9th January 1972. The entire Hong Kong firefighting force spent two days trying to put out the blaze, but the ship turned on it’s side.  Remarkably, no one was killed during the enormous fire.  RMS Queen Elizabeth was later used in a scene in James Bond film 'The Man With The Golden Gun' in 1974 when the wreck was partially dismantled, between then and 1975, the rest was buried under land reclamation.

USS Constitution captured the HMS Java on 29 December 1812

 

The USS Constitution, a frigate of the United States Navy, captured the HMS Java, a British frigate, on 29 December 1812, during the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. This naval engagement took place in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil.

The USS Constitution, commanded by Captain William Bainbridge, engaged the HMS Java, commanded by Captain Henry Lambert, in a fierce battle that resulted in the surrender of the British ship. The victory was a significant achievement for the United States during the war, and it added to the reputation of the USS Constitution, which became known as "Old Ironsides" due to the perception that British cannonballs appeared to bounce off its strong hull.

 

HMS Warrior was launched on 29 December 1860.

HMS Warrior (1860), a revolutionary iron-hulled warship. It was launched on 29 December 1860.

HMS Warrior (1860) was the first iron-hulled, armored battleship and represented a significant advancement in naval technology during the mid-19th century. It was part of a new breed of warships known as ironclads and played a pivotal role in naval warfare during its time.

This launch marked a milestone in naval history as HMS Warrior represented a departure from traditional wooden warships, showcasing the transition to iron and steel in naval construction. Today, HMS Warrior (1860) is preserved as a museum ship in Portsmouth, England, allowing visitors to explore and learn about its historical significance.

 

26 December - German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk in the Battle of the North Cape

 

On 26 December 1943, during World War II, the German battleship Scharnhorst was sunk in the Battle of the North Cape. The Battle of the North Cape was part of the larger Arctic Convoys, where Allied forces were providing military aid to the Soviet Union.

The Scharnhorst, a German battleship of the Kriegsmarine, was part of the German Navy's surface fleet. In an attempt to intercept an Allied convoy, the Scharnhorst engaged British naval forces, including the battleship HMS Duke of York and other ships.

During the battle on 26 December 1943, the Scharnhorst was heavily damaged by British naval gunfire. Torpedoes from British destroyers further crippled the battleship. In the end, the Scharnhorst sank in the frigid waters of the Barents Sea. The engagement marked a significant victory for the Allies and was a blow to the German Navy.

The sinking of the Scharnhorst contributed to the reduction of German naval capabilities and increased the security of Arctic convoys supplying the Soviet Union. The Battle of the North Cape demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied naval forces in countering the German surface fleet during the later stages of World War II.

 

14 December - INS Kalvari commissioned in 2017

 

INS Kalvari is a Scorpene-class submarine and is the first of six submarines built under Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy. The submarine was commissioned on December 14, 2017. The Scorpene-class submarines are a class of diesel-electric attack submarines and are considered one of the most advanced conventional submarines in the world.

INS Kalvari, named after the first Foxtail fish, plays a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Navy's underwater capabilities. These submarines are designed to operate in all theatres, with the ability to undertake various types of missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.

It's advisable to check official and recent sources for the latest updates and information about INS Kalvari or any other naval vessel.