The fact is, that there is no problem with putting a link here to some news report. However, it would be touching the copyright if I'd copy the whole text here. It would touch the copyright if I use the text, or a part of it, for an own publication.
It does touch copyright if any news agency does simply take photos from here, and uses them for a news report. This is touching the copyright, I think that every journalist knows this, but of course, it is tempting and some who dare think, they try and hope not to be caught :-)
If you are into journalism in a serious way you should know, that if you do need photos the chance that they cost something, is not too small. Only with good luck someone might say - ok, use them - but state my name.
I think, still too many people live in the illusion that everything on internet is for free. It is not, and I do not only talk about shipping photos here. We all know about stealing music on the internet and so on..
So, there is no reason to get angry or get bitter. Of course, if you decide to put photos on shipspotting.com, anyone interested in using YOUR photos should ask and if demanded pay, the same way !
My attitude for example is following: If some hobbyist is asking me for a certain photo, or using photo on his or her website, that is for free, just write "photo by...". If some company who is going to use the photo for making money asks, that is not for free.
This comment by you:
"Shipowner may as well make his claim, because it's his vessel. He may even claim copyright from any news agency for accident news."
- is not true. The copyright holds the one who has taken the photo !! No matter which ship is shown.
I think, it would be best if you do try and get more information about the matters of copyright, then the chance for misunderstanding will be less.
With best regards,
Cornelia