Thirty people floating on a life raft in the Mediterranean have been rescued by the crew of an International Seaways-owned, Anglo-Eastern-managed tanker.
The 158,000-dwt Seaways Sabine (built 2012) was en route to Sidi Kerir, Egypt when it was alerted by the US Navy destroyer USS Bulkeley about 20 people in distress.
Details of the rescue on 16 July were revealed by Anglo-Eastern in a social media post on Tuesday.
The life raft was 100 nautical miles (185 km) from the Egyptian coast and four nautical miles away from the suezmax, the manager said.
It did not give details of who the castaways were and why they were adrift in the Mediterranean.
The Seaways Sabine’s crew used drones to locate the life raft and discovered that it contained 31 people instead of the 20 reported by the warship.
“Responding promptly, the crew raised an alarm and prepared for the operation…” Anglo-Eastern said.
“Amidst adverse weather and poor visibility conditions, to ensure a safer approach, the crew employed an innovative strategy to calm the waters by passing several lines and ropes to secure the life raft to the ship.
“Later, the crew used a personnel transfer basket and crane to rescue the individuals, facing additional challenges due to the poor condition of the distressed persons, including dehydration, sunburns and open wounds.
“However, the crew managed to transfer all 31 individuals on board, providing immediate medical aid, food and clothing.”
Unfortunately, one of the rescued castaways subsequently died.
“One casualty could not be revived despite efforts, but 30 people survived,” said Anglo-Eastern.
Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Cairo and Athens, along with the Bulkeley, helped coordinate the evacuation of the critically ill survivors and the deceased.
The Bulkeley also provided a team of medics.
Survivors were transferred to the Egyptian Navy vessel Alal Main 155 on 18 July.
The Seaways Sabine crew were under the leadership of Captain Udai Walia and chief engineer Ashley Costa at the time.
