Bulk Carrier Crew Rescued from Desert Island

Published Aug 20, 2015 12:17 AM by The Maritime Executive

The 24 crew members of the Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Focomar have been rescued after taking refuge on a small island west of Socotra, Yemen.

Sailors from the Italian Navy warship, ITS Libeccio, which is currently deployed in the Indian Ocean as part of the European Union’s counter-piracy operation Atalanta, provided much-needed food and water for the stranded seafarers.

With help from the local community, the seafarers had taken refuge on the island a few days earlier after their vessel suffered engine problems at sea.

With limited radio communications, they had been able to put out a may-day call which was picked up by the E.U. Naval Force. In coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Libeccio was tasked to sail at best speed towards the island and provide assistance.

When in range, the ship’s helicopter was quickly launched, and after making contact with the seafarers, boxes containing food and water were air dropped to the ground.

The seafarers are now en-route to the port of Djibouti, having been picked up by a tug sent by the vessel’s owner. The stricken vessel has also been taken to Djibouti.