Congratulations to Captain Mahmudul Hasan and his crew on the “MAERSK AEGEAN” for their part in a successful rescue about 76 nm off the Libyan coast.
Under the technical management of Synergy Denmark A/S, this product tanker was transiting the Mediterranean when it received a SAT-C distress message from MRCC Rome at 15:58 LT on 31 May 2024, reporting a boat in distress with an unspecified number of people aboard. The “MAERSK AEGEAN” immediately tried to contact MRCC Libya and soon after informed MRCC Rome that she was hastening to the location, about 25 nm to the southwest at 33 57.4 N/014 09.8 E.
The Synergy-managed vessel arrived at 18:00 LT, and those on the crowded small craft did not seem to need immediate help, or in fact to wish right away to come aboard the “MAERSK AEGEAN”, which kept them close by and updated MRCC Rome every 30 minutes. Then, as darkness fell and the weather deteriorated, on precautionary safety grounds Captain Hasan decided to take all the people on board, immediately notifying MRCC Rome and preparing the vessel accordingly.
Thus from 22:24 to 22:50 LT and via the pilot ladder our vessel picked up what proved to be 67 people. Regrettably, however, despite an enhanced and comprehensive SAR operation spanning some 2.5 hours, which also involved a maritime patrol aircraft, the rescuers were unable to locate one missing person, who they had learned about from other members of the group when on board. At 01:30 LT MRCC Rome released the “MAERSK AEGEAN” from the SAR and instructed Captain Hasan to proceed to Lampedusa Island (35 25 N/012 40 E) and rendezvous with an Italian patrol boat in order to transfer those rescued. The crew provided all with a warm coverall, hot food, water, first aid and blankets and mattresses for overnight. Disembarkation was safely completed on 1 June and the “MAERSK AEGEAN” was released to resume passage at 10:54 LT. We warmly echo the kind sentiments in the attached letter from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, and add our own further thanks to Captain Hasan and his crew for carrying out one of their most important duties as seafarers in giving help to those in peril and saving lives at sea.
