In late October 2025, a remarkable act of seamanship and coordination unfolded when MT KUFRA, under the technical management of Synergy Marine Germany GmbH, responded to a distress call relayed by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The vessel was sailing about 400 nautical miles off the US Gulf Coast and 200 nautical miles from Bermuda when the call was received, reporting a sailing boat in distress with four people onboard.
Guided by USCG instructions, the crew initiated a rapid response. Captain Biby Chacko, Chief Officer Sudhanshu Kumar, Chief Engineer Vijaya Muthusamy, and Second Engineer Satheesh Nagalingam mustered the team, established VHF and visual contact, and prepared a pilot ladder for rescue. As deteriorating weather and gale-force winds made boarding unsafe, they rigged and deployed a personnel-transfer basket to lift the survivors aboard.
Throughout the operation, Synergy’s shore team maintained close communication with MRCC Bermuda, which later coordinated the vessel’s deviation for safe disembarkation in Bermuda. Once onboard, the rescued individuals were provided with warm food, fresh clothes, and medical care before being handed over to authorities ashore.
We join the United States Coast Guard in commending this act of bravery and extend our gratitude to Captain Chacko, his officers, the entire MT KUFRA crew, and the supporting teams ashore for embodying the highest standards of professionalism and humanity at sea.
(Details shared are based on internal voyage reports and official maritime communications.)
