The crews of GEMINI PEARL and KUFRA recognised during Singapore Safety@Sea Week 2026
Synergy Marine Group has been honoured by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) at the MPA Safety@Sea Awards 2026 for Outstanding Contribution to Search and Rescue Efforts in 2025.
The award recognises two successful search and rescue operations carried out by Synergy-managed vessels: GEMINI PEARL, which rescued an injured fisherman in the Indian Ocean in March 2025, and KUFRA, which recovered four people from a disabled sailing yacht in the Atlantic Ocean in October 2025.
Presented during the Singapore Safety@Sea Symposium at Conrad Singapore Orchard on 17 August 2026, the award was received on behalf of Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd. by Rohit Talwar, Director QHSE, Synergy Marine Group.
The recognition reflects the professionalism, seamanship and readiness of the Masters, officers and crews involved, as well as the shore-based teams who supported both operations. As Synergy marks 20 years since its founding in Singapore, the 2026 award is the Group’s third MPA Safety@Sea recognition since 2022. It also continues Synergy Marine Group’s association with the MPA Safety@Sea Awards, following earlier recognition for search and rescue efforts by Synergy-managed vessels.
“This recognition is not simply about two successful rescue operations. It reflects the culture we work to sustain across our fleet, where training, preparedness, professional judgement and a genuine responsibility towards others come together when it matters most. I was privileged to receive this award on behalf of the Masters and crews of GEMINI PEARL and KUFRA, whose actions made these rescues possible. I also want to recognise our shore-based colleagues who supported both operations, and sincerely thank MPA for acknowledging the professionalism and commitment of our seafarers.”
Rohit Talwar, Director QHSE, Synergy Marine Group
GEMINI PEARL: Rescue of an Injured Fisherman in the Indian Ocean
On 22 March 2025, GEMINI PEARL responded to a request from MRCC Colombo after a fisherman aboard the fishing vessel SUN CITY 16 sustained a serious leg injury in the Indian Ocean, south of Sri Lanka.
At the time, GEMINI PEARL was on laden passage from Argentina to Chennai/Haldia, with a planned bunkering call at Trincomalee. The casualty was more than 470 nautical miles from the vessel when the request for assistance was received.
The Master altered course and proceeded towards the rendezvous position. Once SUN CITY 16 manoeuvred alongside, the injured fisherman was brought aboard GEMINI PEARL using a stretcher basket, accompanied by a fellow crew member.
The crew provided immediate first aid, checked his vital signs and provided both men with food, water, warmth and accommodation while arrangements were made for onward medical care.
In continued coordination with MRCC Colombo, GEMINI PEARL proceeded to Hambantota Outer Port Limits, where the fisherman and his companion were safely transferred to a Sri Lanka Coast Guard rescue craft for onward conveyance to hospital.
The operation took approximately 77 hours from receipt of the MRCC tasking to the eventual handover at Hambantota OPL.
KUFRA: Rescue of Four People in the Atlantic
On 28 October 2025, KUFRA responded to a distress call involving the disabled sailing yacht II TENDER in the Atlantic Ocean.
The yacht had four people on board and had sustained serious damage to her mast, stanchions and sails. With insufficient fuel to reach port safely and weather conditions deteriorating, KUFRA deviated approximately 131 nautical miles from her planned passage and proceeded with all possible speed towards the distress position.
The rescue was conducted in challenging conditions, with southerly winds at Beaufort Force 8, rough seas and heavy swell of up to six metres.
A pilot ladder was initially prepared for the transfer, but the sea conditions and physical condition of the survivors made this method unsafe. The crew reassessed the situation and deployed a personnel-transfer basket using the vessel’s crane.
All four people were safely recovered aboard KUFRA without major injury. They received a medical assessment and were provided with warm food, fresh clothing and appropriate care before being safely disembarked in Bermuda under arrangements coordinated by RCC Bermuda.
The professionalism of KUFRA’s Master and crew was subsequently recognised through a Certificate of Commendation presented on behalf of the Marshall Islands Flag State.
Letters of Appreciation for the Masters and Crews
In addition to the award presented to Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd., MPA is issuing Letters of Appreciation to the Masters and crews of GEMINI PEARL and KUFRA involved in the respective search and rescue operations.
Synergy Marine Group extends its sincere appreciation to Captain A. V. U. Varma and the crew of GEMINI PEARL, and to Captain Biby Chacko and the crew of KUFRA, together with the vessel management and shore-based teams who supported both operations.
The Duty to Render Assistance
The circumstances of the two operations were very different.
One involved an injured fisherman hundreds of nautical miles away in relatively favourable sea conditions. The other involved four people aboard a disabled sailing yacht in gale-force winds and heavy swell.
What they shared was the response: Masters and crews altering their plans, applying their training and judgement, and remaining with the task until those in distress were safely in the care of others.
These actions reflect one of the most enduring duties of seafarers: to render assistance to persons in distress at sea.
The MPA Safety@Sea Award recognises the people who put that duty into practice.
