For yr info M/T Patroclus under PANTHEON TANKERS management, while en route from Zawia, Lybia to Lavera , France, was instructed by the rescue center of the Italian Coast guard at around 16.00 Z on 14 Aug 2013 to approach an inflatable boat in the vicinity (approx in position 34° 12’N – 012° 58’E) and pick up about 100 refugees.
The Italian Coast Guard also contacted the managers of the vessel, Pantheon Tankers Management Ltd., who in turn informed the Charterers, the Flag State, Malta, The Owners and the P&I club, North of England.
The Malta Flag administration instructed the vessel to comply with the Italian Coast Guard request and the P&I club confirmed coverage of the operation.
The vessel completed the boarding of 87 men, 11 women and 2 children at 21:45 Z on 14 August 2013 and proceeded to Trapani, Italy as per the orders of the Italian Coast Guard.
The Italian Coast Guard had made disembarkation arrangements at Trapani.
The disembarkation of the refugees to Italian Coast Guard vessels was completed on 15:05 Z on 15 August 2013 at position 37 48.3N, 12 16.2 E. and the Patroclus resumed her voyage to Lavera, France.
Both embarkation and disembarkation of the refugees was orderly, no incidents or near misses took place.
A P&I correspondent attended at Trapani, who reported that the whole operation went smoothly.
Find hereunder Malta flag appreciation
QUOTE
Dear Sir
May I refer you to your below notification, whereby you have very kindly informed this Directorate of the search and rescue operation of 100 persons conducted by the master and crew members of the Malta registered motor tanker Patroclus on 15 August 2013, off Italy.
You may wish to note that this Administration commends the deeds of the master and his crew members. Whilst appreciating that assisting other lives at sea is an international obligation, nonetheless, this Administration is extremely gratified for the acts of the master and his crew members and the cooperation afforded throughout the rescue operation.
This Administration appreciates that the master and his crew members have taken a commended initiative and performed in an extremely diligent and professional manner to the extent of saving the lives of those who were endangered by the perils of the sea.
In recognition of their important role in this rescue operation, it is the wish of this Administration that your office will very kindly convey Transport Malta’s tribute, recognition, and heartfelt thanks to the master and his crew members for their honourable deeds and professionalism.
Regards
Ivan Sammut
Registrar General of
Shipping and Seamen
Merchant Shipping Directorate
Registrar General of
Shipping and Seamen
Merchant Shipping Directorate
UNQUOTE
Needless to say aforesaid rescue operation has been higly appreciated fm ALL shipping community , Owners , PTM Managers /staff , while Master D.Oikonomakos ,all Officers and crew deserves at least abravo respecting their humanitarian achivement saving 100 lives at open sea .
Best Regards,
Capt. O. L
General Manager
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O. L
