Ms-Melenia Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The 'MS Melenia', a tanker currently anchored approximately 20 kilometers from Aruba at coordinates 12° 23' N 070° 13' W, has been languishing in limbo since late 2024, awaiting entry into port. The dire conditions aboard the vessel prompted an emergency appeal to be sent via email to the Caribbean Netherlands Coast Guard on March 2, 2025. Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard provided crucial humanitarian assistance to the crew by delivering 212 kilograms of food and water via helicopter, in collaboration with the Crisis Management Office (CMO) and the Red Cross. Following the delivery, a meeting was convened with the Crisis Team and CMO to evaluate the situation and determine the next course of action. Within two days of the distress signal, it was confirmed that the owner of the 'MS Melenia' had been identified, with instructions issued to Venezuela to manage the supply needs of the tanker. As the vessel lies beyond Aruba's territorial waters and outside the local Search and Rescue (SAR) area, local authorities have concluded their direct involvement. Meanwhile, the Government of Aruba remains vigilant, maintaining communication with international partners to ensure ongoing support and coordination as the situation develops.