Reviews & Ratings for the Afina-I

As of March 28, the bulk carriers 'Afina I' and 'Kiveli' remain entangled in Vatika Bay, with salvage operations actively ongoing. The 'Afina I' has experienced significant damage, prompting the decision to lighter its cargo to alleviate water ingress. By reducing the vessel's submerged area, the crew hopes to minimise the risk of flooding when the ships eventually separate. A barge equipped with a mobile crane has been deployed to assist in transferring the iron ore cargo onto lighters. Currently, the 'Kiveli' is unable to disengage due to its role in maintaining the integrity of the gash in the 'Afina I'. Tugs 'Vernicos Sifnos' and 'Hermes' remain on site, ensuring both vessels stay anchored at coordinates 36° 30.01' N 023° 0.14' E. For further visuals of the operation, check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRyILE3JK_I.

On March 14, Lyboussakis Salvage & Towage achieved a remarkable feat by successfully separating the bulk carriers 'Kiveli' and 'Afina I', which had become entangled in a collision. The incident took place approximately 10 nautical miles northwest of the picturesque Greek island of Kythera. Fortunately, both vessels are still afloat at the site despite water intrusion, and there have been no reported injuries among the crew members aboard either ship. After the collision, concerns arose regarding a significant breach on the port side of the 'Afina I', which could have led to the vessel sinking if the two ships were separated prematurely. To mitigate this risk, the salvage team maneuvered both bulkers to calmer waters at Neapoli Voion Anchorage. At around 4:15 PM, the 'Kiveli', assisted by tugboats 'Dolphin I' and 'Hermes', was successfully moored in Vatika Bay at the coordinates 36° 28.86' N 023° 0.21'14.3 E. This operation involved four additional tugs to ensure safety and stability during the towing process. Currently, the Greek authorities are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of this maritime incident. No pollution was reported following the collision, highlighting the effective response efforts of the salvage company. For further details and images, you can visit the Greek report at: https://arxipelagos.gr/%CF%83%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%AD%CF%82-%CF%86%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-%CF%84%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%8D%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%85/?fbclid=IwAR3HnnZX0C18XtBJpSOxAWzqHjYG4JtaFQ_h1EBVbHow-97SLcVXmmJL6sY.

On the morning of March 13, 2021, a maritime incident unfolded off the coast of Kythira island, located in the southern Peloponnese. The bulk carrier 'Kiveli' collided with the 'Afina I' while both vessels were navigating in opposite directions. The collision resulted in a significant breach of the hull of the 'Afina I', leading to water ingress. To prevent potential sinking, both vessels remained coupled until further assistance could arrive. The 'Afina I', which was on its way from Novorossiysk to Bilbao, was carrying a crew of 24, including one Georgian and 23 Filipinos, alongside a cargo of scrap metal. Meanwhile, the 'Kiveli' was transporting a load of fertilizer and had 18 crew members on board, comprised of 16 Georgians and two Russians, and was headed from Casablanca to Varna. Emergency response efforts included the deployment of tugs 'Hermes', 'Karapiperis 18', and 'Vernicos Sifnos', along with five Coast Guard vessels and boats from the Port Authority. This coordinated action ensured the safety of the crew and the integrity of the ships. For further details, including photos and videos from the incident, visit this report: https://www.tovima.gr/2021/03/14/society/kythira-se-ekseliksi-oi-ereynes-gia-ti-sygkrousi-ton-dyo-ploion/