Agios-Fanourios Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On September 20, 2017, the bulk carrier "Agios Fanourios" urgently called for medical assistance approximately 92 miles east of East London after two crew members fell critically ill. The Transnet National Ports Authority alerted the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) East London regarding the dire situation involving a 53-year-old Filipino and a 53-year-old Panamanian sailor, both suspected of suffering from malaria and reported to be unconscious. Earlier that day, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) had received warnings of the crew's critical conditions, leading a Government Health EMS duty doctor to recommend an immediate evacuation. Given the distance and time limitations, a ship-to-sea rescue was deemed unfeasible. Consequently, the NSRI activated their Airborne Sea Rescue (ASR) teams, while an SA Air Force (SAAF) 15 Squadron Oryx helicopter was dispatched to assist. Within hours, the NSRI Durban coordinated with ASR rescue swimmers and Netcare 911 rescue paramedics, all heading to Durban's SAAF 15 Squadron base. By 8:30 PM, the helicopter and accompanying team were airborne and headed toward the vessel, rendezvousing 13 miles off Port St Johns along the picturesque Transkei Wild Coast. Once on board, the rescue crew found both sailors under the care of the ship's medics; one was in critical condition, while the other was serious. After administering immediate medical assistance, the sailors were carefully secured onto specialized rescue stretchers for the helicopter transfer. Tragically, during the flight, the Filipino sailor suffered a cardiac arrest. CPR was promptly initiated by the Netcare 911 paramedics, with the assistance of the NSRI personnel. A pulse was regained before they landed at a Durban hospital at 23:06, where medical teams took over. Unfortunately, both crew members later succumbed to their illnesses despite continued resuscitation efforts in the hospital. This incident highlights the perils of maritime operations in remote locations and the urgent need for timely medical interventions during emergencies at sea.

Local maritime unions in India are urgently appealing for help to support the crew of the handy bulk carrier Antaeus, which has been left abandoned by its Greek owners, Pyrsos Shipping, near the port of Visakhapatnam since May 22. The situation onboard has deteriorated drastically, with food and drinking water having run out 12 days ago and fuel reserves dwindling perilously low. Community members have stepped up to send vital supplies to the stranded crew. Reports indicate that the seafarers, who are believed to be Greek nationals, are owed two months' back wages and are seeking assistance for their repatriation. Compounding the troubles of Pyrsos Shipping, another vessel from their fleet, the Apellis, has recently been detained in China due to unpaid fees owed to a local ship repair facility.

The Greek maritime authorities are stepping in to address the challenging situation faced by the bulk carrier 'Antaeus', which has been stranded in Visakhapatnam since May 22, 2016. Currently anchored off the coast, the vessel's crew has been without essential supplies, including food and drinking water, since June 19, leading to increasing concerns for their wellbeing. Additionally, the crew members have reported delays in receiving their wages for the past two months, further complicating their plight. Urgent measures are needed for their repatriation as the ship's fuel reserves dwindle.