Ak-Carl Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On October 18, 2015, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the Gulf of Aden when the bulk carrier 'AK Carl', en route from Juhail to Suez, responded to a distress signal from the LPG tanker 'Falcon' (IMO: 9014432). This incident occurred approximately 130 miles southeast of Aden, near the Yemeni coast, after an explosion and subsequent fire broke out onboard the 'Falcon', the cause of which remains undetermined. The 'Meda' (IMO: 8818219), which was also traveling in the area, joined 'AK Carl' in the urgent rescue effort. In coordination with EUNAVFOR Aspides, a search and rescue (SAR) operation was initiated to assist the 26 crew members of the 'Falcon', which included one Ukrainian and 25 Indian nationals who had abandoned ship due to the fire. The Greek frigate HS 'Spetsai' also played a critical role, dispatching an aerial asset along with support from a French air unit from France’s Indian Ocean command. The 'Meda' successfully rescued one Ukrainian and 23 Indian crew members, while the remaining crew were assisted by the 'AK Carl'. After the operation, the 'Spetsai' escorted the rescued seafarers to Djibouti, where they were safely handed over to the Djiboutian Coast Guard. Following the completion of the SAR mission, the 'AK Carl' resumed its journey, with an expected arrival in Suez by October 24. For further details and visuals of the operation, visit: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eunavfor-aspides/mv-falcon-third-update-october-19th-2025_en.

On October 15, 2019, the 'Iryda' encountered a significant issue when a steering component failed at the conning station on its bridge. Following this malfunction, the vessel received authorization to navigate towards Les Razades anchorage, located off the coast of Les Escoumins, Quebec, while utilizing its emergency steering capabilities. By October 16, the ship was safely moored off Trois Pistoles. After undergoing necessary repairs at the anchorage, the 'Iryda' successfully resumed its journey, reaching its destination in Cleveland on October 27 at 10:45 p.m.

On May 25, 2018, the bulk carrier 'Iryda', after departing from the Toledo grain terminal, became entangled in the power supply cables of a railroad bridge in the area. This incident resulted in the severing of one of the wires, but the vessel continued its journey towards Montreal. Consequently, the bridge crossing the Maumee River in Lake Erie was temporarily closed for six hours to facilitate necessary repairs.

Early in the morning on April 16, 2023, the bulk carrier 'Iryda,' identified by IMO number 9180384, ran aground near Brush Point, just above the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The vessel was navigating downbound with a cargo of wheat that it had loaded at Superior, Wisconsin, specifically from Harvest States 2. Fortunately, the cunning efforts of the tug Missouri came into play, successfully pulling the 'Iryda' free shortly after noon. By 1:30 p.m., the 'Iryda' was downbound in the Poe Lock, later anchoring at 6 Mile Anchorage, positioned below the locks. This incident highlights the ongoing navigational challenges faced by vessels in the Great Lakes region.