What Crew Members Say About Alfa-Watan

On May 9, 2025, the cargo vessel 'Alfa Watan' was detained in Mytilene after authorities identified seven critical deficiencies that posed serious risks to safety standards. Key issues included outdated navigation charts, an inoperative Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) and an inactive Satellite Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), both of which are crucial for effective radio communications during emergencies. Furthermore, the fire safety measures aboard the vessel were compromised, with the fire detection and alarm system also reported as inoperative, alongside a noted lack of crew training to evaluate performance in fire safety scenarios. Additional concerns were raised regarding the means of recovery for life-saving appliances which were found to be non-functional, and the vessel's International Safety Management (ISM) certificate was deemed non-compliant with required standards. Following rectifications, 'Alfa Watan' was released from detention on May 23, and subsequently set sail for Cesme Anchorage.

On January 21, 2021, at 1 p.m., the Libyan National Army (LNA) Sousse Marine Combat Company apprehended the cargo vessel 'Sam' for violating the established 'No-Sail Zone' (NSZ). The interception occurred approximately 18 miles north of Ras el Hilal, at coordinates 33°13'05"N and 22°09'47"E. The vessel was en route from Benghazi and was subsequently escorted to the Ras el Hilal anchorage, where it arrived and moored at 12:30 a.m. on January 22.

On March 29, 2019, while engaged in discharge operations at Hereke, the vessel 'Skiff' experienced significant structural damage to its main deck handrails and hatch coamings. Following the incident, the stevedore confirmed that repairs were completed before the ship set sail. The 'Skiff' departed from Hereke on March 31 at 5:30 a.m. and subsequently moored off Istanbul at 10:30 a.m., with GPS coordinates recorded at 40° 59.21' N, 028° 56.30' E. The ship is en route to Varna, with an estimated time of arrival scheduled for April 2 at 9:00 a.m.