Alma-Del-Mar Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The family of the deceased captain of the 'Vantage Wave' has made a challenging decision to agree to the incineration of his body, despite the Guangzhou Municipal Government yet to approve disembarkation. This decision, which goes against their family's religious beliefs and personal wishes, comes as a response to an urgent situation aboard the vessel. Over the past month, the crew aboard the 'Vantage Wave' has been grappling with a dire shortage of essential supplies, including food and water. This critical lack has raised serious concerns regarding both the safety of the vessel and the well-being of its crew, as highlighted by the UK charity Human Rights at Sea. Repeated requests for resupplies have been denied, exacerbating the stresses faced by those on board. The shipowner and crew acknowledge the Covid-19 pandemic prevention measures imposed but emphasize that the current situation is significantly heightening psychological strain. Human Rights at Sea is calling for immediate intervention from the Chinese port authority to alleviate these challenges.

On April 19, 2021, a tragic incident unfolded aboard the 'Vantage Wave' as the vessel's master passed away while it was navigating from Paradip to Guangzhou, transporting a cargo of aluminium ingots. The death, reportedly due to cardiac complications, left the ship stranded with the body of the deceased still on board. In the weeks that followed, efforts to disembark the body faced refusal from several regional nations, including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, and China. Following these refusals, the 'Vantage Wave' reached the outer anchorage of Hong Kong on June 6, anchoring at coordinates 21° 58.44' N 114° 1.03' E, where it has since remained stationary. Compounding the situation, Chinese authorities have prohibited the provision of essential supplies, including food and water, to the ship, further highlighting the maritime challenges faced in such regrettable circumstances.

In a significant transaction within the maritime industry, a vessel has been sold to an Italian buyer for a total of $16 million. This sale highlights the ongoing demand for quality vessels in the international market, particularly among European buyers. The details surrounding the vessel’s specifications and its projected operational capabilities are yet to be disclosed, but the successful deal reflects the robust investment climate in the shipping sector. As maritime stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of the industry, transactions like these underscore the enduring interest and potential for growth in the maritime market.