Reviews & Ratings for the Alma-Marine

The tanker 'Qaaswa' successfully reached Tuzla, where it has now been docked in a shipyard following the completion of necessary administrative procedures. A thorough damage assessment was conducted by the classification society's surveyors in collaboration with the technical superintendent representing the vessel's owner. This included a detailed marking of the affected areas and a formal request for repairs to be initiated. As of November 11, the ship remained docked at the facility while permanent repairs have commenced, undertaken by a combination of shore-based workshops and the shipyard’s technical teams.

The freighter 'Qaaswa' has been towed to Tuzla for necessary repairs after suffering an engine failure on June 1, 2023, while docked in Sfax, Tunisia. Due to the severity of the situation, the crew was unable to facilitate repairs onboard. To assist, the tugboat 'Chambon Alize' was dispatched to handle the towing operation. On October 10, 2019, following the completion of towage approval procedures, the tow commenced. As the Qaaswa navigated through the Canakkale Strait, Coastal Safety tugs were deployed to provide an escort for the vessel and ensure safe passage through the busy strait. The vessel is expected to arrive at the Tuzla shipyard for repairs on October 20.

Since May 2017, the tanker 'Qaaswa' has been stranded near the entrance of Sfax port, and the situation has taken a dire turn as the vessel has now lost power. The last operational generator has depleted its fuel supply, leaving the crew with dwindling provisions and an urgent need for assistance. With limited food supplies rapidly spoiling and fresh water completely exhausted, the health of the crew members is deteriorating. Reports indicate that five crew members are suffering from illness and require immediate medical care. Captain Yehia Kamel has expressed a desperate plea for evacuation, emphasizing that all crew members wish to leave the ship at once, alongside their outstanding salaries and airfares. The 'Qaaswa' is owned by Alco Shipping Services, a company based in Sharjah, which has been previously associated with multiple crew abandonment incidents. The current crew composition includes two Indian nationals, three Bangladeshis, and 13 Egyptians. Efforts are underway as local embassies liaise to formulate solutions for the stranded sailors. Compounding the urgency, many of the ship's operational certificates have also expired, and the payment owed to the crew has surpassed six months. For further details, a French report with accompanying photographs can be found at this link: http://kapitalis.com/tunisie/2018/02/27/tanker-emirati-lance-appel-de-detresse-large-de-sfax/