Discover the Asphalt-Alliance: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 31, 2019, at 09:45 a.m., the bulk carrier Acacia Noir encountered a significant engine blackout while navigating approximately 18.3 miles off the Isle of Wight, specifically at coordinates 50° 17' 48'' N, 001° 05' 54'' W. The vessel, which was making its way from Liepaja to Cadiz with a crew of 16, was left adrift for a brief period. However, by 10:00 a.m., the crew successfully restarted the engines, allowing the Acacia Noir to resume its journey. The ship was transporting a substantial cargo of 4,976 tonnes of bitumen and is expected to arrive in Cadiz by February 15.

On the evening of September 4, 2017, an incident took place involving a marine pilot in Table Bay, Cape Town. As the pilot was boarding the tanker 'Acacia Noir', she slipped from the boarding ladder while being assisted by the pilot boat 'Petrel' around 9:40 p.m. The tanker was approaching port when the unfortunate slip occurred, resulting in the pilot entering the chilly waters of Table Bay. Thankfully, she was equipped with a standard life jacket, enabling her to stay afloat and emerge uninjured from the fall. The crew aboard the 'Petrel' acted promptly, sounding the alarm which activated a response from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) at Table Bay Station. Their rescue vessel, 'Spirit of Vodacom', was launched in addition to activating the NSRI Bakoven team, Western Cape Health EMS, and the AMS/EMS Skymed rescue helicopter, which stood by for emergency support. Fortunately, the dedicated crew of the 'Petrel' successfully retrieved the pilot and brought her back on board, albeit wet and cold but safe. She was then transferred to the pier adjacent to the port control tower where an ER24 ambulance awaited to transport her to the hospital for precautionary measures. The NSRI has praised the prompt and effective actions of the 'Petrel' crew in ensuring the safe recovery of their colleague.