Working Conditions Aboard the Astro-Grumium

In a swift and decisive operation, Italian Marines from the frigate 'Luigi Rizzo' successfully rescued the crew of the bulk carrier 'Arch Gabriel' on April 3, 2023. The crew had been left in a precarious situation after being attacked by pirates approximately 300 nautical miles south of Lagos, Nigeria. The 'Luigi Rizzo' had assumed anti-piracy duties in the Gulf of Guinea after the Danish frigate 'Esbern Snare' was called back to Europe due to escalating developments there. During the attack, the crew of the 'Arch Gabriel' activated their emergency protocol by retreating to the vessel's citadel after the pirates managed to board the ship. To minimize detection, the bulk carrier had disabled its AIS signal, posing challenges for the assailants. Despite their efforts, the crew was unable to fend off the pirates, but thankfully all members found refuge in the citadel. Upon receiving a distress signal via radio from the citadel, the 'Luigi Rizzo' responded rapidly, navigating the 280 nautical miles at full speed towards the location of the 'Arch Gabriel'. A specialized boarding team was mobilized and conveyed by helicopter to the scene. Although the pirates had departed by the time the boarding team arrived, the Marines conducted a thorough sweep of the vessel to ensure it was secure. Following the operation, the crew was safely released from the citadel. After repairing the damage inflicted by the pirates, the 'Arch Gabriel' resumed its voyage, and the Marines departed, marking a successful mission in the ongoing battle against maritime piracy.

On April 3, 2022, at 7 p.m. UTC, the commercial vessel 'Arch Gabriel' fell victim to a pirate attack while navigating the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 305 nautical miles south of Lagos. Following the incident, the ship's Automatic Identification System (AIS) was turned off, raising concerns about its safety protocols. The 'Arch Gabriel' had been operating in the region since mid-March, with Lagos as its intended destination. Prior to this, the vessel had set sail from Houston in mid-February and may have been idling for a considerable time, making it an attractive target for pirates seeking opportunities in the busy maritime trade routes of the Gulf. The attack underscores the growing risks associated with piracy in this critical shipping area, prompting further discussions about enhancing maritime security measures.

A new time charter has been established for the delivery of the vessel SW Pass. The ship is set for prompt delivery and is scheduled for redelivery in Egypt where it will be transporting petcoke. This lucrative deal is estimated at a daily rate of $22,000 and involves the company Levantina.