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Read Authentic Ratings for the Balto

IMO: 7392854

Research Vessel, Cook Islands

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Balto - Research Vessel vessel registered in Cook Islands

Vessel Details

MMSI

518100481

Callsign

E5U3395

Width

10.0 m

Length

40.0 m

Reviews (1)

Roger

2024-11-15

Position: Motorman

Advantages:

Looking for information about this vessel. Has anyone worked on this vessel? Was the crew alright?

Disadvantages:

No personal experience yet, just gathering info.

Featured Review Articles

Vessel Analysis Jun 20, 2026

Abandoned and Adrift: The Plight of the Balto Crew Off Barcelona

The situation surrounding the Balto, previously known as the "C-Star," has become increasingly dire as it remains stranded off the coast of Barcelona. Initially chartered by the right-wing extremist group Defend Europe to deter immigrant rescues in t...

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Latest News (3)

Abandoned C Star Ship’s Crew Faces Dire Conditions Off Barcelona

Nov 13, 2017 10:12

The former mission ship 'C Star,' once operated by the far-right group Generación Identitaria, now finds itself languishing in a semi-abandoned state just five miles off the coast of Barcelona. The situation has escalated, prompting the crew to rely on humanitarian assistance following the departure of the xenophobic activists who previously chartered the vessel. At the end of October, a local port authority launch inspected the ship, confirming that the eight members associated with Generación Identitaria had disembarked. The 'C Star' has since been repainted and stripped of its former insignia, marking a stark contrast to its controversial past. Currently, only the crew, comprised of individuals from Bangladesh, remains on board, facing an increasingly desperate situation. Officers aboard have advised them to fish for sustenance and collect rainwater for drinking. The captain is seeking to navigate to a nearby Catalan port for refueling and to procure food for the starving crew. However, the owner of the 'C Star' has abandoned the ship, leaving the crew without funds to secure basic necessities. For further details and coverage, visit the Spanish report [here](http://sipse.com/mundo/barco-rescate-fracaso-taxi-inmigrantes-mar-abierto-fracaso-mision-275324.html).

Navigational Troubles Keep C-Star Anchored Off Barcelona as Crew Faces Hardship

Sep 28, 2017 11:23

The 'C-Star,' an unfortunate vessel, has found itself anchored off the Barcelona coastline since September 27th. The ship is currently stranded with significant damage to its navigational instruments, stalling entry into the port. Its crew, who survived on humanitarian assistance, is seeking to disembark and return home after 12 long days adrift near Palamós. In response to urgent humanitarian needs, the Red Cross has stepped in again to facilitate additional food and supplies for the nine Sri Lankan crew members aboard. Previous efforts included a first distribution of food and warm clothing, amid assessments of their dire circumstances. Based on findings, the Red Cross determined that the 'C-Star' was effectively abandoned, lacking both fuel and basic navigational tools, and was held back from departing as the owner failed to fulfill financial obligations for fuel and provisions. The deteriorating condition of the crew has led to cries for their wages and basic necessities, including drinking water and food. Conditions have clearly taken a toll, as crew members expressed fatigue and urgency for repatriation. In Spain, it is mandated that foreign vessels have a consignee to manage necessary paperwork and fees for docking; however, the absence of one for the 'C-Star' has impeded progress. As authorities consider steps to resolve the situation, the tug 'Punta Mayor' continues to guard the vessel, which remains stranded five miles east of the port, awaiting a resolution from the Port of Barcelona or the Maritime Captaincy.

C-Star Awaiting Supplies in Palamós

Sep 20, 2017 11:20

The C-Star, a vessel previously chartered by the controversial right-wing group Defend Europe, is currently docked off the coast of Palamós, Spain, in urgent need of essential supplies. This ship, which operates under the Mongolian flag and is owned by a Cardiff-based shipowner, recently brought eight members of Defend Europe to Malta three weeks ago. As of now, only a crew of nine Sri Lankans remains on board. Upon arrival in Palamós on the night of September 15, the C-Star intended to stay in port between 15 to 30 days to replenish its supplies and await potential charter opportunities, supported by telematics that permit such actions. However, the ship's recent history led both the Maritime Captaincy and the Ports de la Generalitat to initially deny entry, suspecting that it was still under the Defend Europe charter. The ship's captain clarified that the C-Star had disembarked its passengers in Malta and was no longer affiliated with the organization, indicating that the ship no longer displayed any related markings. It is currently seeking vital resources such as water, food, and fuel, anticipating a need to fill its tanks with between six to eight tons of diesel. Despite the crew's dire situation, concerns persisted among the Generalitat and government officials regarding the financial transfer procedures necessary for port entry. A critical meeting held on September 18 at the Ministry of Development aimed to address the situation, followed by a gathering on September 20 in Palamós, involving all stakeholders to determine the next steps. In a humanitarian context, it is essential that the C-Star's crew receives the necessary provisions of water and food as discussions continue regarding the vessel’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

🌊 Did Balto sink or have any sinking incidents?

Based on available news reports, Balto has been mentioned in connection with sinking-related incidents. There have been 3 news reports mentioning sinking incidents. For detailed information about specific incidents, please refer to the latest news section above.

Sinking Incident Reported

🧑‍🚒 Was Balto involved in any migrant rescue operations?

Based on available news reports, Balto has been mentioned in connection with migrant-related incidents. There have been 1 news reports mentioning migrant operations. For detailed information about specific incidents, please refer to the latest news section above.

Migrant Operation Reported

🚓 Was Balto detained or arrested?

Based on available news reports, Balto has been mentioned in connection with detention-related incidents. There have been 1 news reports mentioning detentions. For detailed information about specific incidents, please refer to the latest news section above.

Detention Reported

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