Discover the Bencomo-Express: Ratings & Maritime News

In a remarkable display of maritime solidarity, multiple vessels coordinated rescue operations for 180 migrants stranded on three overcrowded boats between the night of January 6 and the morning of January 7, 2024, in waters surrounding Tenerife, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. The operation began early on the morning of January 7 at approximately 8:24 a.m. LT when the 'Bencomo Express' alerted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Tenerife about a disabled canoe spotted near Los Cristianos. Responding swiftly, the 'Salvamar Alpheratz' was dispatched and, by 9:30 a.m., successfully located the canoe, which was adrift with 39 individuals onboard, all sub-Saharan men. The rescue team towed the empty vessel as they transported the migrants back to safety at the port of Los Cristianos. Earlier that same day, the Civil Guard notified the MRCC about another canoe approximately 11 kilometers south of El Hierro. The 'Concepción Arenal' was mobilized and discovered the canoe at 8:25 p.m., escorting it to the La Restinga dock, where 87 sub-Saharan migrants, including six women, safely disembarked about half an hour later. On the same afternoon, the Sasemar 101 aircraft detected a third vessel over 90 kilometers south of Gran Canaria, prompting the deployment of the 'Salvamar Macondo.' The MRCC redirected the 'CL Fugou' to assist in the operation, tracking the boat's course. By around 8:30 p.m., the 'Salvamar Macondo' reached the distressed boat, rescuing 54 North Africans, who were then safely landed at the Arguineguín dock after 11 p.m. These combined rescue efforts highlight the ongoing challenges faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe and the unwavering commitment of maritime authorities to provide assistance.

On August 11, 2023, a noteworthy maritime rescue unfolded as the ferry 'Bencomo Express' detected a distressed open boat carrying approximately 60 individuals. The sighting occurred around seven nautical miles from Los Cristianos during its route to Santa Cruz de Palma. Promptly, the ferry alerted the maritime rescue authority, Salvamento Marítimo. In response, the search and rescue vessel 'Salvamar Alpheratz' (MMSI: 224191590) was dispatched by the CCS Tenerife to assist the stranded boat, ensuring the safe transit of all aboard back to port. For further updates, refer to the official tweet from Salvamento Marítimo: https://twitter.com/salvamentogob/status/1689918677909426176.

On the morning of February 23, 2020, a maritime incident occurred in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, involving two ferries: the 'Bencomo Express' and the 'Vólcan de Taburiente'. The 'Vólcan de Taburiente' was securely docked at the Cristiano Pier when the 'Bencomo Express', en route from San Sebastián de La Gomera, encountered tumultuous weather conditions. Strong winds unexpectedly pushed the 'Bencomo Express' towards the stationary ferry, resulting in a collision that compromised the stern on the starboard side of the 'Vólcan de Taburiente', leaving scratches and holes at deck level. As the 'Bencomo Express' had already been delayed by half an hour due to the storm, the captain made the decision to abandon the docking process after the impact, redirecting the vessel back to La Gomera. Meanwhile, the 'Vólcan de Taburiente' successfully departed the port at 9:15 p.m., continuing its journey towards San Sebastián de La Gomera. Fortunately, both vessels avoided severe damage and remain operational. For further details and footage of the incident, you can check out the Spanish reports linked here: [Telde Actualidad](https://www.teldeactualidad.com/noticia/canarias/2020/02/23/2120.html) and [El Diario](https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/tenerifeahora/sucesos/Fred-Olsen-Armas-chocan-Cristianos_0_998800325.html).