The Dove: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The Liberian-flagged tanker 'Bonita' showcased remarkable humanitarian efforts by successfully rescuing 537 individuals during two separate missions off the coast of Libya this August. Responding to a distress call from the Italian Coastguard, the vessel first arrived on the scene to save 357 migrants, comprising a significant number of 270 from Bangladesh, along with others hailing from Syria, Nigeria, India, Sudan, Palestine, Guinea, Ghana, and Morocco. Among those rescued were six women and an 11-year-old child. Following the initial rescue, the 'Bonita' transported the group to the Sicilian port of Pozzallo for disembarkation. Just ten days later, on a mission coordinated by the Rome Rescue Center, the tanker was alerted to another vessel in peril approximately 240 km from the Libyan coastline. This subsequent operation saw the 'Bonita' rescue 180 more individuals, including 59 small children. The rescued group consisted of 94 Palestinians, 85 Syrians, and one Iraqi. After safely bringing the migrants on board, the tanker made its way to Porto Empedocle in Sicily, where disembarkation occurred before the vessel continued its journey toward Rotterdam. On August 22, 2014, the 'Bonita' successfully docked for discharge at its destination, completing a commendable display of maritime rescue operations.