Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Duzgit-Integrity

On June 17, 2015, at 5:06 PM, a distress call was made to the CROSS Gris-Nez by the vessel "Duzgit Integrity". A 51-year-old crew member had experienced a cardiac arrest. Responding swiftly, the CROSS Gris-Nez mobilized a Belgian Seaking helicopter from the Koksijde base, equipped with a medical team, and notified the maritime medical coordination center in Le Havre. The helicopter arrived at the scene by 5:30 PM, where the medical personnel took charge of the patient. Despite intensive resuscitation efforts, the crew member remained unresponsive. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital in Calais, arriving shortly before 6 PM. Later that evening, the Calais hospital reported to CROSS Gris-Nez that the sailor had tragically passed away. At the time of the incident, the "Duzgit Integrity" was anchored in a designated waiting area near Dyck, approximately six nautical miles off the Calais coast. This unfortunate event highlights the risks associated with maritime operations and the critical nature of swift medical response in emergencies.

The West African nation of São Tomé e Príncipe has taken a controversial step by confiscating two vessels, the Marida Melissa and Duzgit Integrity, chartered by the Swedish oil company Stena Oil, along with their cargo. In a troubling turn of events, the captains of these ships have been handed severe three-year prison sentences and charged with smuggling during what has been described as a show trial. A hefty fine of 5 million EUR was also imposed, while the vessels and their cargo remain under state custody. Stena Oil firmly maintains that the allegations against them are baseless. Alarmingly, neither the company nor the shipowners have been afforded the opportunity to present their case in court, where vital evidence that could prove their innocence was dismissed by the São Tomé judiciary. Nearly four months into this situation, which has caused Stena Oil and the ship owners losses exceeding 3 million USD, neither the ships nor their cargo have been released. The captains have become victims of a government accused of exploiting foreign business assets for financial gain. This case raises serious questions about judicial integrity and the treatment of foreign enterprises in São Tomé e Príncipe.

In a recent development from Sao Tome, two tankers, the 'Duzgit Integrity' and the 'Marida Melissa,' have been confiscated, leading to legal consequences for their captains. Stena Oil, the Swedish company that chartered these vessels for various marine services near the West African coast, has opted not to comment on the ongoing situation, describing it as sensitive. The vessels had been conducting Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations within the territorial waters of Sao Tome, having received the necessary permissions from the Coastguard. However, due to adverse weather conditions, they had to navigate more closely to the shore. Subsequently, both tankers were compelled to dock in port where their respective captains - one Turkish and one Ukrainian - faced legal action. In late March 2013, the captains were found guilty of unauthorized activities within Sao Tome’s territorial waters and smuggling offenses, resulting in three-year prison sentences. In addition to the imprisonment, the operators were fined a staggering five million Euros. The Swedish Foreign Ministry has indicated plans to address the matter with Sao Tome's authorities, seeking clarification and assistance in resolving the complex situation.