Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of El-Coqui

On November 19, 2025, the dedicated crew of the tanker 'Stena Immaculate' (IMO: 9693018) received the esteemed AOTOS Special Recognition Plaque, acknowledging their remarkable bravery during a crisis. This honor was bestowed by the United Seamen’s Service at the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards ceremony. The commendation stems from a harrowing incident on March 10, when the 'Stena Immaculate' was struck by the container vessel 'Solong' (IMO: 9322554). Despite suffering a ruptured cargo tank and a subsequent fire affecting both ships, the crew's prompt and effective response was instrumental in controlling the flames, protecting thousands of gallons of jet fuel, and ensuring the safety of all 23 personnel aboard. Their decisive actions not only mitigated the immediate danger but also helped preserve the vessel and its valuable cargo. At the time of the incident, 'Stena Immaculate' was being managed by Crowley, in partnership with owner Stena Bulk USA. In a statement, Crowley highlighted the significance of the AOTOS Awards as a prestigious acknowledgment of maritime excellence, emphasizing the vital role of American seafarers whose bravery and commitment to safety have made significant contributions to the industry. Additionally, the crew of Crowley-owned 'El Coquí' was similarly honored with the AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque for Heroism, following their valiant rescue of four American boaters whose sailing vessel sank in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Responding to a request for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, the 'El Coquí' altered its course from its routine route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard and the nearby fishing vessel 'Bonanza' (IMO: 7738773), the crew successfully located and rescued the stranded boaters, bringing them safely to shore. James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping, expressed immense pride in the crews of both vessels. He noted, "These awards serve as a testament to their courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication during emergencies. Their actions exemplify Crowley’s core values of safety and preparedness, reminding us of the importance of ongoing training, innovation, and the duty to protect lives at sea." The AOTOS Awards, celebrated annually by the United Seamen’s Service for over fifty years, recognize the leadership and achievements of individuals and organizations in advancing the maritime sector while prioritizing the safety of American seafarers. For further details, refer to the full report with visual documentation: https://shippingtelegraph.com/shipping-reports/stena-immaculate-crew-members-honored-for-heroism-and-life-saving-actions/

In a commendable tribute to maritime courage, the American Waterways Operators (AWO) has presented the esteemed Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Awards to the dedicated crew members of the 'Potomac Express' and the 'El Coqu'i'. These individuals exemplify heroism through their actions aimed at protecting the lives and safety of others at sea. Captain Kurt Breitfeller and the valiant crew aboard the 'El Coqui' were instrumental in a recent rescue mission involving four individuals who had to evacuate their damaged sailboat in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They collaborated seamlessly with the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing vessel 'Bonanza' to locate and safely recover the stranded sailors, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and commitment to maritime safety. In a separate incident, Second Mate Kevin Zapolski displayed remarkable bravery while serving on the 'Potomac Express'. When a fellow crew member accidentally fell into the water between the dock and the vessel, Zapolski promptly responded to the distress call. He expertly deployed a life ring, provided crucial assistance, and coordinated efficiently with other crew members, terminal personnel, and emergency responders to ensure the safe rescue of his colleague. These awards serve as a poignant reminder of the critical role that seafarers play in safeguarding lives on the water every day. For a detailed report including photos, visit: https://www.ajot.com/news/crowley-mariners-honored-for-heroic-rescues-by-american-waterways-operators.

In a daring rescue operation on January 21, 2025, a US Coast Guard aircrew, alongside the crew of the container ship 'El Coquí' and the fishing vessel 'Bonanza', successfully saved four United States citizens from a life raft in the waters of Silver Bank, located north of the Dominican Republic. The rescued individuals included David Potts (63), John Potts (62), Andrew Cullar (26), and Russel Case (67), who had to abandon their sailing vessel, the 'Mariposa'. The vessel was navigating from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to Portofino, Texas, with a scheduled stop in Key West, Florida, when disaster struck. After hitting a submerged rock, it was hit by a wave that caused it to tilt on its port side and subsequently collide with another rock, breaching the hull and allowing water to flood in, leading to its eventual sinking. On the morning of the incident, the Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center detected an unregistered Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signal approximately 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico. This prompted search efforts, including the deployment of an HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Miami and an Enhanced Group Calling (EGC) along with AMVER notifications to nearby vessels. The 'El Coquí', on its way from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Jacksonville, Florida, altered its course to investigate the beacon's location. Once in the Silver Bank area, the Coast Guard crew pinpointed the emergency signal and directed the 'El Coquí' to the life raft, where the survivors were located. Nearby, the 'Bonanza', in the company of several small fishing vessels, was also spotted by the Coast Guard team. They executed low passes to grab the attention of the fishing crew and successfully led them to the life raft's position. The 'Bonanza' was able to navigate the shallow waters and retrieve the stranded sailors. After their rescue, the individuals were transferred to the 'El Coquí' for their onward journey to Jacksonville, where they are expected to arrive on January 23. Fortunately, no medical issues were reported among the survivors. Throughout the search operations, the Coast Guard utilized the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system which provided essential vessel profile data and emergency contacts linked to the 'Mariposa', crucial for the efficient planning of the rescue efforts. This valuable information was made possible due to the 'Mariposa's 406 MHz Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon, registered with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). For more details, visit the official report at https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4036157/coast-guard-responding-vessels-rescue-4-us-boaters-from-life-raft-on-the-atlant/

Crowley Maritime Corporation is making waves with the arrival of its latest vessel, the LNG-powered ConRo ship El Coquí, which has successfully completed its inaugural delivery from Jacksonville, Florida to the Isla Grande Terminal in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The El Coquí, notable for being one of the pioneering ConRo vessels run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), set sail from Jacksonville on a Friday night and made its way to San Juan by Monday, July 30. This maiden voyage marks a significant step in Crowley's commitment to enhancing its Jones Act shipping service, which strategically connects the U.S. mainland with Puerto Rico, paving the way for more environmentally friendly maritime transport.