Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Elephant

On April 20, 2026, the 'Nero', a tanker under the control of the Russian shipping company Sovcomflot, successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz while fully loaded. The vessel, having departed from the Persian Gulf, was approximately 60 miles from the strait when it gained attention. It was reported that around 4 p.m., the 'Nero' reduced its speed and came to a halt, marking its transit as the sole vessel passing through the strait that day en route to Korfakkan. The 'Nero' is currently subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Kingdom due to its involvement in oil transportation from Russia. Originally owned by Sovcomflot, the tanker shifted to a different administrative structure following the sanctions, resulting in an anonymous ownership status since October 2025. Reports suggest that the vessel underwent inspections by the U.S. Navy, which enforces a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at restricting trade from Iranian ports. Remarkably, the tanker traversed the strait through Iranian territorial waters, raising speculations about possible coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for its passage.

In a notable development, the tanker 'Elephant' has successfully returned to Russia's oil export terminal in Ust-Luga on March 12, marking its first visit back after being held in Ferrol for a week in February. The detention stemmed from a Spanish investigation into a ship-to-ship transfer associated with a former Russian-flag vessel. After this significant hiatus of five months, the 'Elephant' managed to load an impressive 720,000 barrels of Urals crude at the Baltic Sea port. Subsequently, the tanker set sail on March 13, en route to Port Said, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) on March 31.

In a commendable operation, the Indian Coast Guard successfully evacuated two Chinese nationals from the Singapore-registered vessel, MT Ocean Crown, in the high seas off Mumbai. The 245-meter long vessel was en route from Sikka, India to Port São Sebastião in Brazil when it encountered a medical emergency on July 18, 2014. At approximately 21:45 hours, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre Mumbai (MRCC MB) received a distress call from the ship's master. He reported that two crew members had suffered accidental injuries while working on deck. Although initial first aid was provided, the injuries necessitated immediate specialized medical attention. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, MRCC MB directed MT Ocean Crown to move closer to Mumbai, which was the nearest port equipped to provide the needed medical assistance. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard ship Varuna, which was patrolling the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), was redirected to offer medical advice and assistance, while a Chetak helicopter based in Mumbai was put on standby for air evacuation. The vessel reached a point approximately 30 kilometers west of Mumbai by 16:00 hours on July 19, 2014. The Indian Coast Guard helicopter, CG 821, was swiftly deployed to the scene. Upon its arrival, a medical team boarded the ship to assess the injured crew members and deliver essential on-site treatment to stabilize their condition for air transport. This operation highlights the Indian Coast Guard's ongoing commitment to maritime safety and their readiness to respond to emergencies in the vast waters of the Indian Ocean.