What Crew Members Say About Fortaleza-Knutsen

On August 12, 2021, the oil tanker 'Fortaleza Knutsen', traveling from Las Palmas to Madred de Deus, played a crucial role in a dramatic rescue mission, assisting 46 migrants who had embarked on a perilous journey from Dhakla on July 28. The group was stranded for days until their makeshift vessel was spotted 640 kilometers south of Gran Canaria by the 'Ever Grace', which quickly notified maritime rescue authorities. Due to the considerable distance from shore, the 'Ever Grace' was instructed to assist with the rescue efforts. Despite challenging sea conditions, the crew of the 'Ever Grace' bravely attempted to bring the migrants aboard. Concurrently, the 'Fortaleza Knutsen' provided vital support by positioning itself to shield the vulnerable boat from towering waves. Tragically, the operation was marred by loss, as nine of the original 47 migrants were lost to the sea. Further complicating the situation, four more individuals succumbed to exhaustion during the rescue attempt. Ultimately, 34 migrants were successfully rescued by the 'Ever Grace', although the heartbreaking reality set in as one woman passed away just before a rescue helicopter could reach them. Among the survivors were 30 individuals, including a pregnant woman and eight other women, who were transported to safety in Gran Canaria a few days later. In total, this harrowing journey resulted in the loss of 13 lives. The efforts of both the 'Fortaleza Knutsen' and 'Ever Grace' exemplified the challenges and dangers faced by those seeking hope through perilous maritime routes.

On the evening of June 2, 2016, the oil tanker 'Fortaleza Knutsen' was involved in an oil spill incident while docked at the Terminal Aquaviário de Ilha D'água in Guanabara Bay. Approximately 50 liters of oil escaped, reaching the mouth of the Rio Jequiá in the Zumbi neighborhood of Ilha do Governador, posing a significant threat to the area's vital mangrove ecosystems. The spill occurred during the unloading process of oil at Petrobras' terminal, caused by a malfunction with the unloading arm. A specialized team, overseen by INEA, promptly mobilized to mitigate the spill's impact throughout the day. Transpetro reported the leak three hours post-incident. By early afternoon, the emergency response measures had been deemed successful, following a thorough inspection with environmental authorities. Investigations into the reasons behind the spill are currently underway, with relevant local authorities notified of the situation. For more details and visuals from the scene, refer to the Portuguese report available here: http://odia.ig.com.br/rio-de-janeiro/2016-06-03/vazamento-de-petroleo-em-navio-da-transpetro-atinge-manguezal-na-ilha.html