The G-Atlantic: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On September 13, 2025, a significant rescue operation unfolded 30 nautical miles southeast of Gavdos, Greece, where the Greek Coast Guard notified the Port Authorities of Agia Galini, Kala Limeni, Kokkinos Pyrgos, Paleochora, and Chora Sfakion regarding a distressed boat carrying 59 migrants. The bulk carrier 'G Atlantic,' en route from Jiangyin to Monfalcone, quickly altered its course to assist. Following the operation, the vessel approached Messara Bay, where the migrants were safely transferred to a Greek Coast Guard lifeboat. They were subsequently ferried to the port of Agia Galini and then transported by bus to a shelter in Rethymno. In the course of the incident, the Rethymno Port Authority, which was conducting a preliminary investigation, arrested two Egyptian nationals, a 17-year-old and a 29-year-old, on charges related to human trafficking. These charges include violations of Article 83 of Law 3386/2005 concerning illegal entry, Article 25 of Law 5038/2023 on facilitation of irregular migration, as well as Articles 306 and 45 of the Criminal Code concerning exposure and abetment, respectively. The migrants had embarked on their perilous journey from a beach in Tobruk during the evening hours of September 10, with each individual having paid between 2,500 and 4,000 euros for their passage to Greece. After the humanitarian mission, the 'G Atlantic' resumed its voyage, with an estimated time of arrival at its next destination set for September 16.

In a significant move, Star Bulk, a prominent Greek shipping firm, has decided to pull its vessels from the increasingly perilous waters of the Red Sea. This decision comes in the wake of two missile strikes attributed to the Houthi militia targeting their ships within a single week, the most recent being the attack on the 'Star Iris' on February 12. Petros Pappas, CEO of Star Bulk, announced that all operations would cease in this danger-prone region where over 50 attacks on merchant vessels have been reported. The two Star Bulk vessels hit by missiles were under charter at the time of the incidents. Prior to these attacks, Pappas had advised against sailing through the Red Sea, though he lacked the authority to enforce a ban on their passage. As a result of Star Bulk's withdrawal, a growing number of maritime companies are opting for safer routes, avoiding these treacherous waters altogether. Notably, Maersk was among the first major container shipping firms to reroute its vessels, opting for a longer journey around Africa's southern tip. This precautionary measure has since been adopted by other industry leaders, including Danish firms Torm and Hafnia, along with Sweden's Stena Bulk. As the security situation deteriorates, the trend of avoiding the Red Sea is likely to expand even further, as companies prioritize the safety of their assets and crews.

On February 12, 2024, the bulk carrier 'Star Iris' became the latest target in escalating maritime tensions, suffering damage from two Houthi missile strikes while navigating the Bab al Mandab Strait in the Red Sea. The vessel was en route from Vila do Conde port, where it departed on January 12, and was headed for Bandar Imam Khomeini, with an expected arrival date of February 19. Fortunately, all crew members aboard the 'Star Iris' were unharmed despite the significant damage inflicted on the ship's starboard side. This incident marks the 51st missile attack on merchant vessels since the beginning of November, underscoring the ongoing risks in this strategically vital waterway.