Discover the Garuda: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for $9.5 million to buyers based in the Middle East, with the deal currently under subscription. This sale highlights the ongoing interest in maritime assets in the region, reflecting investors' confidence and growth in the maritime industry.

The tanker 'Cape Bon' embarked on its voyage from Dunkerque after completing necessary repairs on December 24, departing at 7:30 PM. With an estimated time of arrival (ETA) in Wandelaar set for 3 AM on December 25, the vessel made a brief stop to drop anchor at Westhinder anchorage in the early hours, ensuring a smooth journey ahead.

On December 19, 2016, the tanker "Cape Bon," carrying 32,200 tonnes of flammable liquid, experienced a critical blackout approximately 18 km off the coast of Calais while en route from Le Havre. The incident, caused by a fire in the vessel's electrical switchboard, prompted a swift response from the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea, leading to a careful rescue operation that continued into the following day. At around 3:30 p.m. on December 19, the CROSS Gris-Nez alerted authorities to the disabled tanker. The Center for Maritime Operations promptly dispatched the emergency tug "Abeille Languedoc" from Boulogne-sur-Mer to provide assistance. Upon arrival at 5:50 p.m., the crew of the "Cape Bon" had successfully dropped anchor, ensuring stability until help arrived. Later that evening around 7:00 p.m., a Dauphin helicopter from Le Touquet took off, carrying an evaluation and response team from the Ship Safety Center. After assessing the situation, the team recommended that the tanker needed to be towed. The Maritime Prefect issued a formal notice to the shipowner, who subsequently entered into a commercial towing contract with Multraship, although the tug was not expected to reach the scene before noon on December 20. Throughout the night, the "Abeille Languedoc" maintained a standby position near the disabled tanker. On December 20, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the tug "Multratug 20" arrived on the scene. By 2:00 p.m., with no new developments, it was decided to deploy a helicopter to transfer two crew members from the "Abeille Languedoc" along with personnel from the maritime gendarmerie's patrol boat "Escaut" to oversee the towing operation. At 3:10 p.m., a successful tow connection was established between the "Multratug 20" and the "Cape Bon." The convoy was escorted by both the "Abeille Languedoc" and the "Escaut" as they made their way to the Dyck area, where the tanker anchored at 5:30 p.m. prior to entering the port of Dunkerque. This operation highlights the coordinated efforts of maritime rescue teams in ensuring the safety of vessels and their crews.