Discover the Gas-Athena: Ratings & Maritime News

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has received alarming reports regarding the vessel GAS ATHENA (IMO: 9267950), which has been flagged for abandonment. Registered under the Panama flag, the ship is currently docked at the port of Khor Fakkan in the UAE. As of August 1, 2023, 16 seafarers aboard are awaiting payment for wages that have accumulated over the span of eight months. The crew comprises nationals from the Philippines and Ukraine, adding to the growing concern for their welfare as their situation remains unresolved. This case is currently classified as open and is part of the ITF's ongoing efforts to monitor and address incidents of crew abandonment globally. By tracking such cases, the ITF aims to provide support and advocate for the rights of seafarers, highlighting the need for fair labor practices in the maritime industry.

On February 17, 2017, the LPG tanker 'Keswick', on its route from Puerto Moín to Puerto Cortés, came to the aid of 60-year-old solo sailor Peter Henneberry from Eastern Passage. Henneberry was navigating his 11-meter sloop named 'Wanderer' from Roatan to Cartagena, Colombia, when complications arose during his journey. Initially, while sailing alongside another vessel that faced engine difficulties, Henneberry decided to return to Roatan for repairs. Unfortunately, disaster struck when he lost his rudder entirely, rendering the 'Wanderer' nearly incapacitated amid harsh conditions with winds gusting at 45 kilometers per hour. With his boat heeling over, he issued a mayday call, prompting the 'Keswick' to respond. Upon reaching Henneberry, the imposing tanker attempted to tow him to safety. However, due to the significant disparity in size and the turbulent sea conditions, the tow was ultimately deemed too risky, forcing Henneberry to let go of the line. Shortly after, another vessel arrived on the scene, promising to tow 'Wanderer' toward the nearby island of Guanaja. Yet, as they neared the island, the tow line snapped in the darkness, complicating the rescue. At that moment, a Honduran Navy boat intervened, managing to tow the yacht close to the reef before instructing Henneberry to drop anchor. Tragically, moments later, 'Wanderer' drifted onto the coral reef. In this precarious situation, the naval vessel returned but ended up stuck on the reef as well. Henneberry and the Navy crew sought refuge in the cockpit of 'Wanderer' for the night, sheltered from the relentless waves. Finally, on February 18 at around 1 p.m., assistance arrived to free the 37-year-old Cherubini Hunter 36, bringing it to dock at Bonacca Island off Guanaja. Henneberry’s current focus is on repairing 'Wanderer' and he has raised nearly $4,000 through a GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/help-a-stranded-sailor) to cover these repairs, including a new rudder ordered from Florida. In addition to the rudder, Henneberry also sustained damage to his propellers and a snapped side stay. He plans to stabilize 'Wanderer' and continue his journey after a lengthy route that began in Nova Scotia, winding through Massachusetts, down the eastern seaboard, across to the Bahamas, and through Cuba, Mexico, and Guatemala. As a former deckhand for the Canadian Coast Guard living on a limited pension, Henneberry now looks forward to returning to the open seas once repairs are finalized. For further details and photographs, visit https://www.localxpress.ca/local-news/eastern-passage-sailor-547133.