Discover the Grande-Angola: Ratings & Maritime News

On October 17, 2011, the vehicle carrier Grande Angola encountered significant engine troubles shortly after departing from Palumbo Malta Shipyard Ltd in Valletta. The incident unfolded at 12:29 PM local time when the ITA-flagged vessel set sail from Dock 4. Just 26 minutes into its journey, the ship suffered an engine failure and was forced to anchor southeast of the Valletta breakwater, specifically at coordinates 035°53.722'N and 014°33.336'E. Unfortunately, the vessel began dragging its anchor, prompting the urgent dispatch of the tugboat MARI, which was originally on standby for the tanker WATFORD at Flagstone Wharf. The tugboat arrived on the scene, and at 1:44 PM, Pilot Austin Vella boarded Grande Angola to assess the situation. After multiple efforts, the vessel's engine was successfully restarted at 2:37 PM, and the anchor was heaved up shortly thereafter. By 2:50 PM, the tugboat MARI was released from its duties, and Pilot Vella disembarked at 3:15 PM. Following these developments, Grande Angola proceeded to Bunkering Area 6 before continuing on its scheduled journey towards Morocco.