Hartland-Point Vessel Reviews and Specifications

In a harrowing maritime operation, the Roro ferry 'Hartland Point' successfully rescued 54 migrants on December 1, 2023, during its journey to Marchwood. The vessel arrived at the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at dawn, bringing to safety ten women—including several who were pregnant—and three minors, after finding them adrift in a compromised rubber boat 185 kilometers south of the island. Unfortunately, the rescue was marred by tragedy as one woman was found deceased aboard the inflatable craft, her body left adrift amidst deteriorating sea conditions. The 'Hartland Point' alerted Spanish authorities at 11:15 a.m. on November 30, 2023. Recognizing the urgency, they dispatched the 'Salvamar Macondo' from Arguineguín. However, as the situation escalated with worsening weather, the merchant ship's crew opted for immediate action and began the rescue without delay after noting that the migrant vessel was rapidly taking on water. Upon rescue, several of the migrants displayed severe signs of hypothermia. The dire situation prompted Salvamento Marítimo to deploy the Helimer 204 rescue helicopter, which airlifted one of the pregnant women suffering from hypothermia, though her condition stabilized before reaching Gran Canaria Airport. The 'Hartland Point' docked at the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas the following morning, carrying 41 men, ten women, and three children. Post-rescue, health services treated seven of the survivors, primarily women and children, for various medical issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by migrants attempting perilous sea crossings.