Working Conditions Aboard the Kota-Rahmat

On February 29, 2016, the container ship 'Forum Pacific' was instrumental in a life-saving search and rescue (SAR) operation coordinated by the MRCC Noumea in the waters surrounding Vanuatu. At 4:30 a.m., the MRCC Noumea received an emergency signal from a distress beacon. The location of the beacon was pinpointed at 5:20 a.m., situated between the islands of Efate and Erromango. Promptly, the MRCC dispatched a surveillance aircraft operated by the French Navy (FANC) and requested that the 'Forum Pacific,' which was anchored in Port Vila, proceed to the distress area. The aircraft, equipped with vital rescue gear, took off from Tontouta at 8:30 a.m. and reached the vicinity of the distress signal by 9:25 a.m. Upon arrival, the crew spotted an overturned vessel and discovered 13 individuals aboard a life raft. This vessel was later identified as the 'LC Mahalia,' a 42-meter-long ship registered in Vanuatu. The aircraft successfully established communication with the stranded individuals using a portable VHF radio, confirming that they were safe and unharmed. By 1:30 p.m., the 'Forum Pacific' arrived to assist, retrieving the castaways and safely transporting them back to Port Vila. For detailed reports and photographs, visit: http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/le-mrcc-noumea-coordonne-le-sauvetage-de-13-marins

The maritime community can breathe a sigh of relief as the cargo vessel 'Captain Tasmane,' which ran aground in Suva Harbour due to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Evan, was successfully refloated on December 18. This operation effectively eliminated any potential risk of oil spills contaminating the local waters. Following this milestone, the 'Captain Tasmane' is scheduled for a thorough underwater inspection to assess the condition of its hull and underwater components, ensuring the vessel is seaworthy before it resumes its journey.

In an incident off the coast of Suva, Fiji, the 146-meter-long container ship Capitaine Tasman, with a deadweight tonnage of 12,985, ran aground at the harbour entrance. The vessel was at anchor due to the passage of a cyclone over the island when its anchors began to drag, ultimately leading to it running aground. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported in the incident. However, the Capitaine Tasman faced continued turbulence from rough seas, resulting in some water ingress. As of now, no additional details have emerged regarding the situation.