Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Kristina

On December 15, 2014, the Liberian-flagged tanker 'Americas Spirit' (IMO: 9247443) arrived at the Bedford Basin, following a journey from New York that began on December 12. The purpose of this mission was to offload oil from the incapacitated 'Australian Spirit', which experienced significant steering issues off the coast of Nova Scotia. Towed into Halifax by the Secunda Marine AHTS 'Ventura Sea', the 'Australian Spirit' had been experiencing difficulties since December 9 while navigating heavy seas on its route from Newfoundland to New York. A local harbor pilot facilitated the safe entry of the vessel into the basin, an operation that required coordination among four tugboats. The disabled tanker was carrying approximately 675,000 barrels of crude oil, and at this stage, it was premature to speculate on the cause of the steering failure or the expected timeline for repairs. For further details and photographs of the operation, visit the following links: [Shipfax Report](http://shipfax.blogspot.de/2014/12/spirit-to-spirit-transfer-underway.html), [Big Tanker in Waiting](http://shipfax.blogspot.de/2014/12/big-tanker-in-waiting.html), [CBC Nova Scotia Coverage](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/australian-spirit-lucky-commercial-tugboat-was-nearby-1.2874224), [Towed into Bedford Basin](http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/australian-spirit-towed-into-bedford-basin-1.2872007).

On December 12, 2014, the TeeKay tanker AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT faced a significant challenge as it arrived in Halifax, Canada, grappling with a rudder failure. Despite the poor visibility conditions, skilled tug crews from Secunda Marine, manning the VENTURA SEA, and Atlantic Towing, operating the ATLANTIC LARCH, ATLANTIC FIR, and ATLANTIC WILLOW, expertly guided the stranded vessel, which was 'dead in the water,' safely through the narrow channels of the harbor. Currently, the AUSTRALIAN SPIRIT is undergoing essential repairs in the Bedford Basin, ensuring it will return to service promptly.

On December 10, 2014, the 'Australian Spirit', a tanker carrying a significant cargo of 675,000 barrels of crude oil, found itself adrift approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The vessel lost steering capabilities the previous evening, leading to a worrying situation for the 28 crew members onboard. Fortunately, there were no other ships in the vicinity at the time. The emergency began on December 9, when steering malfunctions started to occur. Tugs 'Atlantic Larch' and 'Venture Sea', dispatched from Halifax, arrived on the scene to assist the tanker. Despite the inability to fix the steering issue immediately, the tugs managed to attach a tow line, allowing the 'Australian Spirit' to be guided safely to port after drifting for around 1.5 days. At the time of rescue, the vessel was about 40 nautical miles from Chebucto Head, while en route from Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, to New York. The situation was compounded by gale force winds and four-meter waves; however, the tanker retained power and engine functionality, allowing the tugs to maneuver the vessel during the tow. Conditions improved as the winds subsided, eliminating any immediate threats to the crew and the precious cargo. The Coast Guard vessel 'Earl Grey' was also present, ensuring a comprehensive safety net. By 11 a.m. on December 11, the 'Australian Spirit' was approximately 50 kilometers from the coast, on its way to be securely anchored in the Bedford Basin area upon arrival in Halifax.