Working Conditions Aboard the Laura-Bassi

On the morning of June 17, 2023, the Port Authorities of Sami and Kefallinia received an urgent call regarding a medical emergency involving a 58-year-old crew member aboard the vessel 'Laura Bassi', which was located north of Kefallinia. Responding promptly, the 'Kapitan Nasos', with a Port Authority officer on board, swiftly navigated to the distressed vessel's location. The crew member was safely transferred and then transported back to the port of Sami Kefallinia. Once ashore, an ambulance was on standby to take the patient to the General Hospital of Kefallinia for further medical assessment and treatment.

On November 19, 2022, a dramatic search and rescue mission unfolded approximately 55 nautical miles west of Pylos, Greece, when a migrant vessel carrying 94 individuals encountered severe distress. The research ship 'Laura Bassi' responded promptly, coming to the aid of those on board and successfully bringing them to safety. After the rescue operation, the vessel made its way to Kalamata port, where all rescued migrants were disembarked in good health. The Central Port Authority of Kalamata initiated a preliminary investigation to assess the circumstances of the incident. For more details, you can view the official report with additional photos here: https://www.hcg.gr/el/epikairothta/synexeia-enhmerwshs-anaforika-me-epixeirhsh-ereynas-kai-diaswshs-allodapwn-sth-8alassia-perioxh-peri-ta-55-nm-dytika-pyloy/

In a strategic move, Norwegian shipping company GC Rieber Shipping is preparing to part ways with its renowned icebreaking research vessel, the Ernest Shackleton. The decision comes after the company successfully negotiated an agreement for the vessel's early redelivery from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Originally constructed by Kverner Klevin Leirvik in Norway, the ship was initially launched in 1995 under the name Polar Queen before joining the BAS fleet in August 1999. Following the acquisition, it was rebranded as the Ernest Shackleton in 2000, continuing a legacy of polar exploration and research.