Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Mellina

On February 22, 2021, the dredger 'Melina' was found carrying ordnance approximately 10 miles southeast of Selsey Bill. The Selsey RNLI received an alert at 12:30 p.m., mobilizing their crew to assist the Royal Navy's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D.) team with the situation. Upon arrival at 12:45 p.m., the E.O.D. team encountered difficulties launching their rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from Selsey, leading them to launch instead from Itchenor within Chichester Harbour, alongside the Selsey Coastguard. By 1:30 p.m., the lifeboats had deployed to rendezvous with the Navy's RHIB. However, visibility conditions worsened shortly after launch. As a result, the Selsey Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) remained close to the station, while the all-weather lifeboat (ALB) continued to Chichester Harbour to rendezvous and escort the Navy RHIB, which was navigating with limited visibility. The ALB, alongside the E.O.D. RHIB, approached the dredger, with the ILB joining the convoy near Selsey. They arrived on scene with the dredger at approximately 4:00 p.m. The E.O.D. team boarded the vessel and pinpointed the location of the ordnance. Upon clearing away sand concealing the object, they discovered it to be nonexplosive—a 12-inch Solid Shot Projectile. According to the officer in charge, this projectile likely originated from a WWII-era naval gun or shore battery and was a hefty mass of lead. As the fog began to lift, the ILB was released to return to its station, with an estimated arrival back at 5:15 p.m. The E.O.D. team prepared the projectile for transfer to their RHIB for transportation to shore. At 5:45 p.m., as darkness was settling in, both the ALB and Navy RHIB departed the dredger bound for Itchenor, reaching the quay at 7:08 p.m. Following the recovery of their RHIB, the ALB departed Itchenor at 7:10 p.m. and returned to station by 8:04 p.m., where the crew completed the necessary procedures for refueling and maintenance, ensuring the lifeboat was ready for future service by 10:00 p.m. For a detailed report, including photos and videos, visit the RNLI website.

On the morning of September 1, 2010, the 'Mellina', identified by IMO number 9260689, successfully arrived in Cuxhaven after recent repairs to its electro hydraulic propulsion system. The installation of the new system took place promptly at the New Fishing Harbour. By September 2, the 'Mellina' was back in action, resuming its operations on the Elbe River. This timely return to service marks an important milestone for the vessel as it continues to fulfill its duties in the maritime industry.