What Crew Members Say About Merna-1

On July 29, 2020, the dedicated air and sea rescue teams of the Coast Guard San Juan swiftly came to the aid of the freighter 'Island Express' as it encountered a critical situation during its voyage. The incident unfolded in the afternoon when the vessel, departing from the port of San Juan and navigating to avoid the impending Tropical Cyclone 9, began to take on water due to a potential pipe rupture in the engine room. The captain of the 'Island Express' issued a Mayday call via VHF radio on Channel 16, alerting the Coast Guard that approximately 75% of the bilges were filled with water. In response, Coast Guard watchstanders immediately orchestrated the launch of two 33-foot small boats and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Boat Station San Juan. These vessels quickly reached the distressed cargo ship amidst challenging conditions, including waves escalating to eight to ten feet. The situation intensified as an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen was dispatched to the scene, where the aircrew maintained vital communication with the rescue boats, facilitating the safe escort of the 'Island Express' back to the port. To further assist, personnel from San Juan Prevention worked in collaboration with the San Juan Bay Pilots and two local tugboats that met the freighter at San Juan Harbor's entrance. Together, the tugboats guided the distressed ship to Pier 15, ensuring it was securely moored. The crew promptly resumed dewatering operations to clear the bilge spaces. For further details and visuals from the rescue, please refer to the complete report available at [Coast Guard News](https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-assists-distressed-cargo-ship-m-v-island-express-off-san-juan/2020/07/29/).

On November 13, 2017, the cargo ship 'Aleksandr Tkachenko', part of the infamous 'Syrian Express', encountered difficulties while navigating the Aegean Sea, near northeast Rhodos island. This vessel was transporting military supplies from Novorossiysk to Tartus, laden with military trucks on deck. The ship drifted without control for approximately 4.5 hours, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on November 14. Fortunately, a Greek tugboat was on hand to provide assistance, ensuring the safety of the operation. The 'Aleksandr Tkachenko' successfully reached its destination in Tartus on November 17 at around 10 a.m. View a video of the ship in the Chios Strait here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZgOwwqeTBw.

LLC CMT Crimea, a key player within the Sovfracht-Sovmortrans Group, is set to launch a new ferry service that promises safe transportation of vehicles across the Temryuk - Kerch Sea Fishing Port line. This announcement was made by the United Transport Directorate (UTD) in a press release on Monday. The foundational agreement for these additional ferry routes linking the mainland to Crimea was inked between UTD's General Director, Igor Titov, and CMT Crimea's Chairman, Dmitry Purim, during the 8th International Trade Fair 'Transport of Russia' held in Moscow from December 4 to 6, 2014. The large ferry, M/V Robur, which has the capacity to carry up to 60 trucks, will be purchased by CMT Crimea specifically for this route. In addition, UTD will oversee key operational components: managing the loading and unloading processes, cargo flow distribution at both ports, and the scheduling of vessel dockings. The M/V Robur is set to embark on its inaugural journey by the end of December 2023, operating daily, weather permitting, to ensure a seamless and efficient service for motorists and cargo alike.