Discover the Mirabilis: Ratings & Maritime News

On October 27, 2012, the research vessel Mirabilis found itself stuck on a sandbank off the southern coast of Angola while carrying out its annual cross-boundary sardine survey. The ship was en route to Walvis Bay, where it was scheduled to arrive on October 31 for damage assessment. Fortunately, all 17 crew members aboard, which included approximately seven scientists from the National Marine Information and Research Centre (NATMIRC) based in Swakopmund, escaped injury during this incident. At the time, the vessel was engaged in acoustic surveys to evaluate sardine stocks, a resource that spans international boundaries. The grounding reportedly took place in the vicinity known as Tiger Bay, situated in the southern part of Angola. Swift action was taken when the Namibian patrol vessel Anna Kakurukaze was called into assist with the recovery operation. However, local Namibian and Angolan fishing boats may have already managed to refloat the Mirabilis prior to the arrival of Anna Kakurukaze.

Namibia is set to enhance its marine research capabilities with the arrival of the newly constructed RV Mirabilis, a €35-million research vessel designed to serve as a floating fish stock research station. This cutting-edge vessel, which was meticulously built in Finland, has officially been handed over to the Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR). The project commenced with commissioning in March of the previous year, leading to the start of production at STX Finland’s renowned Rauma Shipyard in August. Measuring an impressive 62 meters in length, the RV Mirabilis is equipped to accommodate 44 crew members alongside research personnel. Anticipation is mounting as the vessel is expected to reach Namibian shores by the end of July, marking a significant advancement in the nation's fisheries research efforts.

On June 28, 2012, STX Finland's Rauma Shipyard proudly held a flag-changing ceremony to mark the delivery of the cutting-edge research vessel RV Mirabilis, purpose-built for the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources of Namibia and classified by Bureau Veritas. This state-of-the-art vessel spans 62.4 meters in length and 14.3 meters in width. The RV Mirabilis is set to play a vital role in various marine activities, including fish stock monitoring, fish sorting, processing, freezing, and storage. Additionally, it will facilitate the collection of biological samples from both the seabed and water, enabling in-depth water quality research and analysis, alongside providing essential support for fishery control operations.