The Nh-Elif: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a dramatic rescue operation, a Ukrainian chief engineer aboard the 'HC Jette Marit' was airlifted to safety following a suspected heart attack. This critical incident unfolded on January 13, 2017, at approximately 1 p.m. while the vessel was located four miles off the coast of Sunderland. Initially, the crew member hesitated to be hoisted by helicopter but later consented to a sea rescue, prompting the Tynemouth RNLI team to rush to the site. The situation was made more perilous due to severe weather, with strong northerly winds, tidal surges, and swells reaching one to five meters. As conditions deteriorated further after two RNLI members boarded the ship to assist, the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside Airport was dispatched. Arriving at 4:18 p.m., the helicopter crew successfully winched both the afflicted engineer and RNLI personnel off the vessel, as returning to their boat became too hazardous. The crew member was subsequently flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where he was in good enough condition to walk off the helicopter upon arrival. For more details and photos, visit http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2017-01-14/sick-seaman-winched-off-ship-in-stormy-conditions/

The ongoing issues with the ballast system on the 'Jette Marit' have resulted in a prohibition on the vessel's operations. The ship, which docked near Brest on September 9, 2015, had been positioned in the Bay of Douarnenez. The local ship security center (CSN) in Brest has indicated that the vessel must return to its loading port in Flushing to unload its cargo of 19,500 tons of ferrosilicon, valued at $20 million. Brest lacks the necessary facilities to properly address the ballast tank situation. Despite these safety recommendations, the ship's owner has opted to pursue a course towards the ship's original destination of New Orleans. CSN inspectors have compiled a comprehensive list of essential repairs needed to ensure the 'Jette Marit' is seaworthy. This includes significant work on the main engine, generators, ballast water pumps and valves, as well as repairs to fire pumps, viscometers, toilets, and boilers. Additionally, the installation of new ballast systems and an oily water separator has been identified as crucial for compliance and safety.