The Ornak: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On November 1, 2020, at 9:35 AM, a dramatic medical evacuation unfolded off the coast of Cape Ortegal. The Pesca II helicopter conducted a crucial medevac mission for a crew member aboard the MV Ornak, which was traveling from Nikolayev to Montoir-de-Bretagne, with a projected arrival date of December 2. The alert was initially received at 8:35 AM, reporting that the crew member urgently required medical assistance. The Fisterra Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) quickly mobilized the Pesca II helicopter from Xunta, dispatching it on-site around 9:00 AM. Once on board, the crew member was promptly transported to the Hospital da Costa in Burela, Lugo, ensuring they received the necessary medical care in a timely manner. This operation highlights the vital role of maritime emergency services in safeguarding the health and safety of those at sea.

On April 18, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully managed the refloating of the bulk carrier 'Ornak' around 9:35 a.m. The operation took place offshore of the Virginia Beach Resort and Convention Center, where the vessel was subsequently relocated to the Lynnhaven anchorage. A collaboration of maritime professionals, including the contracted salvage firm Svitzer, McAllister Towing, the Virginia Pilots, and the Coast Guard, contributed to the removal of the grounded ship. As part of the procedure, thorough inspections were conducted to ensure that the 'Ornak' did not pose a threat to either the port or the environment before its return to commercial operations. Following the removal of ballast water, the powerful McAllister tugs, 'AJ McAllister' with 5,150 horsepower and 'Emily Anne McAllister' with 4,650 horsepower, secured tow lines to the bulker and commenced towing it into deeper waters. The vessel was successfully refloated on an incoming tide and secured in a safe anchorage further from the shore, where an underwater hull survey was carried out to ensure its integrity. For more details and images, visit: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2150482/Coast-Guard-oversees-bulk-carrier-refloating-off-Virginia-Beach#sthash.YekZ78Z1.dpuf

On April 17, the U.S. Coast Guard was finalizing preparations for the salvage operation of the bulk carrier 'Ornak', which is slated to begin on the morning of April 18. The operation will take place near First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The team plans to pump out ballast water from the grounded vessel early in the morning and will engage tugboats to assist in the removal process at high tide, anticipated around 10:45 a.m. Once 'Ornak' is successfully freed, it will be transported to Lynnhaven Anchorage for a thorough hull inspection by a dive team. Following a safety assessment, the Coast Guard will lift the captain of the port restrictions, allowing the vessel to resume its operations. For further details and multimedia coverage, visit the official Coast Guard news release.