Working Conditions Aboard the Rinella-M

On February 7, 2023, the Italian tanker 'Rinella M' was successfully refloated in Split, Croatia, at 3:20 p.m. The salvage operation, which took only a few minutes, was expertly handled by the tugboats 'Smjeli' and 'Jaki' from Ploča, alongside the vessel 'Kastor'. The operation was made possible after weather conditions improved, providing a more favorable environment for the refloating efforts. Following the tanker’s successful refloating, divers commenced inspection activities at the Trajektha Luka Split. This incident had garnered significant attention, and local media reported extensively, providing detailed coverage and photographic evidence of the rescue operation. For more details and visuals, visit the following links: [Dalmacija Danas](https://www.dalmacijadanas.hr/pogledajte-kako-je-akcija-odsukavanja-izgledala-s-remorkera-brod-se-vrlo-brzo-odsukao-u-roku-od-pet-minuta-od-kada-smo-ga-povukli) and [Slobodna Dalmacija](https://slobodnadalmacija.hr/dalmacija/obala/spasili-ga-brodospasovi-tegljaci-odsukan-talijanski-tanker-kojeg-je-bura-otrgnula-s-veza-i-odbacila-na-stijene-u-kastelanskom-zaljevu-1002697).

In the early hours of February 6, 2020, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the tanker 'Rinella M' found itself aground east of the islet of Barbarinac, positioned at 43° 32.12' N and 016° 27.20' E. The vessel was dislodged from the INA terminal in Solin by fierce winds reaching hurricane strength that swept through the region overnight. Prior to the incident, the 'Rinella M' had successfully unloaded its cargo after arriving from Gaeta on February 5. Unfortunately, it became lodged on rocky seabed on its port side. In response, divers are set to examine the hull of the tanker before attempts to refloat it can commence, which is contingent on improving weather conditions. All 22 crew members remain safe aboard the vessel. Tugs from the Brodspas company, along with two pilots, are prepared to assist with towing the tanker to a secure location if no critical damage is detected. Fortunately, there have been no reports of pollution, although local fire services are on standby with oil barriers should the situation require intervention. On the afternoon of February 7, the tugs 'Jaki' (IMO: 8715235) and 'Smjeli' (IMO: 8715247) made their way to the site, accompanied by the SAR vessel 'Pojisan' (MMSI: 238116240). For further updates and photos, you can visit the following links: [24sata](https://www.24sata.hr/news/kod-otocica-barbarinca-zbog-udara-vjetra-se-nasukao-tanker-674365), [Dalmacija Danas](https://www.dalmacijadanas.hr/snaga-prirode-bura-otpuhala-tanker-sa-solinskog-terminala-nasukao-se-kod-barbarinca), [Net.hr](https://net.hr/danas/hrvatska/dalmacija-odsjecena-od-ostatka-hrvatske-potpuni-kaos-odmorista-zakrcena-nasukao-se-i-tanker-ovo-se-dogada-iznimno-rijetko/), [Dalmacija Danas](https://www.dalmacijadanas.hr/na-barbarinac-stigli-remorkeri-brod-je-pretrpio-ostecenja-ali-za-sada-ne-prima-more).

On April 26, 2017, a significant fire incident occurred on the product tanker 'Rinella M' while it was undergoing offloading operations at Alexandria Port. The vessel, carrying approximately 9,000 tons of gasoline, faced a critical situation as flames erupted from one of its tanks. While reports suggest that the fire is under control, official confirmation of the situation remains pending. This incident underscores the ongoing safety challenges in maritime operations, particularly in handling hazardous materials like gasoline.