The San-Martin: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On June 9, 2026, the 'San Martin', a disabled vehicles carrier, was successfully towed into the Port of East London by the AMSOL tug 'Umkhuseli' (IMO: 9427055). The vessel was en route from Ningbo to Ngqura, with an initial estimated time of arrival set for June 11; however, it experienced a significant engine failure at sea on May 30 (Latitude: -29.0031, Longitude: 42.4964), leaving it adrift. A towing connection was established on June 5. The 'San Martin’s' entry into the port was facilitated by one of East London's harbour tugs, accompanied by the NSRI boat 'Rescue 15' and a pilot, amid fresh northerly winds. Upon arrival, the ship was safely berthed at the West Bank on a quay not typically designated for vehicle operations, ensuring that repair work could be conducted without interfering with the adjacent car terminal operations. The ship had originally set sail from Ningbo on May 11, while the 'Umkhuseli' had departed from Cape Town on May 31 to assist in the towing mission. This operation highlights the importance of timely maritime response efforts in ensuring the safety and recovery of vessels in distress.

On December 14, 2022, a captain aboard the vehicle carrier 'San Martin' was successfully medevaced by the U.S. Coast Guard off the coast of Galveston, Texas. The urgent call for assistance was made around 5 p.m. by the ship's agent, reporting that the captain was experiencing severe hypertension and swelling in his legs while anchored at Galveston Fairway Anchorage. Following the medevac request, Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston personnel swiftly consulted the duty flight surgeon, who determined that an immediate evacuation was necessary. A crew from Coast Guard Air Station Houston, equipped with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, promptly diverted to the location. Upon arrival, they hoisted the captain to safety and conveyed him to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Fortunately, the captain is reported to be in stable condition. For more details and photos, visit the full report at https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-medevacs-man-from-cargo-ship-offshore-galveston-texas/

The MV Gral San Martin successfully departed the port of Cadiz on October 18, following extensive repairs to address water ingress damage sustained in Santos, São Paulo. After leaving Cadiz, the vessel made a stop in Las Palmas on October 23, before continuing its journey to Santos on October 24, with an estimated time of arrival on October 21.

The motor vessel 'Gral San Martin' embarked from the port of Santos, São Paulo, on June 7, after being immobilized at the dock for over two months. The ship was under tow by the Liberian offshore tug 'De Zhou' (IMO: 9350575) as it made its way to Las Palmas for urgent repairs. Originally arriving in Santos on April 3 to offload vehicles at the Terminal Exporter of Vehicles (TEV), the vessel's expected brief stay of ten hours turned into a lengthy ordeal due to an unfortunate incident in the engine room, where approximately 3,000 tons of salt water flooded the area. On May 25, 'Gral San Martin' was relocated from the VTE on the left bank to warehouse 33 on the right bank, assisted by four local tugs, awaiting necessary documentation to facilitate its tow. Despite attempts to repair the damage, the severity of the flooding rendered the engine room inoperable. After a lengthy tow, the convoy reached Cadiz on June 28 at 1 p.m., where the vessel was secured at Astilleros de Cadiz Navantia for extensive repairs. For further details and visuals, refer to the Portuguese report: http://g1.globo.com/sp/santos-regiao/porto-mar/noticia/navio-sem-propulsao-segue-para-a-europa-apos-ficar-mais-de-dois-meses-inoperante-em-santos.ghtml.