Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Schumi-8

On October 22, 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented a temporary closure of the Mississippi River between miles three and seven following an engine room fire aboard the tanker 'Epic Balta.' Fortunately, the flames were quickly contained, and officials expect the river to reopen shortly. The vessel, which is registered under IMO number 1234567, was docked in Venice, Louisiana, around 6:35 PM after departing from Kingston, Jamaica, on October 17. This incident highlights the ongoing vigilance needed for maritime safety.

On April 3, 2019, an incredible rescue operation unfolded in the Caribbean when the LPG tanker 'Epic Balta' came to the aid of a 69-year-old yacht skipper from Barcelona. The sailor found himself in peril after his 13-meter sailboat sank while he was participating in a regatta. At approximately 03:50 a.m., Spain's National Center for Rescue Coordination in Madrid received an urgent distress signal regarding the sailor’s plight in the waters between Jamaica and Honduras. In response, the agency informed the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) of Colombia to facilitate the operation. The 'Epic Balta', which was on its route from Puerto Cortez to Point Lisas, promptly altered its course to assist the distressed skipper. Only moments after the rescue, the yacht sank—195 miles from Honduras. The stranded sailor described a terrifying incident, recounting a loud explosion onboard before the vessel started to submerge. Although he sustained minor injuries, he was safely aboard the tanker until a Colombian warship arrived to transport him to safety in Colombia.

On March 13, at 11 a.m., the cargo ship 'York' (IMO 9220421) docked at Mbaraki Wharf, bringing its crew safely ashore. Following standard security protocols, the crew was transported to the nearby Travellers Beach Hotel for their stay. Curiously, access to the vessel was restricted, as both police and maritime officials were not permitted to board. Increased security measures were observed at the wharf during the crew's disembarkation. The crew of the 'York' consists of a diverse team, including one German national, two Ukrainians, and fourteen Filipino seafarers.