Working Conditions Aboard the Tanit

On March 12, 2020, the ferry 'Tanit' arrived at La Goulette carrying 833 passengers from Marseille. Mohamed Omran, the director of the port, confirmed that there were no suspected cases of coronavirus among the travelers. Notably, approximately 90% of those aboard were Tunisians. Nissaf Bien Alaya, the director of new and emerging diseases, announced that all passengers would be required to undergo self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

The 'Tanit,' a ferry delivered on May 28, 2012, by the renowned South Korean shipyard Daewoo to the Tunisian Navigation Company (NTC), continues to grapple with a series of troubling issues. Since its launch, the vessel has been afflicted by several complications, including excessive vibration, noise pollution, high fuel consumption, and a significant overweight condition of 819 tonnes, which exceeds the ship's designed weight by more than 4%. This excess weight could potentially lead to structural problems in a relatively short timeframe. Additionally, the ferry has experienced frequent and unexplained incidents involving shattered windows and cracks in its structure. Currently, the 'Tanit' is docked in Marseille while it undergoes winter care. More than two and a half years post-delivery, the vessel has yet to receive final approval. The NTC, which has not fulfilled its payment obligations, is seeking to hold Daewoo accountable in a bid to reduce related costs. However, the Bureau Veritas, the organization responsible for maritime safety certification, has indicated that it does not have concerns about the vessel's safety. In its latest report, Bureau Veritas approved the additional weight without comments or concerns but did recommend conducting a tilt test. A new weighing process is scheduled to take place over two days, starting February 24 in Marseille. This weighing will occur in the presence of experts and representatives from Daewoo, as stakeholders work to address these ongoing challenges.

On the afternoon of August 15, 2013, a medical emergency unfolded aboard the ferry 'Tanit' when crew members reported a potential cardiovascular incident involving a 63-year-old passenger. The ferry promptly contacted the Maritime Medical Consultation Center of Toulouse (CCMM) for assistance. In response, the Regional Operational Center for Surveillance and Rescue of the Mediterranean (MED CROSS) activated emergency protocols, sending a Dolphin helicopter from the Naval Air Base in Hyeres. Accompanying the helicopter was a medical professional from Sainte-Musse Toulon hospital, prepared to provide critical care. The passenger was subsequently airlifted and transferred to Sainte-Musse Toulon hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. For a detailed report along with visuals, visit the French maritime authority's official site: http://www.premar-mediterranee.gouv.fr/communiques-presse/evacuation-medicalisee-par-helicoptere-marine-nationale.html.