Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Tijuca

In a dramatic rescue operation, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully medevaced a 54-year-old crew member experiencing serious heart complications from the vehicle carrier Tijuca on Thursday evening, approximately 25 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras. The incident was reported at around 6:30 p.m. after the Joint Rescue Coordination Center of Norway alerted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. The 760-foot vessel, flagged under Norway, was in the midst of its operations when the crewman’s health deteriorated due to his existing heart condition. Swiftly responding, a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team launched from Air Station Elizabeth City and reached the vessel in a timely manner. Upon arrival, the helicopter crew deployed a rescue swimmer who hoisted the distressed individual into the rescue basket and transported him to safety. The airlifted crewman was flown to Beaufort, where he received immediate care from local EMS before being transferred to Craven Regional Medical Center in New Bern for further medical attention.

On September 27, 2011, the 'Tijuca' made a significant mark in maritime history by becoming the largest car carrier ever to dock at East London, South Africa. This monumental arrival followed extensive dredging of the berths at the car terminal, which has increased the depth from 9.3 meters to an impressive 10.5 meters. The thriving new vehicles market in South Africa is fuelled by substantial automotive contracts granted to local original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Notably, Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) has secured a contract with Daimler AG to manufacture the next-gen C-Class at its facility in East London. This contract is set to usher in an investment of R2.5 billion to enhance the plant in preparation for the anticipated production, with new models slated for global release in 2014. After her historic stop in East London, the 'Tijuca' continued her journey to Durban before setting sail for Melbourne. For a detailed report and accompanying photo, visit http://ports.co.za/news/news_2011_09_29_01.php#two.