Discover the Wl-Palekh: Ratings & Maritime News

Amidst the rising concerns over maritime health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic, a critical situation unfolded involving a 45-year-old Russian crew member aboard the vessel 'WL Palekh'. The crew member, Alexey Kulibaba, began displaying alarming symptoms indicative of a stroke while the ship was situated 225 kilometers from Sumatra, Indonesia. In a desperate attempt to secure medical aid, Baklan Dmitry, the ship’s captain, initiated evacuation requests starting April 18, 2020, at 12:30 a.m. However, multiple appeals were denied by Indonesian authorities due to the nation's stringent Covid-19 restrictions. Despite crucial endorsements from the Seafarers' Union of Russia (SUR) and the Indonesian seafarers' union, Kesatuan Pelaut Indonesia (KPI), local authorities stood firm in their refusal to grant essential medical evacuation. As Kulibaba's health deteriorated, manifesting symptoms such as confused speech and paralysis in his left side, intervention from international maritime organizations became necessary. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) called upon the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to advocate for immediate medical assistance, emphasizing the need for the Indonesian Government to uphold international maritime conventions. After rigorous negotiations and with mounting pressure, a police vessel was eventually dispatched, allowing for a medical evacuation on April 22, 2020, at 9 p.m., over 48 hours after the initial request. This harrowing incident underscores the critical need for maritime authorities to prioritize sailors' health and safety, especially in emergencies. The aftermath of these events raises pressing questions regarding the protocols in place for maritime medical emergencies, particularly during global health crises.

FORT MACON, NC - The Morehead City State Port has successfully resumed operations after a concerted effort by the U.S. Coast Guard and the owners of a grounded cargo ship. The vessel, identified as the Pola Palekh, ran aground in the Beaufort Inlet Channel on Thursday afternoon at around 1:15 p.m., near buoy 16A, while carrying a substantial load of 35,800 metric tons of fertilizer along with approximately 27,000 gallons of fuel oil. Tugboats were deployed to assist in refloating the 590-foot cargo ship, which were able to free it from the shoaling at approximately 8:18 p.m. Following its successful refloating, the Pola Palekh was safely escorted to the Morehead City State Port Terminal by approximately 8:45 p.m. In response to the incident, the acting Captain of the Port for Sector North Carolina, Cmdr. Quincy Davis, initially closed the channel to deep draft commercial traffic to ensure safety. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or pollution, and the vessel sustained no damage. Following the safe arrival of the Pola Palekh, the Beaufort Inlet Channel was reopened to all marine traffic, allowing operations to continue without further interruption. For more updates and a video report on the incident, please visit [WITN's website](http://www.witn.com/content/news/Cargo-ship-runs-aground-Beaufort-Inlet-closed-to-all-traffic-401750305.html).

On November 17, 2016, the bulk carrier 'Pola Palekh' encountered a critical situation when it ran aground in the Beaufort Inlet Channel. The incident was reported to the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina at 1:15 p.m. via a landline call. The vessel became lodged near buoy 16A in the channel while carrying a substantial load of 35,800 metric tons of fertilizer, in addition to approximately 27,000 gallons of fuel oil. In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard took immediate action, coordinating with the ship's owner to secure a safe refloating operation. Watchstanders at Sector North Carolina issued a safety marine information broadcast and dispatched a 29-Foot Response Boat-Small crew from Coast Guard Station Fort Macon to evaluate the situation regarding the 'Pola Palekh' and the navigational channel. To maintain traffic safety, Cmdr. Quincy Davis, the acting Captain of the Port for Sector North Carolina, temporarily restricted the channel to deep draft commercial vessels. Significant efforts were made to assist the distressed ship, and by around 8:18 p.m., tugboats successfully helped the 'Pola Palekh' break free from the shoal. The vessel was subsequently escorted to Morehead City State Port Terminal, arriving at approximately 8:45 p.m. The 'Pola Palekh' had begun its voyage from Ashdod on October 28, and this incident highlights the ongoing maritime challenges faced within busy shipping channels. For further details, photos, and videos related to this event, visit: [US Coast Guard News](http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2901534/) [WITN](http://www.witn.com/content/news/Cargo-ship-runs-aground-Beaufort-Inlet-closed-to-all-traffic-401750305.html) [Carolina Coast Online](http://www.carolinacoastonline.com/news_times/article_f5eadd78-acfc-11e6-9c53-9fe8d53be9e3.html?mode=image&photo=0).