The Xin-Hai-Tong-807: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On March 11, the bulk carrier "AM Krakow" encountered engine failure while navigating from Cartier to Ghent, approximately 36 nautical miles south of Shoreham, located at position 50° 17' N 00° 22' E. The vessel began to drift at a bearing of 303 degrees with a speed of just 0.7 knots. At this stage, no assistance was requested or organized. In light of the situation, the French Coast Guard advised the captain to anchor as soon as possible. The ship consented to anchor once it was safely clear of an undisclosed wreck it was drifting towards. Ultimately, the bulk carrier secured its position at coordinates 50° 19' 49.2" N, 000° 27' 41.8" W, which lies directly on the Search and Rescue (SAR) demarcation line between the UK Search and Rescue Region (UKSRR) and the French Search and Rescue Region (French SRR). The crew, comprising 21 members, awaited the arrival of a spare part necessary for repairs. At the time of the incident, the vessel was carrying a substantial cargo of 78,370 metric tonnes of iron ore pellets along with 135 tonnes of High Sulphur Fuel Oil, 167 metric tonnes of Low Sulphur Marine Gas Oil, and 30 tonnes of Lube Oil. Weather conditions in the area were variable, ranging from Beaufort 4 to 5, and developing into a cyclonic 5 to 7, with forecasts of westerly winds escalating to 5 to 7, and occasionally reaching 8 Beaufort. On March 13, the Malta-flagged offshore tug "Onyx" (IMO No: 9752400) set a course toward the disabled vessel. By March 14, the crew of the "AM Krakow" had successfully made repairs and set sail once more, resuming its journey.

On May 4, 2015, at approximately 3:30 p.m., an alarming incident occurred aboard the cargo vessel 'Am Kraków' (IMO 1234567) when a 20-year-old crew member lost consciousness while working in the bilge. The crew was busy making preparations for the ship's upcoming voyage to Baltimore when the sailor collapsed. Fortunately, he regained consciousness and managed to reach the foredeck, where he was subsequently medevaced by the GRIMP (Group de Recherche et d'Intervention en Milieu Périlleux) from Fort-Mardyck. Following the incident, the young sailor was transported to a hospital in Dunkerque for evaluation and treatment.