Baltic Member Markos Nomikos of AM Nomikos describes a Mediterranean rescue 

 

While crossing the Mediterranean in rough seas this winter, en route to Benghazi, our container vessel Charlie received a distress signal from an unidentified vessel. Although he did not know the situation nor had received any instructions to do so from the authorities, the Master immediately altered course and headed towards the ship in distress, a small, but fully loaded Palau registered general cargo ship - the MV UK Diversity. 

Nine of eleven UK Diversity crew members had managed to board a life raft before the vessel sank. Two other seafarers were observed in the water and were assisted by another vessel, the tanker Zarifa Aliyeva. The main engines had failed on the UK Diversity and they could not get them started, so she had started rolling. 

The c/v Charlie is a Liberian flagged 1728 TEU A.M. Nomikos managed vessel and our crew were just happy to be able to help save human life. The Liberian Registry have been very supportive of the rescue operation and awarded the Master and crew of c/v Charlie a commendation for their professionalism and swift coordination.

We regard safety at sea as of the utmost importance. This is not just because of the regulatory requirements and framework – it is a moral duty and is integral to our values.  It is something which every mariner understands. 

Our crews and vessels are always ready to react to distress signals and we have previously responded to similar cases. The UK and Greece have a proud maritime history. Since ancient times both nations have had the utmost respect for life at sea and that passes on from generation to generation. 

Our organisation has had strong seafaring principles since its inception - as is the case for many companies in Greece. There are no signs of that waning, which is hugely encouraging.