On 12th October at 1730, the LNG Abuja II gas carrier was off the coast of Spain awaiting arrival into Algeciras when local authorities informed the vessel of a small craft in the vicinity that required support.

Following successful identification of the craft, the Crew of the LNG Abuja II, set to work on providing support.

At the time of the incident Captain Mbaka Balarabe was in command of the vessel, with another Captain, Dumitru Iordache, also aboard ahead of an imminent scheduled crew change.

Following the mission, Captain Dumitru Iordache reflected: “We could see people in the boat waving in our direction.

“From this moment onwards the professionalism of our full crew was demonstrated, and the actions of all individuals were exemplary.

“Everyone without exception was trying to assist in any way they could. The galley department began cooking extra meals, engine room rating was already on the upper deck keeping the boat in sight, the Bridge was fully packed with lookouts from all directions.

“The unfolding of the rescue manoeuvre, and how the crew actively participated in this mission was simply flawless.”

The LNG Abuja II manoeuvred next to the inflatable craft and the crew then supported 25 persons, including 2 children, by securing their craft alongside and providing much needed sustenance.

Local authorities were informed and arrived at the scene to relieve the LNG Abuja II of their duties.

Capt Iordache added: “Following the mission, there was a general feeling of deep pleasure and satisfaction derived from our own achievements.

“During the next day all of the crew was bursting with happiness when discussing the rescue.”

Following their efforts, the Maritime Safety and Rescue Society (Spain), expressed their gratitude in written correspondence for “the humanity and professionalism of the Captain and crew”.

Separately, the crew of managed LPG tanker Avance Polaris have been commended by the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands for the rescue in March of one adult and two children from a distressed sailing vessel in the Pacific Ocean.

Alastair Fleming, Fleet Director, Northern Marine Management commended both sets of crews for their actions.

He said: "The crews of the LNG Abuja II and the Avance Polaris have demonstrated their exemplary professionalism and commitment to safety at sea by providing support to adults and children who were in very precarious positions.

“While they were carrying out their duty to act as seafarers, their actions evidence the finest and most noble aspects of the profession, and they are a credit to the Company and themselves."

ENDS

Photo: Crew of the LNG Abuja II