Aframax carries out rescue mission in Mediterranean

The 2020-built Aframax Aristofanis, owned by Greek firm Capital Ship Management, has arrived at the Egyptian port of Sidi Kerir after diverting to rescue 150 people in the eastern Mediterranean last week.

The incident took place late on 23 September as the vessel was ballasting towards Sidi Kerir. The ship master reported a small boat, around 15m long, with people on board. Those rescued were taken to Crete where they were received by the Greek authorities, according to Capital Ship Management. The Aristofanis then continued its journey and is now at Sidi Kerir terminal, according to shiptracking data.

Merchant ships involved in Mediterranean rescues have encountered difficulties in the past. The Handysize tanker Maersk Etienne rescued 27 people in the Mediterranean in August last year at the request of Maltese authorities, but then faced 38 days in limbo as no country was willing to let the ship dock. That was the third such incident in 2020, after the merchant ships Marina and Talia were delayed for four and six days, respectively, after rescuing people at sea, according to the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

By Saleem Rizvi and Will Collins