Italian Product Tanker Rescues 70 Migrants Adrift at Sea

On July 1st, an Italian product tanker named “CALAJUNCO M.” rescued 70 migrants who were adrift in the Mediterranean Sea.

The NGO Sea Watch, based in Italy, spotted the heavily loaded boat using an airplane. They identified the boat to be in the search and rescue (SAR) region of Malta. Normally, the NGO’s vessel called “AURORA” would have been deployed for the rescue mission, but it was under a 20-day detention for disobeying orders during a previous rescue operation.

After notifying the Italian and Maltese authorities about the distressed boat and receiving no immediate response, the NGO contacted the Italian product tanker, CALAJUNCO M., which was in the vicinity.

The tanker’s master, Manuel Arena, found the boat and discovered that its outboard motor had stalled, causing it to drift. The captain promptly contacted the authorities and received permission to assist the vessel in restarting its motor. While awaiting further instructions, the tanker’s crew distributed lifejackets, blankets, and first aid supplies to the migrants.

Initially instructed by the Maltese authorities to stand by and not rescue the migrants, the captain later received new instructions to start the tanker’s engines and continue heading north, leaving the migrants behind. However, considering the deteriorating weather conditions, the captain and his crew made the decision to transfer the 70 migrants onto their vessel.

After consulting with the Italian authorities, the captain obtained clearance to transfer the migrants onto the tanker and transport them to the port of TRAPANI. The tanker changed course and safely dropped off the migrants at the port on July 2nd.

The Italian rescue organization Mare Junio publicly praised the captain’s decisive actions in saving lives. The owner/operator of the tanker, Augusta Due, an independent shipping company, also confirmed and commended the captain’s decisions during the rescue operation.