Bulgarian Cargo Ship Rescues 34 Fishermen From A Burning Vessel Off The Coast Of Sri Lanka
A Bulgarian cargo ship has rescued 34 fishermen from a burning vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to the ship’s owner.
The Ellen Armonia is a bulk carrier built in 2008 and owned by Ellen Marine. The ship was traveling from Singapore to the Cape of Good Hope when the crew spotted smoke coming from a burning vessel about 500 nautical miles south of Sri Lanka. The small vessel was not equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS) and did not have a strong radar signature.
The ship’s captain, Ellen Armonia, decided to go elsewhere to provide assistance. Through a series of events, the cargo ship’s crew rescued all 34 Indonesian citizens on board the fishing vessel, the Hasilabadi 28. Although the vessel may have completely sunk, the fire was extinguished; no injuries were reported.
Ellen Marine contacted the fishing vessel’s owner and was informed that there were other vessels in the company’s fleet operating nearby. The crew was provided food and medical care, then transferred to one of the sister ships, the Armonia, which continued its voyage.
“This incident is a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond that exists between seafarers around the world,” Elaine Marin said in a statement.
