Tankship Engine Room Blaze Off Somalia Coast

MarineLink
Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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Australian warship 'HMAS Newcastle' evecuates two badly burned Filipino seamen from the disabled tankship.

The seamen from the Liberian registered Merchant Tanker Perla, were severely burned during a machinery fire which left the tanker powerless, adrift and vulnerable to pirate attack.

Heavy seas required Newcastle’s embarked Sea Hawk helicopter to affect the rescue which winched a three-person medical team to Perla to treat and recover the seriously injured men

Newcastle’s Commanding Officer Commander Paul O’Grady said sea conditions prevented immediate transfer of the casualties.

“After steaming 100 nautical miles at best speed to reach the Perla, the sea state prevented us from rendering immediate assistance,” Commander O’Grady said. “By radio, our Medical Officer Lieutenant Natalie Boulton established the casualties were stable enough to remain onboard until conditions improved. Being in a known pirate area we took up a security position for Perla.”

HMAS Newcastle is conducting maritime security operations in the region as part of the Combined Maritime Forces.

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