Rescue operation near Christmas Island
Earlier today a Damen ASD Tug 2310, on its way from Damen Shipyards Changde (China) for delivery to an Australian client, received a distress signal of a sinking ship near the vessel’s route. The Captain therefore decided to investigate. Another ship in the region also heeded the call and sprang into action,
Upon arrival, about 120 Afghan refugees were (almost or completely) in the water near their sinking ship. The crew of the ASD 2310 were able to rescue 69 refugees, including three women and three children. When one child started to drifted away, the First Officer jumped into the water and got the child onto a liferaft. Furthermore, one body of a man who had already drowned was taken on board. Eight other refugees were rescued by another vessel, while a third vessel appeared and remained standby.
Meanwhile, a vessel of the Royal Australian Navy arrived on the scene to take part in the rescue activities, assist the other vessels and coordinate the operation. Currently (around midnight, local time) all Afghan refugees are being transferred onto the Navy vessel.
The Damen ASD Tug 2310 has kindly been supplied by the Royal Australian Navy with a new liferaft in order to safely continue its voyage after all refugees are in the hands of the Navy.
