On the night of 12 August 2026, M/V Afroessa received an urgent distress call relayed by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) of Egypt: a vessel carrying a number of people was in severe danger in the Mediterranean Sea.
Captain Jonel Gerry S. Castillo and his crew altered course without hesitation and proceeded to the distress position. In the early hours of 13 August they located a rubber boat and, in challenging conditions, carried out rescue operations that brought 41 men, women and children safely on board. Every single person was rescued.
A rescue of this nature takes far more than the actions of those on board. Our shore team worked through the night to coordinate a complex, multi-party operation, liaising with the vessel, her flag, our insurers, our agents and the Egyptian authorities, so that all 41 rescued persons were disembarked safely and without incident at El Dekheila on 14 August.
We extend sincere gratitude to every party involved: JRCC Cairo, for the initial coordination and continued support throughout the operation; the Egyptian Navy, Army and the port authorities at El Dekheila, for facilitating a smooth and dignified disembarkation; North Standard and Kalimbassieris Maritime, for immediate guidance and assistance on the ground; the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry, for their responsive engagement as our flag state; and World Marine Egypt, for the arrangements that made the port call seamless.
Above all, our thanks go to Captain Castillo and the entire crew of Afroessa. Those who go to sea have a duty to render assistance to those in peril; our crew fulfilled that duty with courage, professionalism and compassion.
The measure of a shipping company is not only the efficiency of its operations but the character of its people when it matters most. We are proud of every individual who played a part in bringing 41 people to safety.