El-Coqui

On Nov 19, the crew of the tanker 'Stena Immaculate' (IMO: 9693018) was presented with the AOTOS Special Recognition Plaque for their extraordinary actions after the vessel was struck by the container m/v 'Solong' (IMO: 9322554) on March 10. The United Seamen’s Service recognized the Crowley mariners with honours at the 2025 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards. espite a ruptured cargo tank and fire that engulfed both vessels, the crew acted decisively to contain the fire, safeguard thousands of gallons of jet fuel and ensure the safety of all 23 seafarers. Their swift response prevented further disaster and preserved the ship and its cargo. At the time of the incident, the 'Stena Immaculate' was managed by Crowley through its joint venture with owner Stena Bulk USA. “As one of the most prestigious ceremonies in the industry, the AOTOS awards spotlight outstanding maritime achievement and pay tribute to American seafarers whose courageous actions and commitment to safety have made a profound impact on the industry and the welfare of those at sea,” Crowley said in honouring the crew members. Separately, the crew of the Crowley’s owned and operated 'El Coquí' earned AOTOS Mariner’s Plaque for Heroism for their actions in the rescue of four U.S. boaters after their sailing vessel sank in the Atlantic Ocean north of the Dominican Republic. Responding to the U.S. Coast Guard’s request for assistance, the 'El Coquí' diverted from its regular route between Jacksonville, Florida, and San Juan, Puerto Rico route. Working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing vessel 'Bonanza' (IMO: 7738773), which had been sailing nearby, the crew successfully located, retrieved and transported the boater to safety. “We are incredibly proud of our mariners aboard the Stena Immaculate and El Coquí for receiving these honors. These awards are a testament to their courage, professionalism and dedication in moments of crisis. These mariners exemplify Crowley’s unwavering commitment to safety, and their actions remind us why we continually invest in training, preparedness and innovation to protect lives and uphold the highest standards in maritime operations”, said James C. Fowler, senior vice president and general manager of Crowley Shipping. “ The AOTOS Awards, hosted annually by the United Seamen’s Service for over 50 years, recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has advanced the maritime sector while safeguarding American seafarers. Report with photo: https://shippingtelegraph.com/shipping-reports/stena-immaculate-crew-members-honored-for-heroism-and-life-saving-actions/

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has awarded crew members of the 'Potomac Express' and the 'El Coqu'i with the Honor & Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Awards. They were recognized for their heroic efforts in ensuring the safety and security of others while at sea. The crew of the 'El Coqui', led by Capt. Kurt Breitfeller, played a pivotal role during the rescue operation of four people forced to abandon their sailboat after it was damaged in the Atlantic Ocean. Alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing vessel 'Bonanza', they worked to successfully locate, retrieve and transport the four to safety. In another case, while serving aboard the' Potomac Express', zjr Second Mate Kevin Zapolski displayed bravery when he swiftly responded to a distress call after a fellow crew member fell into the water between the dock and the vessel. Zapolski deployed a life ring, provided critical support and coordinated with the crew, terminal staff and emergency responders to rescue the crew member. The award recognizes those whose actions prevent harm and protect lives on the water each day. Report with photo: https://www.ajot.com/news/crowley-mariners-honored-for-heroic-rescues-by-american-waterways-operators

A US Coast Guard aircrew along with the crews of the 'El Coquí' and the fishing vessel 'Bonanza' rescued four men, the U.S. citizens David Potts, 63; John Potts, 62; Andrew Cullar, 26; and Russel Case, 67, from a life raft in Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of Dominican Republic, on Jan 21, 2025. They had been forced to abandon the sailing vessel 'Mariposa', en route from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Portofino, Texas, with an anticipated stop in Key West, Florida, after it struck a submerged rock and was then overtaken by a wave, which caused the vessel to roll on its port side. The vessel struck another rock which breached its hull, so that it started taking on water. Additional waves flooded the yacht before sinking. The Coast Guard Sector San Juan Command Center received an unregistered EPIRB signal on the morning from a position approximately 180 miles northwest of Puerto Rico.  The watchstanders directed the launch of an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft of the Air Station Borinquen in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to search for any signs of a possible distress or survivors. They also issued an Enhanced Group Calling (EGC) and an AMVER callm notifying vessels transiting in the vicinity to be on the lookout for a possible distress.  The 'El Coquí', en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Jacksonville, Florida, diverted from its route to the location of the signal. Once in Silver Bank area, the Coast Guard aircrew acquired the emergency beacon and located the life raft with the four survivors and vectored-in the container ship to the area. The Coast Guard aircrew also noticed the 'Bonanza', which was accompanied by multiple small fishing vessels, in the vicinity of the position. Not having direct communication with the fishing vessel, the Coast Guard aircrew conducted a series of low passes to gain the crew’s attention before vectoring it to the position of the life raft. The 'Bonanza' was able to approach the life raft in the shoal waters and rescue the survivors. Once rescued, the castaways were transferred onto the 'El Coquí' for further transport to Jacksonville,, where the ship is expected to arrive on jan 23. No medical concerns were reported from survivors. During the initial search efforts, watchstanders used the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system which provided vessel profile information and various emergency contacts for the 'Mariposa'. This information significantly contributed to search planning efforts and was available due to the vessel Mariposa’s 406 MHz Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon being registered with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4036157/coast-guard-responding-vessels-rescue-4-us-boaters-from-life-raft-on-the-atlant/

Crowley Maritime Corp.’s new combination container/roll on-roll off “ConRo” ship El Coquí has delivered its first cargo from Jacksonville, Florida to the company’s Isla Grande Terminal in San Juan . El Coquí, one of the world’s first ConRos powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), departed Jacksonville on Friday night and arrived in San Juan on Monday, July 30, completing the maiden voyage on its regular Jones Act shipping service connecting the U.S. mainland with Puerto Rico.