Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Maersk-Karachi

**Title: Dramatic Rescue at Sea: 'Maersk Karachi' Saves Crew from Sunken AHTS 'Leo'** In a remarkable display of maritime solidarity, the container ship 'Maersk Karachi' successfully rescued nine crew members from the sinking of the anchor-handling tug supply vessel 'Leo' (IMO: 9007142), off the coast of South Africa on March 1, 2026. The incident occurred approximately 80 nautical miles from the coast of the Western Cape during the early morning hours, as the 'Leo' faced severe weather challenges about 18 nautical miles offshore. The 'Leo', which had 18 crew members onboard, was in distress as it traveled back to Lagos from Durban, where it had departed on February 25. A distress signal was sent out on February 28 at 5:02 PM, prompting an official search and rescue operation by the South African Search and Rescue (SASAR). As the 'Leo' sank under relentless storm conditions, its crew managed to abandon ship into four life rafts. Thankfully, two additional merchant vessels joined the rescue efforts: the roro vessel 'Grand Hero' (IMO: 9339806), making its way from Gothenburg to Port Elizabeth, and a local fishing vessel named 'Boronia.' Despite the challenging circumstances, including rough seas and poor visibility, they aided significantly in the SAR operations. The 'Grand Hero' was able to rescue three crew members, while the fishing vessel 'Boronia' tragically discovered one deceased crew member during its search. Meanwhile, aerial support was provided by a helicopter that scoured the area, looking for survivors. Of the 18 crew members aboard the 'Leo,' 12 were successfully rescued and brought to Port Elizabeth, where representatives from the Nigeria High Commission were poised to assist the survivors. However, the incident also left a somber mark, with one casualty confirmed and five crew members still unaccounted for. Search operations are ongoing about 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) suspended the search and rescue operations on March 2 at sunset. The 12 survivors have received medical attention upon arrival, and efforts are currently underway to formally identify the deceased crew member in collaboration with the appropriate authorities. During this challenging operation, numerous vessels and aerial units collaborated under the direction of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town to ensure the rescue mission was carried out efficiently. A navigation warning remains in effect, advising mariners of potential debris, the last-known position of the sunken vessel, and the unrecovered life rafts. Mariners in the vicinity are encouraged to report any sightings of debris, pollution, or any individuals in the water to the MRCC Cape Town or Cape Town Radio.

On Jan 9, 2018, at 7.20 a.m. the "Maersk Karachi" was in collision with the "Oguz Sofuoglu", both en route to Constantza, about 14 miles off the coast in the vicinity of Durankulak. Both vessels continued the voyage and safely arrived at Constantza, where damage surveys were carried out. The "Maersk Karachi" had sailed from Chornomorsk on Jan 7 at 07.48 a.m. bound for Constantza. She berthed at the CSCT Constanta Terminal on Jan 9 around 5 p.m. The "Oguz Sofuoglu" sailed from Diliskelesi on Dec 7 at 10.28 p.m. bound for Constantza.

The "Maersk Karachi" which is still at anchor on the New Weser Roads is to be inserted in the ME5-service from Europe to India on Oct 22 in Algeciras, with the schedule actually ending on Nov 16 in Chennai.

On Oct 1 around 9 p.m. the "Maersk Karachi" was pulled out of the port of Bremerhaven towards New Weser Roads where the ship dropped anchor on Oct 2 at 1.30 a.m. German report with photo: http://www.nwzonline.de/bremerhaven/ungluecksschiff-darf-bremerhaven-verlassen_a_30,1,2193469187.html