The Semiha-ahmet-m: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a heartbreaking incident amid a fierce storm, two Bulgarian crew members were swept overboard from the bulk carrier 'Stara Planina' in the Norwegian Sea. The tragedy unfolded on January 2, 2020, approximately 210 miles southwest of Bodø and 180 nautical miles west of Sandnessjøen. The vessel's crew promptly initiated a search and rescue (SAR) operation, deploying fluids and marker buoys to aid in the rescue efforts. Unfortunately, there was uncertainty whether the two missing crew members were able to grab hold of any of the flotation devices. Norwegian SAR helicopters were dispatched to assist in the search; however, it was later confirmed that neither of the victims was wearing life jackets while working on the open deck at the time of the accident. Emergency responders notified the rescue center shortly after 11:30 a.m., leading to the deployment of a SeaKing helicopter. The helicopter managed to locate two lifebuoys—one equipped with a light and the other without—yet no sign of the missing men was found. After hours of searching, the operation was suspended around 8 p.m. as adverse weather conditions, including waves reaching up to ten meters, posed a significant hazard. The initial plan for the bulk carrier involved refueling at the Heidrun platform, but the storm’s hurricane-like intensity forced the crew to abandon those plans. Instead, the helicopter diverted to the Orland Air Station to refuel. An Orion surveillance aircraft from Andøya was also prepared to assist with the search, but weather conditions prevented it from participating. The 'Stara Planina' was making its journey from Murmansk to Constanta at the time of this tragic event, which serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced at sea.

On August 13, 2014, at 3:15 PM, the CROSS Etel received a distress call from the bulk carrier "Stara Planina," which was docked in the waiting area of Saint Nazaire, reporting that a crew member had sustained a leg fracture and needed immediate medical attention. Following a strategic conference call between the maritime medical consultation center (CCMM) in Toulouse, the CROSS Etel, and the representatives from the "Stara Planina," it was determined that a medical evacuation was necessary. Just half an hour later, the lifeboat "SNS 203" from Pornichet was dispatched to assist; however, the rough sea conditions made it unsafe for a boat-based evacuation. Consequently, a helicopter rescue operation was initiated. By 5:30 PM, the gendarmerie helicopter from Saint Nazaire took off and arrived at the vessel at 5:56 PM. The injured crew member was promptly airlifted and transported to the Hospital of Saint Nazaire, where he was admitted at 6:20 PM.

On August 2, 2014, a tragic accident occurred aboard the bulk carrier 'Stara Planina' at the port of Montoir, claiming the life of a 52-year-old Bulgarian sailor. The unfortunate incident unfolded while the sailor was working near a hold, where he succumbed to gas asphyxiation after losing consciousness while positioned on a ladder. He fell to the bottom of the hold, where emergency responders later found him in cardiac arrest. Despite attempts to revive him, he could not be saved. The local firefighters employed a specialized technological risks vehicle to analyze the hazardous gas present in the hold. At the time, the 'Stara Planina' was docked and preparing for the unloading of agricultural goods. An autopsy conducted on August 3 confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to carbon monoxide poisoning, which had occurred while the sailor was setting up a ventilation system within the block. For more details, refer to the French report complete with imagery [here](http://www.ouest-france.fr/accident-montoir-louvrier-bulgare-est-decede-dune-asphyxie-2741199).