Captain Leo Malunes Sacmar Jr. and the crew of the bulk carrier CHRISTINA V, managed by Alexandria Shipping (Hellas) S.A., received special commendation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly for their role in the rescue of 145 migrants in the Mediterranean Sea in October 2022. IRI Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Piraeus Office Theo Xenakoudis presented the certificate at Alexandria Shipping (Hellas) S.A.’s office in Greece in July 2024.
While underway in the Mediterranean Sea, Captain Leo Malunes Sacmar Jr. received a distress call from a disabled vessel reportedly adrift with 70 individuals aboard. Captain Sacmar notified Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Rome and was instructed to proceed to the location of the distress call. Upon arrival, CHRISTINA V notified MRCC Rome that a large number of individuals were aboard the disabled vessel, and CHRISTINA V was appointed On Scene Coordinator to begin rescue operations. Approximately one hour after pulling alongside the vessel, all 145 individuals aboard were rescued. CHRISTINA V provided medial assessment, food, water and sanitary facilities to the rescued individuals while coordinating a rendezvous point with MRCC Marsala. Three days later, all rescued individuals were safely transferred to the Italian Coast Guard and CHRISTINA V resumed its planned voyage.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator congratulates Captain Malunes Sacmar Jr., and the crew of CHRISTINA V for their exemplary commitment to the safety of life at sea which is one of the finest traditions at sea.
