The Turkish vessel DONAU EKSPRES II rescued 48 Sudanese migrants, including 16 children, stranded off Crete in challenging conditions.
It has been reported that the Turkish-flagged vessel DONAU EKSPRES II rescued 48 irregular migrants from Sudan who were stranded at sea approximately 50 nautical miles south of Crete.
Amidst the shadow of war conditions and challenging market circumstances, significant rescue news has emerged from the maritime sector that warms our hearts and showcases the face of humanity.
A total of 48 migrants, including 16 children, who were on a semi-sunken boat due to adverse weather conditions east of Gavdos Island in Greece, were successfully rescued by the DONAU EKSPRES II vessel operated by a Turkish company.
According to information provided by the ship to the company, it was stated that the health condition of all 48 rescued individuals was good. After the operation, the migrants were safely transferred to the Frontex RV2109 coast guard boat, and the DONAU EKSPRES II continued its voyage.
The captain and crew mobilized all their resources to meet the needs of the rescued individuals during their stay on the ship. The presence of a significant number of children among them made the humanitarian aspect of the operation even more meaningful.
In the message sent from the ship regarding the operation, it was stated, '48 migrants were transferred to the Frontex RV2109 coast guard boat, we have been cleared to proceed, and we continue our voyage.'
In the evaluation made after the rescue operation, it was expressed, 'Among the 48 people rescued yesterday, there were many children. We carried out this rescue with the knowledge of the Italian authorities. All 48 individuals are healthy. God showed mercy to the children.'
After the operation, the captain and crew of the DONAU EKSPRES II were commended for their courage, sensitivity, and exceptional maritime responsibility. Authorities from Mastership Company, as well as Celal Akata and his partners, were also thanked for their contributions during the rescue process.
Gratitude was expressed to all institutions and organizations that contributed, especially the Ankara Search and Rescue Unit, which supported the rescue operation.
Perhaps the most meaningful summary of the operation was hidden in the humorous yet heartfelt expression of the ship's crew: 'Our loss is 2 pots of soup, our gain is 48 lives.'
Maritime activities are not merely about transporting ships from one port to another. Sometimes, the true cargo of a ship is the lives of the people it carries. The operation of the DONAU EKSPRES II has been recorded as a strong example of this.
We wish safe voyages to the captain and all crew members of the DONAU EKSPRES II and thank them for their demonstrated humanity and maritime responsibility.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
