TORM Arawa, an MR product tanker managed by TORM A/S, assisted Italian authorities in a rescue operation to save refugees from two boats off the Libyan coast, the company said in its press release. On 21 June 2015, TORM Arawa , sailing under Singapore flag, was drifting off Zawiya, Libya. At 1017hrs local time, the vessel received an urgent distress message from the Italian coast guard requesting assistance for two boats carrying refugees.
After receiving the message, TORM Arawa proceeded to the rescue operation, and TORM authorized the vessel to go ahead and render the necessary assistance for protection of human life in line with international maritime agreements and conventions. TORM Arawa arrived at the scene at 1130 hrs local time and was asked by the Italian coast guard to pick up the refugee s from both boats. At 1400 hrs local time, a total of 222 refugee s had been rescued. The crew on board TORM Arawa provided food, water and blankets for the refugees.
As per instructions by the coast guard, TORM Arawa proceeded to Port Reggio Calabria, Italy where the refugees were disembarked at 2000 hrs local time on 22 June. The refugees from the two boats were received by the Italian authorities.
About TORM
TORM is one of the world’s leading carriers of refined oil products as well as a player in the dry bulk market. The Company operates a fleet of approx. 80 modern vessels.