Passenger ship Gemini (IMO 9000687) is being used as a temporary shelter for refugees after the earthquake that struck south-eastern Turkiye on February 6th levelled large parts of the region.
Miray Cruises’ Gemini, which has a history of relief work, has docked at the Port of Iskenderun, a major port in south-eastern Turkiye that was itself impacted by one of the two quakes which struck the region in quick succession.
The cruise line will supply all meals and will provide 24-hour medical care to those aboard. The ship will house refugees until March 15th, after which it will begin a planned season of short Greek Island cruises.
Meanwhile, passenger/vehicle RoRo ship MSC Aurelia (IMO 7602120) berthed in Iskenderun early on February 21st and will act as a shelter for earthquake victims in southern Hatay’s Iskenderun district. It has been brought to the port under the coordination of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. The two vessels combined have a capacity for some 2,000 guests during their cruises.
1992-built, Bahamas-flagged, 19,093 gt Gemini is owned by Jewel Owner Ltd care of manager Mira Gecilik of Istanbul, Turkiye. It is entered with American Club on behalf of Jewel Owner Inc. As of February 27th it was moored at Iskenderun, Turkey.
1980-built, Cyprus-flagged, 21,518 gt Aurelia is owned by Marinvest Srl care of Snav SpA of Naples, Italy. It is managed by MSC Shipmanagement Ltd of Limassol, Cyprus. It is entered with Steamship Mutual (European syndicate) on behalf of Marinvest Srl. As of February 27th it was moored at Iskenderun, Turkey.