1992-built riverine freighter Livana (IMO 9052006) (ex-names Dona Veronica, La Rochelle, Cast Salmon, AKN Pride) ran aground on Saturday February 18th on a breakwater at the small Mediterranean port of M’diq, Morocco, south of Ceuta.
According to local authorities the vessel’s engine failed, causing it to drift onto a jetty of concrete jacks in rough weather.
Responders mobilized fire engines, a boom crane and a military helicopter to attempt to bring the crew safely to shore. Morocco’s navy, national ports agency, merchant navy department and national police were involved in the rescue effort.
Using a breeches buoy rig, the first responders safely rescued eight seafarers, all Syrian and Indian nationals. However, one crew member remained missing.
Efforts to prevent any pollution from the vessel’s bunker tanks were implemented, as M’diq is a popular resort town and yacht marina.
The Livana has the characteristic retractable wheelhouse of a European riverine vessel, consistent with its original role as a container feeder on inland waterways in northern Europe. Its last port state control inspection, in Fortaleza, Brazil, noted hull corrosion and problems with the oil filtering equipment.
1992-built, Cameroon-flagged, 2,691 gt Livana is owned by Livan Maritime SA care of manager Fana Shipping & Trade Co Ltd of Istanbul, Turkey. As of February 18th it was listed as underway off the Morocan coast, near M’Diq. It departed Smir, Morocco, on February 18th with an intended destination of Tripoli, Libya on February 27th.
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