All 24 Russian, Ukrainian and Filipino crew members of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Focomar which sank off Yemen on August 7 are alive and in no need of medical assistance, according to Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Focomar sank near Socotra Island, Gulf of Aden, and updated reports show that all of the crewmen survived and managed to reach Samha Island located southwest of the disaster site.
The Ministry says that efforts are being made to evacuate the stranded sailors from the island as soon as possible. A Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force ship stationed in Bahrain was to have evacuated them on August 10. However, the weather made it impossible to conduct the rescue operation.
Another attempt was made on August 11, but it is yet unknown if it was successful. The crew members are to be delivered to the Port of Salalah in Oman.