Rescue op launched for Bourbon vessel hit by extreme weather

Offshore vessel operator Bourbon has launched a rescue operation for its Bourbon Rhode tug supply vessel in the Atlantic Ocean which has found itself in adverse weather conditions near the eye of the category 4 hurricane Lorenzo.

Illustraton: Bourbon Rhode AHT vessel - Image source: Bourbon Offshore
Illustraton: Bourbon Rhode AHT vessel – Image source: Bourbon Offshore

Bourbon on Thursday evening said the vessel was in transit at 1 200 nautical miles off Martinique island and 60 nautical miles South-South East from the eye of category 4 hurricane “Lorenzo.”

“In particularly adverse weather conditions, the 14 crew members are facing a water ingress in the rear part of the vessel,” Bourbon said.

The French offshore vessel operator said: “A crisis cell has immediately been activated and it ensures the coordination, out of Marseilles, of the rescue of the vessel and its crew, in close collaboration with authorities, including the Regional Operational Center of Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) West Indies-Guyana.”

Bourbon said Thursday: “In order to bring the quickest support possible, the CROSS has asked that bulk carrier “SSI EXCELLENT” (229 m long) change its route and assist the Bourbon Rhode.

“Situated at 200 nautical miles South, the bulk carrier is expected to arrive on zone [ Friday morning ] (local time),” Bourbon said, adding that it would provide an update on crew and vessel situation “as soon as possible.”

The vessel's location on Thursday, September 26 - Map generated by VesselsValue
The vessel’s location on Thursday, September 26 – Map generated by VesselsValue

According to data from VesselsValue, the Bourbon Rhode set sail from Las Palmas last week, on its way to Georgetown, Guyana.

Offshore Energy Today Staff


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