TORM Arawa Plucks Over 200 Refugees from Sea

TORM Arawa, an MR product tanker managed by Danish shipping company TORM A/S, assisted Italian authorities in a rescue operation of 222 refugees from two boats off the Libyan coast.

On 21 June 2015, TORM Arawa, sailing under Singapore flag, was drifting off Zawiya, Libya when it 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 picked up the refugees from both boats. 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.

“I am pleased that our capable crew acted according to procedures and saved so many lives, reflecting outstanding commitment to international maritime laws and humanitarian efforts,” says Jesper Jensen, Head of TORM’s Technical Division.