Wallem managed bulk carrier rescues two Filipino fishermen from sinking vessel

HONG KONG: Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, has released details of an incident in May when a ship under its management rescued two Filipino fishermen from their sinking boat.

The bulk carrier was underway from Abbot Point, Australia to Cam Pha, Vietnam with a full load of 80,000 tonnes of coal when the crew observed a small fishing boat in distress with its crew waving for help at 0835 Local time near the Babuyan Islands off the Philippines.

Under guidance from its Master, the bulk carrier was brought to a stop and its rescue boat prepared and promptly lowered. The two fishermen were safely recovered and brought on board in an operation professionally executed by the all-Chinese crew in open waters.

The ship then sailed to a rendezvous point where it was met by a high-speed Philippine Coast Guard response vessel and the fishermen were handed over.

The Philippine Coast Guard thanked the Wallem crew for its immediate response and action in saving the fishermen.

“Special appreciation goes to the Captain and Wallem team for their professional guidance throughout the operation,” a Coast Guard representative said.

Subramanian Rajagopal, Marine & Safety Director, Wallem Group added: “The rescue is a clear testament to the crew’s strong seamanship, effective training, and commitment to safety at sea. It ensured that decisive action was taken swiftly when lives were at risk.”