Spain’s Brave Rescue: Tugboat Operation Saves Abandoned Vessel

A. Dimitriou

Quick Summary

• Spanish authorities dispatched a tugboat to rescue a stranded ship in the Strait of Gibraltar.
• The vessel, allegedly abandoned, ran out of fuel and essential supplies.
• This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maritime regulations and vessel management.
• Stakeholders in the maritime industry must adapt safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
• Global shipping practices may see shifts as new regulatory measures are considered.

In a dramatic maritime rescue, Spanish authorities successfully towed an abandoned freighter adrift in the Strait of Gibraltar to safety. The operation highlights growing concerns over vessel abandonment and the vital role of maritime rescue services.

Background

The vessel, Marine I, a 5,800 dwt coastal freighter built in 1994, was left stranded without fuel, food, or water for over 10 days. Its 17-member crew, hailing from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ghana, Montenegro, Nigeria, and Ukraine, faced deteriorating conditions. The ship’s UAE-based owner allegedly abandoned the vessel, leaving unpaid wages and no provisions.

Timeline of Events

• Mid-November 2025
  Marine I loses propulsion and begins drifting in the Strait of Gibraltar. Mechanical issues worsen, and the crew runs out of essential supplies.

• November 20–29, 2025
  Spanish authorities monitor the situation closely, coordinating with Moroccan officials. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) raises alarms about crew welfare and unpaid wages.

• November 30, 2025
  The Maritime Captaincy of Málaga orders a rescue. The salvage tug Luz De Mar is dispatched to secure the vessel and tow it to port.

• Late November 30 – December 1, 2025
  Luz De Mar successfully takes Marine I under tow and escorts it to Málaga. All 17 crew members are reported safe upon arrival. Authorities begin investigating the owner’s responsibility and future disposition of the vessel.

Why This Matters

This incident underscores a troubling trend: 2025 is on track to set new records for abandonment cases worldwide, leaving thousands of seafarers vulnerable. Maritime unions call for stricter enforcement of international labour and safety standards to prevent such crises.

Marine I – Vessel Details

• Type: General Cargo Ship (also classified as multipurpose/heavy-lift carrier)
• IMO Number: 9007001
• Flag: Panama
• Year Built: 1994
• Dimensions:
  • Length Overall: ~105 m
  • Beam: ~17 m
• Deadweight: ~5,270–5,811 tonnes
• Gross Tonnage: ~3,978
• Status: Active, but recently abandoned and towed to Málaga after drifting for over 10 days in the Strait of Gibraltar without fuel, food, or water.

Management & Ownership

• The vessel has had multiple names over the years (e.g., Sea Q, Sea Master S, Jaohar Britannica).
• Current Owner: Reportedly based in Dubai, UAE.
• Associated Company: The exact name has not been publicly confirmed in the latest reports, but sources indicate the owner also controls another vessel, Sundry (IMO 9045651), which has a history of deficiencies.
• Authorities in Spain and Morocco are working to establish contact with this Dubai-based company to resolve crew wages, operational costs, and the vessel’s future. 

Key Issues

• Crew of 17 from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ghana, Montenegro, Nigeria, and Ukraine were reportedly owed two months’ salary.