Bulgarian Bulker Rescues 34 Seafarers from Burning Fishing Boat Near Sri Lanka

A Bulgarian bulker, the Eleen Armonia, conducted a daring rescue operation to save 34 seafarers from a burning fishing boat. The incident took place about 500 miles southeast of Sri Lanka when the crew of the bulker noticed thick smoke rising on the horizon. The burning vessel, the Hasil Abadi 28, was reduced to a charred wreck, leaving its crew in desperate need of rescue. The Eleen Armonia’s crew used hoses to control the flames and successfully evacuated the stranded seafarers after five hours of firefighting efforts.

After the rescue, the crew of the Hasil Abadi 28 received food, water, essential supplies, and medical care on board the Eleen Armonia. The Indonesian owner of the burning vessel dispatched three more fishing vessels to assist. The rescued seafarers were eventually disembarked for repatriation to Indonesia, and despite the harrowing experience, they were found to be in stable condition. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but the damage to the Hasil Abadi 28 is severe enough that it is expected to sink.

The Eleen Marine, owner of the Eleen Armonia, commended the 22 Bulgarian, Ukrainian, and Indonesian seafarers for their swift and courageous action in rescuing the crew of the burning fishing boat. The rescue operation serves as a reminder of the strong bond among seafarers worldwide, where the duty to assist those in peril transcends national and commercial interests.

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