GULF LIVESTOCK 1
Press Release:
Dubai, UAE, 09 September 2020: Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC (“GNH” or “Company”), the Dubai Financial Market listed maritime and shipping company, wish to provide the following update on the tragic incident that occurred to MV “Gulf Livestock 1” while the vessel was on passage from Napier, New Zealand to the Chinese Port of Tangshan.
Connection with the vessel was lost following a distress alarm early in the morning of September 2. It is believed that the vessel sank off Japan. Investigations into the cause of the incident are still ongoing but it is noted that the area encountered unusual winds gusting up to 160 km per hour along Typhoon Maysak. On board were 43 comprising 39 crew of Filipino nationality, and four Charterers’ representatives – 2 New Zealand and 2 Australian citizens. The vessel was carrying cattle destined to join the Chinese dairy farming and breeding programme.
In the afternoon of September 2nd, the Japanese Coast Guard rescued the 45 year old Filipino vessel’s Chief Officer from the water. The body of 42 years old Filipino El/Ftr was later found in a life raft and taken on-board the Japanese rescue craft. On September 4, a 30-year-old Filipino AB was rescued several miles from the island of Kodakarajima, off South Western Japan. He was able to walk and was transferred to hospital on Amami Oshima, where it is understood he is recovering well.
The search for survivors, involving Coast Guard vessels and aircraft, continued through September 4, but was called off with the approach of very strong Typhoon Haishem.
Further aerial searches were conducted by the Japanese Coast Guard on September 7th, 8th and 9th. The search was finally called off at sunset on September 9th, with no further clues found as to survivors. The Japanese Coast Guard state, however, that regular patrols by aircraft and boats will be maintained with any new information immediately passed to the Authorities in the Philippine.
A spokesman for the owners of the MV “Gulf Livestock 1” says “We thank the Japanese Coast Guard for their tireless search and rescue work. All our condolences go out to the family of the seafarer whose body was found by the Coast Guard and we are deeply saddened that despite all the searches only two survivors have so far been found. We hope and pray that others will have somehow survived this tragic incident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go out to all family members and friends who are waiting at home still hoping for good news, as we all are.
We cannot forget that livestock, all headed for the dairy farms of China, were lost in this terrible event and can understand the feelings of those that view the loss of this many cattle with deep concern.”
Next of kin and relatives of the Filipinos on board are being kept informed of any news by the manning agents in Manila and by the charterers/ employers of the New Zealanders and Australian.
Gulf Navigation Holding say that everyone in the Company is devastated by the enormity of this tragic accident and thanks all those involved in the rescue events despite the worsening weather conditions between Typhoons. The Company is committed to a full investigation into this incident and hopes that the survivors will be able to provide further insight into the events of the early morning of September 2.
The vessel is fully insured in respect of liabilities.
Further news will be provided as it becomes available.
Gulf Livestock 1 (IMO No, 9262883) was built in 2002 and was fully certified by an international Classification Society.
-Ends-
About Gulf Navigation Holding:
Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC (“GNH”) is a fully integrated and synergized organization with a multifunctional business. It is the only maritime and shipping company listed in the Dubai Financial Market since February 2007 under the symbol “GULFNAV”. The Company is headquartered in Dubai, with branch offices inside the port of Fujairah, Khorfakkan, Abu Dhabi and an overseas office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company has a fleet of chemical tankers, livestock transport vessels, operation support vessels, marine services, and ship repair operations. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company accredited by Bureau Veritas, GNH is committed to adhering to the requirements of the international management code for the safe operations of vessels, pollution prevention and environmental control, including compliance with all the applicable international laws, regulations and requirements. GNH constantly works to upgrade its operations and provide high-quality services to local and international markets. This opens new opportunities to improve GHN’s services to existing customers while attracting new customers.
Contact: Mr. Pat Adamson +44 7836 766 947
