Nine missing after cargo ship's rescue drama in the Mediterranean
Small boat sinks and two survivors rescued by cargo vessel FAIRPARTNER ..


A Dutch heavy lift ship, Jumbo Shipping's FAIRPARTNER attempted to rescue 12 passengers in an outboard motor boat in the Mediterranean in a drama that went horribly wrong.

The boat was sighted some 200 miles off the Algerian coast on Monday (3rd December) by the large cargo ship and those on board the small craft appeared to be trying to attract attention, waving and shouting for help, according to a spokesman for Jumbo Shipping speaking to Radio Netherlands.

Winds were around Force 7 as the captain of the FAIR PARTNER changed course and headed to the aid of the boat. With high waves of around 3 metres it was clear the passengers were in grave danger and an attempt was made to bring them on board the cargo ship

The small boat was ordered to go to the starboard side out of the winds but as she got alongside it was clear she was filling fast with water. It may have been the small craft struck against the large ship, but in any event she capsized throwing her unfortunate passengers into the sea, around 6pm local time.

FAIRPARTNER's propellers were stopped as the terrified victims began drifting towards the ship's stern. Life buoys, jackets and any thing that could float was thrown into the water and a rescue vessel was launched from the ship.

Two survivors were rescued but a third person was lost to the rescuers. All in all 9 people remain unaccounted for after a body was pulled from the sea later that night.

Spanish and Algerian rescue and navy vessels attempted to located the missing passengers, but the search was called off later, and it is now presumed that the unfortunate people have drowned.

The FAIRPARTNER was on a voyage to the United Kingdom from Turkey.