Torm Lotte – Search and Rescue Mission saves up to 300 lives

Hellerup, 19 July 2014

TORM Lotte, a product tanker owned by Danish shipowner TORM A/S, has assisted Italian and Maltese authorities in a rescue operation to save a large group of boat refugees in the Mediterranean Sea.

TORM Lotte, sailing under DIS flag, was bound for LA SKHIRA when the vessel on 18 July at 1245hrs CET received an urgent distress call from the Italian coast guard requesting assistance to a ship carrying refugees.

After receiving the call, the vessel proceeded immediately for the rescue operation to render assistance for protection of human life acting in line with international maritime agreements and conventions.

At 1700hrs, TORM Lotte gained visual contact with the refugee ship and proceeded closer to observe the situation. At 1930hrs, TORM Lotte launched its Man Overboard Boat (MOB) in order to rescue the refugees who jumped in to the water.

During the rescue operation, TORM Lotte rescued up to 300 refugees. TORM Lotte received assistance from the Italian coast guard and the Maltese Navy during the operation.

Maltese authorities are currently working on providing food, water and blankets for the rescued individuals while Italian authorities are working to secure safe disembarkation of the refugees.

I am pleased that the Master and crew on board TORM Lotte acted professionally and hereby saved up to 300 lives, reflecting outstanding commitment to the rules of life at sea," says Tina Revsbech, Senior Vice President of TORM's Tanker Division.

For further information, please contact Tina Revsbech, Senior Vice President, TORM A/S, tel: 0045 2342 1117.


Product tanker "TORM Lotte"

About TORM
TORM is one of the world’s leading carriers of refined oil. The Company runs a fleet of approximately 110 vessels. TORM was founded in 1889. The Company conducts business worldwide and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. TORM’s shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen (ticker: TORM). For further information, please visit www.torm.com

TORM, press release