Cyprus officials reported the successful rescue of 10 crew members from the AS Dream oil tanker (weighing 2319 tons). This incident occurred on October 30, 2026, off the western coast of Cyprus and 90 miles from the island. The rescue operation began after receiving an emergency call on Friday night.
Incident Details and Rescue Operation
According to local sources, the Cyprus Rescue Center immediately dispatched a search and rescue helicopter, a patrol boat, and a rescue boat to the scene after receiving the call. Additionally, the oil tanker MSC Hanna III (weighing 48658 tons), which was en route from Italy to Beirut, Lebanon, approached the scene and assisted in the rescue of the crew.
The AS Dream oil tanker, which was sinking at the time of the incident, was quickly covered, and its crew was transferred to safety. After the rescue, the crew was moved to the Cyprus rescue boat and taken to the port of Limassol.
History of the AS Dream Oil Tanker
The AS Dream oil tanker has an adventurous history. Available information indicates that this ship has been identified with deficiencies in its last 17 inspections at various ports, dating back to 2012. In its most recent inspection, conducted earlier this month in Egypt, the ship was detained for a week due to issues including a non-functional radar and problems with safety and communication equipment.
AIS transmission shows that this ship departed from Egypt on October 16, with its destination being the port of Galati, Romania. The crew of this ship consisted of 9 individuals from India and one from Cameroon. According to Equasis data, this ship was transferred to ownership from the Marshall Islands in April 2025 and is registered under the Tanzanian flag.
The International Transport Workers' Federation submitted a report of abandonment of the ship dated September 1, 2025, to the International Labour Organization and the International Maritime Organization. This report mentioned that the ship had taken steps to secure diesel fuel and coordinate the supply of food and water with local customs authorities.
Despite some of the ship's problems being partially resolved, its status remains "unresolved" in the ILO/IMO database.
Cyprus officials announced that the rescued crew members are in good health, and embassies have been informed of the incident, with arrangements underway to assist the crew through diplomatic channels.
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