At Armona Denizcilik, we are immensely proud to honor Captain Onur Koçbal and the crew of Atlantis Alicante for their heroic response during a recent search and rescue operation in the Mediterranean.
While navigating their route, Captain Koçbal and his crew identified a small boat in distress at position 36°18.0'N, 003°13.7'W, waving an orange and black flag as a signal. Following maritime protocols and driven by a steadfast commitment to saving lives, the crew immediately alerted our DPA and Company, staying close to the vessel to offer support. In coordination with the Spanish MRCC Almería and the Spanish Coast Guard, who were in contact through VHF channels, Atlantis Alicante provided critical assistance until a Spanish SAR vessel arrived to complete the rescue.
In an official letter, the Spanish Maritime Safety Agency expressed its gratitude for the Atlantis Alicante crew's decisive actions, stating:
"On behalf of the Spanish Maritime and Safety Agency, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and highest appreciation for your assistance in the SAR operation undertaken today afternoon at the Mediterranean Sea, in which 7 lives were saved. Your vessel alerted our MRCC and was deviated from your track at 14:00 UTC until 15:43 UTC, the moment that SAR operation was completed and you could resume your voyage. The decisive and efficient intervention taken by your vessel was absolutely crucial and avoided a high-risk. "situation for this person as well as a likely prolonged and severe Search and Rescue operation."
Captain Kocabal and his team displayed professionalism, humanity, and the values of the company. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Spanish Coast Guard for their swift response and teamwork.
Thank you, Captain Kocabal and the crew of Atlantis Alicante, for your dedication to safety and compassion on the high seas.
