The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) announced that its tanker Al-Dasma rescued 40 illegal immigrants stranded in the Mediterranean Sea after their boat broke down and they ran out of food and water.
In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency on Thursday, the company emphasized that the operation reflects its strong commitment to international maritime laws and humanitarian principles, highlighting Kuwait’s continued role as a global humanitarian actor.
The incident occurred Tuesday evening during Al-Dasma’s voyage to Egypt. Upon spotting the distressed boat, the tanker — in coordination with the Egyptian Search and Rescue Authority and KOTC’s operations office — diverted its course to carry out the rescue. The stranded ‘immigrants’ were provided with food, water, and temporary shelter on board.
Al-Dasma later docked at Port Said, where the immigrants were safely handed over to Egyptian authorities today, Thursday, after all necessary legal and humanitarian procedures were completed in accordance with international conventions.
KOTC noted this is not the first such mission carried out by its fleet. In June 2014, its giant crude oil tanker Al-Salmi rescued ‘refugees’ off the Italian coast, a mission that earned international recognition and an honor from the International Organization for Migration (IMO).
The company affirmed that safety, environmental protection, and humanitarian responsibility remain central pillars of its operational strategy.
It emphasized that the Al-Dasma rescue exemplifies the balance between efficient maritime operations and ethical obligations, echoing Kuwait’s enduring commitment to human dignity and the value of saving lives at sea.
“Saving lives is not only a legal requirement, but a profound moral responsibility that reflects Kuwait’s core humanitarian values,” the statement concluded.
