The Dramatic Ordeal of M/V CHRISTINA DEBORA: From Mechanical Failure to Abandonment in the Mid-Atlantic

In June 2025, the standby safety vessel CHRISTINA DEBORA, 38.77 meters in length, experienced a maritime emergency that culminated in its abandonment in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean after drifting powerless for more than two weeks. The vessel had been sold and reflagged to Zanzibar either shortly before or just after leaving South Africa.

The Beginning of the Crisis – June 8, 2025

The ordeal began on Sunday, June 8, when CHRISTINA DEBORA, navigating approximately 300 nautical miles northwest of St. Helena Island, suffered a major clutch failure, completely losing propulsion. Seven crew members were onboard at the time.

The distress call was officially reported by MRCC NATAL on June 11: the vessel was adrift and urgently required clutch repair parts as well as potable water. Captain Victor managed to contact Johnny Clingham, the administrator of the Facebook group “St Helena’s Talk Group,” who verified the authenticity of the request and informed the wider maritime community.

Rescue Attempts and First Aid – June 14, 2025

After a week of frantic communication and failed rescue attempts by nearby vessels, on the night of June 14 the bulk carrier ARETI.GR, en route from Baltimore to India, reached CHRISTINA DEBORA under calm sea conditions. At 23:25 UTC, vital supplies of drinking water, food, and repair equipment were transferred. The operation brought a much-needed morale boost to the stranded crew.

Prolonged Drifting and Deterioration – June 21–23, 2025

Despite the received aid, the crew was unable to restore propulsion. By June 21, the vessel had drifted approximately 450 nautical miles from St. Helena, nearing Ascension Island, with no towing capabilities available from either location.

On June 23, a NAVAREA V warning confirmed that the vessel had been abandoned near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (position: 12°41.05'S, 013°06.71'W). The situation onboard had worsened: water was entering the vessel, and with no dewatering systems functioning, the crew’s attempts at repairs had ultimately failed.

Final Rescue – June 23–24, 2025

On the night of June 23, the crew abandoned the CHRISTINA DEBORA and was safely taken aboard the THESEUS, a large Evergreen container ship passing through the area. The THESEUS, 368.99 meters in length, rescued all seven seafarers and continued its southbound voyage through the Atlantic.

Today, the wreck of CHRISTINA DEBORA remains a navigational hazard in the Atlantic.