By Third Mate Lisa Burke and Captain Thomas Liebsch
M/T AMERICAN PHOENIX

At 0742 LT on November 22, 2022, while the AMERICAN PHOENIX was transiting from Port Everglades to Southwest Pass, Second Mate Chris Miller spotted a small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the vessel. Upon further inspection, Second Mate Miller could see a raft with men onboard waving their arms and a flag.

Second Mate Miller contacted the Master, Captain Tom Liebsch, and the vessel deviated to investigate. At the time of the sighting, the AMERICAN PHOENIX was approximately 45 nautical miles WSW of Key West. The makeshift craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with an open bottom, had seven Cuban migrants onboard. Steady ENE'ly winds had created a strong westerly current, and the raft was drifting to the west at approximately 1.5 knots.

Second Mate Miller contacted United States Coast Guard Sector Key West and provided details and a description of the raft, and the Master sent photos. The USCG initially requested the AMERICAN PHOENIX remain in the vicinity of the raft. At 0828 LT, the USCG asked if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the migrants from the raft onto the ship.

Chief Mate Bob McMillen, with the assistance of Third Mates Lisa Burke and Andrew Barnes, directed the ABs to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and prepare life rings and heaving lines. The Master carefully maneuvered the vessel closer to the raft and Third Mate Burke was able to get a sea painter over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the ship at 1015 LT.

Second Mate Chris Miller (front) and OMU Jose Smith (rear) with the rescued Cuban migrants onboard the AMERICAN PHOENIX.

The migrants reported that they had been at sea for nine days, making the transit across the Straits using homemade paddles. Upon boarding, it was evident that the seven men were weak and dehydrated. They were quickly provided with water, Gatorade and granola bars until the Chief Cook was able to prepare them lunch. Many crew members also donated clean clothing and shoes to the migrants so they could change out of their soaked and tattered clothing. The vessel proceeded towards Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter VIGOROUS. At 1254 LT, the cutter launched an RIB and the seven migrants were transferred to the RIB via the accommodation ladder, aided by Chief Mate McMillen and Second Mate Miller at 1312 LT.

Engineers who provided assistance in the engine room, on the bridge with maneuvering and on deck with the rescue operation included Chief Engineer Eric Ketteringham, First Assistant Engineer Frank Hlatky, Second Assistant Engineer Islam Moussa and Third Assistant Engineer Ben Temple.

The AMERICAN PHOENIX is operated by a subsidiary of Seabulk Tankers, owned by AP Marine (Genesis Marine, LLC), and is under charter to Marathon Petroleum. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers onboard the tanker.

AMO members working onboard the AMERICAN PHOENIX during the rescue included (left to right) First Assistant Engineer Frank Hlatky, Third A.E. Ben Temple, Second Mate Chris Miller, Third Mate Lisa Burke, Chief Engineer Eric Ketteringham, Captain Tom Liebsch, Chief Mate Bob McMillen, Second A.E. Islam Moussa and Third Mate Andrew Barnes.