KUWAIT CITY, June 12: In a remarkable humanitarian effort, the Kuwaiti oil tanker Al-Dasma, owned by the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), successfully rescued 40 refugees stranded at sea after their vessel broke down in the Mediterranean. The refugees, who had been left without food or water, were located and brought to safety during Al-Dasma’s voyage to Egypt.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday, KOTC confirmed that the rescue operation reflects Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to international maritime principles and highlights its longstanding dedication to humanitarian causes.

According to the company, the incident took place Tuesday evening, when Al-Dasma’s crew spotted the distressed vessel while en route to Port Said. Coordinating swiftly with the Egyptian Search and Rescue Authority and the KOTC operations office, the tanker changed course to render assistance. The crew provided the stranded individuals with water, food, and temporary shelter.

Upon arrival at Port Said, the rescued refugees were handed over to the appropriate Egyptian authorities on Thursday, following all necessary procedures in accordance with international maritime and humanitarian laws.

KOTC noted that this was not the first time its fleet had participated in a life-saving mission. In a similar incident in 2014, the crude oil tanker Al-Salmi rescued a group of refugees off the coast of Italy — an operation that drew widespread international praise and was recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The company emphasized that safety at sea and the protection of the marine environment are core priorities in its operational strategy. It stressed that humanitarian efforts such as these reflect its dedication to integrating moral and ethical values into its commercial operations, reinforcing its leadership in the maritime transport industry.

The Al-Dasma rescue mission, the statement added, serves as tangible proof of the company’s ability to balance operational efficiency with humanitarian responsibility. It is also a reflection of the State of Kuwait’s broader commitment to placing human dignity and life at the center of its global engagements, whether through its maritime fleet or developmental initiatives.

“Saving lives at sea is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty,” the company stated. “It represents the deeply rooted humanitarian values that define the State of Kuwait.”