The M/V TUTOR, a robust bulk carrier, has been plying the world’s oceans since its launch in 2022. With its imposing presence and vital role in global trade, this vessel has a story worth telling. Let’s delve into its origin, specifications, and recent events.
Origin and Ownership
The M/V TUTOR proudly flies the Liberian flag, a testament to its international reach. Operated by Greek owners, this vessel embodies the spirit of maritime commerce. Its sleek lines and sturdy construction make it a reliable workhorse for transporting bulk cargo across vast distances.
Specifications
- Type: Bulk Carrier
- IMO Number: 9942627
- MMSI: 636021179
- Call Sign: 5LCR2
The M/V TUTOR’s sheer size—measuring over 200 meters in length—allows it to carry immense quantities of dry goods. From coal to grain, it shuttles essential commodities between continents, bridging economies and ensuring the smooth flow of goods.
Recent Incident
On June 12, 2024, the M/V TUTOR faced a harrowing challenge. An uncrewed surface vessel (USV) operated by Iranian-backed Houthis struck the ship, causing severe flooding in the engine room. Amid the chaos, one civilian mariner remains missing—a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who navigate the high seas.
Despite this setback, the M/V TUTOR’s resilience shines through. Rescued crew members from the cargo ship M/V Tutor arriving on the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower after a Houthi attack on their vessel. (Image credit: U.S. Navy) Twenty-four civilian crew members from a cargo vessel struck by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel in the Red Sea have been rescued by the United States Navy. The USV impacted the ship’s stern and caused damage to the engine room along with severe flooding. Later that day, the ship’s crew reported that an unidentified airborne projectile had also struck the ship.
A U.S. Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopter embarked on the guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) was dispatched to aid the crew of M/V Tutor, with twenty-four mariners eventually being rescued and returned to the cruiser. They were then transferred by helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), which has now been deployed on operations for eight months. After a medical check on the Eisenhower, which with a 53-bed hospital facility acts as the medical hub for its carrier strike group, the rescued sailors were flown ashore by a C-2A Greyhound carrier onboard delivery (COD) aircraft. One crew member from M/V Tutor remains missing.
As we reflect on this incident, we honor the crew’s dedication and the vessel’s unwavering commitment to maritime excellence. Whether it’s battling rough waves or gliding through calm waters, the M/V TUTOR remains an indomitable force—a symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance on the open ocean.