Kuwait's naval forces uphold their humanitarian mission, saving 45 undocumented immigrants from the shores of Greece.
The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian duty by rescuing 45 refugees off the Greek coast in July 2025. This act of kindness follows a series of similar interventions by KOTC, including the rescue of 40 refugees by the KOTC tanker Al-Dasma on June 12 and the world's largest rescue at sea by the KOTC's giant tanker Al Salmi, which saved 536 lives off the Italian coast on June 15, 2014.
The rescue operation was promptly initiated after a disabled vessel in distress was reported by the Greek Search and Rescue Center 60 miles off the Greek shoreline at 4:00 pm Kuwait time on Monday. The KOTC tanker, Bahra, which was nearby, responded immediately to the emergency situation. All 45 people were rescued and provided with water, food, and temporary shelter aboard the tanker.
Sheikh Khaled Al-Sabah, Acting CEO of KOTC, made statements regarding the rescue operation, emphasizing that safety and marine environmental protection remain central to KOTC's strategy. Al-Sabah's statements suggest that KOTC's operations strive to balance operational excellence with humanitarian duty. The Kuwaiti executive also reaffirmed that KOTC's rescue efforts reflect its commitment to integrating humanitarian values into its corporate mission.
Al-Sabah's statements imply that Kuwait's leadership in ethical maritime practices is reinforced by KOTC's rescue operations. The KOTC's humanitarian interventions have earned international recognition and were honoured by the International Maritime Organization. The rescued people were in stable condition following the rescue.
In the broader regional context, shipping lanes including those near the Red Sea and Mediterranean—where KOTC operates—have seen increased risks from conflict-related hazards. This underscores the critical role professional merchant and oil tankers like those operated by KOTC play in saving lives and preventing disasters at sea.
Thus, KOTC’s humanitarian interventions are an important aspect of their maritime operations, reflecting a commitment to rescue operations amid complex geopolitical and safety challenges in regional waters. The Bahra's rescue operation is a testament to Kuwait's commitment to placing human lives at the forefront of its values.
[1] Source: Kuwait Oil Tanker Company press release, July 2025 [2] Source: International Organization for Migration, 2020 [3] Source: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2020 [4] Source: International Maritime Organization, 2014 [5] Source: International Committee of the Red Cross, 2020
- The Kuwait Oil Tanker Company's (KOTC) dedication to workplace wellness and health-and-wellness extends beyond their maritime operations, as shown by their commitment to mental health through their humanitarian interventions at sea.
- The act of rescuing refugees by KOTC is not confined to local news; it has also garnered attention in general-news and political circles, underscoring the importance of their contributions in crime-and-justice discussions, particularly in light of regional conflicts.
- The International Maritime Organization's recognition of KOTC's rescue efforts highlight the intersection of science and politics, demonstrating how progressive policies in the maritime industry can foster a culture of humanitarian duty and ethical practices.
