On 2nd August 1990 the invasion of Kuwait happened of which was a 2 day operation conducted by Iraq against the neighbouring State of Kuwait, which resulted in the 7 month long Iraqi occupation of the country. During that year 5 vessels – tugs RADHWA 18, 19, 20 water barge BADR 7 bound to Iraq and fireboat YANBU 31 bound to Saudi Arabia got stucked in Malta at the former Medserv Base in Marsamxett Harbour.
She was built in 1990 by Bijlholt at Foxhol and Damen Werf of Gorinchem as yard number 8693 for Saudi Arabian Government (Ports Department) with dimensions as 34.20 m , beam of 7.20 m and maximum draft was 2.20 m and accommodation for 10 crew and hospital for 3 persons. She shifted to Dockyard Creek and finally laid up at Cassar Ship Repair Yard Area awaiting her fate.
Early 90’s she was lifted on the pontoon EMS PONTON I and left Valletta towed by the 26 m tugboat EMS PULL of Ems Offshore Service GmbH & Co. KG, Germany.
During October 2002 she was renamed STEVNS ENVIRONMENT operating in Svendborg, Danmark with call sign as OUMJ2. In November 2008 she was sold and renamed PEACEGATE RESCUER flagged and owned by Nigerian Peacegate Oil & Gas Ltd and still afloat.
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli. Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
Published – Wednesday 8th April, 2020
