As First Victims Mourned, Italian Navy Searches On
Italy held a funeral service on Tuesday for 13 migrants who died in the worst shipwreck in the Mediterranean in recent history, while the navy continued its search for other victims of the disaster. More than 700 people, most of them locked below deck, were believed to have drowned in April. Their overloaded fishing boat capsized after colliding with a ship that had come to their aid some 70 nautical miles off the coast of Libya. The Italian navy last week retrieved the first bodies from the wreck, which is lying at a depth of about 370 metres (1,200 feet), using remote-controlled vehicles and a submersible basket to haul up the remains.
Louis S. Meltz, 1961 – 2013
AMS President Louis Meltz passed away today, April 2, 2013, after a several-month battle with cancer. Until just a few days ago, his doctors were hopeful that the treatments he was undergoing would be successful. His passing has been a sudden shock to all in the maritime industry. Marinelink and the entire New Wave Media family echoes those sentiments on this sad day. Loyalty was Louis' greatest value. He was a devoted husband and father, a patriot who loved his adopted country, and a constant and true friend. Louis also loved the U.S. maritime industry and the people in it.
Hull Blyth’s Loss
Norman Shaw, managing director of Hull Blyth (Nigeria) Ltd, sadly passed away in December 2001, in Lagos, Nigeria, aged 49. Norman Shaw had extensive experience in the shipping industry working in the UK, USA, Singapore, The Netherlands and West Africa between 1976 and 1998. He was then appointed manager of P&O Nigeria before joining Hull Blyth (Nigeria) Ltd in 1999. Hull Blyth & Co Ltd is the Multiport member serving Angola, Ghana and Nigeria. Norman is survived by his wife and two sons, who would like to thank everyone who attended the funeral service in Southampton or the memorial service in Lagos.
VADM Bill Rea Arrangements
As reported in yesterday’s “Maritime Today”, VADM Bill Rea, USCG (ret) died Saturday. The family will have a private memorial service in Coral Gables, FL this week. The funeral service and burial will be held in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, DC in January or February. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to: VADM William F. Rea, III Marine Safety Scholarship Endowment Coast Guard Foundation 394 Taugwonk Road Stonington, CT 06378-1807 (Source: HK Law)
Captain Kertsikoff, Venerable Member of Shipping Industry, Passes
Captain Erric B. Kertsikoff, Vice-Chairman of Intertanko since 1997 and a member of the Executive Committee since 1994, passed suddenly on February 6. Kertsikoff was also Chairman of the Hellenic Forum and an active member of the Association for more than 25 years. Kertsikoff served the Greek and International Shipping Industry for more than 50 years, with dedication and love. According to Intertanko, his personal commitment and contribution was truly outstanding; his enthusiasm and guidance was inspirational, and the leadership and statesmanship he brought had profound importance in shaping the stature and success that the Association enjoys today. Intertanko's managing director, Peter Swift said: "I, along with many colleagues in Intertanko, have personally lost a dear friend and mentor.
