Feature, Freight News, Logistics

Sweden – and GAC – to the rescue

[ October 29, 2015   //   Chris ]

Logistics specialist GAC has coordinated the delivery of two high-speed boats to Greece to help rescue stricken refugees on behalf of the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS). The boats are being sent as part of the response to the growing humanitarian crisis that has seen thousands of refugees attempting to cross the sea to enter Europe mainly to the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Kos, Samos and Leros.
The SSRS approached GAC Sweden to coordinate the urgent transport of the two 12-metre, 12-tonne boats. The route was planned, documentation arranged, and the two boats set off on low-bed trucks from Stockholm on their trip through Europe. Despite a few technical issues – including a change to route to exclude Italy where some issues with the load dimensions were encountered, and a truck break-down which was repaired en route in Romania – they arrived at Aghios Cosmas Marina, south of Athens, just ten days later.
Colleagues from GAC Greece oversaw the unloading and launch of the boats for the last leg of their voyage – by sea – to the island of Samos, just a few kilometres off the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.  
SSRS chief executive, Capt. Rolf Westerström, said: “With this project, we are able to make a real difference. Sea rescue knows no borders, we assist when we have the possibility. For this task, we needed a first class service from all suppliers, and that’s why we chose GAC as our agent.”

Tags: GAC