15 December, 2016 by Juan Carlos Díaz Lorenzo

First Officers of the Oil Tanker “Nivaria” (1985)

In January 1985, Naviera Petrogás added the oil tanker “Nivaria” to its fleet, the first of this name in the history of DISA's naval branch. It was the former “Tudela,” built at the Cantábrico and Riera shipyard in Gijón, the first chemical tanker of its fleet, commissioned in 1977. After nearly twenty years in service with Petrogás, in August 2004 the vessel was sold to an Ecuadorian company, where it sailed under the name “Guayaquil.” It later underwent two more name changes – “Vicus,” since August 2006 – and “Lambayeque”, registered in Peru, which it has been called since August 2013.

The accompanying photo is a cherished document. In it, we see the first officers of the oil tanker “Nivaria.” From left to right: Manuel L. Rijo (third officer on the bridge), José Luis Rosales (second officer on the bridge, in civilian clothes), Miguel Ángel Yanes Estévez (first officer on the bridge), Manuel González Pérez (captain), Miguel Ángel Castellano (radio officer), José Luis Solagaistúa Ayo (chief engineer), Valentín Sánchez Fernández (first engineer) and Óscar Cerpa (second engineer). Manuel González Pérez and Miguel Ángel Yanes Estévez passed away while still young and are part of our fond memories.