SBI Macarena had assisted in the rescue of 35 migrants found adrift in a small boat halfway between Oran and Malaga in the Alboran Sea.

On October 25, 2018 the SBI Macarena located a group of possible migrants in a boat waving an orange flag. The captain of the SBI Macarena slowed down to investigate and notified rescue authorities at MRCC Cartagena Spain of their situation.

Rescue authorities in Spain directed the SBI Macarena to remain on scene and a helicopter and rescue boat was launched to investigate and rescue the migrants. The captain of the 751-foot bulk carrier provided critical communications and remained on scene, prepared to provide rescue services if necessary.