Amver received a Tweet from one of our followers about a new game Wired Magazine is promoting. It's called Cutthroat Capitalism and, according to the site, "You are a pirate commander staked with $50,000 from local tribal leaders and other investors. Your job is to guide your pirate crew through raids in and around the Gulf of Aden, attack and capture a ship, and successfully negotiate a ransom."
What do you think of the game? Do you think this is responsible or irresponsible?
Here is a great video about the United States Coast Guard 14th District search and rescue controllers. There is also some great Amver information in the video. Controllers are often the unsung heroes of the Coast Guard. We see rescue swimmers, aircraft, and cutters saving lives every day. It's the search and rescue controller, however, that coordinates things. Enjoy this video of our United States Coast Guard unsung heroes.
Another 37 vessels have joined Amver. Is your vessel listed below? Did you know once your vessel is enrolled you can begin reporting to Amver immediately? If you are wondering what the chances are you may be called on read this story (link to pdf). The Geden Lines tanker, the Action, had only been enrolled in Amver 5 days before they were called to rescue a British yachtsman in distress. It just goes to show how one vessel enrolling in Amver saved a life. Your ship could save the next life.
On with the latest members of Amver:
OCEAN PRIDE
BRO GARLAND
TANGGUH BATUR
MARIDA MARGUERITE
MARIDA MULBERRY
YAKUMOSAN
CATTLEYA
OCEAN BREEZE
TORM LOTTE
CLEAR
SUNSHINE
MINERVA GLORY
CMA CGM TOPAZ
ANTUINE
WORLD HARMONY
STAR TRUST
TEQUILA SUNRISE
OCEAN CREATION
CMA CGM CENDRILLON
CHANTAL
HYUNDAI PIONEER
CAPE BRITANNIA
STAR KIRKENES
KLIHYAM
KATHLEEN K
CROWN PRINCESS
PACIFIC JEWEL
AYRTON
MAERSK SEARCHER
SERENEA
ATHENIAN PHOENIX
MAERSK PROMISE
NS ARTARCTIC
NS ASIA
ORIENTAL TOPAZ
CLIPPER LIS
KELLY OVAYUAK
Are you a crew member of one of these vessels? If so tell us about yourself. We would like to hear from you.
Amver, the voluntary global search and rescue system sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, and Pole Star, a supplier of marine asset tracking systems, have been short listed for the prestigious Lloyd's List Innovation award for their life saving information sharing agreement. The award will be presented a the Lloyd's List Global Awards at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel on September 8, 2009.
How does it work?
Shipping companies that subscribe to Pole Star's Fleet Management service can elect to have their vessel position reports forwarded to the Amver system automatically and at no cost.
Success!
The benefits to the arrangement are obvious. Since initiating the program the number of Amver messages received from Pole star has increased from approximately 175 vessel reports a year to over 700 a day. This incredible influx of position reports has driven the average number of Amver vessels available for search and rescue to over 3,600 a day.
"This innovative agreement leverages technology to automate information sharing and increase the number of vessels available, with the cumulative effect of a more robust volunteer safety network that saves lives by providing timely assistance to mariners in distress. I congratulate Pole Star and Amver on their collaborative efforts," said United States Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen.
"We are very pleased with the Commandant's recognition of our efforts," said Pole Star CEO David Plumer, "We have worked with Amver for a number of years and are very proud of our association with an organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. We are delighted that Pole Star technology is able to make a significant contribution to marine safety."
You can enroll your vessel in the Amver system here. You can learn more about Pole Star's Fleet Management service here.
Are you a Pole Star Fleet Management subscriber? Tell us what you think.
While Amver has been busy trying out various new media programs to share our stories we never asked how you are able to access the internet when at sea.
Do you have internet access?
Can you use a feed reader such as Google reader?
Are you able to watch YouTube or other online video services?
What does the arrival of Australian Navy ships have to do with Amver? The visit serves as an opportunity to recognize the Australian government for our strong partnership. Amver and Australia have an information sharing agreement where Australia's regional version of Amver, known as the Australian Ship Reporting System, AUSREP for short, allows participants to have their vessel position reports sent to Amver at no charge. Amver allows ships to have their position reports be sent to AUSREP.
Does it work?
Amver and AUSREP began sharing information in May, 2000. By 2008 over 94,000 vessel positions were shared. Today, approximately 360 messages are shared every day. This is one of the reasons the Amver plot has been at record highs.
Australia does more than share vessel traffic. Australian ships also participate in the Amver system. In 2008, 20 ships representing 9 companies earned Amver awards. There were a combined total of 142 years of participation by the award recipients.
Recent Example
Australian rescue authorities recently requested Amver data to assist in the search for a vessel in distress in the Tasman Sea. The case resulted in two lives saved.
Mr. Benjamin Strong, Amver Director, was pleased to present a framed Amver pennant to Mr. Phillip Scanlan, Australian Consul General, on July 21, 2009 to recognize Australia's support of the Amver system.
We are proud of the relationship we share with Australia. We wish the Syndey and Ballarat fair winds and following seas as they complete their mission. Are you an Australian merchant mariner participating in Amver? Tell us what you think.
47 vessels joined the Amver ranks this week. Has your vessel enrolled? We hope so. If not you can enroll your ship here. What are the benefits to participation? Besides the fact your ships will be participating in the largest and oldest worldwide search and rescue program your ships are also part of a larger effort. Amver participation means you are part of the organized rescue effort. If search and rescue authorities determine your ships is not the best suited to respond you are released from your obligation. That saves you money.
Help us welcome the new participants.
D.S.V. DOLPHIN 11
ALTO ACRUX
ACX DIAMOND
PRISCILLA VENTURE
APL ILLINOIS
OCANUS
GRETE MAERSK
RAPALLO
TORM LOUISE
MELL SELETAR
HORIZON THEONI
BERMUDA ISLANDER
OCEANEX SANDERLING
CMA CGM ALACAZAR
SICHEM NEW YORK
WEST FORTUNE
SONGA EMERALD
KING DOUGLAS
DAGMAR AAEN
HUNTER
MAIPO RIVER
M.Y. ADRIATIC
ONEGO SENTINA
SEN-OKU
SPRING SAMCHEONPO
SEACOR MERCHANT
SATIGNY
AMITY
PAX
REPUBBLICA DI AMALFI
MARIANNA KOSAN
TOYOKUNI
HORIZON THEANO
BRITTANY
GHAZAL
AMYNTOR
BULK BRASIL
CHALLENGE PARAGON
BANGKOK HIGHWAY
SCIROCCO
PARANAGUA EXPRESS
CHEMSTAR KING
NOVOROSSIYSK STAR
CONTANTINOS
MINERAL DALIAN
MCP PAPHOS
RIO BLANCO
Welcome aboard shipsmates! Tell us your Amver stories.
The Amver flag is the flag of all nations, the common denominator uniting those in distress with their rescuers. The Amver motto, saving lives at sea sea since 1958, can be said in almost as many ways as there are participants. We are trying a new translation tool and thought it would be fun to see just how well it translates our motto. Here we go.
Amver, Saving Lives At Sea Since 1958
Amver ，拯救生命海上自1958年以來
Amver, buhay pag-save sa Dagat Since 1958
Amver, sauver des vies en mer depuis 1958
Amver, Menschenleben auf See zu retten Seit 1958
Amver, σώζονται ζωές στη θάλασσα από το 1958
Amver, 1958 के बाद से समुद्र पर सहेजा जा रहा है रहता है
Amver is 51 years old today. In 2009 the Amver system continues to see record growth. The number of ships on plot routinely exceeds 3,600 ships per day. International rescue authorities have recognized the value of Amver data and are requesting data on an almost daily basis. Has Amver kept up with the technology of the 21st century? You bet it has.
Amver has partnered with Polestar, one of the leading commercial vessel tracking companies, to automatically collect an even greater number of vessel positions. Amver has been recognized by the International Maritime Organization and media such as Professional Mariner Magazine. Amver provides a web based method for international rescue coordinators to request critical search and rescue data.
Rescues Rescues Rescues
Amver is about saving lives. How many lives? Over 4,000 lives saved in the last 15 years. That's an impressive record for a voluntary system. You can read more about Amver's history and dramatic rescues.
A Picture Says A Thousand Words
We thought one of the best ways to share the Amver story with you is through pictures. Here is a sample of Amver photos from its humble beginnings in the Alexander Hamilton Customs House in lower Manhattan to the most recent Amver awards ceremony in Washington, DC.
Are you an Amver veteran? Are you an Amver survivor? Perhaps you are a crew member on an Amver participating ship. Share your story with us and help us celebrate 51 years of saving lives.
Photo Credit: All photos courtesy of the Amver office
United States Consul General Lee McClenny is piped aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay at Old Port, Montreal.
Congratulations
The Consulate hosted the United States Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay. United States Consul General Lee McClenny and Lieutenant Commander Tasikas presented Amver awards to several members of the Montreal shipping community before an audience of provincial and city officials as well as the media. Consul General McClenny also discussed the Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay's operation and U.S./Canadian cooperation.
Montreal shipping companies receive Amver awards from U.S. Consul General McClenny and USCG Lieutenant Commander Tasikas.
Thank you Consul General McClenny, Lieutenant Commander Tasikas, crew of the Mobile Bay, and Consulate staff for supporting the Amver awards ceremony. Most importantly, however, we thank the Canadian shipping community for participating in the Amver system.
Le consulat a accueilli la United States Coast Guard cutter Mobile Bay. Consul général des États-Unis Lee McClenny et le lieutenant-commandant Tasikas présenté Amver prix de plusieurs membres de la communauté maritime de Montréal, devant un auditoire de fonctionnaires provinciaux et de la ville ainsi que les médias. Consul général McClenny également discuté de la Coast Guard Cutter Mobile Bay, le fonctionnement et l'US / la coopération canadienne.
Merci McClenny Consul général, le lieutenant commandant Tasikas, l'équipage de la baie de Mobile, et le consulat de personnel pour soutenir la cérémonie de remise des prix Amver. Plus important, cependant, nous remercions la communauté maritime du Canada pour participer à la Amver système.
Félicitations pour votre prix!
Crédit photo: U. S. Consulat Montréal Photo Credit: U.S. Consulate Montreal
23 more vessels have joined the Amver system. The companies they represent have taken the necessary steps to assist others in distress. What's fascinating, writing this piece each week, is looking at the diverse names and countries these vessels hail from. What do you think the chance is an owner might name a vessel Amver?
If you don't know how to enroll you should read this post. Now let's welcome our latest participants:
GASHEM RHONE
JIN GANG
DESH VISHAL
SIGAS SILVIA
PLEIADES DREAM
HAMILTON SPIRIT
CLIPPER HARMONY
DREAM ANGEL
MINDORO
STENA ATLANTICA
GULF COBOLT
STOLT NORLAND
YIN ZHU HAI
KOOMBANA BAY
GAN-SABRE
SONGA JADE
SILVERSTONE EXPRESS
GUANG DONG BRIDGE
DESERT ORCHID
MELL SEMBAWANG
FOREST VENUS
SPICA
TIRRANNA
THOR FRIEND
TENKI MARU
MONICA C
When did you enroll your vessel? Remember, once your ship is enrolled it can begin reporting immediately. Once you are reporting you may be called on to assist.
There is a considerable amount of hype surrounding Chris Anderson's new book Free. Chris is the author of The Long Tail and editor of Wired Magazine. Ironically, Chris's book is available for free here. The premise of Free is that companies can use free products or services as a means of attracting customers. The hope is then to provide an upgrade, superior product, or add on for a price. How does that relate to Amver?
Free- Really!
Amver participation is free. We do not charge you to enroll. We do not charge our survivors. Using the Amver/SEAS software application, ships can send position reports and weather observations to Amver and NOAA. As long as users follow the Amver/SEAS instructions, there is no cost to the vessel for sending their messages.
Does this free service work? It certainly does. The Amver center receives hundreds of Amver/SEAS messages a day. Is this free service worth the effort? You only have to read this email from a recent survivor to learn the value of the Amver program.
Is Amver Really Free?
Not everyone believes things can be free. Christopher Penn, from the Marketing Over Coffee podcast, recently wrote that nothing in life is free. "The only time something is truly free," said Penn, "is when it has no value..." Does that mean Amver has no value? Of course not. Penn states that "what you make available without a financial transaction taking place is not free." Amver, therefore, is not free.
The Cost Of Participation
Are there hidden costs to participating in Amver? Sure there are. A vessel that misses a port call because it had to rescue someone may end up at anchorage for hours or days before they can offload their cargo. That ultimately costs ship owners money. If a vessel chooses to use an alternate means of sending position reports, that too costs money. What if a crew member is injured rescuing a survivor? More costs.
These costs, however, are justified. Saving one life, providing a lee in a storm, or passing needed medicine or food justifies the cost. Almost every mariner, with rare exception, would help another in distress. They know it could be them in trouble on the next voyage.
The best evidence that the costs of Amver participation are minimal are the number of vessels on plot each day. In 2009 the number of available vessels has climbed from an average of 3,400 per day to over 3, 600.
The foundation of Amver is trust. Commercial shipping companies trust we won't compromise their vessel movements, rescue authorities trust we will share accurate information with them, and mariners trust we will save them when they are in distress.
There is an interesting new book, authored by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, called Trust Agents. The book focuses on marketing and relationship building. Want to learn more? Check out their Trust Agents fan page. What does that have to do with Amver? Amver is in the business of relationship building. We trust you will enroll your ships, you trust us with your vessel information.
At Amver we work hard to use the internet to expand our network, increase participation, and share valuable search and rescue data. We have this incredible product, the Amver surface picture, that we want international search and rescue authorities to request.
Amver received this email from the survivor of a recent case off Bermuda. It's humbling to read this story and we thought we would share it with you. From Mr. Dave Hall:
From: Dave Hall Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:47 PM
To: Amver
Subject: Maelstrom
Hi,
I was the skipper/owner of Maelstrom a British built Camper and Nicholson 33.
On 20th June 09 we were dismasted at position 40deg05'N 54deg18'W. The incident was caused by the catastrophic failure of a 15mm thick stainless steel rod that connected the Starboard chain plate to the cap shroud through deck fitting. This pulled away leaving a hole in the deck and the mast sheared away at deck level. It crashed into the Port side of the hull. I have attached pictures and a copy of the log.
We set of the "SPOT" at approximately 1330 and were plucked from our waterlogged sailboat at 2330 by the Astro-Saturn. The captain of the tanker informed us that he had been contacted by the coastguard in Norfolk using Amver and being relatively close by, had steamed to our position. Maelstrom was taking on water at a substantial rate because of damage to her deck and hull and it was doubtful if she could have remained a hazard to navigation for long after we abandoned her.
I'll never be able to thank you and your staff sufficiently for coordinating our successful rescue. The next time I am in Little Creek I would cherish the opportunity to thank you all personally.
Thank goodness for AMVER. Dave Hall
From the logbook:
DISMASTED
THE SOLID STAINLESS STEEL BAR THAT JOINED THE STBD SHROUD AND LOWER TO THE FRAME OF HER HULL HAD PULLED APART AT THE LOWER THREAD ADJUSTER. THIS BAR IS 5/8’’ 16mm THICK YET IT HAD SNAPPED A CLEAN BREAK NOT A FAILURE THROUGH CORROSION.
AS THE MAST WENT OVER TO PORT IT SHEARED OFF AT DECK LEVEL AND SMASHED DOWN ON THE PORT RAIL. THE RAIL JOIN SUFFERED THE FULL IMPACT WITH CRACKS IN THE HULL EXTENDING WELL BELLOW THE WATER LINE.
OVER 1100 MILES OUT IN MID ATLANTIC, NO MAST –HOLED TAKING ON WATER. WHAT TO DO?
MAELSTROM PROBABLY SANK AS SHE WAS TAKING ON WATER AS FAST AS WE COULD PUMP OUT. I DIDN’T SEE HER GO DOWN BUT A FULL STORM HIT THAT NIGHT SO WITH HER SO LOW IN THE WATER AND HAVING TWO GAPING HOSES IN HER DECK? WHO KNOWS.
AFTER LUNCH WE SET OFF THE SPOT, THE POSITION TRACKER BY HITTING THE’’911’’ BUTTON.
BY LEAVING IT RUNNING ALL AFTERNOON IT SENT OUT OUR POSITION CONTINUOUSLY VIA SATELLITE TO SPOT HQ WHO IN TURN INFORMED THE US COAST GUARD WAY BACK 1108 MILES IN NORFOLK VIRGINIA. THEY’D CONTACTED ALL THE NEARBY SHIPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC THAT A POSSIBLE SITUATION HAD ARISEN.
AS THE SPOT SENT OUT CONTINUOUS POSITION REPORTS AROUND 9PM VHF TRAFFIC WAS HEARD. I'D HIT THE DISTRESS BUTTON AND THEN ISSUED A MAYDAY ON CHANNEL 16 WHICH WAS ANSWERED IMMEDIATELY BY THE ASTRO SATURN .A 250 METRE OIL TANKER ON ROUTE TO THE BAHAMAS FROM TALLIN ESTONIA. ONCE WE SAW THEIR LIGHTS WE SET OFF FLARES TO GUIDE THEM TO OUR POSITION.
THEY HAD BEEN 80 MILES PAST GOING SOUTH WHEN THEY WERE INSTRUCTED TO COME TOWARDS OUR LATEST SPOT POSITION AND REPORT WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE AREA IF ANYTHING.
AT 11:30 PM WE CLIMBED UP THE LADDER ONTO THE DECK AND WERE GIVEN CABINS IN THE OFFICERS QUARTERS.
THE ONLY TIME I GOT WET THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE INCIDENT WAS WHEN I STEPPED INTO THE SHOWER AND WASHED OFF TWO WEEKS WORTH OF SWEAT AND SALT SPRAY BEFORE SETTLING DOWN IN A COMFORTABLE BED.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPRESS ADEQUATELY THE FEELING OF RELIEF ONCE VHF CONTACT HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH THE ASTRO SATURN.
UNTIL VHF CONTACT WE WERE ALONE HELPLESS AT THE MERCY OF THE ELEMENTS IN WILDERNESS OF AN OCEAN. WE DIDN’T KNOW IF OUR DISTRESS SIGNAL HAD BEEN RECEIVED OR HAD BEEN ACTED UPON.
THE ASTRO SATURN UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED US FROM AN UNTHINKABLE END. MAELSTROM WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED ANOTHER DAY AND PROBABLY SUNK DURING THE NIGHT. THE MIDDLE OF ATLANTIC DURING A FORCE 10 GALE IS NOT THE PLACE TO BE IN A SINKING SAIL BOAT.
WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN ETERNALLY GRATEFUL TO THE CAPTAIN AND THE DEDICATED CREW OF THE ASTRO SATURN FOR SAVING US.
WITHOUT A MAST WE GAVE NO RADAR ECHO AND ONLY BY THEIR DILIGENCE AND EXPERT SEAMANSHIP WERE WE FOUND.
THE RESCUE WAS CARRIED OUT IN TOTAL SAFETY BY A TEAM OF DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS WHO TOOK TOTAL COMMAND OF A MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION AND PLUCKED MYSELF AND CREW FROM OUR FLOUNDERING SAILBOAT AND BROUGHT US SAFELY ABOARD DURING TOTALLY DARKNESS FROM WINDSWEPT SEA.
DURING OUR STAY ABOARD AS GUESTS OF THE CAPTAIN AND CREW ON THEIR ONWARD PASSAGE TO THE BAHAMAS. WE HAVE SCRUTINIZED EVERY ASPECT OF OUR JOURNEY FROM NORFOLK VIRGINIA AND THERE IS NOTHING WITH HINDSIGHT WE WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY. OUR PASSAGE LOG GIVES NO INDICATION OF THE CATASTROPHIC EQUIPMENT FAILURE THAT WAS TO COME.
THE INITIAL CONTACT WITH THE ASTRO SATURN INSPIRED US WITH CONFIDENCE, WE KNEW THAT ONCE UPON THE SCENE WE WOULD BE SAFE. THEIR APPROACH OUT OF TOTAL DARKNESS WAS DONE WITH ABSOLUTE PERFECTION .
THE CAPTAIN STOOD OFF AND ASSESSED THE SITUATION. THEN SLOWLY MANOEUVERED HIS MASSIVE SHIP WITH PERFECT PRECISION. AS WE WERE BEING THROWN ABOUT VIOLENTLY, BEAM ON IN A BREAKING SEA. THE CAPTAIN APPROACHED US FROM ASTERN, ON OUR WINDWARD SIDE. PLACING THE GIGANTIC BULK OF HIS SHIP BETWEEN US AND THE BREAKING WATERS. ONCE IN THE LEE OF HIS SHIP WE WERE IN RELATIVELY CALM WATERS. FURTHER TURNING TO LEEWARD BROUGHT US SAFELY ALONG SIDE AND HE LITERALLY CRADLED US WITH HIS GIGANTIC SHIP PROTECTING US FROM BOTH THE WIND AND ANGRY SEA.
HIS SKILL AND SEAMANSHIP SAVED THE LIVES OF TWO SAILBOATERS.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE A HERO IN OUR EYES AND HAS EARNED THE GRATITUDE OF OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR ALL TIME.
Many people know Amver as the voluntary international search and rescue program. Our customers include shipping companies, search and rescue authorities, and survivors. Another customer we have, and one often forgotten by the shipping community, is the media.
We are excited to tell your stories of daring rescues. Photos, video, rescue summaries all help us share the good news about shipping. Many other websites use our information to continue telling the Amver (and your) story.
In The Shadows
For some reason the shipping community likes stay out of the limelight. We will be the first to agree that getting "good news" shipping stories in the media is challenging. That challenge, however, should be embraced rather than ignored. When a ship is in the news it doesn't always have to be about a grounding, sinking, or violation. Over 60 Amver participating vessels have diverted this year to answer a call for help. Over 190 lives have been saved. We need to work together to share these stories.
5 Steps You Can Take To Help
How can you help us share the good news?
If possible, take photos and video of rescue operations
Email any rescue photos/video you take to Benjamin Strong, Director of Amver Maritime Relations
Send a photo of your ship to Benjamin Strong, Director of Amver Maritime Relations
Provide a brief summary of the rescue
Feel free to use Amver press releases in your own marketing and public relations efforts
Why should you send them to us? Because you will see them here on the Amver blog. You will also see your story on our other sites such as Youtube and Flickr as well. News sites, such as Tradewinds, Lloyd's List, and Safety at Sea International often print Amver stories.
Who are these crews and ships? Let's welcome them:
SEAMUSIC
CMA CGM AQUILA
CS OLIVE
RIVERSIDE
SAPPHIRE EXPRESS
ANTARES I
MARAN PYTHIA
STAR KIRKENES
ZIM LUANDA
GYPSUM INTEGRITY
NYK REMUS
JENNY N
POSITIVE PASSION
FOWAIRET
NORTHERN HIGHWAY
KM IMABARI
LNG JUPITER
BALTIC GALAXY
SAMISTAL DUE
MAETIGA
CMA CGM MUSCA
GLORIOSA I
MG SHIPPING
Even though Amver doesn't make it in the news all the time there are over 3,600 ships available every day to divert. Amver encourages all ships to enroll. Safety at sea doesn't discriminate by nationality, flag, or crew make up. Enroll your vessels today.
Independence Day. Each Fourth of July Americans around the world celebrate their independence. What does that have to do with Amver? Let's take a closer look.
The Amver system relies on the voluntary spirit of the commercial shipping sector to save lives at sea. It is this sector that gives the world it's independence. Shipping provides-
Commerce
Employment
Recreation
Relief
Education
While World Maritime Day is a day to recognize mariners lets remember the contribution to independence these men and women give us today. Do you know a mariner? How about thanking them.
An Amver participating Greek tanker was diverted as part of an international search and rescue effort for two sailors reportedly in distress over 600 miles northeast of Bermuda June 21, 2009
The sailors, one American and one Briton, were on a voyage to the Azores when they encountered trouble and activated a SPOT hand-held emergency communications device. SPOT personnel notified United States Coast Guard rescue authorities who immediately checked the Amver system for available ships.
Race To Assist
The Astro Saturn, a Greek flagged tanker, was diverted to rescue the two sailors on the 33 foot sailboat, Maelstrom. Coast Guard rescue personnel also turned to international rescue authorities to help located the sailing duo.
Captain Michail Eleftheriadis turned his fully loaded tanker, operated by Maran Tanker Management of Athens, Greece, towards the distress location. Captain Eleftheriadis reported the weather conditions were severe with winds blowing in excess of 20 knots and seas at Force 5.
The M/T Astro Saturn providing a lee for the disabled S/V Maelstrom.
Rescue
The Astro Saturn made radio contact with the Maelstrom and began planning the rescue. Captain Eleftheriadis maneuvered the Aframax tanker alongside the sailboat and his crew began rescue operations by lowering a pilot ladder to the survivors. "Once we had the two sailors safely aboard the tanker we left the sailboat adrift," stated Captain Eleftheriadis.
Survivors from the S/V Maelstrom are escorted aboard the M/T Astro Saturn after a rescue over 600 miles northeast of Bermuda.
The Astro Saturn reported the survivors were in good health and spirits. They were transported to Freeport, Bahamas and disembarked.
How would you survive a rescue at sea? You can learn more here. Learn what Mario Vittone has to say about emergency beacons here.
25 vessels joined the Amver ranks this past week. What's the value of that? Considering the recent cases (here and here) where Amver ships have made the difference between life and death the value becomes glaringly evident. While Amver remains voluntary, participation should be considered by every shipping company that wishes to promote their dedication to safety.
Here are our newest ships:
GULOYA
CLIPPER TITAN
PELICAN STATE
BLUE HERON
VICTORIA SCAN
CORAL DIAMOND
HYUNDAI SINGAPORE
ARDEA
KINAROS
ANKARA BRIDGE
CLIPPER MIKI
SUMMIT AUSTRALIA
SALTINA
ABADI
PLUTO LEADER
KING WHEAT
SUNSHINE ACE
CLIPPER MAKISHIO
UBC MARIEL
ORAWA
CONTI BENGUELA
AMBER BALTIC
TH SOUND
AMAZON GLADIATOR
SPOT
Congratulations new Amver members. You have joined a unique and elite group of ships. You may be called upon to assist another mariner in distress. You are now part of a global effort to make sure no call for help goes unanswered. Photo credit: Fotolia
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