Atlantic rower Victor Mooney was rescued Thursday March 10, 2011 by the Greek Amver ship Norfolk after his boat, Never Give Up, sank 250 miles west of the Cape Verde Islands as he attempted to row from the Cape Verde Islands to New York.
Mr. Mooney, from Queens, New York, was attempting to raise money for AIDS medicines and awareness of voluntary HIV testing.
The captain of the Norfolk said he was notified by rescue authorities in Gris Nez and Dakar to divert and find the rower. Within two hours of receiving the request to divert, a crewman from the Norfolk spotted a flashing light which turned out to be Mr. Mooney in his life raft.
The Norfolk crew immediately started rescue operations and had Mr. Mooney aboard the ship within a few hours of locating him. "He was in good health despite weak legs," reported the Norfolk crew. The Norfolk, a 288 meter Capesize bulk carrier flying the Cypriot flag, enrolled in the Amver system on Sep. 6, 2002 and has earned eight Amver participation awards. The Norfolk is operated by Diana Shipping of Athens, Greece.
Mooney had been adrift almost two weeks and even sighted another ship which passed by without offering assistance. "I'm blessed to be alive," wrote Mooney from the Norfolk.
Mr. Mooney should arrive in Brazil on Tuesday March 15, 2011 and will return to the United States shortly thereafter.
Photo credit: Fotolia
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