Amver cruise ship rescues 5 near Bermuda

The Amver system proved is worth this past weekend when the cruise ship Norwegian Gem was diverted 256 miles north west of Bermuda to assist the five crew aboard the sailing yacht Sanctuary which was slowly taking on water.

Alert

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in Portsmouth, Va. received a distress call from the 39 foot sailing boat after the crew reported they were taking on water in ten foot seas and 30 knot winds. The crew did not have an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and were using their satellite phone to provide updates to the rescue team.

The Coast Guard launched a C-130 rescue aircraft from Air Station Elizabeth City and queried the Amver system, locating the cruise ship Norwegian Gem which was 50 miles away from the sailboat. The Bahamian flagged cruise ship, which enrolled in the Amver system in 2007, quickly changed course and headed to assist the stricken sailors.

Here is video of the rescue from the cruise ship point of view-



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This is the view from the Coast Guard rescue aircraft-



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Thanks to the crew of the Norwegian Gem for a job well done. Thanks are also in order for the crew of the Coast Guard aircraft for providing necessary communications and keeping an eye on the rescue operations!