Greek Amver ship saves Canadian sailor

A 61 year old Canadian sailor aboard a disabled sailboat 700 miles east of Cape Cod, Mass., activated his commercial emergency beacon and was rescued by an Amver ship early Tuesday morning.

U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators from Boston, Mass. coordinated the rescue after they were notified at 8 a.m. Monday morning. A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, NC., HC-130 search aircraft launched and located the sailboat. The 652-foot commercial ship Bishu Highway and the Amver participating bulk carrier Athina L were also diverted to assist.

The Bishu Highway arrive on the scene at approximately 2:45 p.m. Monday, and established communications with the Easy Go. The solo yachtsman reported he was uninjured, but the boat had lost its main sail and he was unable to make way. The Bishu Highway was unable to rescue the sailor due to a 50-foot height of the hull above the water, but stayed on scene until the Athina L arrived.

The Athina L arrived on scene at approximately 5 a.m. Tuesday and, braving 20 foot seas and 40 knot winds, safely embarked the sailor. He was uninjured and will stay aboard the Athena L until it reaches its next port of Hunterston, U.K.

The Liberian flagged Athina L, managed by the Kyla Shipping Company, enrolled in the Amver system on October 14, 2011 and has earned one Amver participation award.

Photo credit: M/V Athina L.