Amver tanker saves two sailors near the Azores

The combined efforts of U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel, Portuguese rescue authorities at MRCC Ponta Delgada and the Amver vessel Archangelos Gabriel resulted in the rescue of two sailors from a disabled sailboat approximately 500 miles south of the Azores on Wednesday, May 6, 2015.

The sailors were aboard the Manca 3 and reported via satellite phone to U.S. Coast Guard personnel they had lost steering and were in inclement weather. They initially requested an extended weather forecast. The Greek flagged Amver participating tanker Archangelos Gabriel was also diverted to assist.

The sailors reported to rescue authorities they were in 50-knot winds with waves greater than 30-feet. The sailors were placed on a two hour communications schedule and attempted to repair their steering. 

The 748-foot tanker was ten hours from the distress location but the captain agreed to divert immediately and assist the crew of the Manca 3. The crew of the Manca 3 were unable to repair their sailboat and were rescued by the Archangelos Gabriel.

The Archangelos Gabriel, managed by Diamiemos Shipping Corporation of Athens, Greece, enrolled in Amver on April 6, 2005 and has earned six Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: Marinetraffic.com