The international rescue operation started with rescue authorities in Forte de France contacted U.S. Coast Guard personnel in San Juan, Puerto Rico of a disabled sailboat in heavy weather requesting assistance after their rudder failed.
U.S. rescue authorities utilized an Amver Surface Picture to locate and contact the 748-foot crude oil tanker Orfeas which was approximately 250 miles away from the sailboat. The captain of the Orfeas immediately agreed to divert and assist the sailors.
The Bahamian flagged tanker was able to safely embark the four French yachtsmen despite 40 knot winds and 16-foot seas. The survivors were uninjured and will remain on the Orfeas until it reaches its next port of call in Gibraltar.
The Orfeas, managed by Grace Management of Greece, enrolled in Amver on December 18, 2013.
Photo credit: Marinetraffic.com
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