MV "DENEB J" saves boat crew
10.09.2015
Merchant vessels are from time to time called to assist vessels in
distress. Recently, MV "DENEB J" received a message from the Honduran
Port Authority of Puerto Cortes that the boat "PURA VIDA" was about to
sink with its crew. The captain of MV "DENEB J" immediately ordered a
change of course because it was actually underway at sea to Santo Tomas
(Guatemala). The crew was informed, look-out positions were manned on
the bridge and the forecastle and the Chief Engineer was informed so
that everything could be prepared for a rescue maneuver.
MV "DENEB J" reached the "PURA VIDA" only a few minutes later. MV "DENEB J" was during the entire time in contact with the Spanish-speaking crew of "PURA VIDA", where the Port Authority of Puerto Cortes acted as a translator. Due to easterlies at 20 knots and waves of two to three meters in height, the "PURA VIDA" could be spotted only within a radius of 1.5 nautical miles. In addition to MV "DENEB J", also the cooling freighter "Lombok Strait" arrived at the location. They were upon instruction by the Port Authority of Puerto Cortes to await the situation and provide assistance only when necessary. When "PURA VIDA" eventually came alongside MV "DENEB J", assistance by "Lombok Strait" was ended. All eight Hondurans saved could be safely brought aboard.
In the meantime, the engine room of "PURA VIDA" flooded with seawater. In order to avoid the boat from sinking, the captain decided to secure it with a rope. With this attachment, it was to survive the trip to Santo Tomas for the next few hours. The journey continued without any deviation. During the journey, however, "PURA VIDA" suddenly sank - despite the rope attachment. Once the destination was reached, the Port Authority and the Harbor Master of Santo Tomas were informed about the position of the sunken boat. MV "DENEB J" ultimately moored at the port in Santo Tomas. The port doctor examined all eight rescued individuals and found them to be healthy and in good shape. Shortly afterwards, they were able to leave their rescue vessel and expressed their whole-hearted gratitude to the crew, the shipowner and the charterer.
MV "DENEB J" reached the "PURA VIDA" only a few minutes later. MV "DENEB J" was during the entire time in contact with the Spanish-speaking crew of "PURA VIDA", where the Port Authority of Puerto Cortes acted as a translator. Due to easterlies at 20 knots and waves of two to three meters in height, the "PURA VIDA" could be spotted only within a radius of 1.5 nautical miles. In addition to MV "DENEB J", also the cooling freighter "Lombok Strait" arrived at the location. They were upon instruction by the Port Authority of Puerto Cortes to await the situation and provide assistance only when necessary. When "PURA VIDA" eventually came alongside MV "DENEB J", assistance by "Lombok Strait" was ended. All eight Hondurans saved could be safely brought aboard.
In the meantime, the engine room of "PURA VIDA" flooded with seawater. In order to avoid the boat from sinking, the captain decided to secure it with a rope. With this attachment, it was to survive the trip to Santo Tomas for the next few hours. The journey continued without any deviation. During the journey, however, "PURA VIDA" suddenly sank - despite the rope attachment. Once the destination was reached, the Port Authority and the Harbor Master of Santo Tomas were informed about the position of the sunken boat. MV "DENEB J" ultimately moored at the port in Santo Tomas. The port doctor examined all eight rescued individuals and found them to be healthy and in good shape. Shortly afterwards, they were able to leave their rescue vessel and expressed their whole-hearted gratitude to the crew, the shipowner and the charterer.