We reproduce an article ‘Rescue at sea’ written by Capt. N S Bharat, Master of the vessel M V Sanmar Pageant.
Gone are the days when precious lives were lost to forces of nature at sea after shipwreck and abandonment. With the drastically improved network of communications, there is hope for survival even in the remote parts of large oceans under the most unfavourable conditions. Thanks to voluntary organisations like AMVER (Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Search and Rescue) which have devised safety measures for survival capability with meticulous tracking facilities, timely intimation and constant guidance, much needed to rescue survivors within the shortest time.
The “Sanmar Pageant” was involved in one such rescue act when two survivors of Belgian nationality were picked up from the Atlantic Ocean 470 miles southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It all happened on July 17, 2000, when sailing from Kjopsvik (Norway) to New York. At 1613 GMT, a message from RCC Norfolk prompted our vessel to proceed to the assistance of survivors of sailing vessel “P M Charles” about 35 NM away.
Two owners were promptly informed and the vessel diverted to head in the direction of the distressed vessel. With the prevailing conditions of sea (about 3.5 mtrs), wind ESE 30 kts and swell (about 3 mtrs) the mission was expected to be challenging. However, there was a sense of purpose, a need for urgency and an air of confidence in one and all giving us the impetus to carry out the much needed rescue operation. A contingency plan was envisaged and officers and crew apprised of the situation.
Elaborate preparations prior to arriving at the scene of distress were discussed and made. The following possibilities were considered in priority.
1.Passing a line to the distress vessel directly while in the proximity.
2.Using the vessel’s line throwing apparatus considering the prevailing conditions.
3.Lowering and using lifeboats to rescue survivors in case of dire necessity.
On our way, our several attempts to establish contact with “P M Charles” were not fruitful. As luck would have it, after almost an hour, we finally managed contact with another sailing vessel “Spot” of French nationality standing close to the vessel in distress. Communication took a while due to the language difficulty. The Second Officer’s understanding of conversational French came in very handy to overcome the initial language barrier.
Gradually updated positions of “P M Charles” were received and plotted. When about 2.5 miles away, a parachute signal followed by hand flares and smoke signals from “P M Charles” were sighted. An initial attempt to manoeuvre Sanmar Pageant close to the vessel in distress was in vain due to the prevailing weather conditions causing the distressed vessel to drift away. A second attempt was carefully made and the vessel manoeuvred to within 100 metres of the distressed vessel. At this stage, further difficulties were encountered while passing a line to the distressed vessel. The Second Officer’s and Bosun’s quick response during this stage are greatly valued. The Second Officer once again coordinated with “Spot” and asked her to manoeuvre close to the “Sanmar Pageant”.
The Bosun seizing the opportunity, wasted no time in throwing a line accurately on the deck of “Spot” which was carried promptly to the distressed vessel. A giant line attached to the first line was heaved and fastened to the broken sail mast by the skipper of “P M Charles”.
The vessel “P M Charles” was in a precarious position, heavily trimmed with ingress of water from the leaking rudder bearings. Considering the situation, heaving with the vessel’s winch had to be done with extreme caution to prevent the boat from capsizing during the process. A good show was put up by the Second Officer and Bosun posted at the stern deftly bringing “P M Charles” alongside the ship’s stern. Much to everyone’s delight, at 2115 GMT, the exhausted survivors were picked aboard safely.
Also present in the scene of distress was a container vessel “Zim Korea” directed by RCC Norfolk and USCG aircraft C-1500 hovering around giving us the desired moral support. The day culminated on a happy note with a sense of professional satisfaction having achieved the prime objective of saving lives. The “AMVER” and “Sanmar Shipping Limited” sent a congratulatory message to the vessel applauding the effort. Last but not least, the role of the management in making the rescue mission possible is highly appreciated.
The company’s innovative policies detailing elaborate preparations for contingencies, constant encouragement and timely assistance have gone a long way in boosting the morale and confidence of all aboard ship, a matter of pride for all associated with this esteemed organisation.