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We reproduce an article ‘Rescue at sea’
written by Capt. N S Bharat, Master of the vessel
M V Sanmar Pageant. |
| Rescue at sea |
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| 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: |
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Passing a line to the distress
vessel directly while in the proximity. |
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Using the vessel’s line throwing
apparatus considering the prevailing conditions. |
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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. |
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