According to Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), on 30th May, crews of two of its vessels, the Overseas Santorini and the Overseas Nikiski, have performed exceptional acts in rescuing a total of six individuals in two separate incidents occurring within 18 hours of each other.
In particular, on 30th May, the crew of the Overseas Santorini, as well as two other vessels, were notified by U.S. Coast Guard Norfolk of a sailing vessel in distress in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The closest point of land was the Azores approximately 800 miles to the East.
The sailboat had encountered severe weather conditions resulting in a hull breach, causing it to take on water, with individuals onboard fatigued and possibly injured. The crew of the Overseas Santorini immediately diverted toward the vessel which was broadcasting a distress signal approximately 30 nautical miles away.
Sailing at top speed, the Overseas Santorini successfully rescued a family of four – two adults and two children.
We train and drill for these scenarios all the time, hoping the call never comes, but that collectively we can come together to allow for a successful outcome when it does.
…said Captain Peter Behling of the Overseas Santorini.
I have been involved directly or indirectly in eight or ten rescues at sea in over 40 years. I never imagined that in the course of 18 hours we would have two rescues in quick succession.
..stated Sam Norton, OSG’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
As explained, the following morning, the Overseas Nikiski responded to a distress signal issued by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Clearwater, alerting them to two stranded individuals aboard a sailing boat adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. Due to a loss of both propulsion and steering, and facing a developing tropical depression, the sailing vessel was in dire need of assistance. Without hesitation, the Overseas Nikiski altered course quickly reaching the distressed sailboat, and successfully rescued both individuals in a deft display of seamanship.
The collective and inspired choice of each crew to act with honest concern and empathy for those in distress and to engage without hesitation in providing the relief required affirms in the most visible way possible the standards of ethics and transparency that I believe lie at the core of OSG’s culture.
..Mr. Norton stated.
As informed, all persons rescued in each case were taken onboard the responding vessels and were disembarked at each of the vessels’ next port of call.
