Monday, June 2, 2014

Amver tanker rescues three yachtsmen off North Carolina

The Amver participating tanker Bow Clipper rescued three yachtsmen after their sailboat was beset by weather more than 300 miles off the coast of North Carolina on Thursday, May 22, 2014.

Rescue personnel at the U.S. Coast Guard command center in Portsmouth, Va., received notification from the 41-foot sailboat Elusive that the boat had sustained significant damage during a storm and it was too windy to fly the main sail, the jib was ripped and the crew was attempting to repair a broken belt on the engine. The sailboat crew reported winds of 35 knots and 25-foot waves.

Rescue authorities queried the Amver system and located the Norwegian flagged tanker near the sailboat. The captain of the Bow Clipper agreed to change course and assist the sailboat. The Bow Clipper was able to coordinate the rescue efforts with the sailboat using marine radio communications.

The crew of the Bow Clipper safely embarked the three sailors and attempted to take the boat in tow but the tow broke in the severe weather. The three sailors were in good health and spirits and the Bow Clipper was taking them to their next port call.

The Bow Clipper, managed by Odfjell Management of Norway, enrolled in the Amver system on July 17, 1995 and has earned eighteen Amver participation awards.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com

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