Thursday, June 28, 2012

Cruise News: Norwegian Star Rescues Yachters

At approximately 8 am on Tuesday, June 26th, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Star responded to a call from the US Coast Guard who had received a distress notification from Avenir, a sailing yacht, stating that they had lost their rudder and their ability to steer. Avenir was located approximately 54 nautical miles from Norwegian Star in the Atlantic Ocean. Norwegian Star’s Captain Kenneth Harstrom immediately diverted course to rescue the three men and three women aboard.

Upon reaching the Avenir at noon, Norwegian Star’s crew worked to rescue the passengers and quickly transfer all six occupants on board the ship. At approximately 1 pm, the sailing yacht passengers and rescue team were all safely aboard Norwegian Star.

According to the Captain of the Avenir, the group left Bermuda on June 24, 2012 and was delivering the Avenir to Bristol, Rhode Island. While the yacht won’t be making its destination on time, Norwegian Star, which was sailing from New York City to Bermuda, continued on its route and arrived Wednesday morning, June 27th as scheduled.

Images Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

5 comments:

  1. JEGTravelsJune 28, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    I wonder what happens to the yacht?
    There was a similiar rescue not too long ago from a yacht. Do they leave them to float around out there?

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  2. Linda Coffman, AKA Cruise DivaJune 28, 2012 at 1:08 PM

    Ever since witnessing a similar rescue back in 1991, I've wondered that as well.

    My guess is that if the yacht doesn't end up washing ashore someplace, it probably sinks eventually and is a total loss insurance-wise. If it's a really valuable vessel, someone might try to salvage it.

    Linda

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  3. AnonymousJune 29, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    Once the vessel is abandoned, first person to it has salvage rights. More an issue with mega yachts than small sail boats. Never leave it to the owner to determine what is a boat and what is a yacht.
    If the abandoned vessel is in a shipping lane or is otherwise a hazard to navigation, it should be sunk. A detail that seems to be lost on the cruise industry which is why it's handy to have a Navy or Coast Guard around.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda Coffman, AKA Cruise DivaJune 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Thaks so much for providing the definitive answer.

    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Linda Coffman, AKA Cruise DivaJune 29, 2012 at 11:16 AM

    Typo, sorry..should be THANKS.

    ReplyDelete

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