(TAMPA, Fla.) — Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG) has recognized the valiant efforts of the crew the tanker Overseas Long Beach, which was on a voyage from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Jacksonville, Fla., when crewmembers noticed a vessel in distress south of Southwest Pass. The officer on watch immediately notified the master, and the tanker diverted from course to render assistance.
The vessel in distress contained 12 people who appeared to be out of food, water and fuel and in need of medical assistance. In coordination with U.S. Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, the master and crew of Overseas Long Beach took the necessary steps and precautions to proceed with a rescue mission.
Overseas Long Beach established communication with the distressed vessel, maneuvered safely alongside the craft and completed the safe transfer of the passengers to the ship. Once on board, a crewmember acted as an interpreter and determined that the distressed vessel’s occupants only had a half gallon of water left and had been without food for six to seven days. They had been at sea for 12 days headed for Mexico. A security search and first-aid evaluations were completed, and the seagoers were set up in the crew lounge with mattresses, blankets, water and food.
“Capt. Boldemann and the crew of the Overseas Long Beach did an excellent job of ship handling and upholding the customary law of the sea to help persons whose vessels are in distress,” said Sam Norton, CEO and president of OSG. “The actions of our captain and his crew are exemplary and deserve praise. On behalf of the OSG board of directors, we want to express our gratitude and appreciation for the prompt, professional and humane manner in which they handled this rescue.”
On April 1, the 12 were all safely transferred to a Coast Guard cutter. “The crew did a remarkable job with this – every single person,” the master said. “They demonstrated compassion for the people and took great care of them. OSG is very proud of the crew’s efforts.”
– Overseas Shipholding Group
