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Caribbean Mercy to the Rescue - ( Press Release April
11,1999 )
The Caribbean Mercy had the rare opportunity to assist a
vessel in distress. While en route to Victoria, British Colombia
after the conclusion of a successful 3 month outreach in El
Salvador, on April 8th 1999, the Caribbean Mercy received a call for
assistance at 23:45 p.m.
The s/v Gavilan, a 40 foot sailboat, had lost their rudder and were
spinning around in circles hundreds of miles from anywhere. Seas
were experiencing swells of 8-10 feet. After communication
with the vessel in distress, at 40 minutes past midnight, the
Caribbean Mercy altered course to intercept Gavilan, some 6-7
hours away at position N25-38.4, W113-51.9.
At 07:45, the crew of the Caribbean Mercy made contact with the
s/v Gavilan. Over the course of the next several hours, the s/v
Gavilan attempted to rig the jury rudder which had been made by
the Caribbean Mercy. However, it wouldn't go in place. The US
Coast Guard was notified of the situation and the Caribbean
Mercy requested advice or assistance from any US Coast Guard
or other maritime assistance services in the area.
At 13:00, the Gavilan requested the Caribbean Mercy to tow her
to Turtle Bay, Baja California. After connecting the tow line, the
Caribbean Mercy began its tow at 13:35, in very rough seas and
with a strong wind blowing.
The ships arrived in Bahia Ballenas around 09:00 (GMT-7) on
April 10.
Needless to say, the crew of the Gavilan was deeply grateful to
the Caribbean Mercy for the sailboat's rescue and for the
professionalism of the Caribbean Mercy's Captain and crew
throughout the unforgettable event.
After the diversion which took the Caribbean Mercy some 12
hours out of her way, and resulted in minor damage to the ship (due to
the bumping of the Gavilan into the Caribbean Mercy while being
towed in heavy swells), the Caribbean Mercy was able to resume
her voyage on to Victoria for dry dock before she departs for
Korea with the Operation Life project. |
