Cymona-Eagle

On Jan 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. UTC the 'Cymona Eagle', enroute from Bahia Blanca to Chittagong, headed to assist the Finnish solo rower Jari Saario, whose boat 'Clayton' had been damaged in heavy seas in the South Atlantic on his way from Cape Horn, where he had set off on Nov 11, 2025, to Cape Town, after completing about half of the planned 8,000-kilometre route. The bulk carrier was about 134 nautical miles away at the time of the distress call on Jan 9. Depending on the vessel's speed and sea conditions, the estimated time to reach the position was approximately 9–12 hours.The bulk carrier responded to the instructions from the Cape Town rescue centre was is working closely with authorities. The rescue operation has been delayed by several hours, as the ship had slowed its approach, pushing back the estimated rescue time into the early hours of Jan 11. Saario remained aboard his damaged rowing boat, capable of managing the situation while awaiting assistance. Communication with him was limited, but the situation was described as under control. Maritime rescue authorities were receiving signals from Saario’s emergency beacon and were coordinating the response internationally. Responsibility for the operation was with the South African Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, with Finnish authorities monitoring the developments. Saario's custom-built rowing boat measures 7.3 metres in length and was constructed from fibreglass. The vessel weighs around 400 kilograms without equipment and roughly 600 kilograms when fully loaded. Saario was finally taken aboard the 'Cymona Eagle' on Jan 11 at about 2.30 a.m. Finnish time. He was lifted from his rowing boat in a net attached to a winch and pulled onto the ship’s deck. Crew members then assisted him out of the net. Saario’s condition was reported as stable given the circumstances. He was receiving care on board the vessel, which was expected to continue to its original destination after the rescue. Saario’s onward travel and return to Finland were to be arranged later. Report with photo and video: https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/01/27/greek-bulker-rescues-finnish-cape-horn/ https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/ultramax-dry-bulk-carrier-diverts-to-rescue-finnish-rower-87391

Both the Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended the actions of the 19 Filipino crew members of the 'Cymona Eagle' on Jan 10 in the rescue of the Norwegian rower Jari Saario on Jan 10, citing their professionalism and readiness to extend help during the life-threatening emergency, after his rowing boat capsized during his attempt to travel alone from Cape Horn to Cape Town. The journey, spanning roughly 8,000 kilometers, was intended to make him the first solo rower to complete that route across the South Atlantic. Midway through the expedition, powerful winds and towering waves, which reached more than seven meters height, overturned his craft. Mr. Saario remained stranded for about 36 hours inside his flooded boat, facing the risk of hypothermia and other dangers at sea before the ship reached him. Despite the harsh weather, the crew executed the rescue and brought him safely aboard. He stayed with them for seven days as the vessel continued its voyage towards Cape Town. During a subsequent courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Finland Domingo P. Nolasco, Mr. Saario expressed deep appreciation for the assistance he received. He described the seafarers as caring, friendly, and hospitable, recalling that they even organized a thanksgiving gathering for him before he disembarked in Cape Town. Reports with photos: https://theglobalfilipinomagazine.com/filipino-crew-of-greek-vessel-hailed-for-saving-finnish-solo-rower-in-south-atlantic/ https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/01/15/cyprus-shipowners-praise-remarkable-mid-ocean-rescue-of-rower