Crown-Sapphire

The maritime industry has recognised the oldest obligation of the sea with an award for rescue at sea. The Lloyds List Global Awards, presented in London on 30 September, bestowed the Amver Assisted Rescue at Sea Award on the crew of the specialised reefer ship Crown Sapphire for their successful rescue of two sailors from a yacht in the Atlantic Ocean in March 2014. The rescue was accomplished in treacherous weather conditions. Captain Wig, the Crown Sapphire’s commander with almost 25 years’ experience as a captain, gave the order to alter course towards the distressed sailing vessel's position to provide assistance / rescue. Despite the adverse weather conditions, Captain Wig skilfully manoeuvred the Crown Sapphire to a safe position near the sailing yacht to initiate the rescue operations. The crew of the Crown Sapphire had already prepared the rescue gear and were able to safely rescue the sailors. All rescue efforts are important, no matter how small, but to be singled out for their efforts is a compliment to the dedication and professionalism of crew members. Chief Officer Gennady Dubinin was a special guest at Wallem Group’s table at the Awards, and was on stage, along with Wallem Group CEO Simon Doughty, to receive the Award on behalf of the Crown Sapphire crew. Crown Sapphire is a specialised reefer ship operated by NYKCool AB, owned by NYK Reefers Ltd., and managed by Wallem Ship Management.

Two sailors were plucked to safety on Mar 8, 2014, by the "Crown Sapphire" after the Swedish 33-ft-yacht "Bull" began taking on water in rough seas around 100 nautical miles south west of Bermuda. The yacht was on its way to St George's from Florida when taking on water and activated EEPIRB at around 3:45 p.m. The reefer diverted to assist the stricken vessel. The US Coastguard also dispatched a C-130 aircraft equipped with life rafts. The "Crown Sapphire" arrived on scene shortly afterwards but was unable to dispatch a life boat due to strong winds and rough seas. They instructed the crew of the "Bull" to abandon into their liferaft which was then towed alongside the vessel. Both men were rescued without serious injury as they scaled a cargo net onto the ships deck to safety above. Report with photos: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2116210/PHOTOS-AVAILABLE-2-boaters-rescued-at-sea-Saturday-to-arrive-in-Wilmington-Del-Monday