What Crew Members Say About Solar-Africa

In a remarkable rescue operation, two sailors stranded at sea were successfully saved by the cargo ship 'Solar Africa' after their 23-foot skiff was spotted by a Marine Corps aircraft nearly 60 nautical miles northwestern of Chuuk on June 5, 2012. The mariners had ventured from Nomwin Atoll to Weno, Chuuk, expecting to arrive on the evening of June 3, but they were reported overdue by two days, prompting a search mobilized by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam. On that fateful afternoon, the Coast Guard received a distress report confirming the skiff’s overdue status. Responding swiftly, a Marine aircrew deployed a life raft filled with essential supplies including an aviation radio, food, water, flares, and signaling devices, allowing the stranded sailors to stay safe while they awaited rescue. Approximately two hours later, the 'Solar Africa', en route from Brisbane, deployed a small boat that successfully retrieved the two sailors. After the rescue, the vessel continued its journey towards Chuuk, where arrangements were made to transfer the survivors to a local fishing boat. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the sailors. The 'Solar Africa' has been a proud member of the Amver system since April 12, 2011, and has received one Amver participation award for its commitment to aiding maritime safety and rescues.