High Seas Rescue: Coast Guard and M/T Orange Ocean Save Solo Sailor from Flaming Sailboat
Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard and the crew of the orange juice tanker M/T Orange Ocean successfully rescued a solo sailor in distress 420 miles north of Puerto Rico earlier this month.
Kirill Vladimirovich Mikhaylov, a 53-year-old hailing from St. Kitts and Nevis, was on a solo voyage aboard his 46-foot sailing vessel, S/V Poesterd, traveling from Bermuda to St. Maarten. However, early Friday morning, an unregistered Emergency Positioning Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activated, signaling distress and setting in motion a dramatic rescue operation led by the Coast Guard.
Rapid Response
The distress signal was received by Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders, who immediately issued an Enhanced Group Calling alert and an Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) request. Among the vessels that responded was the M/T Orange Ocean, a 557-foot Liberia-flagged tanker specializing in transporting refrigerated fruit juices. Without hesitation, the ship altered its course to assist.
Upon reaching the location, the crew of the M/T Orange Ocean faced a harrowing scene: the S/V Poesterd was engulfed in flames and rapidly sinking. Despite the risks, the crew deployed their rescue boat and successfully pulled Mikhaylov from the water. Miraculously, he was unharmed.
The M/T Orange Ocean transported the rescued sailor to a safe haven, with details of his final destination yet to be disclosed.
Adam Johns, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector San Juan, commended the teamwork and professionalism that led to the successful outcome.
“The meticulous coordination and communication between Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders and the AMVER vessel M/T Orange Ocean crew played a crucial role in saving the life of this fortunate boater from the perils at sea,” said Johns.
“This case shows the deep gratitude we have for our AMVER merchant vessels at sea as well as the importance of having the proper emergency equipment when navigating the high seas,” he added.
AMVER: A Lifeline for Mariners
This rescue is a testament to the critical role of the AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue) program. Operated by the U.S. Coast Guard, AMVER is a global voluntary reporting system used by merchant ships to assist mariners in distress. The M/T Orange Ocean, managed by Atlanship S.A., is part of this lifesaving network.
The incident is a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in solo sailing. However, the lifesaving power of emergency equipment like EPIRBs and that of the partnerships that exist between the Coast Guard, AMVER network, and merchant vessels around the globe also was made very evident.
We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.
12/19/2024
Image Source: U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA (National Oceanographic Atmospheric Association)
