A recent rescue operation in the Pacific Ocean saw a stranded sailor being brought to safety after a luxury cruise ship responded to a call for help nearly 500 miles off the Oregon coast. Last week, a 74-year-old Canadian man was sailing alone from Hilo, Hawaii, to Vancouver when his 29-foot vessel lost its mast, its engine stopped working, and he suffered a shoulder injury while trying to navigate gale-force winds and 30-foot seas.
The cruise ship Silver Whisper, operated by Silversea Cruises, diverted about 120 miles from its planned route after receiving a request for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard. Crew members successfully transferred the injured sailor from the disabled vessel to the ship, where the onboard medical team cared for him during the remainder of the voyage to Vancouver.
According to the Coast Guard, the sailor had completed the Hawaii-to-British Columbia journey four times before and was able to stay in contact using a satellite radio. Coast Guard officials credit his preparation and experience with helping make the rescue possible and thanked the cruise ship and its crew for assisting in the operation.
Source: USA TODAY