AMVER tanker rescues four fishermen adrift for weeks

Torm Resilience

The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(WASHINGTON) — The AMVER participating product tanker Torm Resilience rescued four fishermen who had been adrift for more than 20 days approximately 350 miles southeast of Acapulco de Juarez, Mexico, on June 3.

U.S. Coast Guard officials received a notification from the 600-foot tanker that the crew located a fishing vessel with four people aboard. The fishermen stated they had been dropped off by a larger vessel more than 20 days ago and had run out of gas, food and water. Torm Resilience initially passed food and water while deciding what do to with the fishermen.

Coast Guard personnel attempted to locate the mother ship but could not find any other fishing vessels or sister ships in the area. "We've embarked the survivors to our ship and will bring them to Panama," reported Torm Resilience Capt. Feda Ratkovic.

The Singapore-flagged tanker, managed by Torm of Copenhagen, Denmark, ensured the survivors were fed and clothed. The survivors were in good health despite their ordeal. Torm Resilience agreed to disembark them in Balboa, Panama. Torm Resilience enrolled in the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) on Dec. 24, 2005 and has earned two AMVER participation awards.

By Professional Mariner Staff