Greek Oil Tanker Battles Rough Sea to Rescue Family
A Greek oil tanker came to the rescue of a family caught up in rough waves and strong winds, off the coast near Oceanside, California. The Chula Vista family was en route to Catalina in their 30-foot cabin cruiser, ‘Victory at Sea’, when they faced a windstorm on April 12, 2007.
As 15 foot waves and 30 mph winds battered the vessel, the family made all possible attempts to call the coast guard but couldn't make contact. They even tried turning the vessel around but failed as the ocean was too turbulent. On board the vessel were Charles and Charlene Victory, their two daughters Sara, 18, and Alysa, 14, Charles' nephew Matt and two dogs. The family was helpless, awaiting a catastrophe.
It was then that an oil tanker, the ‘Sea King’, encountered the boat in distress and came to its rescue. The tanker crew took Charlene and the two girls onboard while the men and dogs stayed on the ‘Victory at Sea’. “The cruiser sailed alongside the tanker, which blocked them from the winds,” said, Petty Officer Anastasia Devlin. "These were pretty dangerous waves," Devlin further added, and the crew of the Sea King "went out of their way to help."
Both vessels met the coast guard cutter, ‘Sea Otter’, five miles offshore at 8:30p.m, which safely escorted the ‘Victory’ back to San Diego Bay. “I don't want to know what would have happened if the tanker hadn't been there,” said Charles, as the weather was getting worse.
The “SEA KING” is one of more than 50 ships owned and managed by Thenamaris Ship Managers, a very well known Greek shipping company. Thenamaris is a member of “Intertanko”, and a very active participant in Intertanko’s the Poseidon Challenge.
Mr. Manolis Vordonis, Executive Director of Thenamaris, is one of the initiators of the Poseidon Challenge. He said, “The employment of the M/T SEAKING under our management, by CHEVRON, concerted with the strong forces of nature and our excellent cooperation with USCG, gave us a great opportunity to exercise true seamanship and to assist shipmates at risk”.
“Our SeaMen are hoisting the Poseidon flag on their ships and in their hearts. Beyond compliance, they are committed to Marine Excellence for a safer and cleaner world. Together with their Sea Partners, they proactively work in synergy and cooperation on the course directed by the Poseidon Challenge. Join the positive action being led by the international maritime community with your own ideas, initiatives and personal extra effort.”
Please read more about Thenamaris at www.thenamaris.com and about the Poseidon Challenge at www.Intertanko.com.
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