Norwegian Star to the rescue of six sailors
by Lee Mylchreest on 27 Jun 2012
Norwegian Star - unusual entertainment for the passengers as the ship went to the rescue of sailors in trouble SW
The cruise passengers on the Norwegian Star received more than their money's worth in entertainment this week, when the Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship rescued six sailors suffering from severe seasickness and the loss of their rudder.
The 41ft yacht Avenir was on a voyage from Bermuda to Newport Rhode Island when the yacht lost its rudder.
Captain Kenneth Harstrom received word from the U.S. Coast Guard that Avenir had lost its rudder, with it all steering capability and was at the mercy of the sea. The captain immediately turned the ship around and rescued the six sailors - three men and three women - who were on the yacht.
The yacht was 230 miles into the journey when the problems began. The crew tried to rig a temporary rudder without success. After several of the crew became extremely seasick, the skipper called the called the U.S. Coast Guard for help.
As the passengers, more used to dancing, gambling, eating and drinking as entertainment, watched as the crew of the Star worked together to hoist the 6 to safety aboard the cruise ship. The yacht, pictured, had to be abandoned.
The 2,350 passenger Norwegian Star was on her way to Bermuda for a week long cruise. She had left the Port of New York on Sunday.
These days it is not uncommon for ships, including cruise ships, to come to the rescue of yachts in trouble, thanks mostly to www.amver.com!AMVER, which run a voluntary list of ships who are willing to be contacted if they are near an incident at sea and a rescue is needed.
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