ATLANTIC RESCUE (1)
SEPTEMBER 2000
Atlantic
Companion rescues lone yachtsman from the Atlantic Ocean
September
2000.
After sailing from Liverpool’s Royal Seaforth Container Terminal on Monday 25th September, Atlantic Container Line’s Ro/Ro Container ship “Atlantic Companion” 57,255 GRT. started a voyage to remember.
“Atlantic Companion” on S3 Seaforth prior to sailing.
On route to Halifax N.S. on the first leg of her normal west bound voyage the Ship was in poor weather conditions when the following message was received from Falmouth Coastguard.
“0554 hrs 28/9/00
MAYDAY RELAY from MRCC Falmouth begins, distress beacon signals detected
on 406mhz at 28/0442utc.
Indicate distress within 3 nms radius of position 4956n
01923w.
Source unidentifiable, but is a Canadian registered
beacon.
ALL VESSELS IN AREA ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM MRCC
FALMOUTH. U.K.Coastguard.
Atlantic
Companion under the command of Captain Carl Westrup responded with immediate
effect and altered course to make for the distress area giving an eta of
1200/28. Assisted by a fixed wing Nimrod rescue from mainland UK Atlantic
Companion made full speed in WNW/9-10 984MB
moderating during that day to NW 7/8 999MB.
In constant contact with the Nimrod and MRCC Falmouth the damaged yacht was sighted and the giant container vessel made contact with Mr. Nye by sounding the Ship’s Fog horn as he was sheltering down below, the Ship then circled the “Panderama” and Mr. Nye prepared to board after the Ship’s Crew had got a line secured taking him aboard through the Pilot door.
Other vessel’s in the vicinity included QE2 eta
2000/28, Oriana eta 1900/28 and Jervis Bay eta 2240/28. (eta’s at point of
distress.)
Ship’s Log extract.
At 1400 UTC we picked up the sole crewmember of the
yacht ”Panderama”/CFI3213.The Panderama had been demasted in the very rough
weather was drifting and risked being turned over and sunk by the waves.
Position of pick up 49-57 3n 019-28 4w.
Yachtsman Mr. John Charles Nye Born 1924 Sutton GB.
Sailing from Halifax NS to Plymouth UK when the
accident occurred.
Mr. Nye had minor injuries after being tossed around in
the rough seas, after food
He slept for nearly 24 hours, making up for the
previous 70 with very little sleep.
Mr. Nye praised the Captain and crew of Atlantic
Companion who’s amazing seamanship in appalling conditions brought a happy end
to a potential tragedy.
Both Mr. Nye and his Son Mark paid tribute to Captain
Westrup, his Crew and the Falmouth Coastguard.
Mr. John Nye pictured on his rescue Ship “Atlantic
Companion” suitably wearing the name that will stay with him for a long time.
Photographs, Atlantic Companion Philip Parker ACL
Liverpool.
Mr. John
Nye on board, Captain Carl Westrup, Atlantic Companion.
ATLANTIC RESCUE (2)
SEPTEMBER 2002
Atlantic Companion Rescue stranded fishing boat Captain and Crew.
The Atlantic Companion's Captain Patrik Wikand, his Officers and Crew received a "Mayday" relay from Fundy Coast Guard Radio and responded to the distress signals. The Companion was diverted from its course enroute from New York to Halifax, NS and assisted the three men from the water by lowering the starboard gangway after their vessel the 12 metre "Rascals Reef" had sunk one hour earlier while deep sea fishing thirty miles off the coast of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.