Bulk carrier diverts to assist distressed vessel
UPDATE, 4 PM: Good news this evening about a yacht that was stranded at sea …
Three men were rescued this afternoon and taken on board a bulk carrier that is now on its way to Baltimore.
Bermuda Maritime Operations had received a distress alert from the French sloop Zion, yesterday, reporting its position about 48 miles east-northeast of the island.
Due to rough weather, the Maritime Operations Centre briefed the U.S. Coast Guard East District on the possible need for a search aircraft.
After the men were rescued today, the stranded yacht was left to drift.
The rescue of the French sailing yacht Zion, just off Bermuda, remains ongoing.
Bermuda Maritime Operations said it received a distress alert from the vessel yesterday, reporting its position approximately 48 miles east-northeast of the island.
Due to rough weather conditions, the Maritime Operations Centre briefed the U.S. Coast Guard East District on the possible need for a search aircraft.
Later in the afternoon, a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft departed Air Station Cape Cod, located the yacht, and observed three crew members on deck, reportedly in apparently good condition.
Attempts to drop marine VHF radios to the yacht were made during two separate parachute drops but were unsuccessful.
The vessel is described as a 35-foot white sloop, believed to be equipped with a liferaft and a dinghy.
Bermuda Maritime Operations also reported that the nearest merchant vessel, the Marshall Islands-registered bulk carrier Genco Bourgogne, diverted to assist.
At the time of diversion, the ship was approximately 160 miles southeast of the island and was estimated to be about 24 hours from the distress position, given sea conditions and a best speed of six knots.
Bermuda Broadcasting understands that, as of 8:45 am this morning, the bulk carrier is now located 74 miles east of the island.
