In a co-ordinated effort, the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), the US Coast Guard (USCG) and a commercial tanker came to the assistance of a small vessel that had suffered fuel issues when offshore, south of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Published 11 months ago

The details of the incident have been provided by the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) as an example of how maritime organisations and cruising associations work together to assist sailors and the cruising community.

Fuel issues

On May 18, 2023 the MV Cross Seas, a small powersail vessel located offshore south of the Turks and Caicos, reported fuel issues to their contact person ashore. They were handicapped by communications, with only a SPOT device (text) and no EPRIB or other communications devices such as sat phone.

Denise Simpson, the SSCA Station Host for the Dominican Republic, received the notification from the concerned contact and responded. The United States Coast Guard, the Dominican Republic Armada as well as BoatWatch.org were notified of the situation for this motor-only vessel.

By reaching out to the shore contact, Jon Wilson in USA, they were able to reach the appropriate governmental agency (USCG Miami) for assistance. The USCG Miami’s Petty Officer Rachel Thiem supported the request from Mr. Jon Wilson, the MV Cross Seas’ contact person.

Safe harbor

Assistance was obtained from the Nordern Synergy vessel M/T La Digue.  As described below, this was a fuel drop from a commercial vessel to replace contaminated fuel. MV Cross Seas then made safe harbor in Luperon, Dominican Republic.

On behalf of the SSCA, Dominican Republic Station Host Denise Simpson thanked those involved who professionally assisted this vessel.

Denise provided the following communication and information transmission as the MV Cross Seas was rapidly assisted.

“Many thanks to Petty Officer Rachel Thiem Coast Guard District Seven for her immediate efforts to assist these cruisers in need and to the exceptional efforts of the NORDEN SYNERGY vessel M/T La Digue, Master Neelakantan Ramakrishnan,” said Denise.

From Petty Office Thiem: “Glad everything went smoothly and your father-in-law was able to continue on his voyage.

From the Master of the M/T La Digue:  Kindly note that the vessel had received an assistance call from RCC Miami to carry out rescue operations for MV Cross Seas. ( Refer Below mail). Please find below SOF for reference.

18/05/2023

• 1145 – Received call from RCC Miami to assist MV CROSS SEAS
• 1200 – Vessel deviates her course – Proceeds towards Distress vessel CROSS SEAS HDG – 045 T
• 1212 – Vessel made 1st contact with distress vessel and informed that 2 persons on board with vessel ran out of fuel/ having main engine issues and cannot manoeuver and needs assistance  soonest and requested 20 gallons for fuel
• 1230 – Distress vessel sighted
• 1354 – MV CROSS SEAS alongside MT La Digue
• 
1355 – First line given to MV CROSS SEAS
• 
1400 – Made fast MV CROSS SEAS on portside midship
• 
1406 – Vessel delivered 25 gallons of Diesel / Provisions and water for two crew on MV CROSS SEAS
• 1420 – Completed Rescue operation/ MV CROSS SEAS cast off and proceeds to manoeuver to her destination after engine repairs and fuel top up
• 1424 – Vessel resumes her voyage towards St Eustatius

Thanks & Best regards


Neelakantan Ramakrishnan

Master

M/T LA DIGUE

NORDEN – SYNERGY

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About the Seven Seas Cruising Association

SSCA, a non-profit, international organization with over 10,000 members, has been supporting liveaboard cruisers for over fifty years.

The goals of the original founders are still the goals of SSCA today: sharing cruising information, camaraderie, and leaving a clean wake.

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Related Links:

• Seven Seas Cruising Association
• US Coast Guard

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