Tanker Rescues 27 from Tuna Seiner off Galapagos | Mariner News
A swift tanker rescue operation recently saved 27 fishermen from a burning tuna seiner off the Galapagos Islands, highlighting the critical role of merchant vessels in maritime safety. This dramatic event unfolded last weekend, demonstrating international cooperation and advanced communication technology in the vast Eastern Pacific.
Distress Call and Swift Response
The incident began when the fishing vessel La Pena, a Venezuelan-flagged tuna seiner, caught fire approximately 500 miles north of the Galapagos. A critical SOS alert was transmitted via a Garmin satellite messaging device, notifying the U.S. Coast Guard’s Alameda center. This vital two-way communication allowed watchstanders to relay instructions and gather real-time updates from the stranded crew, even as their lifeboat drifted without essential provisions.
The Heroic Tanker Intervention
Responding promptly, the Coast Guard utilized the AMVER system to identify nearby commercial vessels. The merchant tanker Seaways Kenosha gallantly volunteered to divert from its course, steaming towards the remote location. This heroic rescue at sea by a commercial tanker underscores the maritime industry’s commitment to saving lives, transforming a potentially dire situation into a testament of seafaring solidarity and preparedness.
