Adrift Hong Kong couple rescued at sea by 13,000-TEU Hamburg Express
Time：2016-07-13
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When the two transmitted their distress call on July 4, the Hamburg Express was nearby. The second officer spotted the small yacht as it was pitching and rolling under sail in 2.5-metre waves off Taiwan, reports Greece`s container-news.com.
The ship`s crew started rescue operations, using high freeboard to put the yacht. a leeward of the ship. Then crewmen threw a rope, which allowed them to bring the couple on board via the pilot`s door.
As is usual in such cases, the mini-yacht was abandoned to the waves once the rescue operation had been completed, though the Hamburg Express did report the unmanned boat`s position to the coast guard. There, the rescued couple was able to go ashore at the local harbour.
The lucky unnamed pair live in Hong Kong and work in the maritime industry themselves. They thanked Hapag-Lloyd via email, writing: "Your very capable crew of CMS Hamburg Express responded to our distress call when many other vessels did not. We are happy that you employ persons with courageous character. We are especially grateful to the captain and the first officer, who accommodated us with great kindness and hospitality. We are forever grateful!"