OOCL UTAH

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Course/Position

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Container ship rescued distressed yachtie

The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of a sailor in distress more than 990 miles west of the Columbia River. Responding to an AMVER request, the crew of the "OOCL Utah" altered their course to retrieve the distressed sailor, safely took him aboard the ship and is currently transporting him to their next port of call in Busan, South Korea. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 13th District Command Center received the notification of distress from the operator of the 37-foot sailing vessel "Sea Sweeper" stating that weather had torn his sails on the vessel's lower mast, was having issues with its engine and batteries and was running low on potable water. During his transit the operator was also battling 30 mph winds and 8-foot seas. Due to the great distance of the sailing vessel, the Command Center personnel issued the AMVER broadcast asking any mariners in the immediate area to assist the operator of the "Sea Sweeper". The crew of the "OOCL Utah" responded to the request for assistance and proceeded with the rescue of the sailing vessel operator. The operator of the sailing vessel was reportedly found without proper safety equipment including a life raft and emergency beacon onboard his vessel. The lack of essential equipment was a factor which prompted the AMVER assist. A message has been issued to all mariners operating in the area notifying them of the adrift vessel.