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Container ship saved distressed German skipper

In April 2019 the "BBC Orinoco" saved the German skipper of the Leopard 40 catamaran "Samsara" which was dismasted before sinkingduring a gale 200 miles southwest of the Bahamas. The catamaran, which had left the Bahamas five days earlier, was saved from destruction after Hurricane Irma. After several months of repairs, his new owner had planned to bring him back to Europe but the adventure ended earlier than expected. The skipper wanted to bring the boat back to Europe. In early April 2019, seeing a good weather window, he leaves Georgetown, Bahamas; direction Bermuda. But five days after the start of the crossing, the waeather deteriorated, and a wave of nearly 10 meters height dismasted it. A coastguard ship came to the rescue and embarked the crew mate. The skipper decided to separate the mast of the boat and navigate with engine to the port. But contrary to expectations, the weather changed the next night. The wind rose, gusting up to 50 knots, with waves of 6 to 8 meters. Unfortunately, the wind and the direction of the waves turned, so that he could no longer hold his course. There was water in the boat but that he was able to pump. Jointyl with the Coastguard, he decided to change course to have the wind and wavefrom astern until the weather calmed. But it became even worse, and the next morning, one engine broke down, and he could not fix it. With only one engine, it was now impossible to keep the course. The "Samsara" was hit several times by waves broadside and was threatened to capsize, filling up with more and more water. The Coastguard asked the "BBC Orinoco" to assist. When the skipper left his boat, it started to sink. French report with photos: https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-france.fr/securite-en-mer/naufrage/sauve-in-extremis-apres-le-passage-d-irma-le-catamaran-restaure-coule-au-large-des-bahamas-b0c2bb54-76f7-11e9-8809-a3658dd41a18

MYS ZHELANIYA 9366110

On Nov 11, 2010, at 6 a.m., the "BBC Orinoco" with a crew of 14 was hijacked by pirates, being bound from Port Said to Singapore, 450 miles off Mumbai. The Indian Navy dispatched the "INS Delhi" and "INS Veer" which would take 12-14 hours to reach the vessel, so it also sent an 'Il 38 SD' aircraft which hovered over it until their arrival. In the morning of Nov 12 the "INS Delhi" reached the ship and Marine Commandoes boarded the "BBC Orinoco" from a Sea King helicopter. They freed the crew, which had locked themselves in the engine room and steering compartment, while the helicopter provided air borne fire support. After the attack they had communicated with agents at UK MTO Dubai who alerted Indian Navy for assistance. The pirates fled without damaging the vessel or hurting the crew. Implements such as crow bar and knives were found aboard the ship. The chartered vessel owned by Beluga Shipping and the crew of five from Ukraine and nine from Philippines were safe. The ship now resumed its voyage.