PLVS VLTRA

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Superyacht rescued castaways after freighter broke in two

On June 20, 2021, the cargo m/v 'Pioneer Star' (IMO:9120047), en route from Djibouti to Suez, broke in two due to bad weather and possible overloading and sank in position 18 21 48.0 N, 057 20 06.0 E in the Arabian Sea off Oman. The 'Plus Ultra' has rescued 10 crew members after having received a Mayday call at 5.20 a.m. LT. It diverted its course by 12 nautical miles to intercept the sinking ship. The crew had managed to deploy two life rafts and a lifeboat that was severely damaged. Debris was floating everywhere. and a large diesel fuel slick was covering everything in the area. At first sight the yacht crew could see a few castaways in the raft and one clinging to the lifeboat. The rest of them were dispersed in the vicinity, some with life jackets on, some without and a couple wearing immersion suits. The yacht crew responded by setting up a medical station on the owner’s deck aft. Despite being assisted by the vessel 'Rudolf', the rescue efforts took 2,5 hours. Heaving lines were thrown out. and survivors were pulled onto the yacht’s swim platform, while the yacht made its way through the wreckage. Swimmers were picked up from the water, which proved rather treacherous at times with waves breaking over the stern and sides. On the owner’s deck they were treated for shock and inhalation of seawater and diesel before being provided with supplies, clothing and warm meals. A total of 10 crew members were rescued, with the remaining nine were retrieved by the 'Rudolf'. Report with photos: https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/plvs-vltra-crew-rescue