LNG SOKOTO

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Tanker saved capsized solo rower

In the night of May 31, 2013, the "LNG Sokoto" saved he solo rower Ralph Tuijn" from his capsiced boat "Me Inc" 1900 kilometers west of the Cocos Island between Australia and Africa. He had sent a distress call after a collision with a tanker which was received by the Coastguard in Den Helder which in turn contacted the Australian coastguard. The boat had rolled five times and filled with water, forcing Tuijn to climb to the top of his hull to safety, where he unsuccessfully tried to deploy his life raft. He then attempted to inflate his life jacket, but that too failed. Five hours after being hit, he set off an emergency beacon. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a mayday call to ships in the area, which was heard by his rescuers, the "LNG Sokoto". He was picked up by the tanker which was on its way from Japan to Nigeria. His boat was drifting upside down. Tuijn was found next to his capsized rowboat in the water and clung to his boat. He was hypothermic but stable. His boat was beyond salvage and was probably sunk by the crew of the tanker.