Read Authentic Ratings for the Alpine-Melina

On May 6, 2017, the 'Alpine Melina' played a crucial role in rescuing three crew members from the Swedish 32-foot sailing yacht 'Aela,' which was facing dire circumstances approximately 1,200 miles east of Cape Cod. Following a distress signal, the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated with a C-130 Hercules aircrew to pinpoint the yacht's location. Early on May 7, the tanker successfully retrieved the stranded men, all of whom were found to be in good health. The rescue operation commenced when an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) on board 'Aela' alerted the Coast Guard watchstanders to the emergency situation. The watch team promptly dispatched an aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, to assess the distress and visually confirm the sailors' condition. They even communicated with the father of two of the stranded individuals, who mentioned that he last heard from his sons via email on May 5. As part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, nearby vessels were informed of 'Aela's' plight through an international distress notification channel. Three vessels engaged in the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) voluntarily offered their assistance, each setting sail with varying times of arrival for the rescue. The rescued sailors will remain on the 'Alpine Melina' as it continues its journey to Tuxpan, Mexico, with an estimated arrival date of May 15. Having departed Ijmuiden on April 27, the tanker is set to facilitate their return to Sweden. Originally, the crew of 'Aela' intended to sail from Nassau, Bahamas, to Bermuda, but adverse weather conditions redirected their plans towards the Azores, ultimately leading to the unfortunate situation.