The Arc-Defender: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On May 30, 2019, two vessels encountered perilous conditions approximately 2,000 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, prompting a heroic response from the U.S. Coast Guard and vessels participating in the AMVER program. The crews of the Mexican fishing vessel "Azteca 5" and the "Tomar", both involved in the AMVER initiative, sprang into action to assist the stricken sailing yachts "Ran Tan II" and "Irish Eyes", which were situated about 85 miles apart. The "Ran Tan II", a performance sailing yacht hailing from New Zealand, was making its way to California from French Polynesia to prepare for the upcoming 50th Transpacific Yacht Race slated for July. Meanwhile, the recreational sailing vessel "Irish Eyes", originating from California, was on its route to Tahiti. Alarmingly, on May 28, 2019, at 5:17 PM, the captain of the 49-foot "Ran Tan II" communicated a distress signal due to a failing keel. With three individuals on board ready to abandon ship, they managed to prepare a life raft equipped with essential supplies and emergency beacons in anticipation of rescue. The situation was dire, with the vessel located 2,008 miles southeast of Hilo. A SafetyNet broadcast was issued by the JRCC watchstanders immediately, seeking assistance from nearby vessels. Responding to the call, the "Azteca 5" altered course towards the "Ran Tan II" and reached the distressed yacht four hours later, ensuring the safe pickup of the crew after they deployed their life raft due to the keel’s failure. Earlier on May 27, the JRCC had received an SOS signal from the 29-foot sailing craft "Irish Eyes", which was situated 1,840 miles southeast of Hilo. The crew reported that their vessel had suffered a demasting incident, leaving them unable to perform necessary repairs. With two people aboard, they reached out for help from friends in the vicinity. The watchstanders effectively ensured the crew had sufficient supplies and established a communication schedule for monitoring. On May 28, as the situation escalated, the crew of "Irish Eyes" formally requested assistance. The JRCC promptly sent out a SafetyNet broadcast to locate any available vessels. The "Tomar", a car carrier journeying from San Antonio to Ulsan, responded and altered its route to lend aid. Subsequently, the crew of the "Tomar" successfully onboarded the two individuals from "Irish Eyes". At the time, weather conditions featured winds at 17 mph and seas reaching up to seven feet, amplifying the challenges faced by the yacht crews. This operation illustrates the effectiveness of the AMVER program in facilitating maritime safety and fostering a spirit of cooperation on the high seas.