Cma-Cgm-Aqaba Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On March 7, 2017, an extraordinary maritime rescue unfolded as the containership 'ANL Elanora', in collaboration with the NSW Police, came to the aid of the crew aboard the distressed yacht 'VAL'. The incident occurred approximately 210 nautical miles ENE of Sydney during perilous Trans-Tasman voyage conditions, with gale-force winds and swells reaching six meters. The crew, consisting of an Irish man and a French woman, had been in constant communication with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) since March 4, when they reported a critical malfunction—a broken rudder. Their situation escalated dramatically at 3 p.m. on March 7, prompting the activation of the yacht's EPIRB. In response, the AMSA Rescue 660 search and rescue aircraft was dispatched to the location, attempting to drop vital communication equipment to the stranded sailors. Unfortunately, the turbulent sea conditions made recovery of the equipment impossible. Taking immediate action, the AMSA broadcasted a call for assistance to vessels in the vicinity, which was met by the 'ANL Elanora' as it altered its route from Tauranga to Sydney. Simultaneously, NSW Police mobilized the rescue vessel 'Nemesis' at around 7 p.m., deploying seven officers from Marine Area Command to partake in the rescue operation. The collaboration between 'ANL Elanora' and 'Nemesis' proved instrumental, leading to a successful transfer of the sailors on the morning of March 8. Following the mission, the 'Nemesis' returned to Sydney, transporting Nick Dwyer, a former Royal St. George Yacht Club sailor, and Barbara Heftman safely to Balmain late that night. For further details, photos, and video footage of this heroic operation, visit the following links: [Daily Telegraph](http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/police-save-yachting-couple-in-dramatic-ocean-rescue-off-nsw-coast/news-story/fa8a03710f0aa02f4d7c2120848c723c), [Lloyd's List Australia](https://www.lloydslistaustralia.com.au/lla/social/community-news/FREE-ANL-Elanora-helps-rescue-yacht-crew-551363.html), [RTÉ News](https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0309/858297-australia/), and [ABC News](http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-09/two-sailors-rescued-from-yacht-nsw-lucky-to-be-alive/8338052).