Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Cymona-Eagle

On January 10, 2026, the bulk carrier 'Cymona Eagle', sailing from Bahia Blanca towards Chittagong, took decisive action to assist Jari Saario, a Finnish solo rower. Saario, who was navigating the turbulent waters of the South Atlantic in his damaged vessel named 'Clayton', had been on an adventurous journey from Cape Horn, where he departed on November 11, 2025, en route to Cape Town, covering approximately half of the ambitious 8,000-kilometer route. The distress call received on January 9 indicated that the 'Cymona Eagle' was located about 134 nautical miles from Saario's position. The crew, assessing the situation, knew their estimated time of arrival could range from 9 to 12 hours, depending on sea conditions and vessel speed. The ship maintained communication with the Cape Town rescue center, which was in concert with maritime authorities to ensure a swift response. However, the rescue operation faced delays as the bulk carrier reduced speed to navigate safely through rough seas, pushing the anticipated rescue time to the early hours of January 11. During this waiting period, Saario managed to stay aboard his damaged rowing boat while the maritime rescue team coordinated efforts internationally. Signals from Saario's emergency beacon helped the South African Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre lead the operation, with support from Finnish authorities. Saario's custom-built rowing boat, constructed from fibreglass, measures 7.3 meters in length and weighs approximately 400 kilograms when empty, reaching about 600 kilograms fully loaded. In an impressive operation at around 2:30 a.m. Finnish time on January 11, Saario was successfully lifted from his vessel using a net attached to a winch and transferred onto the deck of the 'Cymona Eagle', where the crew provided assistance as he was extracted. Reports indicated that despite the challenging circumstances, Saario's condition was stable and he received medical care on board. After the rescue mission, the 'Cymona Eagle' was expected to resume its original voyage, with arrangements for Saario’s onward travel and eventual return to Finland to be made later. For further details and multimedia coverage of this extraordinary rescue, visit: [Greek City Times](https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/01/27/greek-bulker-rescues-finnish-cape-horn/) and [Riviera Maritime Media](https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/ultramax-dry-bulk-carrier-diverts-to-rescue-finnish-rower-87391).

The Philippine Embassy in Finland and the Department of Migrant Workers have lauded the courageous efforts of the 19 Filipino crew members aboard the 'Cymona Eagle' for their remarkable rescue of Norwegian solo rower Jari Saario on January 10. Saario was attempting to become the first individual to row solo from Cape Horn to Cape Town—a daunting journey covering approximately 8,000 kilometers—when a sudden tempest struck on the high seas. Facing towering waves exceeding seven meters, his rowing vessel capsized, leaving him stranded and trapped in his flooded craft for nearly 36 hours. Amid the perilous conditions, the crew of the 'Cymona Eagle' demonstrated exceptional professionalism and readiness, executing a swift rescue operation despite the rough weather. After bringing Saario safely aboard, he remained with the crew for a week as their ship continued its journey towards Cape Town. During a heartfelt meeting with Philippine Ambassador to Finland, Domingo P. Nolasco, Saario expressed immense gratitude for the crew’s assistance, praising their caring, friendly, and hospitable nature. He fondly recalled how they organized a thanksgiving event in his honor before his disembarkation in Cape Town.