Discover the Hercules-Leader: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 19, 2017, the crew of the car carrier 'Hercules Leader', while traversing the route from Jacksonville to Gibraltar, played a crucial role in rescuing six sailors from the beleaguered 75-foot catamaran 'Ninah'. The rescue operation unfolded 275 miles southwest of Bermuda, as watchstanders from the 5th Coast Guard District in Portsmouth sprang into action after receiving an emergency alert from the catamaran. Early that morning, the 'Ninah' was violently hit by a rogue wave, causing it to take on water rapidly. Promptly, the crew of the 'Hercules Leader', an Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) participant, was diverted to the scene, while an aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., was also launched to assist in the critical operation. As the situation escalated, the six sailors had no choice but to evacuate their sinking vessel and eventually found refuge in a life raft. The crew of the 'Hercules Leader' successfully rescued them and later transported them to Bermuda. On the morning of January 20, the 'Hercules Leader' was met by the pilot boat 'St David' near the eastern edge of the island, where the grateful sailors, including several Bermudians, disembarked and were joyfully welcomed by family and friends at Ordnance Island in St. George’s. The U.S. Coast Guard commended the crew's extensive preparations, noting that their readiness and comprehensive safety equipment on board were vital to their survival. The coordinated efforts with the crew of the 'Hercules Leader' exemplified exemplary maritime cooperation in emergency situations, ultimately ensuring the safe return of the 'Ninah' crew.