Discover the Honwell: Ratings & Maritime News

On December 15, 2019, a dramatic rescue unfolded 25 miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, when the Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen sprang into action. An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched to assist the four crew members of the stricken yacht 'Clam Chowder.' The vessel, which was home to four U.S. citizens in their 20s and 30s hailing from Boston and Florida, faced a critical situation as its stern began to submerge due to significant water ingress. At approximately 5:22 a.m., alert watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan received a distress call on VHF Channel 16 from the 'Clam Chowder,' detailing their dire predicament. Despite the crew's efforts to manage the flooding with several active pumps, they were unable to prevent the yacht from listing dangerously to starboard and ultimately losing power. Realizing the severity of the situation, the captain made the critical decision to order the crew to abandon ship. Coast Guard personnel quickly launched the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter 'Robert Yered (WPC-1104)' to initiate a search and rescue operation. Moreover, an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) was issued, informing all marine traffic of the emergency. Among those responding was the Malta-flagged container ship, 'Calais Trader,' which was en route from Caucedo to San Juan. This vessel remained on site to monitor the unfolding rescue and was prepared to offer assistance if needed. The Coast Guard helicopter swiftly located the four survivors clinging to a life raft. The crew executed multiple hoist maneuvers using a rescue basket to safely extract the men from the precarious situation. During the rescue, one survivor suffered a severed finger while detaching the life raft from the 'Clam Chowder.' After ensuring all crew members were safely aboard the aircraft, they were transported to Air Station Borinquen, where they were met by Customs and Border Protection and Emergency Medical Service personnel for further care. This incident underscores the incredible teamwork and prompt response of the Coast Guard and surrounding vessels in ensuring the safety of those at sea. For more details and images from the operation, visit the Coast Guard News website.

In a recent development in the maritime sector, Hapag-Lloyd has successfully finalized a new charter agreement. This contract entails a trading duration of 9 to 12 months, focused on routes connecting the U.S. Gulf and northeastern South America. The daily rate for this charter is set at an impressive $9,400, reflecting strong demand and strategic positioning in these key markets.