Working Conditions Aboard the Horizon-Theano

On February 22, 2021, a distress call led to a remarkable rescue operation in the Caribbean Sea, where U.S. Coast Guard air and surface units collaborated with the tanker 'Horizon Theano' to aid the Danish sailing vessel 'Zoma.' Located approximately 80 nautical miles south of Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, the 46-foot sailboat was carrying eight individuals, including five Danish citizens and three French nationals, two of whom were minors. The emergency unfolded at 9:53 a.m. when the vessel's master reported via VHF-FM radio that the 'Zoma' was taking on water at a concerning rate of 10 gallons per minute. In response, Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan initiated a coordinated rescue effort, launching an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen. The patrol cutter 'Joseph Tezanos' was also diverted to rendezvous with the distressed vessel. As part of the responsiveness, an Emergency Group Calling was sent out to notify nearby vessels. The 'Horizon Theano,' on its journey from Limetree Bay to Oranjestad, promptly answered the distress signal and provided essential escort assistance until the Coast Guard units arrived on site. Upon reaching the 'Zoma,' the Coast Guard helicopter crew deployed a rescue swimmer along with a dewatering pump. The swimmer initiated pumping operations and collaborated with the vessel's master to use rigid life jackets and inflatable paddleboards in an effort to contain the flooding. The cutter 'Joseph Tezanos' soon joined the rescue operation, dispatching its damage control team and supplying an additional dewatering pump to the 'Zoma'. As dewatering activities progressed, the cutter’s crew safely took on four passengers, including the two minors, from the troubled sailing vessel. The damage control team successfully patched a hole on the starboard side of the 'Zoma,' reportedly caused by the vessel’s anchor. Thanks to the joint efforts of both the 'Joseph Tezanos' and 'Zoma' crews, the sailing vessel was stabilized. In the early hours of the following Tuesday morning, the cutter assisted in escorting the 'Zoma' to Club Nautico in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where Customs and Border Protection personnel facilitated the survivors' entry into the United States for necessary repairs. For further details, refer to the full report with photographs at https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-assists-danish-sailing-vessel-taking-on-water/2021/02/23/