Reviews & Ratings for the Polar-Enterprise

On September 4, 2020, the 'Polar Enterprise', a tanker traveling from Valdez to San Francisco, came to the aid of a stranded 33-foot sailing yacht named 'Sirus', approximately 75 miles southwest of Gualala Point, California. The yacht was reported to be in distress, with damage to its sails, engine, and steering systems, and had three people aboard. The crew aboard 'Sirus' managed to contact the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco via VHF radio channel 16 at roughly 7:10 p.m., indicating their dire situation and the need for assistance. Complicating matters, the crew of the container ship 'CMA CGM Aquila' reported that one individual aboard the 'Sirus' had sustained a minor head injury, prompting the Coast Guard to issue an urgent marine-information broadcast. The yacht had been at sea for 13 days, having set sail from Coos Bay, Oregon, headed for San Diego, but was running dangerously low on food and water. In response to the distress call, the Coast Guard diverted the cutter 'Tern', an 87-foot patrol vessel homeported in San Francisco, from its course near Santa Cruz. Several good Samaritans, including the crew of the 195-foot yacht 'Seanna', which was about 30 miles away, offered help. The 'Seanna' altered its course towards 'Sirus', while 'Polar Enterprise' also redirected to the scene. The 'CMA CGM Aquila' played a crucial role by supplying food and water to the stranded yacht and remained close until the 'Seanna' arrived at approximately 11:45 p.m. to deliver a VHF radio, flares, food, and more water before maintaining their presence nearby. The 'Polar Enterprise' ultimately reached the area around 2:35 a.m. on September 5, staying close until the 'Tern' arrived at approximately 3:05 p.m. that same day. During the ensuing transit towards Bodega Bay, the 'Tern' reported hazardous sea conditions and received guidance from Coast Guard watchstanders to divert towards safer waters in San Francisco Bay. The 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Golden Gate met the 'Tern’ near the Golden Gate Bridge, transferring the tow around 8:00 a.m. on September 6. The tow was successfully completed, and the 'Sirus' was safely moored at Pier 45 in Sausalito by approximately 8:45 a.m. This rescue operation highlights the vital collaboration between the Coast Guard and maritime vessels to ensure safety at sea. For further details and photos, visit the report here: https://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-good-samaritans-rescue-3-aboard-disabled-sailboat/2020/09/07/