Discover the Seaspan-Lingue: Ratings & Maritime News

In a remarkable display of maritime solidarity and prompt response, the container ship 'CSAV Lingua' assisted the distressed sailing vessel 'Bounty' on the night of December 8, 2012. The incident unfolded as the crew of the 'Sapelo' towed the French-flagged 65-foot sailboat into the safe harbor of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, successfully rescuing two crewmembers and two passengers from potentially perilous conditions. Among those rescued were three men and a woman, with one individual holding U.S. citizenship while the others were French citizens, including one with dual national status. The 'Bounty' was en route from Virginia to St. Maarten when it encountered treacherous 10-foot seas and deteriorating weather conditions approximately 215 nautical miles north of St. Thomas, leading to a loss of steering capabilities. The distress signal was initiated on December 5 when Coast Guard Watchstanders in Sector San Juan received an alert from the National Command Center, following a report from Coast Guard Atlantic Area Watchstanders. In response, the dedicated crew of the Coast Guard Cutter swiftly embarked to rendezvous with the 'Bounty' and began coordinating assistance, triggering an Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) alert. The situation was addressed by the Chinese-flagged 'CSAV Lingua', an imposing 858-foot container ship, which altered its course to the scene and arrived on December 5 to monitor the distress. Upon the arrival of the 'Sapelo' in the evening, despite the worsening weather conditions, the crew confirmed the safety of all individuals on board. Demonstrating skill and resolve, the 'Sapelo' crew undertook temporary repairs to the 'Bounty,' securing its steering system and allowing for a safe tow back to St. Thomas. Once docked, the 'Bounty' and its passengers were released to undergo necessary repairs, concluding a successful multinational maritime rescue operation.