Yenisei-River Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On October 30, 2013, a dramatic rescue unfolded in the Mediterranean Sea when the tanker 'Yenisei River' answered the urgent distress call of the Swiss-registered yacht 'Caprea'. Located approximately 300 kilometers south of Toulon, the 13-meter yacht found itself in peril, struggling with significant water ingress and presenting a grave situation for its four crew members. In response to the emergency, the CROSS Mediterranean coordinated with the 'Yenisei River', instructing it to establish direct radio communication with the beleaguered yacht and provide precise positioning information. As night fell, the situation escalated; the Air Force Base in Solenzara dispatched a Cougar helicopter to facilitate the crew's recovery, arriving in the vicinity around 8 p.m. Additionally, a Dauphin helicopter from the French Navy Base in Hyères flew in to act as a vital communication relay between the rescue operations center and the on-scene Cougar helicopter. Given the rising water levels aboard the 'Caprea', the crew made the critical decision to abandon ship when the 'Yenisei River' reached them. The crew of the tanker successfully recovered the stranded sailors, who were subsequently airlifted by the Cougar helicopter and transported safely to Ajaccio, arriving at approximately 9:30 p.m. The sailors received immediate support at the Naval Base Aspretto, while the 'Caprea' tragically sank, now resting at a depth of 2,600 meters beneath the waves. This incident highlights not only the dangers faced by marine vessels but also the critical role of maritime rescue operations in ensuring the safety of those at sea.