Eurodam performs rescue at sea

[mcw331]

We were watching for the Eurodam to come into port from our hotel on the morning of our embarkation Oct 23rd. She was late coming in by an hour or two.

We got the story from the Captain later that night. About 1:00 am Oct 23rd the Eurodam received a distress call while returning from HMC to FLL. It was from a 40 foot fishing yacht that was repositioning from Florida to the Bahamas. The Eurodam officers on the bridge called the captain and they diverted to render assistance. The vessel had lost power and their backup was not working. They were taking on water and unable to pump the water out. After discussions back and forth as the Eurodam was alongside the crew of two decided they had no choice but to abandon their sinking boat and the Eurodam took them on board.

It would be interesting to here any stories from anyone onboard during the rescue.

[debsjc]

We heard the announcement about it the next morning, but we slept right through the whole thing.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Glad the Eurodam was there to rescue them.

[AZNative2000]

We were watching for the Eurodam to come into port from our hotel on the morning of our embarkation Oct 23rd. She was late coming in by an hour or two.

WOW! Wonder how many people on that cruise were stressing because they booked early air out of FLL upon debarkation.:eek::eek::eek:

[debsjc]

WOW! Wonder how many people on that cruise were stressing because they booked early air out of FLL upon debarkation.:eek::eek::eek:

Quite a lot! We were fine because we were only going onto a post-cruise stay in Florida.

I was using the elevator with a couple of other people that morning. We got screamed at by some guy for taking up space in there, when he had bags to move. They hadn't even announced they were disembarking at this time. There were some very stressed people around.

[Crusing Bob]

I would hope there would be no stressing out by anyone considering two lives were saved-I know we wouldn't since we could always catch another flight at some point even if it cost a penalty.

[sail7seas]

We were watching for the Eurodam to come into port from our hotel on the morning of our embarkation Oct 23rd. She was late coming in by an hour or two.

We got the story from the Captain later that night. About 1:00 am Oct 23rd the Eurodam received a distress call while returning from HMC to FLL. It was from a 40 foot fishing yacht that was repositioning from Florida to the Bahamas. The Eurodam officers on the bridge called the captain and they diverted to render assistance. The vessel had lost power and their backup was not working. They were taking on water and unable to pump the water out. After discussions back and forth as the Eurodam was alongside the crew of two decided they had no choice but to abandon their sinking boat and the Eurodam took them on board.

It would be interesting to here any stories from anyone onboard during the rescue.

We boarded Eurodam October 23 and were told about the rescue. There is no doubt the officers and crew of Eurodam saved three lives that night. The survivors were all Americans and what I heard was they had just purchased this boat and were bringing it back to Florida when it took on too much water to keep up with. Very happy they made it back to Florida alive but their boat, sadly, did not. How lucky that Eurodam was nearby to make the rescue.

There was a small delay in boarding but nothing extreme.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

[mudscraper]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???
Yes you may be the only one.

[baggal]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

The Coast Guard is alerted when an incident like this happens.

Also, security on cruise ships has greatly improved since the days of the Achille Lauro (google it if you don't know what it is).

If you're afraid that the crew on a sinking yacht is full of terrorists, then maybe you should stay home.

[Sea King]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

Well thought out and deep comment:rolleyes:

[Ine]

According an article in the dutch press the captain alerted the coast guard but they couldnot get there in time. That is why Eurodam's captain decided to rescue those people since it looked like their vessel was sinking.
It however stated also that quite some passengers were very angry and upset because they were afraid they couldnot get their flight in time.

[debsjc]

According an article in the dutch press the captain alerted the coast guard but they couldnot get there in time. That is why Eurodam's captain decided to rescue those people since it looked like their vessel was sinking.
It however stated also that quite some passengers were very angry and upset because they were afraid they couldnot get their flight in time.

Do you know if there was any articles in English on the incident at all, I haven't been able to find any. Thanks.

[pms4104]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???
Good grief ... paranoia run amok.

Would you view it differently if you were the one in distress at sea?

[jtl513]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???I think the Eurodam crew would have had plenty of time to assess the situation.

[Himself]

I was on the ship but slept through the whole thing. I was talking to a crew member who had learned about it. He was asleep at the time. In the airport I was talking to a couple who witnessed the whole thing and called the front office wanting to know what was going on and why the negotiating. The front office probably did not know all that was going on. This couple was in their stateroom and could see the comotion. The guy was going to write to HAL complaining and I advised him that two people had been rescued and there should only be lauditory letters because two lives had been saved because of HAL's actions.
The Captain is a good man and I formed that opinion long before this incident ocurred.
Hope this helps.

[terigo]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???
So, some hapless people should be left to drown because ya never know if 3 soaking wet people dragged up from a sinking private boat could overtake the entire crew of a liner?

It must suck to live your life as though the world were out to get you.

[CalGal777]

I would hope there would be no stressing out by anyone considering two lives were saved-I know we wouldn't since we could always catch another flight at some point even if it cost a penalty. I was thinking the same thing, the saving of 2 lives is worth a missed flight. But then there are those who only think of themselves.

[Ine]

Do you know if there was any articles in English on the incident at all, I haven't been able to find any. Thanks.

It is only in dutch, but with help of one of the translationprogramms you can read it in englsh.
The original:
http://frontpage.fok.nl/nieuws/412917/1/1/50/cruisepassagiers-woedend-om-reddingsactie.html

in english:
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=nl&sl=nl&tl=en&u=http://frontpage.fok.nl/nieuws/412917/1/1/50/cruisepassagiers-woedend-om-reddingsactie.html&rurl=translate.google.com&usg=ALkJrhgioljISOiWGLza-f76BCjom1QcXw

I hope this works.

[serendipity1499]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

Please tell us you are not serious..:rolleyes:.If you saw an accident on the street & was the only person around to help, would you just drive by, because they might be robbers or muggers?

There is a "law of the sea"..All boats/ships which are nearby must go to the rescue of another boat/ship crew & passengers when a distress call is made..

As others have said, the crew is trained to protect their passengers & know exactly how to screen would be terrorists....

I agree with the poster who stated that "If you're afraid that the crew on a sinking yacht is full of terrorists, then maybe you should stay home.[/quote]

Good grief ... paranoia run amok.

Would you view it differently if you were the one in distress at sea?

My thoughts exactly..When HAL's first Prinsendam caught fire & was sinking off the coast of Alaska in 1980, many other ships came to their rescue before the Coast Guard was able to reach them..All passengers & crew were saved..

Cheers....Brtty

[IRL_Joanie]

Here is the translation for those that do not click on links. (Joanie's note: Saving lives is more important than saving time in my opinion and any passenger who cannot live with this should never sail!! God Bless the Captain and Crew of the ms Eurodam!!)

Cruise Passengers angry rescue 02-11-2010 @ 20:01 - By Peter on 2/11/2010 @ 8:01 p.m.

http://i.fokzine.net/upload/081116_47501_icon_internationaal4.jpg A cruise on the Holland America Line has a few days ago two fishermen rescued from a sinking boat near the Bahamas, but passengers are not all happy.
Some passengers complained about the delay because allowing them to leave docked at its final destination.
The captain and officers of the ship, the Eurodam saw when driving slowly sinking a fishing boat and called help from the Coast Guard. This could not come quickly on the spot, and the captain decided to set sail from two fishermen from a certain death to save.
The action has caused some delay, as the captain tried again to catch up on full power proceed.
Eventually the ship docked a half hours late at Port Everglades, to the anger of some passengers.
Also found that the impatient crew get their baggage is not fast enough, so they would miss their flight.
Fortunately, speaks much of the shame of the passengers hurried and rude behavior: "The crew deserves praise just for this action. It is terrible that there are people who only think about themselves," says an angry passenger.

[Himself]

I was on this ship and was not angry that the Captain put two human lives over an early arrvial in port.

[terigo]

Saving lives is more important than saving time in my opinion and any passenger who cannot live with this should never sail!!


...or walk among the civilized, for that matter....

Can I flip this around?
Had I been on a cruise and found out as I was debarking that there had been people at peril in the ocean and my ship had opted to sail on for the convenience of their passengers rather than take action to save these people, it would be the last time I set foot on that cruise line!

[GOLDENBONNY]

Please tell us you are not serious..:rolleyes:.If you saw an accident on the street & was the only person around to help, would you just drive by, because they might be robbers or muggers?

There is a "law of the sea"..All boats/ships which are nearby must go to the rescue of another boat/ship crew & passengers when a distress call is made..

As others have said, the crew is trained to protect their passengers & know exactly how to screen would be terrorists....

I agree with the poster who stated that "If you're afraid that the crew on a sinking yacht is full of terrorists, then maybe you should stay home.[/quote]



My thoughts exactly..When HAL's first Prinsendam caught fire & was sinking off the coast of Alaska in 1980, many other ships came to their rescue before the Coast Guard was able to reach them..All passengers & crew were saved..

Cheers....Brtty

Yes,I am serious
1.I never sad they should not stop and help.I just think about bringing them on board cruise ship.there is big difference between ship in fire and God knows whos yaht .2.And if you ask me about accident,so it very depend were its happend .in some countries I would call police and ambulance and past by.

[GOLDENBONNY]

So, some hapless people should be left to drown because ya never know if 3 soaking wet people dragged up from a sinking private boat could overtake the entire crew of a liner?

It must suck to live your life as though the world were out to get you.

Just relax and worry about your own life.:rolleyes::cool:

[IRL_Joanie]

Yes,I am serious
1.I never sad they should not stop and help.I just think about bringing them on board cruise ship.there is big difference between ship in fire and God knows whos yaht .2.And if you ask me about accident,so it very depend were its happend .in some countries I would call police and ambulance and past by.

I am so sorry that all you would do is to call police and ambulance and not stop to render assistance.

I have been to one to many accident scenes where passerby's such as yourself have called in an accident and kept right on going. To many of these the people involved in the accident perished (died) because someone such as yourself could have held direct pressure on a serious wound, or could have been doing CPR while I was in route to the scene.

I sure hope that in such a scenario, someone would stop to assist you, if you were that accident victim, instead of letting you die.

One to many such accident scenes burned me out after 7 years. I saw 3 beautiful little girls and their mother dead at the scene, when they could have been saved by passers by:mad::mad::mad:

Next time you see an accident, stop and think IT could be you.

Joanie

[GOLDENBONNY]

I am so sorry that all you would do is to call police and ambulance and not stop to render assistance.

I have been to one to many accident scenes where passerby's such as yourself have called in an accident and kept right on going. To many of these the people involved in the accident perished (died) because someone such as yourself could have held direct pressure on a serious wound, or could have been doing CPR while I was in route to the scene.

I sure hope that in such a scenario, someone would stop to assist you, if you were that accident victim, instead of letting you die.

One to many such accident scenes burned me out after 7 years. I saw 3 beautiful little girls and their mother dead at the scene, when they could have been saved by passers by:mad::mad::mad:

Next time you see an accident, stop and think IT could be you.

Joanie

do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.

[IRL_Joanie]

do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.

I, and other CC members read what you wrote. That is why I responded to your post.

I lived in Europe for many many years, long before I became a Firefighter/EMT (Emergency Medical Technician.)

I lived in Germany for 13 years. I stopped at every accident where there was no Emergency vehicles on the scene. I provided what limited care I could with no medical knowledge, and this was long before Cell Phones.

I also lived in Greece and did the same thing.

It is called compassion and being a good Samaritan.

No matter, just remember that on average in any part of civilized countries, it takes approximately 6-8 minutes for the first emergency responder to arrive on the scene. It takes from 2-6 minutes for someone to die from loss of blood or from lack of oxygen.

If you do not know CPR, I suggest you contact your local Dr or hospital and ask where you can go to learn. Do not leave someone to die on the side of the road. PLEASE

Joanie

[Jade13]

do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.

Can I ask where you are from? Your concern/point is well taken that there could be terrorists pretending to be in danger. Perhaps that is why there was a "negotiation" per some passengers. Perhaps the Captain and officers were assessing the situation and determined there were 3 American citizens on a sinking boat and nothing else was going on here.

Btw, we are going through the Suez Canal next year and certainly hope that a small fishing boat with 3 men wishing to come onboard (because of a sinking ship) are really in danger and not terrorists/pirates.

[GOLDENBONNY]

I, and other CC members read what you wrote. That is why I responded to your post.

I lived in Europe for many many years, long before I became a Firefighter/EMT (Emergency Medical Technician.)

I lived in Germany for 13 years. I stopped at every accident where there was no Emergency vehicles on the scene. I provided what limited care I could with no medical knowledge, and this was long before Cell Phones.

I also lived in Greece and did the same thing.

It is called compassion and being a good Samaritan.

No matter, just remember that on average in any part of civilized countries, it takes approximately 6-8 minutes for the first emergency responder to arrive on the scene. It takes from 2-6 minutes for someone to die from loss of blood or from lack of oxygen.

If you do not know CPR, I suggest you contact your local Dr or hospital and ask where you can go to learn. Do not leave someone to die on the side of the road. PLEASE

Joanie

AS an answer I suggest you never stop on accidnet in Estern Europe or South America ;)

[GOLDENBONNY]

Can I ask where you are from? Your concern/point is well taken that there could be terrorists pretending to be in danger. Perhaps that is why there was a "negotiation" per some passengers. Perhaps the Captain and officers were assessing the situation and determined there were 3 American citizens on a sinking boat and nothing else was going on here.

Btw, we are going through the Suez Canal next year and certainly hope that a small fishing boat with 3 men wishing to come onboard (because of a sinking ship) are really in danger and not terrorists/pirates.


Thank you for getting my post right.I guess some people answer before they read:p

[sapper1]

do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.

I read what you write---and I read that you don't care about any life except your own. Someday you may be in a position to require help in an emergency and I hope the passers-by who encounter you are more compassionate than you seem to be.

I am also so glad I was not aboard to witness the reported behaviour of some passengers. It is enough to make one lose faith in human nature.

[terigo]

Just relax and worry about your own life.:rolleyes::cool:
Sorry, but I live in a world where i am not the only person who matters. If everyone just worried about their own lives, they would be like you.... suspicious of everyone else, and indifferent to human suffering.....
and that would be a sad society, indeed.

[Taxguy77]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

I believe international law requires an attempt to rescue pasengers on a sinking ship.
The Captain notified the Coast Guard but the boat was sinking too fast for them to effect the rescue, as I read it.

I feel sorry for those people who planned a 10AM flight against the advice of almost everyone.:rolleyes:

[serendipity1499]

Goldenbunny...Then you certainly should not be cruising if you think this way...

As I stated in my previous post, there is a Law & as Tax Guy Pointed out it's an International Law of the sea, that any ship/boat in the area of a boat/ship that has put out a distress signal, must & I repeat must go to the aid of the Passengers & Crew & if necessary take them on board if their boat/ship is sinking..

Now you wonder how I know this...It's because we've owned boats & both DH & I took the Coast Guard Seamanship Course...

If the ships Captain or even Captains on Private boats do not do this, they are subject to prosecution..


And SHAME ON THOSE Passengers who were annoyed with the Captain..

Betty

[ariawoman]

I feel sorry for those people who planned a 10AM flight against the advice of almost everyone.:rolleyes:

I was thinking the same thing. Those irrate passengers certainly felt that the rules didn't apply to them, planning early flights out when it's always advised not to.

I, like another poster, would definitely find another cruise line, if i had heard that the cruise line was more interested in docking on time rather than taking the time to save a boat in distress.

[airlink diva]

I was on the Westerdam in 2005 (I think that Rev Neal was also on this sailing). We were heading to Freeport from Costa Maya on a sea day. The captain made an annoucement overhead that the ship was diverting to assist with a SOS from a yacht that was taking in alot of water. Our ship was one of the closest to the ship.
Naturally alot people came on the promenade deck to watch what will happen (I was on deck reading at the time). People were going from side to side trying to view anything.
When we finally got to the area, there was another ship, a freighter nearby also. You could barely see the yacht because it was half sunk. The captain came on again and told us that the freighter didn't have the proper gear to rescue and our ship will.
It was thrilling to watch the small boat lower and head over to the yacht. Within a bit the men were rescued and the Westerdam boat headed back to the ship. Everyone cheered as we saw the rescue party assisted on the Westerdam. We stayed in the area for a short while longer before heading out. By then the yacht was almost submerged and only a very small portion was visable. The water wasn't rough that day,but there was some waves. If those men had to get into a life raft, it would had most likey been their deaths.
We were kept update on their status by the captain and they were imformed that the rescue men were isolated from the crew and guest.
I have no problem with HAL stopping to rescue these men and I know that their families were glad to have their love ones back.
I know that we are going to hear back about someone missing their flight or a hassle changing to another flight. But what is more important? You getting home a little later than expected? Or someone life being saved?
I know that the world we live in today have a higher stage dangers than in the past, but I trust the Captain and staff on any HAL ship to measure this when making the call to rescue and expect no less from them.

[sail7seas]

IMO, anyone who questions a Captain's decision in any matter such as this should not be sailing cruise ships.

You want to tell Captain you wish he spoke louder on the speaker system or some such piddly thing, fine. But No, No, No....... there is no questioning any decision dealing with anyone's safety.

Of all the professional people we know and associate with, there are few I respect in the same way I respect ship's Captains. It's one of the biggest hardest jobs I know of.

JMO.... (not so humble)

[ZachMary]

Ekkk - Sorry for all of the ugly on this thread!

I think a few of you were at our Meet and Greet when the Captain and the Hotel Manager were so nice to come by and speak with us for approx 1/2 hr.

The captain told us that the sailors were very unprepared, they only had 1 flare, which thank god the Eurodam saw, they had no first aid kit, no life jackets, no raft, no radios, no food, nothing. They were taking on water and would have certainly died if the Eurodam did not save them.

The captain also told us that he gave the sailors a choice, they offered to give them a radio, life jackets, a raft, and food so they could try to stay with their ship until the coast guard got there or they could abandon the ship and come on board. At that time the sailors decided to come onboard - the captain did mention something about screening the sailors aboard the rescue raft before the boarded the Eurodam, which I'm sure is protocol - thus trying to avoid any threats.

When I was a very little girl my grandfather had some small boats. Whenever we went by another boat we always waved at other boats going by, and them at us. One day I asked my grandfather why we always did this. I've never forgoten what my grandfather said "Very simple little girl, you never know when you might be in trouble, we all have to look out for each other on the sea - we are all brothers, and have to take care of each other".

Mary

[JudeeJim]

There are those who would complain if they were hung with a new rope.

[Gator83]

Why is everyone harrassing the person that asked about stopping to help? You people are way overboard on the poster. All that was asked was a question. You all are reading wayyyyy too much into the question. It doesn't mean the poster wouldn't stop and help someone on the road or elsewhere. It doesn't mean that the poster only thinks about oneself. It was one measly question....get off the poster's case.

[serendipity1499]

Why is everyone harrassing the person that asked about stopping to help? You people are way overboard on the poster. All that was asked was a question. You all are reading wayyyyy too much into the question. It doesn't mean the poster wouldn't stop and help someone on the road or elsewhere. It doesn't mean that the poster only thinks about oneself. It was one measly question....get off the poster's case.

Have you read each of the posters posts? The poster was not asking a question she was stating her feelings about this incident..She does not think that a cruise ship Captain should have taken these people on board!

this is what she posted:

Quote Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns??? Unquote

When asked if she was kidding she said, no she does not think a cruise ship captain should pick up those in distress: She went on to say:

Quote do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.unquote

We tell her it is International law & she still thinks it's wrong..
she also went on to say:

Quote AS an answer I suggest you never stop on accidnet in Estern Europe or South America Unquote

So if you think that this doesn't mean she would not stop then tell us what it does mean ? And do you still think we are harassing her?:confused::confused:

Unfortunately there were some Passengers on this ship which had the same attitude...They should be ashamed of themselves..

Betty

[Alegria-Paz]

Taxguy and Serendipity are right. It is part of the UN Conventions on the Law of the Sea. A captain must "render assistance TO ANY PERSON FOUND AT SEA IN DANGER OF BEING LOST" as long as he doesn't put his own ship/crew/ passengers in jeopardy. It's a code. There is a Duty to render assistance.

I recognize that people who have limited experience with the sea other than through cruising may not be familiar with the laws of sea. However, so you know, the captain did everything right ~ and should be commended. People who are angry are inexcusable and wrong... their flights and plans do not take precedence over the rules of the sea.

By going to sea, you are making an implicit agreement to comply to these rules... whether you are aware of them or not. It really doesn't matter if you like the rules or not either ~ they still must be followed. It's mandatory. I can understand that people may be going to sea (on cruise ships) without awareness and to some degree, I guess that is fine, but that does not change the rules or the fact that they must be followed.

I'm sure most cruisers are familiar with the story of the Titanic. What do you think of the other ships traveling miles and miles off their course to rescue the surviving passengers? The Carpathia traveled 58 miles off her course to try to rescue the Titanic passengers ... and, boarded the survivors and carried them to all the way to NY. Why do you the they did it? Do you think there would have been any survivors if those captains had not sailed off course? Do you see any difference between the two stories? Do you think the passengers of the Carpathia should have been angered by the captain's decision?

Ships must help other vessels (or people) in distress even if they are far from their course. This is not optional... and any sailor or other seaman worth his/her salt would do it.

I think the captain and crew of the Eurodam are truly wonderful for successfully carrying out this rescue. It's a heartwarming story that makes me proud of Holland.

http://www.un.org/Depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_historical_perspective.htm



Article98
Duty to render assistance
1. Every State shall require the master of a ship flying its flag, in so far as he can do so without serious danger to the ship, the crew or the passengers:
(a) to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost;
(b) to proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their need of assistance, in so far as such action may reasonably be expected of him;
(c) after a collision, to render assistance to the other ship, its crew and its passengers and, where possible, to inform the other ship of the name of his own ship, its port of registry and the nearest port at which it will call.
2. Every coastal State shall promote the establishment, operation and maintenance of an adequate and effective search and rescue service regarding safety on and over the sea and, where circumstances so require, by way of mutual regional arrangements cooperate with neighbouring States for this purpose.

[mechcc]

Why is everyone harrassing the person that asked about stopping to help? You people are way overboard on the poster. All that was asked was a question. You all are reading wayyyyy too much into the question. It doesn't mean the poster wouldn't stop and help someone on the road or elsewhere. It doesn't mean that the poster only thinks about oneself. It was one measly question....get off the poster's case.

Why? Because there is a total lack of compasion of those that were in need. While there is an extremely small chance that it was a fake rescue with terroist involved, that chance does not negate the fact that it was certainly more possible that these people were for real and death was a real possiblity. Should I ever die at the hands of a terroist while participating (regardless if I had a say in it) in a humane rescue - so be it. The Captain did the right thing and stood up for what is right. That poster stated he/she would not. What is right is right and what is wrong, is wrong. It is what it is.

[GOLDENBONNY]

Why? Because there is a total lack of compasion of those that were in need. While there is an extremely small chance that it was a fake rescue with terroist involved, that chance does not negate the fact that it was certainly more possible that these people were for real and death was a real possiblity. Should I ever die at the hands of a terroist while participating (regardless if I had a say in it) in a humane rescue - so be it. The Captain did the right thing and stood up for what is right. That poster stated he/she would not. What is right is right and what is wrong, is wrong. It is what it is.

Blah-blah-blah

[GOLDENBONNY]

have you read each of the posters posts? The poster was not asking a question she was stating her feelings about this incident..she does not think that a cruise ship captain should have taken these people on board!

this is what she posted:

quote am i only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns??? unquote

when asked if she was kidding she said, no she does not think a cruise ship captain should pick up those in distress: She went on to say:

quote do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do cpr and i can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in american dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.unquote

we tell her it is international law & she still thinks it's wrong..
she also went on to say:

quote as an answer i suggest you never stop on accidnet in estern europe or south america unquote

so if you think that this doesn't mean she would not stop then tell us what it does mean ? And do you still think we are harassing her?:confused::confused:

unfortunately there were some passengers on this ship which had the same attitude...they should be ashamed of themselves..

betty

lol

[GOLDENBONNY]

Why is everyone harrassing the person that asked about stopping to help? You people are way overboard on the poster. All that was asked was a question. You all are reading wayyyyy too much into the question. It doesn't mean the poster wouldn't stop and help someone on the road or elsewhere. It doesn't mean that the poster only thinks about oneself. It was one measly question....get off the poster's case.

LOL Some people so full of themselfs they dont even care to read and understnad.
All I ask was if its safe to cruise ships to take people on board ,I never said they sould not stop to help .:cool: My question was about safty procedure in this case.

[jtl513]

I never said they sould not stop to help .Oh?? :confused: Then exactly what did you mean when you said: Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board????? The Eurodam should have "helped" by just watching them sink? :confused::confused:

[terigo]

Oh?? :confused: Then exactly what did you mean when you said: Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board????? The Eurodam should have "helped" by just watching them sink? :confused::confused:

There's no point in continuing with goldenbonny... she summed up exactly what she hears a few posts up......"blah blah blah"....
That joins my other favorite response when someone has nothing to say.... "whatever"...
Once I hear one or the other of those things, I know there is not the slightest chance logic is going to penetrate.

[IRL_Joanie]

LOL Some people so full of themselfs they dont even care to read and understnad.
All I ask was if its safe to cruise ships to take people on board ,I never said they sould not stop to help .:cool: My question was about safty procedure in this case.

Well Bless Your Heart. I pray that you or one of your loved ones are never in a situation to need help and people pass you by.

You just do not seem to understand compassion in the heat of an emergency.

Aren't you so special.

Joanie

[andiloveu]

To Goldenbonny. When reading all of your posts I was shocked. It made me remember something I read.

For men or women will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self assuming, HAUGHTY, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, UNTHANKFUL, disloyal, HAVING NO NATURAL AFFECTION, NOT OPEN TO ANY AGREEMENT, slanderers, without self-control, FIERCE, WITHOUT LOVE OF GOODNESS.

Your attitude is unfortunate. I hope that if you are ever in a situation where life or death is in the balance someone unlike yourself will come to your aid. Maybe a little soul searching is in order. I'm just saying.

And to those who saved the men BRAVO!!!

[Grumpy1]

The captain told us that the sailors were very unprepared, they only had 1 flare, which thank god the Eurodam saw, they had no first aid kit, no life jackets, no raft, no radios, no food, nothing. They were taking on water and would have certainly died if the Eurodam did not save them.

Wow! Those two are eligible for the dumbest seafarers ever award. What person with any sense would set sail from Florida to the Bahamas in a boat with virtually no safety equipment or survival gear? They are very fortunate that they are not among the top ten recipients of the 2010 Darwin awards.

[sapper1]

Blah-blah-blah

The last time I heard a response like that, I was ten years old and in the playground at school. Does your mother know you are posting on an adult site?:confused:

[RuthC]

Blah-blah-blah
"Thou shalt not kill". :rolleyes:

[sapper1]

"Thou shalt not kill". :rolleyes:
Oh Ruth, you slay me.:D

[RuthC]

Oh Ruth, you slay me.:D
Good thing I'm not taking that literally, as slaying would be killing! ;)

For the Captain to have failed to render assistance would have been tantamount to killing the sailors, as he would have been leaving them to die.

[sapper1]

Good thing I'm not taking that literally, as slaying would be killing! ;)

For the Captain to have failed to render assistance would have been tantamount to killing the sailors, as he would have been leaving them to die.
Any person of reason would come to exactly the same conclusion. But then a person of reason does not have to resort to blah blah blah as a response.

[debsjc]

It probably wasn't said in the best way, but 'GOLDENBONNY' did have a relevant point.
I'm sure the crew and Captain checked out the rescuees before they bought them on board the Eurodam. :)

[sail7seas]

The last time I heard a response like that, I was ten years old and in the playground at school. Does your mother know you are posting on an adult site?:confused:


:D :D
ROFL ......

It probably wasn't said in the best way, but 'GOLDENBONNY' did have a relevant point.
I'm sure the crew and Captain checked out the rescuees before they bought them on board the Eurodam. :)


Seems a reasonable assumption they were carefully checked while on the rescue boat before being brought to the ship. Does anyone doubt that? :confused:

[GOLDENBONNY]

OMG LOL ok "girls" I will go and change my name to SEAMonster and kill myself :p Keep talking blah-blah-blah :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: or pray for my poor souL

[Mary Ellen]

or pray for my poor sour :confused:You want people to pray for you to be sour? :confused:

[GOLDENBONNY]

:confused:You want people to pray for you to be sour? :confused:

sOUL OF COURSE .

[DedicatedDad]

:confused:You want people to pray for you to be sour? :confused:


I think GOLDENBONNY didn't complete the thought. Her mom came in right as she was typing and took away the computer...she suppose to be in school right now, not typing on the computer...

[Gerd]

...


Dear all

we do read here on this board quiet often about people how ask about a early departure after the cruise – and today, in correlation to this, those humaneness statements about late arrival because the vessel did a sea rescue…..

Do we really have lost this kind of feeling for other human live ?:(

Do we really have lost the emotion about fellow human being:(


Finally speaking, after a cruise to be in rush to go back home is for me not the way to go, I do like to relax and review all new entries. We stay again for a couple of days before going home and back into business !



Happy cruising

G E R D



Our marvelous cruises ::)

MS Ryndam – Wayfarer – March 1997
MS Noordam - Transatlantic Island Hook - April 2001
MS Volendam - Southern Caribbean - April 2002
MS Volendam - Westfarer Caribbean - April 2004
MS Prinsendam - Windmills & Waterford – September 2004
MS Westerdam - Western Caribbean - April 2005
MS Statendam - Hawaii Circle - September 2005
MS Rotterdam - Vikings and Czars – July 2006
MS Veendam - Southern Caribbean – March 2007
MS Volendam – Panama Canal – April 2008
MS Noordam – Mediterranean Enchantment – September 2009
MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Inaugural Cruise - July 2010
MS Nieuw Amsterdam - Mediterranean Empires - July 2010

169 days - 39'247 Nm :

http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/3starMariner.gif


Future Cruise : :p

1 open booking

[jtl513]

Do we really have lost this kind of feeling for other human live ?:(

Do we really have lost the emotion about fellow human being:(
No, those kind of people are the exception ... thank God!

[manbehindthecurtain]

I was on the Westerdam in 2005 (I think that Rev Neal was also on this sailing). We were heading to Freeport from Costa Maya on a sea day. The captain made an annoucement overhead that the ship was diverting to assist with a SOS from a yacht that was taking in alot of water. Our ship was one of the closest to the ship.
Naturally alot people came on the promenade deck to watch what will happen (I was on deck reading at the time). People were going from side to side trying to view anything.
When we finally got to the area, there was another ship, a freighter nearby also. You could barely see the yacht because it was half sunk. The captain came on again and told us that the freighter didn't have the proper gear to rescue and our ship will.
It was thrilling to watch the small boat lower and head over to the yacht. Within a bit the men were rescued and the Westerdam boat headed back to the ship. Everyone cheered as we saw the rescue party assisted on the Westerdam. We stayed in the area for a short while longer before heading out. By then the yacht was almost submerged and only a very small portion was visable. The water wasn't rough that day,but there was some waves. If those men had to get into a life raft, it would had most likey been their deaths.
We were kept update on their status by the captain and they were imformed that the rescue men were isolated from the crew and guest.
I have no problem with HAL stopping to rescue these men and I know that their families were glad to have their love ones back.
I know that we are going to hear back about someone missing their flight or a hassle changing to another flight. But what is more important? You getting home a little later than expected? Or someone life being saved?
I know that the world we live in today have a higher stage dangers than in the past, but I trust the Captain and staff on any HAL ship to measure this when making the call to rescue and expect no less from them.

I was involved in this one. It actually took quite a while for the crew of the boat to decide whether they would abandon their boat or not. Once they did decide to do this we brought them on board. And just like all items brought on board they were screened.

[James_TheVirus]

I was involved in this one. It actually took quite a while for the crew of the boat to decide whether they would abandon their boat or not. Once they did decide to do this we brought them on board. And just like all items brought on board they were screened.

I am curious - where would they stay and would they get off at the next port wherever that might be?

[SAN415]

ummmm... my Daughter lives in Eastern Europe. It is quite safe for her. And she loves living there. She helps people everyday as she is a volunteer coordinator for Habitat for Humanity.

[smilejesuslovesu]

I would not want to cruise on a cruise line that would leave people like that to die...I am sure they would not take on anyone that they thought might be terrorists. Glad they were able to help.

[dixieagle]

Very interesting thread! I, too, suspect Goldenbonny is about 13...

My dh and I were aboard the Noordam in 2006, having just left Greece and heading towards Kusadasi, Turkey. We heard commotion early in the morning, and saw a small boat circling not far from the ship. It turned out that the boat was from the Noordam, and that there were 23 refugees from various countries (Somalia, Iraq, several others) whose unseaworthy vessel had broken apart or sunk as they were trying to get to the coast of Greece. The captain and crew rescued all but one (a small child drowned, sadly.)

We were scheduled for one day in Kusadasi, but the Turkish government balked at taking the refugees. Apparently, it is International Maritime law that the next port (in this case, Kusadasi) must accept people who have been rescued like this. However, there was some intransigence on the part of the Turks; they refused to let the Noordam leave until things were worked out. We heard later - though not at the time - that talks took place at very high levels and things such as Turkey's entrance into the EU were at risk if they refused to take the refugees (still not a fait accomplit!)

Things were finally worked out, and after an extra day in Kusadasi, we left, with the refugees having finally been allowed to leave the ship. We missed our stop in Malta, but I don't recall hearing anyone complain. The captain kept everyone as informed as he could. It was all rather high adventure, though we heard nothing about this in the press, despite the fact that it caused quite the stir in diplomatic circles at the time. (The fact that Iraqis and Somalis were among the poor folks on the sinking boat really didn't scare anyone; we were just glad that so many lives were saved, and saddened at the loss of the child.)

[IRL_Joanie]

Very interesting thread! I, too, suspect Goldenbonny is about 13...

My dh and I were aboard the Noordam in 2006, having just left Greece and heading towards Kusadasi, Turkey. We heard commotion early in the morning, and saw a small boat circling not far from the ship. It turned out that the boat was from the Noordam, and that there were 23 refugees from various countries (Somalia, Iraq, several others) whose unseaworthy vessel had broken apart or sunk as they were trying to get to the coast of Greece. The captain and crew rescued all but one (a small child drowned, sadly.)

We were scheduled for one day in Kusadasi, but the Turkish government balked at taking the refugees. Apparently, it is International Maritime law that the next port (in this case, Kusadasi) must accept people who have been rescued like this. However, there was some intransigence on the part of the Turks; they refused to let the Noordam leave until things were worked out. We heard later - though not at the time - that talks took place at very high levels and things such as Turkey's entrance into the EU were at risk if they refused to take the refugees (still not a fait accomplit!)

Things were finally worked out, and after an extra day in Kusadasi, we left, with the refugees having finally been allowed to leave the ship. We missed our stop in Malta, but I don't recall hearing anyone complain. The captain kept everyone as informed as he could. It was all rather high adventure, though we heard nothing about this in the press, despite the fact that it caused quite the stir in diplomatic circles at the time. (The fact that Iraqis and Somalis were among the poor folks on the sinking boat really didn't scare anyone; we were just glad that so many lives were saved, and saddened at the loss of the child.)

Excellent of the Noordam Crew and Passengers!! I am so proud to cruise on a line that takes peoples lives in their hands instead of "letting them fend/die" for themselves. Shame on Turkey!!

Joanie

[TucsonRick]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns??? Most people on cruise ships are strangers. I doubt that the Captain knows very many of them!

[Lizzie1213]

According an article in the dutch press the captain alerted the coast guard but they couldnot get there in time. That is why Eurodam's captain decided to rescue those people since it looked like their vessel was sinking.
It however stated also that quite some passengers were very angry and upset because they were afraid they couldnot get their flight in time.

The captain and crew were heroic.

How can anyone weigh catching a flight on time against the cost of a life?

[Lizzie1213]

Am I only one who think,that cruise ships should not take strange people on board?????Who knows maybe there is terrorists with guns???

I'm sure they were checked for guns.

I'm also sure that 3 soaking wet, half-drowned men were no match for the 2500+ captain and crew of the Eurodam!

[erewhon]

Goldenbonny,

You state that you don't know how to do CPR. I attended a CPR refresher course this week, my sincere wish for you is that you take time to learn these skills. You never know when your family or friends may be in need of such help.

[Himself]

As you people know from previous posts, I was on this cruise and on the Eurodam when this great rescue occurred and I was one delayed on getting into Port because of this rescue. I am one that thanks God that the rescue occurred and that the two men were safe. My hat is off to the Captain and the crew that they took the time to help. May God Bless them for their efforts. It will be two weeks tonight since this happened and we are still talking about it. As I read the posts, most of us are on the same page and I thank God for it.

[madgolfer3]

We were also on the Eurodam during the rescue. Thank God the Eurodam was there. My only comment regarding the disembarkation is that the Cruise Director only made one short announcement around 7:15(15 minutes before walk off was originally scheduled to start) about the situation and that we would be docking around 8:30. He never stated the obvious that all disembarkation times should be backed up one hour. If he had done this, the mass of humanity in the hallways around the exit area would have been much better managed. Also, folks would have been less stressed knowing what to expect. As in all things, the more information passed on, the better folks deal with issues.

[happyglobetrotter]

I was also on the Eurodam but on a 17 day cruise from Oct. 6 to Oct 23 (10 Canada - New England + 7 day Caribbean). I was on board for the rescue that everybody is talking about.

However, on our first day at sea of our 17 day cruise, i.e. on Oct. 6, there was another 'rescue' on Eurodam. We had left Québec city and we were close to Tadoussac when we stopped in the middle of the St Lawrence River. It was about 8.15, it was just after dinner. A lot of passengers never saw or heard anything. I was in the Explorations Cafe and I saw a small yacht bouncing in very rough waters. There were stong spotlights coming from the ship aiming in the direction of the small white boat. The Eurodam turned around in order to protect the small embarkation which was really in danger of capsizing. We later learnt that the small boat had lost its power, and its communication equipment and had somehow attracted the attention of the Eurodam.

I went on the lower promenade deck in order to better see what was going on. There were at least 5 members of the crew getting ready to launch their equipment. I stayed on the deck for 15 minutes watching the yacht. The crew told us that the Canadian Coast guard was on their way. And a few minutes later, we started seeing the lights of the coast guard boat in the distance. Fifteen minutes later, they reached the yacht and we saw the people climb from one boat to the other. Then the Coast guard tied their boat to the yacht and they all left. We resumed speed. The next day, the Captain told us that the people in the yacht had been left like this in complete darkness for at least 4 hours and that they were very happy to see the Eurodam come by. They had been found from the radar of the ship.

So our 17 day Eurodam cruise did not have one, but 2 rescues, it sure was an exciting adventure !

[Two@Sea]

Most people on cruise ships are strangers. I doubt that the Captain knows very many of them!

I just couldn't let that one slip by without acknowledgement... :D:D:D

[DougandEric]

do you really read what i wright????
1. I dont know how to do CPR and I can make more harm than help
2. Its nice to leave in American dream but in some countries thats how people get killed-they stope to help in fake accidents .welcome to real life.

#1 - Perhaps you SHOULD learn CPR then you could help
#2 - Try using a spell checker!

[Himself]

I was also on the Eurodam but on a 17 day cruise from Oct. 6 to Oct 23 (10 Canada - New England + 7 day Caribbean). I was on board for the rescue that everybody is talking about.

However, on our first day at sea of our 17 day cruise, i.e. on Oct. 6, there was another 'rescue' on Eurodam. We had left Québec city and we were close to Tadoussac when we stopped in the middle of the St Lawrence River. It was about 8.15, it was just after dinner. A lot of passengers never saw or heard anything. I was in the Explorations Cafe and I saw a small yacht bouncing in very rough waters. There were stong spotlights coming from the ship aiming in the direction of the small white boat. The Eurodam turned around in order to protect the small embarkation which was really in danger of capsizing. We later learnt that the small boat had lost its power, and its communication equipment and had somehow attracted the attention of the Eurodam.

I went on the lower promenade deck in order to better see what was going on. There were at least 5 members of the crew getting ready to launch their equipment. I stayed on the deck for 15 minutes watching the yacht. The crew told us that the Canadian Coast guard was on their way. And a few minutes later, we started seeing the lights of the coast guard boat in the distance. Fifteen minutes later, they reached the yacht and we saw the people climb from one boat to the other. Then the Coast guard tied their boat to the yacht and they all left. We resumed speed. The next day, the Captain told us that the people in the yacht had been left like this in complete darkness for at least 4 hours and that they were very happy to see the Eurodam come by. They had been found from the radar of the ship.

So our 17 day Eurodam cruise did not have one, but 2 rescues, it sure was an exciting adventure !

HappyGlobeTrotter:

I wished I had met you on the ship. That was quite a story you shared with us and I thank you for sharing it. The Eurodam also contacted the Coast Guard and they said they were six hours away and that is when the HAL ship "stepped up to bat."
I think the events of our last hours on the ship will make it a memorable cruise. It will be doubly so for you because of your experiences. See you on one of the DAM ships.
Himself

[Ryancoke]

I don't understand some people being upset about missing a connection because of this. Stuff happens and it could have been several other reasons why they might be late. If you're cutting it that close you have to be ready in case your plans are disrupted. At least this was for a very good reason. On a holiday I never cut it close because it would stress me. And who needs that?

Goldenbonny sounds like possibly an ESL and maybe where she came from safety IS a consideration when stopping. But in this case I'm sure the ship had safety handled. And I think they did call the CG first so in all likelihood they weren't looking to mug THEM.

[bobalink]

I was also on the Eurodam but on a 17 day cruise from Oct. 6 to Oct 23 (10 Canada - New England + 7 day Caribbean). I was on board for the rescue that everybody is talking about.

However, on our first day at sea of our 17 day cruise, i.e. on Oct. 6, there was another 'rescue' on Eurodam. We had left Québec city and we were close to Tadoussac when we stopped in the middle of the St Lawrence River. It was about 8.15, it was just after dinner. A lot of passengers never saw or heard anything. I was in the Explorations Cafe and I saw a small yacht bouncing in very rough waters. There were stong spotlights coming from the ship aiming in the direction of the small white boat. The Eurodam turned around in order to protect the small embarkation which was really in danger of capsizing. We later learnt that the small boat had lost its power, and its communication equipment and had somehow attracted the attention of the Eurodam.

I went on the lower promenade deck in order to better see what was going on. There were at least 5 members of the crew getting ready to launch their equipment. I stayed on the deck for 15 minutes watching the yacht. The crew told us that the Canadian Coast guard was on their way. And a few minutes later, we started seeing the lights of the coast guard boat in the distance. Fifteen minutes later, they reached the yacht and we saw the people climb from one boat to the other. Then the Coast guard tied their boat to the yacht and they all left. We resumed speed. The next day, the Captain told us that the people in the yacht had been left like this in complete darkness for at least 4 hours and that they were very happy to see the Eurodam come by. They had been found from the radar of the ship.

So our 17 day Eurodam cruise did not have one, but 2 rescues, it sure was an exciting adventure !

happyglobetrotter -

THANK YOU for sharing this information from your first hand experience.
It is good to get the thread BACK ON TOPIC.

Unfortunately, the exchange of comments with another poster have been less than kind.

Your post is the reason most people enjoy Cruise Critic.

Happy cruising everyone!