Holland America Rescues Alaska Sightseeing Vessel, Again

While leaving from Margerie Glacier to depart Glacier Bay, Alaska, Holland America Line’s ms Statendam assisted 103 persons on a disabled sightseeing boat Friday, Aug. 2. Statendam responded to a call for aid at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time to stand by to possibly assist the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind, which was experiencing mechanical troubles and had lost power in the ice near John Hopkins Glacier.

The ship lowered two tenders, which collected 102 tourists and one Glacier Bay National Park ranger and returned to Statendam. A Glacier Bay National Park ranger aboard Statendam assisted in coordinating the assistance from the ship’s bridge.

The sightseers were brought to Bartlett Cove, where the Baranof Wind’s excursion originated, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time. The ship then sailed for Seward, Alaska, where it is expected to arrive on schedule Sunday, Aug. 4.

“Statendam‘s Captain Jochem Bakker and his crew responded quickly and professionally to assist the passengers of Baranof Wind,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We are proud of our officers and crew.”

This rescue comes a year after the Baranof Wind took on water last August and was assisted by another Holland American vessel.

Source: HAL