CS Dependable rescues sailor from stricken catamaran in Pacific Ocean

Gathered onboard the CS Dependable with Andrew Baillie (fourth from left) following his recovery from a stricken catamaran in the Pacific Ocean are AB Evgueni Baechko, Second Mate Harry Klausner, Chief Mate Terry Simmons, Captain Yann Durieux, UA/GVA Sarah Wilson, Bosun Ronnie Rodriguez, Bosun Mate Steven Whiting and MDR Luke Mueller. American Maritime Officers represents all licensed officers aboard the SubCom cableship.

The following is excerpted from a report sent by Captain Yann Durieux, master on the CS Dependable.

On March 21, just before 0200 local time, while the CS Dependable was en route to Hawaii, the mate on watch (Second Mate Harry Klausner) received a distress call from the sailing vessel Catamaran 2, with one person onboard. I was called to the bridge and we made way to the location of the vessel, arriving onsite about 0238 local time.

It took a bit of time to approach, as the sailor onboard the vessel needed to keep making way until the last minute as he feared the boat would break apart if not heading into the waves. We recovered his gear and the sole individual onboard Catamaran 2, Andrew Baillie, age 71.

Our navigator notified NAVAREA XII of the abandoned boat for the navigational safety of other vessels.

Catamaran 2 was en route to Ecuador from San Pedro, Calif. Baillie did have a COVID-19 test dated March 4 and his last port was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from which he departed on March 5.

The basic time line of the operation was as follows.

0755 Coordinated Universal Time / 0155 LT: Sailing vessel Catamaran 2, one soul onboard, Andrew, reports vessel is damaged and vessel is no longer sea worthy. Immediate assistance required.

0800 UTC / 0200 LT: Captain on bridge; Dependable found to be only vessel in the area able to render assistance; intercept course plotted.

0930 UTC / 0230 LT: Chief Engineer King gets pumps up for bow thrusters.

0938 UTC / 0238 LT: I made approach to give a lee and we tried to coordinate when Catamaran 2 could stop making way. Bridge team (Klausner and Baechko) kept me apprised of the vessel position as we made approach. First Officer Connor came up to assist. Weather was good but we did have a strong current. Chief Mate Simmons, Bosun Rodriguez, Bosun Mate Whiting and GVA Wilson on deck, port side.

1025 UTC / 0325 LT: One person recovered via port gangway in good health. Catamaran 2 left unmanned and adrift. Appropriate authorities notified of its existence and location, about 400 nautical miles south-southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. MDR Mueller attends to Mr. Baillie.

1029 UTC / 0329 LT: Depart distress area, continuing along original track to Honolulu, Hawaii, as per Voyage Plan.

Great team effort.