National Glory rescues seven refugees adrift in the Straits of Florida
By Captain Tom Lisante
Master, National Glory
At approximately 1800, 29 October 2022 enroute from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Houston, Texas while transiting the Straits of Florida 81 nautical miles southwest of Key West, Ordinary Seaman Dexter Arriola Arzu spotted a 20-foot homemade foam raft that appeared to be in distress. He then reported it to Bosun Nagi Mihakel who immediately relayed it to the bridge.
The National Glory reduced speed to communicate via loudspeaker in Spanish to confirm the raft was in distress.
Raft occupants confirmed they had lost their means of propulsion and could not make it back to land and needed assistance to survive as they said they had been adrift at sea for five days.
At 1815, the National Glory contacted U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West to report the raft in distress.
On deck Chief Mate Kevin Wood and Bosun Mihakel coordinated rigging of equipment for recovery of the raft's crew.
The steward department prepared space in the accommodation with blankets, food, and water.
The engine department sent an Oiler to assist on deck in the rescue while Chief Engineer Jacob Emery readied the ship's engine for maneuvering.
After the notification to USCG Sector Key West, the National Glory maneuvered close the raft to render aid and embark the seven Cuban citizens and proceed to Key West.
On deck Chief Mate Wood and Bosun Mihakel did an excellent job coordinating the recovery. Plans were made with the Coast Guard to rendezvous at the Key West sea buoy to transfer the raft's survivors.
On the bridge during the rescue: Captain Tom Lisante and Second Mate Alex Jenkins.
On deck during the rescue: Chief Mate Kevin Wood, Third Mate Peter Carnazza, Bosun Nagi Mihakel, OS Jose Soler Cifre, OS Dexter Arriola Arzu, AB Marlon Suazo Fernandez, AB Carlos Lasso, AB Moises Arzu.
In engine room: Chief Engineer Jacob Emery, First Engineer Devin Glossin, Third Engineer Sean Grace.
In the ship's accommodations: Steward Lionel Packnett and Cook Esperanza Crespo.
The officers and crew did a great job!
The National Glory's owner, National Shipping of America, and vessel's technical management, Crowley Global Ship Management, provided excellent support to the National Glory crew during and after the rescue.
