MV South Islander receives award after rescue of 27 sailors in distress

MV South Islander, a multipurpose containership owned by NYK-Hinode Line Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK, rescued all 27 fisherman (10 Japanese, eight Indonesians, and nine Kiribati) from a fishing vessel in trouble, Daiichi Shoei Maru, 870 kilometers east of Guam on April 17. 

First sighting of flaming "Shoei Maru No. 1"

MV South Islander crew conducting rescue procedure

Daiichi Shoei Maru requested the rescue after its engine room caught fire. South Islander was sailing from Yokohama to Honiara, Solomon Islands, and was 222 kilometers southwest of this fishing vessel when the U.S. Coast Guard radioed a request to assist at about 2:20 p.m. (JST) on April 17. South Islander rushed to the scene, and at about 10:20 p.m. found the crew, who had abandoned ship, in life rafts a safe distance from the burning Daiichi Shoei Maru. All 27 fishermen were then safely transferred to South Islander at about 10:30 p.m.

MV South Islander immediately prepared dinner for the rescued crew

At 1330HRS Capt. Fumio Tomori of "Shoei Maru No. 1" last boarded "South Islander." Total of 27 men including Master was successfully rescued. 

According to the officials of Japan Coast Guard, many vessels ignore rescue advisory to avoid route deviation. Accordingly, the 3rd Regional Headquarters of Japan Coast Guard presented a Letter of Appreciation to Captain Gideon P. Avengoza and the crew of MV South Islander.

Capt. Gideon P. Avengoza (left) receiving Letter of Appreciation during the presentation ceremony

The presentation ceremony was held onboard MV South Islander last June 28, 2011 and was personally attended by the Chief of Guard and Rescue Department and their officials, personnel from NYK-Hinode and officials from Hachiuma Steamship Co., Ltd.

The top management of Island Overseas Transport Corporation likewise expressed sincere thanks for the heartwarming appreciation accorded to M/V South Islander crew and assured that IOTC will continue to instill good values and leadership to all its officers and crew through Leadership and Values Formation Courses.