While en route to Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska, Holland America Line’s ms Volendam rescued 70 people from a disabled sightseeing boat Sunday, Aug. 19. Volendam responded to a distress call at 11:16 a.m. local time from the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind, which struck a rock near Russell Island in Glacier Bay disabling its steering and propulsion and causing the boat to take on water.
The ship lowered a tender, which collected 69 tourists and one Glacier Bay park ranger and returned to Volendam, where the passengers were cleared through security, given a safety briefing and then provided a meal. Volendam continued on to Margerie Glacier following the rescue.
Volendam rendezvoused with an Allen Marine boat at around 6 p.m. to transfer the rescued passengers back to Bartlett Cove, where their excursion originated. The ship proceeded on to its next port call at Ketchikan, where it was expected to arrive on schedule today.
The U.S. Coast Guard thanked the crew of Volendam for their quick response to the emergency.
For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.