The Holland America Noordam rescued 22 people on Tuesday from the Aegean Sea in waters between Turkey and Greece. The individuals, believed to be refugees from a number of countries, had been sailing on a boat that had capsized. Ship's officers and other crew began implementing rescue procedures as soon as a sailor working on the aft of the ship spotted a person floating in the water. One fast rescue boat and two tenders were lowered and the 22 people, all wearing life jackets, were brought aboard within two hours and 15 minutes. One child, who had not been wearing a life vest, was later found dead by Greek officials. Medical staff on the Noordam treated the individuals for any injuries. The Noordam arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey, at 9:30 a.m. local time on June 6, approximately two hours behind schedule. Turkish authorities immediately began processing the refugees and later permitted them to disembark in Kusadasi for handling in accordance with international requirements. Guests aboard were kept updated on the rescue by public-address announcements and notices from the captain. The Noordam was on a scheduled 10-day cruise roundtrip from Civitavecchia, Italy, and proceeding with 1,847 passengers and approximately 800 crew from the port of Santorini, Greece, to Kusadasi, Turkey. The voyage ends June 10 in Civitavecchia.
