Oleander rescues Elle crew as rough seas take their toll

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9: It’s already been a hectic week out at sea with reports of rescue operations, medical evacuations and stricken ships.

On Sunday the crew of the Oleander helped pluck four sailors from the Atlantic after they were forced to abandon their yacht Elle.

The container ship changed course at 3:20pm to come to the aid of the 46-foot sailing craft which was on her way to Bermuda.

As a result she arrived into Hamilton later than normal on Monday morning with four grateful sailors on board.

Earlier on Sunday the cable ship Ocean was called in to help three sailors get off their boat, Spring Moon, 550 miles southwest of Bermuda.

The rescued crew arrived in the east end yesterday on board the Ocean.

While on Monday morning a sick cruise ship passenger was rushed straight to hospital when the Explorer of the Seas arrived in Dockyard.

At around the same time the tugboat Powerful and the pilot boat St. George were being called into action to help a stricken yacht in St George’s Harbour.

Riot and her six-strong crew lost the ability to steer the vessel as they arrived in the harbour but were guided safely in by the two Bermudian boats.

Yesterday St George’s also welcomed a ship of Norwegian Naval cadets.

The Statsraad Lehmkukl arrived at Penno’s Wharf yesterday morning for a day’s rest and relaxation.

The Carnival Pride is due to arrive in Dockyard today at 1pm — a day behind schedule due to high seas and bad weather.

She is due to leave Bermuda at 3:30pm tomorrow bound for Baltimore.

The Carnival Pride is the only Carnival ship heading back to Bermuda next year after the company slashed its service to the island.

The Pride will be back in Bermuda in April for Carnival’s only trip here.

The bulk carrier Gil is back again in St George’s this week.

She arrives today from Nova Scotia with a cargo of gravel for the hospital project.

Finally the super yacht Serene has been causing a stir in the Old Town. The power yacht arrived in St George’s on Saturday night and was expected to move up to Hamilton yesterday morning.

Serene will be in the capital for a couple of days before she is scheduled to leave either today or tomorrow.