DMW, PH Embassy commend Filipino seafarers for South Atlantic rescue

MANILA, February 25 ------ The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Finland have commended 19 Filipino crew members of the Greek merchant vessel Cymona Eagle for rescuing a Finnish solo rower who was left adrift in the South Atlantic Ocean after his boat was damaged during a powerful storm.

In a news release on Tuesday, the DMW said the Filipino crew rescued Jari Saario in early January during his historic attempt to become the first solo rower to cross the South Atlantic Ocean from Cape Horn to Cape Town. “While navigating the middle of his 8,000-km. voyage, Mr. Saario's rowing vessel was overturned by a severe storm. He spent 36 hours adrift in his waterlogged boat, exposed to hypothermia and extreme maritime dangers, until he was safely rescued by the Greek merchant vessel Cymona Eagle, which was crewed entirely by Filipino seafarers,” the department said. “The Filipino crew managed to rescue the solo rower despite extreme weather conditions, with strong winds and waves over seven meters high.” department added.

Local news Helsinki Times said Saario is an experienced ocean rower known in Finland for long-distance expeditions, having previously completed crossings of the Atlantic Ocean. It said that Saario has spoken openly about the risks associated with solo ocean rowing. During a courtesy visit to Philippine Ambassador to Finland Domingo Nolasco on Feb. 2, Saario expressed his deep gratitude to the Filipino crew members who took care of him while he was aboard the ship for seven days. “He praises how caring, friendly, and hospitable the Filipino seafarers are, mentioning that they even threw a thanksgiving party for him before his disembarkation in Cape Town,” the Philippine Embassy in Finland said.

In separate statements, the DMW and the Philippine Embassy said the crew’s actions exemplified the highest standards of seamanship and humanitarian service, demonstrating their professionalism and willingness to help during times of crisis and adversity, and further enhancing the reputation of Filipino maritime workers worldwide.

Source: pna.gov.ph