Ship's captain and crew recognized at 2016 Maritime Awards
for humanitarianism
SEATTLE, July 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2016 Lloyd's
List North American Maritime Awards, the captain and crew of
Holland America Line's ms Veendam were named "Seafarer of
the Year" for the rescue of a pilot who ejected from his aircraft
in the Pacific Ocean. Holland America
Line received the award at a ceremony in New York in May.
The "Seafarer of the Year" award recognizes the skills, bravery
and professionalism that seafarers demonstrate daily. On
Jan. 25, 2015, Veendam rescued
a pilot 225 miles off the coast of Maui,
Hawaii, who had to ditch his single-engine aircraft after
running out of fuel. The plane had a parachute system and the pilot
was able to safely escape into a life-raft where he was retrieved
by Veendam.
"Holland America Line employees consistently strive for
professional and personal excellence, and to be honored for saving
a life is both humbling and rewarding," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's
president. "On behalf of Veendam's captain and crew, thank
you to Lloyd's List for bestowing the honor of 'Seafarer of the
Year,' a recognition we greatly appreciate."
"The officers and crew performed exceptionally well and made a
dramatic rescue – I am very proud of the Veendam team,"
added Keith Taylor, executive vice
president, fleet operations, Holland America Group, and retired
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard. "This rescue is a great reminder of
the commitment all of us at Holland America Line, our sister brands
and the cruise industry have in supporting rescue efforts at sea
when we are near."
Lloyd's List called Veendam's award one of the "stand-out
moments of the gala dinner."
"Whenever the crew of a vessel is actively involved in a rescue
it shows the capabilities and the humanity of the profession," said
Sander Wielemaker, Atlantic area
manager DNV GL, sponsors of the award. "The master and crew,
through coordination with the authorities, were able to save the
life of the individual and no doubt add a moment of
out-of-the-ordinary excitement for the passengers of the cruise
ship."
Holland America Line participates
in rescues at sea whenever called upon. Also in 2015, ms
Zuiderdam rescued eight crewmembers from a sinking vessel in
the Caribbean, while ms
Zaandam came to the aid of seven stranded crewmembers at the
Arctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica.
For more information about Holland America Line, contact a
travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or
visit hollandamerica.com.
Editor's note: Photos are available at
https://wwelw.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/o8rjhaf8.
Link to official United States Coast Guard video or rescue:
http://www.dvidshub.net/video/388574/pilot-safe-after-ditching-253-miles-maui#.VMZA7ye2jLU.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland
America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online
Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival
Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland
America Line's fleet of 14 ships
offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98
countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From
shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises
visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic
Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and
popular sailings to the Caribbean,
Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line
currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam,
delivered in April 2016, as well as a
second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, due for
delivery in November 2018.
The company recently announced $300
million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the
leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative
initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on
destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand
their knowledge on board at the Culinary Arts Center, presented by
Food & Wine magazine; Explorations Café, powered by The
New York Times; and Digital Workshop
powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at
venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and
B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining
experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus
that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed
Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design
dishes exclusively for our guests.
CONTACT:
|
Sally
Andrews
|
PHONE:
|
800-637-5029
|
EMAIL:
|
pr@hollandamerica.com
|
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130930/SF88951LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holland-america-line-wins-seafarer-of-the-year-award-from-lloyds-list-for-ms-veendams-rescue-of-pilot-from-pacific-ocean-300294077.html
SOURCE Holland America Line