On 27 October 2026, the crew of GENCO PYRENEES rescued a sailor from a damaged sailing boat taking on water in the Bay of Biscay. The operation was coordinated by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Finisterre and carried out in darkness and rain, with a reported swell of five to six metres.
The bulk carrier is owned by Genco Shipping & Trading Limited and technically managed through GS Shipmanagement, the joint venture between Genco and Synergy Marine Group.
A MAYDAY during the voyage to Iskenderun
GENCO PYRENEES received the MAYDAY at 03:30 UTC while on a laden voyage from Antwerp to Iskenderun. The sailing boat had suffered hull damage and water was entering the craft.
The Pyrenees stretch between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The vessel was on a passage linking those same waters when her Master altered course to assist.
Winds were around 20 knots and the sea was rough. The crew prepared for the recovery as GENCO PYRENEES approached the sailing boat.
Recovery coordinated by MRCC Finisterre
The vessel initially contacted MRCC A Coruña before MRCC Finisterre assumed coordination of the rescue.
Pilot ladders were rigged on both the port and starboard sides, and lines were prepared for the recovery. As the sailing boat came within reach, lines were passed across. The approach required careful ship handling, with the bridge, deck and engine room working together throughout.
By 05:28 UTC, the sailor was safely aboard GENCO PYRENEES. All crew members were involved in the rescue operation.
Care aboard and disembarkation
The crew provided first aid and checked the sailor’s vital signs. He was given warm clothing, food and warm drinks, and internet access was made available so he could make calls.
He remained aboard while arrangements were made for his disembarkation and left the vessel on 7 November 2026.
Appreciation from MRCC Finisterre and the charterers
In a message dated 29 October, MRCC Finisterre thanked the Master and crew for their “swift and invaluable assistance”. It stated that their prompt response and professionalism were vital to ensuring the sailor’s safety and the successful rescue.
The charterers also commended the crew’s “good seamanship and solidarity”.
The duty to help those in distress is often called the first law of the sea. Synergy Marine Group thanks Capt. Deepu Varghese, Chief Engineer Vishnushankar Alagarlingam and all colleagues on board GENCO PYRENEES for bringing the sailor to safety and caring for him throughout his stay.
