On 3 July 2026, while at sea in the Caribbean, the crew of GLOBE POLARIS, a vessel under Synergy Marine Group’s technical management, sighted distress signals from the sailing boat BERANTEG 1.
At approximately 1430 local time, Third Officer Aljo Joy observed a red hand flare and a rocket parachute flare, around four miles from the vessel. The Master, Capt. Sachin Balisti, was immediately informed. The general alarm was sounded, a public address announcement was made, and additional lookouts were posted to maintain visual contact with the distressed craft and check whether anyone was in the water.
The vessel altered course towards the sailing boat. Rescue equipment was prepared, including the port-side lifeboat, and GLOBE POLARIS reduced speed before stopping the main engine approximately 1.2 cables from the craft. Conditions at the time were Beaufort force 5, ESE wind, ESE swell of around 1.5 metres and visibility of approximately 9 miles.
As GLOBE POLARIS approached, the sailor disconnected his dinghy from the sailing boat, proceeded towards the vessel and safely boarded via the gangway. He confirmed he was the sole person on board. He was stable but exhausted, having reportedly been adrift for approximately three days, and was provided with accommodation, food and care on board.
According to his account, the sailing boat had run out of fuel, its emergency batteries were depleted, communication and position reporting had been lost, and the mainsail had torn in bad weather. The craft was approximately 134 nautical miles from its intended destination.
GLOBE POLARIS also broadcast a navigational safety message, as the abandoned sailing boat and dinghy remained adrift and unlit. Following coordination with MRCC Martinique and the St Vincent Coast Guard, the sailor was safely handed over to the St Vincent Coast Guard on 4 July 2026.
Reflecting on behalf of his crew, Capt. Sachin said: “As seafarers, we consider it our humanitarian duty to render assistance to anyone in distress, and we will continue to uphold this responsibility whenever required.”
Synergy Marine Group acknowledges Capt. Sachin Balisti, Third Officer Aljo Joy, Chief Engineer Arvind Mishra and all colleagues on board GLOBE POLARIS for their vigilance, seamanship and care.
