The crew of NORD MATE responded after sighting five persons in the water with two overturned jet-skis nearby, bringing all five safely on board before their transfer ashore.
On 14 June 2026, while at anchor off La Libertad, Ecuador, the crew of NORD MATE carried out a successful rescue operation after sighting five persons in the water, with two overturned jet-skis nearby.
The situation was reported to La Libertad Port Control. The vessel’s rescue team was activated, lifebuoys were deployed, and the survivors were guided alongside before being safely recovered on board via the gangway.
All five persons, including a child, were brought safely on board. They were accommodated in a spare cabin and provided with blankets, drinking water and food. They were later disembarked safely to a boat sent by Port Control, which confirmed that everyone had reached shore.
There were no casualties or injuries.
The duty to assist persons in distress at sea is often called the first law of the sea. Long before modern conventions formally recognised it, it lived as part of the moral code of seafaring, a tradition often associated with the ancient lineage of maritime law, including Rhodian sea law.
Across generations, mariners have carried that obligation forward. Quietly, instinctively and without expectation of recognition.
The rescue took place shortly before Day of the Seafarer 2026, which is being marked under the IMO theme “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” What NORD MATE’s crew did that afternoon is a real example of what that responsibility looks like in practice.
Synergy Marine Group extends its sincere appreciation to Capt. Rixon Sebastian, Chief Engineer Himmat Singh and all colleagues on board NORD MATE for their watchfulness, seamanship and care.
