Zuiderdam altered course and was able to successfully execute a nighttime rescue of all eight crewmembers at 3:01 a.m. The ship brought them onboard and provided food and accommodations. The rescued crewmembers debarked in Aruba on Jan. 5.
Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, congratulated the crew on their quick response:
“Congratulations to the officers and crew onboard Zuiderdam for their quick response that saved the lives of eight people. We are proud to be able to come to the rescue when called upon, and it’s even more gratifying when everything goes as smoothly as this operation did.”
In addition to the January 3rd rescue, on January 4th ms Zaandam came to the aid of seven crewmembers from the sailing yacht, Polonus, that were staying at the Arctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica. The crew, all Polish nationals, were stranded after their yacht went aground. They are being taken to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and will disembark Jan. 11.