From fire to lifeboat: tanker saves 27 after tuna seiner sinks in the Pacific

The Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Seaways Kenosha has rescued 27 crew members from a sinking tuna fishing vessel in the Eastern Pacific, in an operation that underscores the growing importance of satellite distress technology and merchant vessel cooperation, The Maritime Telegraph reports.

 

The incident occurred on February 1, when the Venezuelan-flagged tuna seiner La Pena suffered a severe onboard fire while underway about 500 nautical miles north-northwest of the Galápagos Islands, according to information provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. As the fire escalated, the crew abandoned the vessel and boarded a single lifeboat before La Pena sank.

 

The distress alert was received by the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) Alameda after Garmin, a satellite navigation and communications provider, intercepted an SOS message transmitted from a handheld satellite device onboard the fishing vessel. Unlike conventional EPIRBs, the device enabled two-way satellite messaging, allowing rescuers to maintain continuous contact with the survivors.

 

According to updates shared with RCC Alameda and U.S. Coast Guard statement, all 27 mariners were adrift in the lifeboat without lifejackets or emergency provisions. Their only communication link was the Garmin device, which was operating on limited battery power. To extend its use, Coast Guard watchstanders instructed the crew to shut down the device periodically while rescue coordination continued.

 

Although the region has limited dedicated SAR assets, its proximity to Panama Canal shipping lanes proved crucial. Using the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system, the Coast Guard identified nearby merchant ships, including Seaways Kenosha, which voluntarily diverted from its commercial route.

 

The tanker arrived at the distress position at approximately 03:30 local time and carried out a swift recovery, safely bringing all survivors aboard. All rescued crew members were reported to be in stable condition with no life-threatening injuries, the Coast Guard confirmed.

 

After completing the rescue, Seaways Kenosha resumed its voyage to La Pampilla, Peru. The Coast Guard credited the successful outcome to the integration of satellite communication systems and the continued participation of merchant vessels in AMVER, highlighting their critical role in global maritime safety.

 

Picture: Courtesy Seaways Kenosha crew / USCG