Holland America Line's Volendam Rescues 70 Stranded Sightseers In Glacier Bay, Alaska

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While en route to Margerie Glacier in Glacier Bay, Alaska, Holland America Line's ms Volendam rescued 70 persons from a disabled sightseeing boat Sunday, Aug. 19. Volendam responded to a distress call at 11:16 a.m. local time from the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind, which struck a rock near Russell Island in Glacier Bay disabling its steering and propulsion and causing the boat to take on water.

The ship lowered a tender, which collected 69 tourists and one Glacier Bay park ranger and returned to Volendam, where the passengers were cleared through security, given a safety briefing and then provided a meal. Volendam continued on to Margerie Glacier following the rescue.

"It's the code of the sea to provide assistance in an emergency, and Captain Peter Bos and his crew responded quickly and professionally to render aid to the passengers of Baranof Wind," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. "We are proud of our officers and crew, and this is shining example of how our training prepares us to react to any situation."

Volendam rendezvoused with an Allen Marine boat at around 6 p.m. to transfer the rescued passengers back to Bartlett Cove, where their excursion originated. The ship proceeded on to its next port call at Ketchikan, where it was expected to arrive on schedule today.

The U.S. Coast Guard thanked the crew of Volendam for their quick response to the emergency.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

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Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

SOURCE Holland America Line