Captain Guo Hongtao, who has 18 years of seafaring experience, is regarded by his crew as optimistic and confident, always prioritizing safety systems and efficient execution. Faced with the emergency, he remained calm and immediately took command, issuing an alert over the ship’s public address system and activating emergency response procedures.

He quickly ordered the crew to track the position of the person overboard, notify the engine room to prepare for emergency maneuvering, contact the nearest search and rescue center, assign dedicated lookouts, broadcast rescue information via VHF, and organize the emergency team to prepare the rescue boat. Under the captain’s unified command, the crew responded swiftly, with clear roles and close coordination.

At the time, a cargo vessel was passing approximately 2.4 nautical miles off the JAMAICA BAY’s starboard bow. To ensure safety, Captain Guo decisively executed a “single turn” maneuver to conduct the search and rescue operation. While the vessel maneuvered for the search, he also instructed the bosun to lead crew members in setting up safety nets along both sides of the ship and preparing a pilot ladder and lifebuoys equipped with buoyant lines.

Based on the prevailing sea conditions, hydrological data, and the vessel’s maneuvering track, the crew calculated and assessed the drift direction of the persons overboard and conducted a continuous search. Moments later, a lookout’s shout signaled that the three drifting individuals had come back into view, appearing at approximately the two o’clock position off the bow.

Taking into account the wind, current, and other conditions, Captain Guo directed the vessel to approach the survivors slowly. The chief officer had already prepared the rescue boat, but after evaluating the sea state and the condition of the individuals, the crew decided not to launch it. Instead, they maneuvered the vessel to a leeward position alongside the survivors to carry out the rescue.

Crew members then threw lifebuoys fitted with lines to assist the individuals in reaching the ship, and used a pilot ladder to bring them aboard one by one.

Through the coordinated efforts of the entire crew of the JAMAICA BAY, all three persons overboard were successfully rescued at 11:30 a.m. local time. Captain Guo then assigned the second officer and an emergency response team to provide on-site medical assistance. After examination, all three individuals were found to be in stable condition.

It was confirmed at the scene that all persons overboard had been safely recovered, with no one else left in the water. Further information revealed that the rescued individuals were Brazilian fishermen. Their vessel, DONA CELMA G, had taken on water after being struck by heavy waves and sank at around 3:00 a.m. local time on February 13.

The three men had survived by constructing a makeshift flotation device using a wooden pallet, three empty plastic barrels, and a lifebuoy, drifting for more than 32 hours without fresh water or food.

After being rescued, the three survivors were immediately provided with medical assistance, food, clothing, and a place to rest by the crew of the JAMAICA BAY. They were also assisted in contacting their families via satellite phone to report their safety.

Third from the right is Chinese Captain Guo Hongtao.

Meanwhile, Captain Guo reported the rescue to the nearest search and rescue center, MRCC Rio, as well as to the vessel’s port agent, owner, and charterer. It was later confirmed that the three survivors would be received and properly accommodated by the local coast guard at the vessel’s destination port, São Francisco do Sul.

The three survivors remained on board for four days and were safely handed over to the local agent and the Brazilian Coast Guard at 12:15 p.m. local time on February 18.