A pilot who ditched his aircraft in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii was lucky to be in the same area as the Holland America cruise ship ms Veendam. Now the ship’s captain and crew have been honored as “Seafarer of the Year” for the rescue of the pilot who ejected from his aircraft in the Pacific Ocean.

The honor was presented by Lloyd’s List North American Maritime Awards, calling Veendam’s award one of the “stand-out moments of the gala dinner.”

“Whenever the crew of a vessel are actively involved in a rescue it shows the capabilities and the humanity of the profession,” said Sander Wielemaker, Atlantic area manager DNV GL, sponsors of the award.

“The master and crew, through coordination with the authorities, were able to save the life of the individual and no doubt add a moment of out-of-the-ordinary excitement for the passengers of the cruise ship.”

On Sunday, Jan. 25, at 5:21 p.m., the ms Veendam answered the call for help. The pilot had ditched his single-engine Cirrus SR-22 after experiencing a mechanical issue with the fuel system.The pilot was located about 225 nautical miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii.

The pilot deployed the aircraft’s airframe parachute system and safely exited the plane into a life raft. Holland America Line crewmembers brought him aboard Veendam and provided him with food and accommodations. The pilot, who was in good condition, disembarked Jan. 26 at Lahaina.

“Congratulations to the team on ms Veendam for coming to the aid of the pilot and for working together with the Coast Guard to conduct this successful rescue operation,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line.

The “Seafarer of the Year” award recognizes the skills, bravery and professionalism that seafarers demonstrate daily.

“The officers and crew performed exceptionally well and made a dramatic rescue – I am very proud of the Veendam team,” said Keith Taylor, executive vice president, fleet operations, Holland America Group, and retired Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard. “This rescue is a great reminder of the commitment all of us at Holland America Line, our sister brands and the cruise industry have in supporting rescue efforts at sea when we are near.”

January was an eventful month for other Holland America ships, Ashford said. On Jan. 3, ms Zuiderdam rescued eight crewmembers from a sinking vessel in the Caribbean, and Jan. 4 ms Zaandam came to the aid of seven stranded crewmembers at the Arctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica.

“We are honored to be able to assist in any distress situation when needed,” Ashford said. “Holland America Line employees consistently strive for professional and personal excellence, and to be honored for saving a life is both humbling and rewarding,”

Photo courtesy of Holland America Group