Holland America is being praised for a good deed. A Holland America cruise ship helped rescue dozens of tourists from a troubled sightseeing boat in Alaska's Glacier Bay.
Holland America's 1,423-passenger ship Volendam picked up another 76 passengers and crew from the Baranof Wind after the sightseeing boat struck rocks and started to take on water while on a tour of Glacier Bay National Park on Sunday. The Volendam was the closest vessel to the damaged 79-foot tourist boat.
According to the Coast Guard, two other Baranof Wind passengers were picked up by a National Park Service boat. Those two people reported minor injuries, but no other passengers were seriously hurt. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and boat was also on the scene to assist in the rescue.
Four crew members remained on the Baranof Wing to maintain the pumps and keep it from sinking. The flooding on the boat has been contained and an anchor is keeping it stabilized. There were no signs of spills or other pollution.
The Coast Guard is investigating the issue and plans are being made to tow the boat back to port so it can be inspected.
"The Coast Guard would like to thank the crew of the Volendam, the National Parks Service personnel, and the other Good Samaritans for taking immediate action to aid the passengers and crew of the Baranof Wind," Coast Guard official Scott Giard says in a statement, as quoted by USA Today. "Their quick assistance ensured everyone was quickly accounted for and transferred to safety."
The Baranof Wind is a 79-foot-long catamaran which can hold up to 129 passengers. It often hosts eight-hour tours around Glacier Bay National Park. Guests can see snow-capped mountains, bears, rare birds, eagles, seals, sea lions, whales, and spectacular wildlife along the tour.
The tours cost about $195 per adult and $97.50. There is no word on if the passengers will receive a refund, but it is expected.
The Volendam was on a seven-night round trip cruise from to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada when it picked up the passengers. The ship stops in the ports of Tracy Arm, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan, Alaska.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
