Rescuing refugees off the high seas

MERCHANT ships must have provision to cope with a man overboard emergency and, in the case of most modern vessels, now have a small rescue boat for that purpose. Large commercial vessels, such as container ships, bulk carriers and tankers are, however, designed primarily to carry cargo economically. So they tend to be box-shaped with the lowest open decks high above the waterline. They are also usually single screw and not easy to manoeuvre safely close to people in the water or small craft.

That means rescuing somebody either from the sea or from a small boat is a hazardous operation in all circumstances, and especially so in rough seas. Even in relatively benign conditions, ship crews are taking risks when trying to recover survivors.

Nevertheless going to the rescue of those in distress at sea is deeply ingrained in a seaman's psyche, and reinforced by law.