ms Noordam Rescues 22 in Aegean Sea Off the Coast of Greece

SEATTLE, June 7 /PRNewswire/ --

At 5:44 a.m. local time on Tuesday, June 6, the ms Noordam rescued 22 people from the Aegean Sea in waters between Turkey and Greece. The individuals, believed to be refugees from a number of countries, had been sailing on a boat which had capsized.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060607/SFW093 )

Ship's officers and other crew began implementing rescue procedures as soon as a sailor working on the aft of the ship spotted a person floating in the water. One fast rescue boat and two tenders were lowered and the 22 people, all wearing life jackets, were brought aboard within two hours and 15 minutes. One child, who had not been wearing a life vest, was later found dead by Greek officials. Medical staff on the Noordam treated the individuals for any injuries.

The Noordam arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey, at 9:30 a.m. local time on June 6, approximately two hours behind schedule. Turkish authorities immediately began processing the refugees and later permitted them to disembark in Kusadasi for handling in accordance with international requirements. Guests aboard were kept updated on the rescue by public-address announcements and notices from the captain.

"In a situation such as this we are certainly happy to have helped so many people in dire circumstances. The crew performed admirably," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO, Holland America Line. "We also are very thankful and appreciative of the Turkish authorities for allowing these people to disembark for later repatriation. We recognize the important commitment the leadership of Turkey has demonstrated to cruise ship safety as well as their respect for international law and their compassion for people who are less fortunate."

The ms Noordam was on a scheduled 10-day cruise roundtrip from Civitavecchia, Italy, and proceeding with 1,847 passengers and approximately 800 crew from the port of Santorini, Greece, to Kusadasi, Turkey. The ship will leave from Kusadasi at 8:00 p.m. local time en route to Messina, Sicily, and will conclude the sailing on June 10 in Civitavecchia.

-- www.hollandamerica.com -

    
    Contact: Rose Abello
    Phone: +1-206-301-5318; +1-206-313-7673 cell phone
    Fax: +1-206-262-5934 E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com

Web site: http://www.hollandamerica.com

Rose Abello of Holland America Line, +1-800-637-5029 (Not for publication.), +1-206-301-5318, +1-206-313-7673 cell phone, Fax: +1-206-262-5934, or pr@hollandamerica.com; Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060607/SFW093 AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com