Savannah, Ga. - A castaway and his dog were rescued after being located by the crewmembers aboard the Motor Vessel (M/V) Torm Esbjerg, officials announced today. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) conducted a joint sea boarding on the M/V Torm Esbjerg after being contacted by the ship's master on May 26.
Jean Linyns, a French citizen, departed Nassau Bahamas on his 48' catamaran along with his canine companion on May 19 heading to Bermuda. The vessel was severely damaged in a tropical storm and both were forced to abandon the ship due to a fire. Linyns and his dog were rescued after spending 8 hours in a raft. Upon arrival in Savannah, Linyns was transported to a local area hospital.
"Savannah CBP and the USCG officers who took part in this operation were pleased to be able to meet Mr. Linyns and his canine companion and help them both return home safely," said John Porter, CBP area port director in Savannah. "We wish them well and hope both can continue their adventures at sea again in the future."
The ability of CBP and the USCG to assist Linyns while still out at sea is a direct result of information sharing and cross training between many federal agencies that are part of DHS.
"This was another successful DHS collaborative effort," said Commander Lonnie Harrison, Jr., commanding officer for marine safety unit Savannah.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.