Zodiac Maritime’s Horten Rescues Solo Rower Amid Rough Atlantic Seas
A dramatic rescue at sea saw a Belgian solo rower saved by the crew of the Zodiac Maritime tanker Horten after his vessel, City of Liverpool, capsized in the Atlantic Ocean east of Puerto Rico.
The 47-year-old rower, Benoit Bourguet, was competing in the World’s Toughest Row Race when two rough waves struck his boat, overturning it in 13 to 15-foot seas and forcing him to board his life raft. Bourguet reportedly spent around 24 hours in distress before being rescued, suffering from dehydration but otherwise in good health.
The Liberian-flagged tanker Horten, traveling from Germany to Offshore Guyana, received an urgent distress alert through the AMVER (Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue) system. The crew immediately altered course, sailing over 12 hours and covering roughly 110 nautical miles to reach the solo rower’s position. Once in the area, they located Bourguet’s life raft and carefully brought him aboard using a life ring, navigating through challenging, rough seas.
Tanuj Luthra, COO of Zodiac Maritime, praised the crew’s efforts: “We are immensely proud of our team. Their professionalism, exemplary seamanship, and close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard helped save a life today. This reflects Zodiac Maritime’s unwavering commitment to safety and our responsibility to protect all lives at sea.”
Lt. Kenneth Snyder, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan mission coordinator, highlighted the role of the AMVER program: “The Horten’s participation was critical. The crew’s selflessness and swift action embody the spirit of this voluntary program, where mariners are always ready to assist one another. It reflects the professionalism and compassion that define the maritime community.”
Zodiac Maritime confirmed that it is working closely with race organizers to reunite Bourguet with his family as quickly as possible, celebrating a successful rescue that underscores the importance of international cooperation and readiness at sea.
