Two days after crew saved a
stranded French yachtsman, Orion
Expedition Cruises considers
compensation for passengers.
THE dramatic rescue of a solo sailor made
international headlines when crew of the Orion
plucked Alain Delord from his raft 380 nautical
miles south-west of Hobart on Sunday night.
The Frenchman had spent three months alone,
sailing around the world, before encountering
heavy seas that destroyed his vessel.
Orion, sailing on an Antarctic voyage,
responded to the call for assistance and
reached him two days later.
In rough seas, with side gates opened, the
ship suffered extensive flooding in the lower
decks and hospital, and the cruise was cut
short to return to Hobart.
According to reports on the cruise line’s
Facebook page, Delord was accommodated in
a suite on the luxury ship and provided
medical care, dinner and red wine.
Expedition leaders Don and Margie McIntyre
reported that guests had cheered from the
deck and “been part of an amazing adventure
that all can be proud of”.
Orion was due to arrive at 8am this morning
(Tuesday), with passengers offered alternative
day trips in Tasmania to the Museum of Old
and New Art (MONA) and Port Arthur.
McIntyre said the “vibe onboard is still high”.
According to a company spokesperson, the
ship has “no damage” and passengers may be
compensated for the cancellation of the
remainder of the cruise.
“Obviously we do not want disgruntled
guests and so Orion management are looking
at this now,” he told Cruise Weekly.
Passengers missed Macquarie Island and also
because of extensive ice did not get ashore at
Mawson’s Huts.
