Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam rescued eight crewmembers after answering a distress call from the sinking Bahamian inter-island vessel Excalibur, on January 03, 2015.

Zuiderdam was approximately 15 miles away and the closest ship in the area.

Zuiderdam altered course and was able to successfully execute a nighttime rescue of all eight crewmembers at 3:01 a.m. The ship brought them onboard and provided food and accommodations. The rescued crewmembers debarked in Aruba on Jan. 5.

“Congratulations to the officers and crew onboard Zuiderdam for their quick response that saved the lives of eight people,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We are proud to be able to come to the rescue when called upon, and it’s even more gratifying when everything goes as smoothly as this operation did.”