Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper has rescued an injured sailor from a badly damaged sailboat after diverting for around seven hours in the Pacific Ocean.
The rescue took place on Tuesday, 26th May 2026, as the 28,258-gross-ton luxury ship was nearing the end of a 24-night voyage from Papeete, Tahiti, to Vancouver, Canada.
The 392-guest ship, operated by Royal Caribbean Group-owned Silversea, was contacted after the sailor’s vessel, April Alice, became disabled too far from both Hawaii and the US mainland for an air rescue to be attempted.
Under SOLAS rules, ship masters are required to assist people in distress at sea where it is safe and reasonable to do so.
Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri altered course, with Silver Whisper eventually reaching the stricken craft after approximately seven hours.
Passenger accounts said the sailboat had lost power and communications in rough conditions, while photos showed the vessel without its mast. The lone sailor had suffered an injury to his left shoulder.
“Two hours ago our ship, the Silver Whisper, rescued a man (in green hat), whose vessel lost all power & communications in high winds & rough seas. We were the closest ship to him – it took 7 hours to reach him, with no exact coordinates,”
“Happy to report he was found, is alive – with a broken shoulder, but doing well. Big Congrats to the Silver Whisper Captain & Crew,”
Silver Whisper guest on Facebook
Rough Seas Complicated The Rescue
Passengers praised the bridge team and crew for completing the operation in challenging sea conditions.
“Funny thing was that the hour we spent rescuing the guy was about the smoothest period we’ve had on this ship since we left Kona (Hawaii) five days ago,” guest Jeff Hall told the Vancouver Sun.
Hall said the ship had to move alongside the sailboat twice after the first line attached to the smaller vessel broke.
“I have experienced many wonderful moments on Silversea but was moved to tears today as I watched our fantastic Captain Michele Macarone Palmieri and the crew of the Silver Whisper perform a miraculous rescue at sea requested by the Coast Guard…words cannot describe how brave these men and women were,” another passenger said.
Guests were reportedly asked to avoid outer decks and return to their suites while the rescue was underway because of the conditions, though many still watched as the crew brought the sailor safely aboard.
Arrival Into Vancouver Still Expected On Schedule
Despite the diversion, Silver Whisper was still expected to arrive in Vancouver on the morning of 28th May 2026. The ship’s itinerary had already completed its port calls before the rescue took place.
Following the voyage, Silver Whisper is due to begin its Alaska season from Vancouver, with Silversea listing the ship at 392 guests, 302 crew, and 28,258 tons.
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