MIAMI, April 27, 2001 -- The Cunard liner, Queen Elizabeth 2, was requested by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Wednesday to evacuate an injured crew member on board the Spanish fishing boat Siempre Juan Luis. The crew member suffered severe facial injuries and required immediate medical attention. Despite being 150 miles away from Siempre Juan Luis in the Atlantic, QE2 was the closest vessel in the area.

Captain Paul Wright received the call in the afternoon, and he immediately turned the grand liner around from her east-bound course to make the five-hour journey to Siempre Juan Luis. Upon arrival in the early evening, a rescue boat was launched from QE2 carrying six crew members who safely retrieved the wounded man despite difficult seas and potentially dangerous conditions. Currently, QE2 is back on course and will arrive at Ponta Delgada, Azores, on April 28 where the man will be off-loaded for additional medical attention.

"Throughout history Cunard liners have been called to aid vessels in distressed situations, and we are always willing to help without hesitation," said Deborah Natansohn, Sr. Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Cunard Line. "The waters of the Atlantic are familiar territory, and we are fortunate that QE2 was close enough to assist."

With fully equipped Medical Facilities, two full-time doctors and three nurses, QE2 was prepared for the injuries suffered by the fishing boat crew member. Currently under intensive care supervision, he is expected to make a full recovery.

In a thank you message to Captain Wright and his crew, the Director of the Spanish Marine Safety and Rescue Agency wrote: "It has been great to see that the traditional seamanship and spirit of mutual help among seafarers still exists and is shown on board a prestigious vessel such as yours."

Siempre Juan Luis, based out of Vigo, Spain, was on a routine fishing trip when the injury occurred. The vessel will continue in the Atlantic with the remaining eight crew members and function as usual until her planned return at the end of May.

QE2 is the only liner still operating scheduled transatlantic service, and sails regularly on six- and seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England. She departed New York on April 20 to begin her transatlantic season, which runs throughout October.

Cunard Line, one of the world's most recognized brand names with a classic British heritage, has been in the business of providing luxury ocean travel for more than 160 years. The Cunard fleet includes famed Queen Elizabeth 2 and Caronia.