A meal on board for rescued tourists

Not sure whether to be reassured or frustrated to learn that the 70 souls saved from a stricken tour boat in Alaska had to be processed through security before being allowed on board the cruise ship which came to their rescue. At least they got a meal before returning to shore.
Sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind had struck a rock near Russell Island in Glacier Bay, Alaska; some reports claim the incident was caused because the skipper had strayed too close to shore, trying to get a better view of bears. Its steering and propulsion were disabled, and it was beginning to take on water.
Holland America ship Volendam was the closest vessel to the incident and responded immediately to the US Coastguard plea for help. A tender (above) was lowered and 69 tourists and a park ranger were plucked from the tour boat.
According to the cruise line’s official report of the incident, the passengers were cleared through and given a safety briefing before being provided with a meal. A few hours later they were transferred to another tourist boat and taken back to Bartlett Cove, from where they had left in the morning.
Volendam, on a seven-night cruise from Vancouver, proceeded to Ketchikan, its next scheduled port of call.
“Captain Peter Bos and his crew responded quickly and professionally to render aid to the passengers of Baranof Wind,” said Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line. “We are proud of our officers and crew, and this is shining example of how our training prepares us to react to any situation.”