The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Finland have issued a joint commendation for the 19-man Filipino crew of the Greek merchant vessel Cymona Eagle following the daring rescue of renowned Finnish adventurer Jari Saario.
In early January 2026, Mr. Saario was attempting a historic 8,000-kilometer solo rowing voyage from Cape Horn to Cape Town. The expedition took a life-threatening turn in the middle of the South Atlantic when a violent storm capsized his vessel.
For 36 hours, Mr. Saario remained adrift in a waterlogged boat, battling the onset of hypothermia and waves exceeding seven meters. The Cymona Eagle, manned entirely by Filipino seafarers, diverted its course to execute a high-stakes rescue under extreme maritime conditions.
Beyond the technical skill required to retrieve Mr. Saario from the swells, the Finnish rower highlighted the exceptional humanity shown by the crew during his seven days aboard the ship. “The Filipino seafarers are incredibly caring, friendly, and hospitable,” said Mr. Saario during a courtesy visit to Philippine Ambassador Domingo P. Nolasco. “They even threw a thanksgiving party for me before I disembarked in Cape Town. I owe them my life and my deepest gratitude.”
Ambassador Nolasco and the DMW praised the crew for their bravery, noting that their actions reinforce the global reputation of Filipino mariners as the “gold standard” of the maritime industry.
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Skill: Navigating a merchant vessel for rescue in 7-meter waves.
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Spirit: Providing emotional support and hospitality to a survivor in shock.
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Legacy: Strengthening the bilateral ties and mutual respect between the Philippines and Finland.
The heroic 19 crew members are being recognized for their “unwavering professionalism and willingness to help during times of crisis,” serving as a beacon of Filipino excellence on the high seas.
