Queens Man Speaks at World Maritime Rescue Congress in Shanghai

“We in the search and rescue world are very conscious of the value of hearing the experience of the rescued. We would therefore be very happy to provide an opportunity for Mr. Mooney to speak at the Congress” — David Jardine-Smith,  IMRF Secretariat

QUEENS, New York—After surviving fourteen days in a life raft without any food, Victor Mooney (45) of Forest Hills, New York has been invited to give remarks at the World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC) in Shanghai, China this August. Mr. Mooney was making his third attempt to row across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to New York. On his second day on the life raft, Mooney was turned away from a ship while he was in distress. Twelve days later, he was rescued by MV Norfolk.

He was attempting to raise money for AIDS medicines and raise awareness of voluntary HIV testing. The captain of the Norfolk said he was notified by rescue authorities in Gris Nez and Dakar to divert and find the rower. Within two hours of receiving the request to divert, a crewman from the Norfolk spotted a flashing light which turned out to be Mr. Mooney in his life raft.

The Norfolk, a 288 meter bulk carrier flying the Cypriot flag, enrolled in the Amver system on September 6, 2002 and has earned eight Amver participation awards. The Norfolk is operated by Diana Shipping of Athens, Greece.

“This year’s WMRC plays an important role in deepening exchanges and cooperation between China Rescue and Salvage and Rescue colleagues around the world, showing the world the Chinese government’s ruling idea of “people foremost, caring for life”, said Song Jiahui, Director-General of China Rescue Department.

If scheduling works out, Mr. Ben Strong, Director of Marketing, Amver Maritime Relations for U.S. Coast Guard based in New York, will be on hand to hear Mooney’s remarks. Mr. Strong will be on official business in the region.

Mooney will also try on a pair of ZOKE swimwear in Shanghai for his fourth attempt to row from Africa to New York. For more on Mooney’s effort, visit https://www.goreechallenge.com.