FEBRUARY 5, 2026 – Filipino seafarers aboard bulk carrier Cymona Eagle rescued a Finnish rower early last month. Jari Saario’s boat had capsized some 3,000 kilometers off South Africa. His distress call was received by the Filipino crew, who located him a day after he was left adrift at sea.
Saario thanked the Filipino crew for saving his life, praising them for their bravery, dedication, and hospitality. He was sheltered aboard the ship for seven days, until his disembarkation in Cape Town.
All-Filipino Crew Save Finish Solo Rower at Sea
Jari Saario is a 53-year-old former firefighter who had previously rowed solo across the Atlantic ocean, and back. In early January, he set off on a historic attempt to become the first solo rower to cross the South Atlantic Ocean, from Cape Horn in southern Chile to Cape Town, South Africa.
During the voyage, a severe storm flooded and overturned his boat, leaving him adrift for one and a half days, the Philippine News Agency reported. Fortunately, his distress call was received by Cymona Eagle, a Greek merchant vessel manned entirely by Filipino seafarers.
The Filipino crew located Saario a day after getting his distress call. Despite the extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and seven-meter high waves, they managed to rescue and bring him aboard.
He spent seven days on the ship, “bonding” with the Filipino crew. He thanked the seafarers for welcoming him as one of their own, even throwing him a thanksgiving party before he disembarked in Cape Town.
On February 2, Saario made a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador to Finland Domingo Nolasco. During the visit, he personally expressed his gratitude to the Filipino crew members of Cymona Eagle.
“Today I had the honor of visiting the Philippine Ambassador, Mr. Domingo Nolasco, to personally thank the brave men who saved my life,” he shared on Instagram. “Once again, it was proven that Filipinos are the most hospitable and kind-hearted people in the world.”
“This visit will stay with me forever — in my memories and in my heart,” Saario added. “Absoulutely incredible people, and I am truly grateful to have experienced this moment.”
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended the Filipino seafarers, stating that they have brought honor to all Filipinos worldwide through their acts of professionalism, bravery, and willingness to help in times of adversity.