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Holland America Line Wins ‘Seafarer of the Year’ Award from Lloyd’s List for ms Veendam’s Rescue of Pilot from Pacific Ocean

Ship's captain and crew recognized at2016 Maritime Awards for humanitarianism

Seattle, Wash., July 5, 2016— At the 2016 Lloyd's List North American Maritime Awards, the captain and crewof Holland America Line's ms Veendam were named "Seafarer of the Year"for the rescue of a pilot who ejected from his aircraft in the Pacific Ocean.Holland America Line received the award at a ceremony in New York in May.

The"Seafarer of the Year" award recognizes the skills, bravery and professionalismthat seafarers demonstrate daily. On Jan. 25, 2015, Veendam rescued apilot 225 miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, whohad to ditch his single-engine aircraft after running out of fuel. The plane had a parachutesystem and the pilot was able to safelyescape into a life-raft where he was retrieved by Veendam.

"Holland America Line employees consistently strive forprofessional and personal excellence, and to be honored for saving a life isboth humbling and rewarding," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line'spresident. "On behalf of Veendam's captain and crew, thank you toLloyd's List for bestowing the honor of ‘Seafarer of the Year,' a recognitionwe greatly appreciate."

"Theofficers and crew performed exceptionally well and made a dramatic rescue – Iam very proud of the Veendam team," added Keith Taylor, executive vicepresident, fleet operations, Holland America Group, and retired Rear Admiral,U.S. Coast Guard. "This rescue is a great reminder of the commitment all of usat Holland America Line, our sister brands and the cruise industry have insupporting rescue efforts at sea when we are near."

Lloyd'sList called Veendam's award one of the "stand-out moments of the galadinner."

"Whenever the crew of a vessel isactively involved in a rescue it shows the capabilities and the humanity of theprofession," said SanderWielemaker, Atlantic area manager DNV GL, sponsors of the award. "Themaster and crew, through coordination with the authorities, were able to savethe life of the individual and no doubt add a moment of out-of-the-ordinaryexcitement for the passengers of the cruise ship."

Holland America Line participates in rescues at seawhenever called upon. Also in 2015, msZuiderdam rescuedeight crewmembers from a sinking vessel in the Caribbean, while msZaandam came to the aid of seven stranded crewmembers at theArctowski Polish research station at King George Island in Antarctica.

Formore information about Holland America Line, contact atravelprofessional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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