The crew of the Costa Victoria was commended by Maritime Search and Rescue Center of Hainan for the rescue of a burning vessel in the South China Sea. The award was given out at the 2016 Sanya Commendation Congress of Maritime Search and Rescue,

In the Commendation Congress, 12 individuals and companies including Costa, were awarded for Outstanding Contribution to Society in 2015. Wen Zhongtong, Deputy Secretary General of Sanya, Wen Jiancai, Vice Commander of Maritime Search and Rescue Center, and other officers presented awards for the individuals and companies.

The Costa Victoria was commended for rescuing a burning vessel in the South China Sea in November of 2014. On November 3, 2014, the ship was en route from Hong Kong to Sanya when the First Officer on watch spotted the troubled boat. He immediately alerted the Master and Staff Captain who altered the ship’s route to provide assistance. Twelve fishermen were rescued and given medical assistance onboard by the Costa crew. The ship brought the 12 fishermen to Sanya Hainan Island.

The Chinese fishermen later contacted Costa Cruises to express their gratitude and requested a face-to-face opportunity to officially thank the Master and his team, said Costa.