U.S. Navy Rescues 89 in Gulf of
Aden
By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
|
U.S.
Navy Sailors aboard guided missile cruiser USS Normandy
(CG 60) prepare to receive survivors rescued from the Gulf
of Aden after the small vessel they were traveling in capsized
25 miles off the coast of Somalia. 89 people survived the
incident, with 5 pronounced dead on scene. There are possibly
41 people unaccounted for. U.S. Navy coastal patrol ships
USS Firebolt (PC 10) and USS Typhoon (PC 5), as well as
German frigate FGS Karlsruhe (F 212), are assisting in the
rescue effort.
U.S. Navy Photo |
GULF OF ADEN
(NNS) — U.S. Navy ships rescued 94 people after the vessel they
were in capsized in the waters of the Gulf of Aden 25 miles off
the coast of Somalia at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time Friday.
Five of the 94 pulled from the water were pronounced dead on scene.
The guided-missile
cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), coastal patrol ships USS Firebolt
(PC 10) and USS Typhoon (PC 5), and the German frigate FGS Karlsruhe
(F 212), who were in the vicinity conducting maritime security
operations (MSO), are rendering assistance.
Karlsruhe
initially conducted a routine query of the vessel, which appeared
to be a dhow with approximately 35 people on deck. The vessel
did not respond, and both Karlsruhe and Firebolt closed to investigate.
As Firebolt
approached the dhow to take a closer look, it reported that there
were approximately 100 people aboard, and that the vessel did
not appear to be seaworthy and was taking on water. Firebolt,
a 170-ft patrol craft, requested assistance with conducting an
evacuation of the vessel and began passing out life vests. Typhoon
was directed to close the vessel and provide Firebolt assistance
with transferring passengers to both U.S. ships. In the process
of providing assistance to the passengers, the vessel capsized
and sank.
All but five
of the passengers and crew, who were pulled from the water, were
transferred to Normandy for additional care. The five remaining
behind aboard Firebolt received injuries that precluded any immediate
attempt to affect a transfer to Normandy and are receiving care
from medically trained U.S. Navy personnel.
The master
of the vessel claims that there were 135 people aboard and coalition
maritime forces, including SH-60 Seahawk helicopter aerial reconnaissance
support from Normandy, are conducting a search for the unaccounted
for personnel. The circumstances surrounding this incident are
under investigation, and final disposition of the passengers and
crew has yet to be determined.
Coalition
maritime forces operate throughout international waters in the
Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Indian
Ocean, and the Red Sea, conducting MSO.
MSO set the
conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment
as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts
of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of
the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport
personnel, weapons, or other material.
For related
news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander,
U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/.