(DPS) — On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at about 4:03 a.m., the Department of Public Safety received a call regarding a distressed vessel about 5 miles south of Sarigan. DPS Boating Safety Section dispatched the Zodiac boat from the Smiling Cove Marina to respond.
At about 9:29 a.m., they noticed a vessel’s bow above the water with three fishermen holding onto the vessel. Officers helped bring the three fishermen on board and transported them to a nearby Saipan cargo ship for medical attention. At around 3:30 p.m., the cargo ship arrived on Saipan, with the three fishermen aboard. All three fishermen stated that they were okay and did not have any injuries.
According to the operator of the vessel, he and two friends left Saipan on Monday, May 24, 2021, at around 8:30 a.m. and proceeded to 171 reef to go night fishing. They arrived at 171 reef at about 8:30 p.m. that evening. At around 2 a.m., the operator noticed that the vessel was taking in a lot of water, and within a minute the vessel began to capsize. The operator grabbed the satellite phone and called a friend to let him know that the boat had capsized. The friend then called for police assistance.
DPS Boating Safety reminds boaters to call its office at 233-9120 for a complete list of the safety equipment your boat is required to have on board. Or feel free to call the DPS front desk at 664-9001 for questions.
DPS encourages boaters to call Channel 16 on your VHF radio when you need help, or if you would like to report a distressed vessel.
If you would like to report a crime or an emergency, call 911 anytime. Your CNMI law enforcement officers care for your safe return home.
