The two fishermen were utilizing a white, 21’ foot, fiberglass, boat with a 150 hp four-stroke Yamaha engine named Sea Swirl.
At about 9:30 a.m. Friday, the DPS Zodiac I rescue boat was launched to conduct a search around the West side of Saipan as the DPS Impact rescue boat was launched to conduct a search of the vessel at Marpi Reef, Goat Island, and Tinian. The United Sates Coast Guard and the United Sates Navy assisted with the Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Henry and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron throughout the day.
During the search, the Impact rescue boat made contact with vessels that were fishing around the Esmeralda Reef and Coke Reef but learned that there were no other vessels out there. The Impact continued toward the West side of Tinian with no sighting of the vessel.
Both rescue vessels continued to search the common fishing areas and made contact with a total of six vessels that were fishing in various areas and reported that they did not see the described vessel or the two fishermen. DPS continued searching for the vessel until lighting conditions became dark.
DPS continues the search for the two fishermen Saturday morning along with the assistance of the USCG and U.S. Navy out of Guam. The USCG Myrtle Hazard cutter is expected to arrive on Saipan sometime around 12 p.m. Saturday to aide in the search of the two fishermen.
“We encourage boaters to notify friends and/or family members about your fishing route or what area you plan to be fishing and what time you expect to return. If you are having troubles out in the water call into 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 please call 911 anytime. Your CNMI law enforcement officers care for your safe return home.”
