ELEVEN individuals on a distressed boat off the coast of Rota were rescued by French, Canadian and U.S. Forces with local responders on Monday (not Tuesday as earlier reported).
The boat was registered in the CNMI, and the passengers included at least nine Chinese nationals (not 11 as earlier reported) who have expired CW-1 visas. They are currently on Rota and will be returned to Saipan, a source said, adding that the individuals are believed to be trying to enter Guam by boat.
In a separate interview, U.S. Coast Guard Warrant Officer Sara Muir said French, Canadian, and U.S. forces, with local responders, successfully conducted a search and rescue operation to save the operator and passengers of the distressed vessel.
“At 5:05 p.m. on July 10, Watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call on VHF channel 16 from the operator of the 21-foot vessel Full 20 Horizon, stating the vessel was disabled and adrift in 6-foot seas and 12 mph winds with 11 people aboard, approximately 30 nautical miles northwest of Rota,” Muir said.
“Due to the lack of GPS onboard and the inability to use a cell phone to acquire a GPS position, the situation became even more critical.
“In response, Watchstanders promptly issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, alerting mariners in the area to be aware of the distressed vessel.
“They also established a 15-minute communications schedule with the vessel operator and instructed the passengers to wear their flotation devices for safety.
“Watchstanders initiated coordinated efforts with the CNMI Department of Public Safety in Rota, who launched their 27-foot vessel to aid in the rescue operation. Additionally, partnerships with the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing and U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 at Andersen Air Force Base proved invaluable in securing the assistance of multiple aircraft crews for the response.
“Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, emphasized the importance of aircraft in search and rescue operations at sea, stating, ‘Aircraft crews play a crucial role in our efforts to save lives in challenging maritime situations. Using aerial assets, combined with our local partnerships, ensures a swift and effective response to distress calls, ultimately increasing the chances of a successful rescue.’
“A French Air and Space Force A400 Atlas military transport aircraft and crew were the first aircrew to respond, launching from Andersen Air Force Base and locating the vessel at about 8 p.m. after running a search pattern.
“Unfortunately, the initial rescue attempt by the DPS crew was hindered by severe sea conditions as winds increased to 18 mph and seas built to 8 feet, forcing them to abort the mission.
“However, the French Air and Space Force A400 crew remained on the scene and maintained visual contact with the disabled vessel.
“Watchstanders also requested additional overhead support from the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing, who offered a Royal Canadian Air Force HC-130 airplane and crew to replace the French crew due to fuel constraints.
“At 11:15 p.m., the Canadian crew then on scene informed Watchstanders that the lights on the distressed vessel went out, but they maintained visual contact with its position.
“The U.S. Navy MH-60 Nighthawk helicopter and crew launched to aid the rescue efforts further. After a swift transit, the Nighthawk crew arrived at approximately 1 a.m. and immediately commenced hoisting the operator and passengers,” Muir said.
She added, “The aircrew transported those rescued to the Rota airport, where local emergency responders and law enforcement met them. The passengers did not report any injuries, and the aircrew did not observe any.”
Muir said “nine of the 11 people rescued are reportedly citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Local law enforcement in Rota is currently addressing these matters. The U.S. Coast Guard remains committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of those at sea and the security of our maritime borders.”
For his part, DPS public information officer Sgt. Fred Sato they will issue a statement regarding the incident.
This is a developing story.
