ZHONG YU MARINE

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Reefer assisted in SAR operation

On Aug. 18, 2024, the USCGC 'Oliver Henry (WPC 1140)' rescued six fishermen and towed their disabled fishing vessel to the Satawal Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam watch received a distress alert from a 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) registered in the United Stateson Aug 17 at approximately 9 a.m.. The beacon, lent out by a Yap-based owner to outer island fishermen, was activated, signaling potential distress about 27 nautical miles north northeast of Satawal. Upon receiving the alert, the JRSC Guam team launched a coordinated rescue effort involving the 'Oliver Henry' and the 'Zhong Yu Marine', en route from Hong Kong to Pohnpei, approximately 138 nautical miles north of the PLB location participating in the AMVER program. They also coordinated with the Department of Defense to secure aviation support. The 'Oliver Henry' diverted from their patrol 238 nautical miles north-northeast of the PLB for a 10-hour transit at the best speed. Despite challenging weather conditions, including low visibility and thunderstorms in the area, the 'Oliver Henry' and the 'Zhong Yu Marine' arrived at the search area by 3 a.m. While a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon airplane and crew out of Kadena Air Force Base was en route to assist, the fishermen were located prior to their arrival. At 8:20 a.m. the 'Oliver Henry' located the disabled 22-foot fiberglass boat with six fishers in good condition aboard about 11 nautical miles off Satawal. The boat, which had been adrift after suffering an engine failure, was towed to the Satawal Atoll by the 'Oliver Henry', arriving roughly two hours later. The sea state, reported to be less than a foot with winds out of the east at four knots, was particularly favourable for the tow. With the vessel and crew safely returning to shore, the 'Oliver Henry' returned to Guam due to a mechanical issue to conduct repairs before returning to sea.