Zhong-Yu-Marine Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On August 18, 2024, the USCGC 'Oliver Henry' (WPC 1140) successfully executed a daring rescue operation, saving six fishermen and towing their inoperative fishing vessel to the Satawal Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The rescue mission was initiated following a distress signal from a 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) registered in the United States, which was activated on August 17 around 9 a.m. The beacon, lent by a Yap-based owner to fishermen operating in outer island waters, indicated a potential emergency approximately 27 nautical miles north-northeast of Satawal. In response to the alert, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam sprang into action, coordinating efforts between the 'Oliver Henry' and the 'Zhong Yu Marine,' a vessel traveling from Hong Kong to Pohnpei and approximately 138 nautical miles from the PLB's location, which was partaking in the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) program. The JRSC also collaborated with the Department of Defense to arrange aerial support. The 'Oliver Henry' diverted from its patrol, covering a 238-nautical-mile distance to reach the search area after a 10-hour transit at maximum speed. Despite facing difficult weather conditions, including low visibility and thunderstorms, the crew arrived by 3 a.m. Meanwhile, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft from Kadena Air Force Base was dispatched to assist but arrived after the fishermen had already been located. At 8:20 a.m., the 'Oliver Henry' found the disabled 22-foot fiberglass vessel, which had been drifting after suffering an engine malfunction, with all six fishermen aboard in good condition, approximately 11 nautical miles from Satawal. The 'Oliver Henry' towed the adrift boat back to the Satawal Atoll, completing the operation approximately two hours later. Favored by favorable sea conditions—less than a foot high waves and light easterly winds at four knots—the tow was efficiently carried out. Once the fishermen and their vessel were safely ashore, the 'Oliver Henry' headed back to Guam due to a mechanical issue that required repairs before its next mission at sea.