USNS Rappahannock Assists Distressed Sailing Boat

he Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) rendered assistance to a distressed sailing boat, while on a routine mission in the western Pacific Ocean, July 25.

The stranded 38-foot sailboat, named The Remedy, had eight people on board, and was registered in the Federated States of Micronesia, State of Yap.

The Remedy was on its way to Guam from Yap, which is approximately 530 miles northeast of the U.S. territory, when it ran out of fuel.

“After receiving the distressed call on radio, USNS Rappahannock immediately maneuvered its way to the sailboat,” said Dean Bradford, Rappahannock’s master. “Once on scene, the ship deployed its rigid-hulled inflatable boat to evaluate the situation and render assistance.”

The response took about an hour, and the Rappahannock provided fuel to the vessel and potable water to its crew.

“The crew of Remedy expressed their gratitude and indicated that they do not need further assistance,” said Bradford. “No mission impact.”

According to Bradford, these types of incidents happen from time-to-time.

“Each time is different. Boats and ships are spread all over, but I can imagine they were happy to see us,” he added. “It’s a big world out there and a big ocean, and some are just not fully prepared or equipped to sail out.”

Just one week earlier, on July 19, The MSC Impeccable-class ocean surveillance ship USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS 23) rescued 11 fishermen, while en route to Subic Bay, Philippines.

Impeccable Sailors spotted personnel on a partially submerged ship and noted debris in the water. The ship master deployed a rescue crew and made three trips to the distressed vessel to recover all 11 individuals.

Image: US Navy