US destroyer rescues three from sinking vessel off San Diego

US Navy destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) rescued three mariners from a sinking vessel off the coast of San Diego, on Saturday, November 18.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) was conducting routine operations when it responded to a distress call from motor vessel ‘Ikena’.

Wayne E. Meyer arrived on scene and deployed its rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to recover the mariners from the sinking vessel. Once on board the ship, the mariners were evaluated by the medical team before being transferred to US Coast Guard cutter Petrel.

“We were in close proximity to the crew members just minutes after their boat submerged, and are proud to have quickly assisted and returned these men home without injury,” said Cmdr. Alex Mamikonian, executive officer of Wayne E. Meyer

Wayne E. Meyer is based in San Diego and is part of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group. The strike group most recently completed a three-week sustainment exercise off the coast of Southern California, Nov. 16, in preparation for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific early next year.

“You really learn what your crew is capable of when a real life situation develops. Although we continually train for all types of contingencies, it’s the performance of the crew, when lives are at stake, that allow you to gage the effectiveness of our training,” said Cmdr. Vince Fortson, commanding officer of Wayne E. Meyer. “I have never been prouder of my crews performance today, quickly reacting to a real life rescue mission. They performed calmly, superbly, and professionally.”