Search teams from the U.S. military are looking for a 60- foot Indonesian flagged fishing vessel adrift with eight crewmembers about 172 miles north of Palau, according to a release from the U.S. Coast Guard.
On Tuesday, Sector Guam Command Center watchstanders received a report from the Japanese coast guard stating the Japanese fishing vessel Kinsei Maru No.3 rescued a mariner on a motorboat north of Palau.
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The mariner said his boat, the Hallelujar, was adrift for approximately 10 days without electricity, food, and water. There are reportedly eight crewmembers still aboard. When the Hallelujar’s crew saw the lights from the Kinsei Maru No.3, they sent the mariner on the vessel’s motorboat for assistance.
The Kinsei Maru No.3 crew searched the area but could not locate the Hallelujar and departed due to deteriorating weather. The rescued mariner stated there were no injuries or significant medical concerns among the Hallelujar’s crew, according to the news release.
Partners assisting in the search
The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, and partners are searching for the vessel.
“Our primary concern is the well-being of the crew and the absence of lifesaving and communications equipment reportedly aboard the vessel,” said Lt. Jonathan Girot, Sector Guam public affairs officer.
The crews of the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska, a forward-deployed Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules and a B-52 Stratofortress from the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing are en-route to assist in the search. Rescue Coordination Center Guam is coordinating with good Samaritans in the area for assistance.
Sector Guam watchstanders issued a SafetyNet broadcast seeking the assistance of any mariners in the area and diverted the Kiska from Palau and the Hercules from Pohnpei to search. Watchstanders also contacted the U.S. Air Force for help.
The Coast Guard recommends taking additional supplies, food and water, a VHF-FM radio and a personal locator beacon if possible every time mariners leave port. Distress situations can arise at any time, and being prepared can reduce search times and improve the chances of being rescued.
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This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: Coast Guard searches for fishing vessel adrift north of Palau
