A U.S. Navy vessel on November 27 rescued two Iranian mariners from a fishing vessel after it was adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Oman.
Dry cargo ship USNS Charles Drew responded after the Combined Maritime Forces, an international maritime coalition headquartered in Bahrain, received a distress call from the stranded mariners at 10 a.m. local time.
Charles Drew arrived on scene six hours later and provided food, water and medical care.
“This is what we are trained and ready to do,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “As professional mariners, we have a responsibility to help people in need at sea.”
Charles Drew safely transported the mariners to an Omani coast guard vessel sailing near Muscat, Oman. The mariners were in good health and spirits at the time of the transfer.
“We appreciate the government of Oman for its assistance and support in helping us return the mariners home,” said Cooper.