SANTA RITA, Guam –
SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard is recognizing government and private-sector partners for their coordinated efforts to rescue 18 mariners, approximately 830 nautical miles southeast of Tokyo.
At 2:40 a.m., Aug. 19, the Coast Guard Joint Region Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received a satellite phone call from the captain of the U.S.-flagged SLNC York reporting that the vessel’s engine room was rapidly taking on water.
JSRC Guam watchstanders immediately gathered critical information, issued an emergency broadcast to mariners and identified potential assets to assist.
The Coast Guard established and maintained communications among the vessel in distress, Coast Guard Area and District command centers, the Japanese government and responding assets.
Although the vessel was hundreds of miles outside JRSC Guam’s search and rescue area of responsibility, Coast Guard watchstanders continued to support the response rescue efforts, at the request of the search and rescue mission coordinator, Japan’s Yokohama Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC).
Using the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), JRSC Guam requested assistance from nearby vessels. The Pacific Yantai, Gas Blue Bonnet and Lian Cherng Yih responded.
In support of Yokohama MRCC, JRSC Guam also coordinated overflights from Japan by a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft and a Japan Coast Guard aircraft.
As the uncontrolled flooding continued, the captain of the SLNC York ordered the crew to abandon ship and deployed the vessel’s lifeboat.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., ChST, Aug. 19, the Pacific Yantai rescued all 18 crewmembers from the lifeboat.
“This operation required exceptional communication, resourcefulness and collaboration across multiple units, time zones and nations,” said Cmdr. Grant Johnson, JRSC Guam search and rescue coordinator. “It reflects the dedication, operational excellence, and shared commitment of everyone involved to preserving lives at sea. We are grateful for all partners involved in this operation, from the U.S. Coast Guard in Guam, Hawaii and California, to the Japan Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and the AMVER vessels that swiftly responded to this emergency,”
"This rescue highlights the critical role of reliable communications to enable rapid emergency response, and vital safety gear like lifeboats for sea evacuations,” said Johnson.
AMVER is a worldwide voluntary ship-reporting system sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. Search and rescue authorities use participating vessels’ position information to identify commercial ships near a maritime distress and request their assistance. The program enables merchant vessels around the world to play a vital role in saving lives at sea.
- USCG -