Coalition Rescues 8 Smugglers in Gulf
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS031030-14
Release Date: 10/30/2003 1:53:00 PM
By Lt. Garrett D. Kasper, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Coalition naval forces operating in the North Arabian Gulf rescued eight men Oct. 29 after their tug sank in a detention area set aside for oil smugglers.
Motor vessel Al Huda and its eight Iraqi crewmen were detained by coalition forces Oct. 7 for smuggling 52 metric tons of oil out of Iraq. The vessel was officially seized by the Iraqi judicial system during an on-board hearing, and was awaiting disposition when the incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m., Oct. 29.
Four of the crewmen were rescued by U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Adak (WPB 1333), and the rest were pulled to safety by a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) from the Australian frigate HMAS Newcastle (FFG 06). USS Jarrett (FFG 33) had also dispatched its SH-60 Seahawk helicopter to assist with the search. The Italian amphibious landing ship San Giusto (L 9894) was also on station to assist with communications and first aid.
The rescued crewmen were all transferred by small boat to the dock landing ship, USS Germantown (LSD 42), for medical evaluation. Although one was treated for hypothermia and another was treated for exposure to the vessel's spilled fuel, all have been listed in good condition.
Repatriation for the eight Iraqi mariners is pending.
The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
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