Military

U.S. Naval Forces Assist in Search and Rescue in Bahrain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060330-16
Release Date: 3/30/2006 7:28:00 PM

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. 5th Fleet assets and personnel responded immediately at approximately 10:15 p.m., March 30 after learning that a vessel capsized in a Bahraini harbor, approximately one mile east of the command’s headquarters in Bahrain.

U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels, including USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) got underway from the Bahrain port to support Bahrain’s rescue efforts. A U.S. Navy helicopter is currently in the air, and another is standing by to assist the government of Bahrain who has the lead on search and rescue efforts. In addition, 16 Navy divers are standing by.

It is undetermined how the vessel capsized and how many passengers were aboard at the time of the accident. All U.S. assets involved are forward deployed to 5th Fleet to support maritime security operations and will assist the Bahraini authorities as necessary.