• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Reuben James Rescues Kenyan Sailors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060627-09
Release Date: 6/27/2006 2:30:00 PM

By Ensign Jon Derges, USS Reuben James Public Affairs

USS REUBEN JAMES, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Reuben James (FFG 57) rendered assistance to a distressed dhow with two Kenyans aboard while operating in the Arabian Sea June 23.

While conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as part of the Pakistani-led Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, the ship received a call for assistance.

“I was surprised to get a phone call from the CTF 150 battle watch captain asking us to head north toward the dhow in distress,” explained Cmdr. Logan Jones, Reuben James’ commanding officer.

The frigate immediately changed course and sped toward the coordinates of the dhow. It also launched one of its two embarked helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 43, Det. 3, to pinpoint the distressed vessel and assess options for saving the crew.

“The seas were treacherous – 10- to 12-foot swells – and wind speed was pushing 40 knots,” said Jones. “The dhow’s engine had stopped operating, and the boat was steadily drifting toward the rocky shoals south of Al Kuri, Yemen.

“The two dhow crew members were exhausted, having been stranded for days with no sleep. Two other shipmates had already perished at sea, attempting escape by swimming ashore,” he said. “The boat was pitching violently in the seas, and the crew members were hanging on to the boat’s structures for dear life. It wouldn’t have been long before the boat would’ve been broken up by the nearby rocks and the crew killed by the pounding seas and undertow.”

Once Reuben James’ SH-60B helicopter spotted the dhow, the air crew immediately notified the ship that an immediate rescue attempt was necessary.

“When we had first showed up, we saw that the dhow had broken its anchor line and was about 200 yards away from the coast, and getting closer,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (AW) Eaan Green. “I believe that if we hadn’t acted when we did, the boat would’ve been crushed against the rocks, with the fishermen on it.”

The air crew then sought the best way to rescue the imperiled crew.

“We first looked at the dhow, but there were too many obstacles in the way, and we didn’t have a clear shot at lowering our air crewman down onto its deck,” said Lt. Cmdr. P.J. Cummings, who piloted the helicopter. “We then launched an inflatable life raft onto the deck of the dhow. We’d hoped that they would get the raft into the water and away from the ship so we could hoist them up.”

However, after both options proved unsuccessful and with time rapidly running out, the air crew coaxed the dhow’s crew members into the water where they managed to swim away from the violently-pitching dhow. The helo then lowered a search and rescue (SAR) swimmer into the water.

“First, I was lowered into the water by the hoist. I tried to convince the gentlemen to jump into the water and swim to me so we could raise them up to the helo, but they didn’t want to go,” said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class (AW) Tim Hines. “Finally, after being lowered a fifth time, the two men finally jumped in the water. We were able to bring them to safety.”

Moments later, the dhow was destroyed.

The two Kenyan sailors were taken to Reuben James, where they thanked their team of rescuers.

“Not only are they happy to be alive,” said Jones, “but they’re particularly excited to have the opportunity to watch the World Cup soccer games that were broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).”

So as the Kenyans enjoyed the match and warmed up with fresh clothes and a hot meal, Jones reflected on the life-saving efforts of his crew.

“The pilots and air crew of HSL 43, Det. 3, performed a remarkable feat of airmanship in order to rescue these gents in such contrary environmental conditions,” Jones said. “We’re all very pleased and proud to have been a part of this lifesaving effort.”

Reuben James and other U.S. and coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.