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Coalition Forces Rescue Three Iraqis in North Arabian Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061110-03
Release Date: 11/10/2006 7:34:00 PM

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NORTH PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- Coalition maritime forces rescued three Iraqi civilian mariners, Nov. 9, after the Iraqis’ skiff sank in the North Persian Gulf near the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT).

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Baranof (WPB 1318) recovered three of the skiff’s four Iraqi crew members. Commander, Task Force (CTF) 158 units continued the search for the remaining crew member throughout the day, but the search ended late in the evening with no sign of him. It is undetermined how the vessel sank.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Capt. William Henderson, said he was proud of the efforts of the participating U.S. and coalition vessels.

“It was a well coordinated effort by both the CTF 158 staff and the numerous units that took part in the search and rescue efforts,” he said. “The hard work and diligence of these units enabled us to save the lives of three of the skiff’s crew members who otherwise would’ve certainly perished at sea.”

All U.S. and coalition assets involved are forward deployed to Middle Eastern regional waters in support of maritime security operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Persian Gulf and protect Iraq’s sea-based infrastructure which, provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.