• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Simpson Rescues Stranded Vessel at Sea

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090603-05
Release Date: 6/3/2009 1:25:00 PM

From U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

USS SIMPSON, At Sea (NNS) -- While operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) rescued a stranded fishing vessel June 2.

A C-130 maritime patrol aircraft, based out of Forward Operating Location Manta, reported to Simpson that the Ecuadorian-flagged fishing vessel "Maley" was in need of assistance. According to the vessel's master, Maley was having problems with its starter and had been stranded at sea for 18 days, five days without food, and one day without water.

Simpson was tasked by Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) to render aid to Maley.

When Simpson arrived on scene, the ship launched its rigid-hull inflatable boat with a safety inspection team from U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 102, the ship's hospital corpsman and an engine repair team. Medical attention was not needed, but the vessel's starter had to be brought aboard Simpson for further repairs. The Ecuadorian Coast Guard Vessel Isla Isabela later arrived on the scene to assist with the rescue, making it a joint effort.

Engineman 1st Class (SW) Bryan Callihan and Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW) Diego LeFuente, an Ecuadorian native, assisted in repairing the fishing vessel.

"Working hand and hand with the Ecuadorian Coast Guard to help some Ecuadorians in distress was really special since I am from Ecuador," said LeFuente. "This put everything in perspective for me - how we are all working together for the same common goals, in this case, helping fellow sailors at sea. They were so thankful and appreciative. This is a memory that I am very proud of and will always remember the rest of my life."

Simpson, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, U.S. 4th Fleet. Simpson is under tactical control of JIATF-S.