French, Canadian, and U.S. Forces, in collaboration with local responders, have accomplished a remarkable search and rescue operation, rescuing the operator and passengers of a distressed vessel off the coast of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, on Jul. 10. This successful operation was made possible through the participation of French and Canadian aircraft crews, who were taking part in Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023, Air Mobility Command’s largest full-spectrum readiness exercise in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Taylor Crul
At approximately 5:05 p.m. on July 10, the watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam’s Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call on VHF channel 16 from the operator of the 21-foot vessel Full 20 Horizon. The vessel was disabled and adrift in challenging conditions, with 11 people onboard and located approximately 30 nautical miles northwest of Rota. The lack of GPS onboard intensified the urgency of the situation.
Responding swiftly, watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, alerting nearby mariners to be aware of the distressed vessel. They established a 15-minute communications schedule with the operator and instructed the passengers to don their flotation devices for their safety.
Coordinated efforts were initiated with the CNMI Department of Public Safety in Rota, who launched their own vessel to aid in the rescue operation. The collaboration extended to include the assistance of the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 based at Andersen Air Force Base. The significance of aircraft assets in maritime search and rescue operations was highlighted by Capt. Nick Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, who emphasized their role in saving lives during challenging maritime situations.
The first aircrew to respond was from the French Air and Space Force, utilizing an A400 Atlas military transport aircraft and crew. They launched from Andersen Air Force Base and, after conducting a thorough search pattern, successfully located the distressed vessel at approximately 8 p.m. The French crew then worked in close collaboration with the Department of Public Safety crew, assisting them with navigation.
Despite the increasingly severe sea conditions, which saw winds reach 18 mph and seas rise to 8 feet, the French crew remained on scene and maintained visual contact with the disabled vessel. Recognizing the escalating gravity of the situation, the crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139), who happened to be on a port call in Saipan, was immediately recalled. Simultaneously, watchstanders reengaged with HSC-25 to address the evolving circumstances.
To bolster the rescue efforts, additional overhead support was requested from the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing. In response, the Royal Canadian Air Force deployed an HC-130 airplane and crew to replace the French crew due to fuel constraints. The Canadian crew arrived on scene and informed watchstanders that the lights on the distressed vessel had gone out, but they maintained visual contact with its position.
Further assistance came from the U.S. Navy, which dispatched an MH-60 Nighthawk helicopter and crew to aid in the rescue operation. Arriving swiftly at approximately 1 a.m., the Nighthawk crew immediately initiated the process of hoisting the operator and passengers to safety. The rescued individuals were transported to the Rota airport, where local emergency responders and law enforcement were awaiting their arrival. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers, as confirmed by the aircrew.
The Nighthawk and Canadian aircrews concluded their part in the rescue operation at 2:40 a.m. as they returned to Andersen Air Force Base. Meanwhile, the crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard continued their search for the vessel, successfully relocating it around 10 a.m. With improved weather conditions, they will now tow the vessel to Rota for further processing.
Of the 11 individuals rescued, nine are reportedly citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Local law enforcement in Rota is currently addressing matters related to their situation. The U.S. Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of those at sea and the security of maritime borders.
This remarkable rescue operation serves as a testament to the invaluable expertise and capabilities brought forth by the French and Canadian aircraft crews participating in Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023. As the exercise continues, their involvement exemplifies the critical role that multinational partnerships play in safeguarding lives during maritime emergencies. With seven participating countries and over 15,000 U.S. forces, Allied, and partner participants, Exercise Mobility Guardian 2023 strengthens readiness in the Indo-Pacific region and enhances the collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively in challenging situations.
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