USNS Richard E. Byrd Saves Nine

USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, rescued nine crew members from a Yemeni-flagged cargo vessel that had lost power, was taking on water and was adrift in the Gulf of Oman, July 28, at approximately 9:00 a.m. local.

The crew from Asaed requested assistance and Byrd was the first ship on the scene. Asaed crewmembers departed their vessel via the ship’s own lifeboat and maneuvered to Byrd, where they were safely recovered.

There are no reports of casualties or injuries to personnel. The Yemeni sailors are being further evaluated by Byrd’s medical team. The Navy will coordinate the sailors’ transfer ashore.

Richard E. Byrd is currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

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Press Release, July 29, 2014; Image: US Navy