USS James E. Williams Transfers Mariners to Iranian Vessel in Gulf of Oman

Guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams transferred 10 Iranian mariners rescued from a burning dhow Aug. 8 to an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman Aug. 10.

Members of Williams’ visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team transferred the mariners from the destroyer to an Iranian-flagged dhow for repatriation.

Williams (DDG 95) rescued the 10 mariners in the Gulf of Oman after they were forced to abandon their burning vessel.

Following the rescue, the mariners were taken to Williams, where they received initial medical treatment for injuries sustained during the fire and subsequent evacuation.

They were then transported to aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) for further medical treatment before being returned to Williams for today’s repatriation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

James E. Williams is currently deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

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Naval Today Staff, August 14, 2012; Image: US Navy