U.S. Coast Guard's Turn to Rescue Iranian Sailors in Distress

If you didn't know the U.S. Coast Guard was sending ships out to the Indian Ocean area, well, then this will be a surprise for you - the Coast Guard rescues Iranian mariners in Persian Gulf:

Distress Iranian Dhow

 The Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy, assigned to Commander, Task Force 55, rendered aid to six Iranian mariners who were aboard a distressed vessel in the North Arabian Gulf Tuesday.

USCGC Monomoy (Island Class Cutter)

At approximately 3 a.m. local time, Monomoy was operating in the area when it was hailed by flares and flashlights from the Iranian cargo dhow, Ya-Hussayn. The dhow’s master requested assistance from Monomoy indicating the engine room was flooding and deemed not seaworthy.

Monomoy immediately launched their small boat and approached the Ya-Hussayn. Two persons were rescued from the vessel and four from a life raft tied off to the dhow’s stern.

Grateful Rescued Sailor

The six Iranian mariners were transferred to Monomoy and were provided water, blankets and halal meals. Halal meals are in accordance with Islamic law and are stored aboard U.S. Coast Guard ships to provide to Muslim mariners in distress.

An emergency medical technician from Monomoy treated an injured Ya-Hussayn crew member. Fortunately, his injuries were not serious and there was no requirement for him to be medically evacuated.

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Turnover to the Iranian Coast Guard

Later in the day, the six mariners were transferred by smallboat from Monomoy to the Iranian Coast Guard vessel Naji 7.

The captain of the Naji 7, via translator, said, “Sends his regards and thanks to our Captain and all crewmembers for assisting, and taking care of the Iranian sailors. Wishes us the best, and thanks us for our cooperation.”

Sailors helping sailors. Been that way a long time.

All photos by U.S. Navy except for picture of the cutter Monomoy which is a U.S. Coast Guard photo.