10 people rescued from sinking voyaging canoe in Micronesia
Coast Guardsmen aboard a small boat from the 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter Washington assist in transferring 10 canoeists, who were saved by the cargo vessel Hyundai Unity, March 4, 2013, off the coast of Palau. The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Republic of Palau Division of Maritime Law Enforcement and the Royal Australian Navy Maritime Surveillance Adviser, partnered to provide assistance to the Republic of Palau in the rescue of the 10 mariners from the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
The crew from the Coast Guard Cutter Washington poses with 10 canoeists who were rescued by the cargo vessel Hyundai Unity, March 4, 2013, approximately 103 miles off the coast of Palau. The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Republic of Palau Division of Maritime Law Enforcement and the Royal Australian Navy Maritime Surveillance Adviser, partnered to provide assistance to the Republic of Palau in the rescue of the 10 mariners from the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Coast Guardsmen aboard a small boat from the 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter Washington assist in transferring 10 canoeists, who were saved by the cargo vessel Hyundai Unity, March 4, 2013, approximately 103 miles off the coast of Palau. The Coast Guard, in coordination with the Republic of Palau Division of Maritime Law Enforcement and the Royal Australian Navy Maritime Surveillance Adviser, partnered to provide assistance to the Republic of Palau in the rescue of the 10 mariners from the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Ten people on a 60-foot traditional sailing canoe were rescued in the Philippine Sea, about 103 miles northeast of Palau after their vessel broke apart and sank.
The Coast Guard said a crewmember contacted officials at the Palau Community College with a distress call at 6:30 a.m. Chamorro Standard Time Monday
The cutter Washington responded to assist in the rescue and the Panamanian-flagged vessel Hyundai Unity, which was in the vicinity of the canoe, diverted to the scene.
The crew of the Hyundai Unity arrived on scene and rescued the crew members, which included students from Palau Community College, two Americans, seven Palauans and a Japanese citizen.
The crew of the Washington safely transfered the canoe crew to the cutter and took them back to Palau.
The Coast Guard credits the canoe crew for filing a detailed float plan and having a full suite of lifesaving equipment, including a satellite phone and personal flotation devices, for the successful rescue.
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