USS Winston S. Churchill Renders Aid to Iranian Mariners in Distress While Operating Under Combined Maritime Forces

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Louis Staats | 201015-N-PS962-1005 ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 15, 2020) While under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) tasking, a boarding team from USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) provides food and water to an Iranian-flagged dhow in distress in the Arabian Sea, Oct. 15. The boarding team transited to the distressed vessel via a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and conducted an initial seaworthiness inspection and to assist the mariners with provisions. Churchill remained on scene until Omani authorities could arrive and render further assistance to get the vessel underway. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Louis Staats IV)  

ANDAMAN SEA

10.16.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Louis Staats 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

ARABIAN SEA – While operating under Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) provided assistance to a motor vessel in distress in the Arabian Sea, Oct. 15.

The Iranian-flagged dhow signaled to Churchill via flashing light that it was in distress.

When hailed over bridge-to-bridge radio, the vessel’s crew explained that their engine would not start due to a dead battery and they had run out of food and water.

The Churchill’s boarding team transited to the dhow via a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) and conducted an initial seaworthiness inspection. They provided the mariners with food and water.

After verifying, Churchill did not have the type of battery required by the vessel, they requested assistance from Oman Coast Guard.

Churchill remained on scene until Omani authorities arrived to render further assistance.

The Churchill’s crew strictly adhered to coronavirus (COVID-19) mitigations of social distancing and the wearing of face coverings and gloves in order to prevent the transmission between crews.

The 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) outlines the obligation of all mariners, regardless of nationality, to provide assistance to those in distress at sea, a responsibility and mission that all mariners share and take very seriously.

The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership which exists to counter illicit non-state actors on the high seas, promoting security, stability and prosperity in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman.

• Date Taken: 10.16.2020
• Date Posted: 10.16.2020 05:39
• Story ID: 381034
• Location: ANDAMAN SEA