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Search on for missing fishing vessel in Palau
HONOLULU—A search is currently underway for a 60-foot Indonesian-flagged fishing vessel called Hallelujar that’s missing about 172 miles northwest of Palau.
The crews of the Coast Guard cutter Kiska, a forward-deployed Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules, and a B-52 Stratofortress from the U.S. Air Force 36th Wing are en route to assist in the search. Rescue Coordination Center Guam is coordinating with good Samaritans in the area for assistance.
At 7:03am Monday, Sector Guam Command Center watchstanders received a report from the Japanese coast guard stating the Japanese fishing vessel Kinsei Maru No.3 rescued a mariner on a motorboat north of Palau. The mariner said his boat, the Hallelujar, was adrift for approximately 10 days without electricity, food, and water. There are reportedly eight crewmembers still aboard. When the Hallelujar’s crew saw the lights from the Kinsei Maru No.3, they sent the mariner on the vessel’s motorboat for assistance.
The Kinsei Maru No.3 crew searched the area but could not locate the Hallelujar and departed due to deteriorating weather. The rescued mariner stated there were no injuries or significant medical concerns among Hallelujar’s crew.
Sector Guam watchstanders issued a SafetyNet broadcast seeking the assistance of any mariners in the area and diverted the Kiska from Palau and the Hercules from Pohnpei to search. Watchstanders also contacted the U.S. Air Force for help. (USCG)
