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DPS responds to an overturned vessel near Mañagaha
On Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at about 6:46pm, the CNMI Department of Public Safety received a call regarding an overturned vessel near the waters of Mañagaha Island. The caller stated that the two occupants onboard had been assisted by a nearby vessel and were being brought into the Smiling Cove Marina. The DPS jetboat and the Zodiac 1 rescue boat were launched to respond to the overturned vessel.
At about 6:55pm, an attempt to turn the vessel upright was made but did not succeed. By 7:20pm, the jetboat and the Zodiac 1 began towing the vessel into Smiling Cove. At about 7:50pm, both rescue boats arrived with the overturned vessel.
Police learned that the vessel’s two occupants were leaving Mañagaha with friends on three separate boats. As they were leaving the island, the vessel caught a wake and before the operator was able to shift the boat into neutral, the boat’s bow went underwater before overturning. They were picked up by a nearby boat and were brought into the Smiling Cove as they called for police assistance.
DPS encourages boaters to call into Channel 16 on your VHF radio when you need help, or if you would like to report a distressed vessel. If you would like to report a crime or an emergency call 911 anytime. (PR)
