DPS Boating Safety rescues man in capsized vessel

A man who was found clinging on top of his capsized vessel near the waters off CK Reef was rescued last Saturday, May 14, 2022, and his vessel was towed to the Smiling Cove Marina. The man told police responders that he was okay and did not need medical attention.

According to a Department of Public Safety news release yesterday, the man, who was not identified in the news release, attributed the incident to the vessel being weighed down by his fishing gear and equipment. He stated that the cargo was too heavy that it pushed the back side of the vessel down, making it possible for water to enter the boat.

The news release stated that DPS dispatch received a report about a capsized vessel just south of the last military prepositioned ships, near the CK Reef at around 1:24pm of May 14, 2022. DPS Boating Safety Section was notified and officers onboard the DPS Zodiac 1 rescue boat departed from the Smiling Cove Marina around 1:41pm and headed toward the capsized vessel. At around 1:57pm, Zodiac 1 arrived at the capsized vessel and noticed that the operator was on top of the capsized vessel, the operator was brought on board the Zodiac 1 and stated that he was okay and did not need medical attention. Zodiac 1 was able to tow the overturned vessel towards the Smiling Cove Marina.  At about 4:10 p.m., Zodiac 1 arrived at the Smiling Cove Marina with the capsized vessel. 

According to the capsized vessel’s operator, they launched their vessel at 10:30am at Fishing Base Marina and headed toward the prepositioned ships. He stated they started fishing from east to west near that area. The operator mentioned that the waves were coming from where the back of his vessel was facing and water began to fill the vessel. He tried to save his vessel but was unsuccessful. As more waves came, water started to fill the vessel quickly. He ran to the front of the vessel, while the vessel was slowly flipping.

The DPS report did not state who made the call to the police.

DPS encourages boaters to notify friends and/or family members “about your fishing route or what area you plan to be fishing and what time you expect to return. If you are having troubles out in the water 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.” (Saipan Tribune)