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DPS rescues 5 aboard distressed vessel sailing to Saipan
The CNMI Department of Public Safety responded and rescued five people aboard a distressed vessel that was sailing to Saipan last Wednesday.
According to a news release yesterday, DPS received a call last Feb. 2, 2022, at about 2:35pm, about a distressed vessel trying to make its way to Saipan. The DPS Zodiac 3 rescue boat was launched from the Smiling Cove Marina to respond.
At about 2:58pm, the rescue boat spotted the dual out-board, 78-foot boat with five people on board. The occupants stated that they were okay and that they did not need medical assistance. The rescue boat then towed the distressed vessel to Saipan. At approximately 3:29pm., both boats arrived at the Delta Dock in Lower Base.
Police learned that the vessel had left the island of Tinian for Saipan at about 11:30am. At about 2:30pm, the onboard generator and starboard engine died and wouldn’t turn back on. During this time the vessel experienced an electrical shortage. The captain of the vessel then called for police assistance as the vessel was unable to steer with only one outboard motor.
DPS Boating Safety reminds boaters to call the Boating Safety Office at 233-9120 for a complete list of safety equipment your boat is required to have on board. Or feel free to call the DPS front desk at 664-9001 for any other questions.
“We encourage boaters to call 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,” the DPS news release stated. (Saipan Tribune)
