Previous Story
4 rescued after vessel runs aground on Rota
On July 25, 2015, at approximately 7:59am, the Rota Department of Public Safety was notified of a vessel that ran aground on the north side of Rota, in the As Dudu’ area. Four male Filipinos were requesting assistance.
Police Sgt. Jarrod Manglona, along with CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel, responded on the DPS Zodiac boat. They came upon a white 18-foot fiber/foam boat that was stuck on the reef. The owner of the boat is WJC Fish Market.
A group of emergency responders rescue four men after the boat got stuck on the reef on the north side of Rota, in the As Dudu’ area. (Contributed Photo)
Police learned that the four fishermen started fishing at around 6:30pm the night before, July 24, 2015. On Saturday morning, July 25, 2015, at about 4am, the boat captain, who fell asleep on the boat, awoke to waves striking the side of the boat. The fishermen attempted to free the boat from the reef but were unsuccessful and were rescued by responding units.
The four fishermen were brought to shore and were assessed by DFEMS Emergency Medical Technicians, and no injuries were reported. The Department of Homeland Security Emergency Management Office and the U.S. Coast Guard were also notified of the incident.
The boat is still stuck on the reef and steps are being taken by the owner to safely remove the boat from the reef in coordination with the proper authorities. (DPS)
