What Crew Members Say About Apl-Saipan

On May 25, 2021, an extraordinary rescue operation unfolded in the waters south of Sarigan Island, where three fishermen were skillfully saved from their capsized vessel. At approximately 4:30 a.m., the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Boating Safety Section received an urgent call reporting a distressed boat. Without delay, a patrol boat was dispatched from Smiling Cove to respond to the emergency. In a coordinated rescue effort that included the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam and the container ship 'APL Saipan', the DPS officers located the fishermen at 9:29 a.m. They spotted the bow of the sunken boat protruding from the water, with the three men clinging on for dear life. The officers quickly assisted the fishermen onto their rescue boat and then arranged for them to receive medical attention aboard the 'APL Saipan'. Fortunately, all three men emerged from the incident unharmed. They had embarked on their fishing trip from Saipan on May 24, seeking to catch fish during the night. However, their adventure took a perilous turn when their vessel began taking on water, leading to its eventual capsizing. The operator had the foresight to use a satellite phone to alert a friend of their dire situation, prompting the friend to contact the DPS for assistance. While the 'APL Saipan' arrived at Saipan eight hours late due to the rescue operation, the timely intervention of the DPS and Coast Guard ensured that the fishermen returned safely to shore, showcasing the collaboration and expertise of maritime rescue teams in the region.