The Fukuseki-Maru-No15: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

A dramatic rescue operation concluded successfully as 19 Indonesian fishermen, previously stranded after their longliner, the 'Bandar Nelayan 188', began taking on water off the coast of Western Australia, returned home safely. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), alongside the fishing vessel 'Fukuseki Maru No. 15', rescued the group 670 nautical miles west of Perth on May 15, 2021. Initially, the Indonesian authorities alerted AMSA to the distress of the fishing vessel on May 13. Just a day later, a Perth AMSA Challenger jet dropped crucial life jackets to the fishermen. Following that effort, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) dispatched aircraft carrying life rafts to assist the crew. The 'Fukuseki Maru No. 15' arrived at the scene on May 15, facilitating the transfer of the castaways to HMAS 'Anzac', which was equipped with medical assistance and an interpreter. During this harrowing ordeal, one fisherman, a 33-year-old, urgently required medical attention and was transported to a hospital in Perth on the night of May 16 for surgery on a severely injured hand. He was later discharged and scheduled to fly back to Jakarta on the night of May 20. Sadly, the 'Bandar Nelayan 188' sank into the Indian Ocean shortly after the rescue, highlighting the perilous nature of fishing operations in such challenging conditions. Fortunately, all rescued individuals tested negative for COVID-19. For further details and images, visit the full report.