USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, rescued nine crew members from a Yemeni-flagged cargo vessel that had lost power, was taking on water and was adrift in the Gulf of Oman, on July 28, at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time.
The crew from Asaed requested assistance and Byrd was the first ship on scene.
Asaed crew members departed their vessel via the ship’s own lifeboat and manoeuvred to Byrd, where they were safely recovered.
There are no reports of casualties or injuries to personnel.
The Yemeni sailors are being further evaluated by Byrd’s medical team.
The Navy will coordinate the sailors’ transfer ashore.
Richard E. Byrd is currently on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
[mappress] Press Release, July 29, 2014