The Coast Guard led a search-and-rescue operation Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, to save six Chinese nationals in distress after their boat, seen here, started taking on water near Guam. (U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy and Guam first responders worked together over the weekend to rescue six Chinese boaters in distress off Guam’s coast.
The six people were sailing about 30 miles northwest of Guam on Saturday when they issued a distress call and reported their 23-foot recreational vessel was “experiencing severe difficulties” and taking on water, U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam said in a news release that day.
Guam Fire Rescue relayed the distress call to the Coast Guard, which in turn dispatched a 45-foot response boat from its station in Apra Harbor. Dispatchers also contacted the Navy, which ordered Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 to assist in the search.
An MH-60S Seahawk crew from the squadron found the vessel, which was in “critical condition” and taking on water in multiple locations, according to the release. The Coast Guard crew deemed it unsafe to tow, and the six boaters were taken aboard the response boat.
The rescue was “swift and effective” despite scattered rain showers and 6-foot waves, Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the Coast Guard’s rescue mission coordinator, said in the release.
The Coast Guard delivered the boaters to Hagatna, where Homeland Security agents took custody of them for “further care and assessment.”
No injuries were reported, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sara Muir told Stars and Stripes by email Friday.
The situation highlighted the risks of traversing the waters between Guam and islands like Saipan or Rota in the Northern Marianas Islands, especially for those without much experience, Muir said.
“The unpredictable ocean conditions, coupled with the considerable distance and potential for rapid weather changes, demand a high level of navigational skill, comprehensive knowledge of maritime safety practices and thorough preparation,” she wrote.
Muir referred additional questions about the boaters to Homeland Security and Guam’s Customs and Quarantine Agency.
Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday; the Guam customs agency acknowledged the request but was unable to provide a response by Monday evening.
