Archive image: MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Jan. 5, 2024) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), participate in flight operations Jan. 5, 2024.
Bulkeley is on a routine deployment conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Macklin.
Story by Senior Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Richardson, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa / U.S. 6th Fleet
U.S. Navy Sailors from USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-79) provided assistance during the rescue of 31 mariners from adrift vessel during routine operations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. July 16, 2024.
A MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from HSM 79, conducting routine flight operations from Bulkeley spotted people indicating distress onboard a dead-in-the-water vessel, and reported the adrift vessel back to the destroyer.
USS Bulkeley, in coordination with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, requested a nearby merchant, the Motor Vessel Seaways Sabine to approach the vessel and provide assistance. The Seaways Sabine found 31 personnel onboard a vessel that had been adrift for days, and found three people who needed medical attention.
The Bulkeley’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat delivered Bulkeley’s Corpsmen to the Seaways Sabine to provide medical assistance to the three unresponsive personnel. Unfortunately, the medical team was not able to save one of the patients despite an extended period of CPR. The two other patients in need of medical assistance are in a stable condition, and are being transported to the nearest suitable port by the Seaways Sabine.
“In times of crisis, the United States Navy is there to respond and assist whenever possible,” said Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer of USS Bulkeley. “I want to thank our crew aboard and the crew aboard Seaways Sabine for their quick action and teamwork in assisting those during a time of need. This incident, while unfortunate, underscores our Navy’s ability to respond to those in need and showcases the readiness and capabilities of our team.”
Motor Vessel Seaways Sabine will be taking the rescued personnel to Port Sidi Kurayr, Egypt for further assistance.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
