USS Bulkeley renders aid to vessel in distress

USS Bulkeley renders aid to vessel in distress
Staff, 13News Now 5:42 p.m. EST January 15, 2016

GULF OF OMAN — The guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley rendered aid to a distressed vessel Jan. 15 while operating in the Gulf of Oman.

Bulkeley’s bridge team spotted two men in a small, power-driven fishing vessel waving their arms and a makeshift flag. Bulkeley slowed to stay near the vessel and sent the Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) team to render assistance.

“Their boat was so small we almost didn’t see them,” said Seaman D. Gentilly, one of the bridge lookouts on watch when the craft was found. “If we hadn’t, who knows how much longer they would have been out here. I’m glad we were able to help them.”

The skiff’s crew had no food or water onboard. Bulkeley provided food, water, and blankets and contacted a regional coast guard. Bulkeley remained with the vessel until they arrived.

“Safety of Life at Sea is a mission the Navy is well prepared to perform,” said Cmdr. Hank Allen, Bulkeley’s commanding officer. “It is our responsibility to render aid to vessels in distress. The Bulkeley team did a great job today, from spotting the vessel at a distance and recognizing their distress, to rendering assistance. Two people will be sleeping in their beds tonight, when they might not have been otherwise.”

Bulkeley is deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG) in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th fleet areas of operation.