Another Day Another Rescue

(Photo: U.S. Navy/Eric L. Beauregard Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class)

The US Navy are once again lending a hand as rescuers whilst out on patrol with the Combined Task Force 151.

The dhow pictured had been adrift for approximately 2 days with engine troubles before the crew of the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, patrolling the coast, were able to assist.

US Navy Rescues 52

(Photo: U.S. Navy/Daniel Barker/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class)


(Photo: U.S. Navy/Daniel Barker/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class)


(Photo: U.S. Navy/Daniel Barker/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class)

US Naval Cruiser USS Lake Champlain proved that it's not just there for the bad things in life. Whilst patrolling the coast of Somalia, in an effort to restore peace to the busy trade route, a helicopter on a routine exercise spotted a drifting skiff.

Upon closer inspection it was noted that the vessel was in distress, having broken down approximately 7 days previous. The skiff had been adrift for this time with little chance of rescue.
In total 52 people were rescued and treated aboard the USS Lake Champlain for severe dehydration and associated complaints.

Lessons Learned in the USA

(Photo: US T&I)

The subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation at the House of Representative met to discuss the security situation and the effect of piracy against US flagged Vessels.

Their paper on recent lessons learned as well as a video of the hearing is available here.

This paper highlights just how large an explosion in piracy has been experience in the first half of 2009.

Teenager Pleads Not Guilty

Suspected pirate and currently detained Abduwali Abdukhadir Muse pleaded not guilty to the charges presented by the New York court yesterday.

South Korean Intervention - Update

(Photo: U.S. Navy/Eric L. Beauregard Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class)

The US naval cruiser 'USS Gettysburg' working with the South Korean destroyer as part of Combined Task Force 151 also intervened and captured all 17 suspected pirates.

A cache of arms were found aboard their vessel and the suspects are now aboard the cruiser for interrogation.